Hiram's Roadstand in Fort Lee, NJ - a tubular meat institution.
Dives are refreshing; generally unpretentious, neither workers nor patrons harbor any delusional culinary expectations - in short, it is what it is. Hiram's Roadstand in Fort Lee is a veritable dive, and one that holds its ground as a revered tubular meat institution.
Last week, on our way back from Robbins & Franke, Mr. Hot and I couldn't resist the lure of Hiram's old school signage. We pulled off Palisades Avenue and into the lot that seemed to have more luxury vehicles than motorcycles and pick-up trucks. We walked in, determined it was a seat yourself establishment, and saddled up to the counter.
There's little sense to address the decor other than to acknowledge that the service matches it succinctly. Unabashedly functional with a dose of pure American nostalgia is the reason people go; even Anthony Bourdain (a man I'd certainly enjoy a weenie with) has been there.
Chili dog at Hiram's in Fort Lee.
Everything on Hiram's counter-posted menu hovers around $3.00, except for the double cheeseburger that weighs in at a whopping $6.00. Don't expect a real plate or a fork, it's not that place, and do help yourself to the vat of sauerkraut and relish on the counter.
Mr. Hot and I ordered two bottle beers, two chili dogs and a large side of onion rings, which cost a reasonable $16. As Jason Perlow described in an earlier Off The Broiler post, Hiram's uses Thuman's dogs. The dogs are deep friend and "rip" just the way I like them. The chili is well spiced, smeared down the center of the girthy, light pink dog filled the gaps between the soft bun. Paired with a Heine in a bottle - it was roadside satisfaction.
