Ampersand Everything: Road Trip! Hot Dog Johnny's in Buttzville, NJ

I really like going on road trips just because. When I found out there was a roadside stand called Hot Dog Johnny's in a place called Buttzville, New Jersey, and that they sell souvenir t-shirts, it was more than enough reason to hop in a car and drive two hours to Western NJ. Because HOT DOGS! And BUTTZ!

I am a child.

Seriously, though, I don't know why, but I love roadside food stops. The more rickety and campy they are, the better. Hot Dog Johnny's has been around since 1944 and probably hasn't changed much since about the early 70's, so of course I was ridiculously excited about it. After driving North, West, and West some more, we were greeted by a cheery "Entering Buttzville" sign, and soon after, an even cheerier sign in the shape of a giant hot dog.

It was an absolute dream. When we walked up to window and asked the unenthused teenage girl taking orders if we could see a menu, she deadpanned, "It's hot dogs, fries, and drinks."

We probably stood there and blinked at each other for about 15 seconds before Nick and I ordered four hot dogs, a side of fries, and some drinks. The total was $11 and some change. K. You pretty much can't buy a $10 bill for $11 in New York. I was ridiculously happy. Not only had I coerced my boyfriend into driving me almost to Pennsylvania so that I could eat pork product from a roadside shanty, it also only cost me $11.

Aside from being a huge steal, it was actually a really charming place. The lovely Pequest River flows directly behind the restaurant (yes, there is a Pequest River in Buttzville. Child. I am one.), there are some handmade swings for children to enjoy, and the original Hot Dog Johnny's (a very tiny shack) sits in memoriam behind the present-day restaurant that was built in 1945.