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Lodi's Hank's Franks Vies For Win In Bergen's DVlicious Hot Dog Contest

LODI, N.J. -- The classic hot dog, in all its bronzed, charred perfection, holds a special place in the hearts – and stomachs -- of most Americans, especially come summer. July, in fact, is National Hot Dog Month, thanks to the designation by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. 

Gary Benanti, left, behind the counter at Hank's Franks in Lodi.

Gary Benanti, left, behind the counter at Hank's Franks in Lodi.

 Photo Credit: Submitted
Toppings are homemade at Hank's Franks in Lodi.

Toppings are homemade at Hank's Franks in Lodi.

 Photo Credit: Submitted
Hank's Franks in Lodi has been in business since 1959.

Hank's Franks in Lodi has been in business since 1959.

 Photo Credit: Submitted
Daily Voice

Poll
Who Has Bergen County's Best Hot Dogs?
Final Results Voting Closed

Who Has Bergen County's Best Hot Dogs?

  • Callahan's, Norwood
    14%
  • Callahan's, Fort Lee
    22%
  • Hank's Franks, Lodi
    25%
  • Hiram's, Fort Lee
    36%
  • Jolly Nick's, Dumont
    4%

So where’s the best place to slather on the toppings and indulge in the perfect weiner? Daily Voice readers picked five nominees for our DVlicious “Best in Bergen County,” contest, each of which is being profiled this week.

Read below for what makes each nominee a “top dog,” then let your fingers do the clicking. Keep in mind you can vote multiple times, albeit once per day. Voting ends 4 p.m. Thursday, July 28.

Hank's Franks, 210 US Highway 46 E, Lodi, (973) 473-8589

Frank Talk: The thumbs up from TV Personality Alton Brown, creator and host of the Food Network's Good Eats should be enough to get you heading to this no-frills hot dog spot where toppings are front and center. (Brown gave Hank's Franks a shout-out of his local favorites in a June 2015 USA Today article.)

Gary Benanti, the second generation owner -- the eatery harks back to 1959 -- credits his business success to the boiling process and using 100 percent beef. That, plus the fresh buns, which are fresh everyday. Lest you think the bread is delivered, think again. Benanti has a driver personally travel to Rockland Bakery in Nanuet every morning to pick them up. 

Toppings are homemade and include red onions, chili sauce, hot Italian onions, potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut (of course) and relish. 

Top This: The place is so well known -- and loved -- by regulars they are the ones that monitor and founded a Hank's Frank's Facebook page.

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