I stood in a quaint restaurant perched above the Passaic River with my peepers puzzledly peeping a sign that read "Gene the Pinning Machine." The interior was a quirky mix of hand-painted nautical scenes and a shrine to -- who I presumed was -- a wildly successful collegiate wrestler, Mean Gene Mills. "Do you like spicy food?" a voice piped up from behind me. "Yeah, sure." I replied, turning to see a sprightly older man sporting wide glasses and a leather jacket. I'd noticed him earlier rolling up on a three-wheeled motorcycle as I approached the place, parking it neatly around the side. "I'd go for the Chili Dog and the Big Kahuna," he suggested with a grin, adding, "The chili's not spicy but it's damn good." As it happened, I'd already ordered a pair of chili dogs but I nodded appreciatively. "I'll have to try the Kahuna next time." I said. The man introduced himself as the owner and brother of the locally lionized Gene the Pinning Machine. I could see he was proud of his brother's legacy and this hotdog spot he seemed to view as a hobby. "I'm in real estate mostly," he explained. "The hotdog stand is just for fun. I always wanted a spot by the river, saw this place and snapped it up." And he spoke of it like a hobbyist. He told me about his sausage guy up in upstate New York who hand-makes the dogs, sausages, and casings fuel his culinary creations. While some joints boil or fry their hot dogs, he opts for a series of convection ovens--air-frying them. A quirky and distinctive twist I haven't seen before. It's that hobbyist's eye, as I am saying. We chatted a bit longer before he ducked behind the counter to check in with the kids working the line. He greeted each one with a warm chummy hug and their faces lit up at the sight of him. It was clear from the easy banter that he's a boss who's genuinely well-liked. Now, about that dog: An air-fried hot dog feels a little out there--like baking one, you'd figure it'd dry out. But honestly? It wasn't half bad. Crisp on the outside, yet still decently average on the hot-dog-o-meter. Definitely a step up from the boiled variety. The chili, though? Hands down, phenomenal. That, along with the sausage, comes from his guy up in Syracuse -- the same one crafting those hot dogs. Is it worth hauling a box truck to upstate New York for? Hard to say. But it's absolutely worth my five-minute drive to Woodlandd Park to eat. The prices feel right in line with what you'd expect from a boutique roadside spot like this. The interior's compact--think a pair of small tables and a counter. Out back back there's a small deck with a few tables and chairs overlooking the river. Could be a sweet spot when the weather's kind. The menu is substantial with the addition of an ice cream bar, all Gelotti which is a North Jersey staple. The hotdog is a pretty humble food-stuff, if you like them then you won't be disappointed here. It's worth a stop for lunch if you're ever in town. read more

I have been hearing about Lover Dogs for quite some time and I visited recently for the first time. These hot dogs surprised me and I can honestly say that they might well be the best all the way hot dogs in the area. I went back a few days after my first visit because they were THAT good. When I walked in, I was greeted by the owner, Wayne Mills. We had a lovely conversation about how he opened Lover Dogs and how Lover Dogs has been his dream retirement. On the walls, there are photos of his brother Gene who was a renowned wrestler in the 80s. Wayne gave me a tour of the outdoor patio and the downstairs area that he plans to expand for breakfast/brunch. The patio area overlooks a nice view of the Passaic River. After the little tour, I ate my all the way hot dog. Lover Dogs hot dogs are air-fried which I thought was very unique. The chilli sauce is out of this world. Super flavorful and perfectly seasoned. Wayne explained that he spent a long time perfecting the recipe and worked with several people to develop. The hot dogs are Hoffman brand which he discovered when he visited his brother many years ago at Syracuse University. It was really nice to see Wayne pay homage to the previous building owners with a framed collage on the wall. I am a local history nerd so I really loved seeing all of the old photos dating back to the early 1900s. Please visit this awesome local business! read more

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There were 3 teenagers in the back laughing and fooling around preparing my order. i ordered 2 hot dogs with onions and sauerkraut and a bottle of water. Now, if you are going to charge $10. for that your should give top service. My sauerkraut was cold and no onions. The adult workers draped over the counters like they were drug addicts overdosing. Finally the manager reprimanded an employee in front of me a customer for not taking out the basement garbage. Plenty of other places to bring my money to. At least Hank's Franks says please thank you and no laughing and fooling around like a High School period break. read more

6/21/24 Service was good, young man was helpful. Small space just a few small tables. The Italian Stallion - it was good, just the sausage was more chorizo than Italian sausage. So it confused my brain since I was expecting an Italian sausage. Would I order it again most likely not. Probably just stick to a plain old frankfurter. read more

Lover Dogs - The Italian Stallion Sandwich - Hot Dogs Near Me - Woodland Park, New Jersey

Finally had the opportunity to check out Lover Dogs in Passaic this past week after hearing about it for so long. I grabbed an all the way (chili, onion, mustard) and my gf got the American dog (bacon and cheese sauce). We were lucky enough to meet the owner and get to talk with him for a bit. He was a really nice guy and offered us small samples of fries, pulled pork, and ice cream to try. They were all excellent but I definitely suggest trying that pulled pork if you go. True Smokey flavor and very juicy...and that was being unsauced. I took a bite of my gf's American dog and it was tasty. Air fried bacon, delicious Hofmann air fried dog, steamed bun, and the cheese sauce you either love or hate. I happen to have a guilty pleasure for it. The all the way dog was top tier. This chili was an absolute home run. Really tasty without too much bite or spice, and I didn't detect the cinnamon/nutmeg type flavor some spots have either. I'd have eaten that chili on every day ends in a Y. Good amount of onion and mustard too, nothing was overwhelming and it all paired nicely together. $4 per dog, and I was totally cool paying it. Lover Dogs absolutely - Didn't Suck! read more

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As you know I am tuff reviewer I would have given a 3 but the young girl behind the counter was so nice First of all don't know if anyone was in the back but the girl behind the counter took my order and cooked my food good thing I was the only person in the place but still should have been someone else There gig is they air fry the dogs They were very good and fresh my fries were also air fry but they overcooked a little Like i says service was great food was ok ambiance was funky and cool read more

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We visited Lover Dogs on McBride Ave in Woodland Park to eat some of the most delicious dogs (and burger) we've ever had. The owner Johnathan was super friendly and chatted with us about their new location, the travels to Syracuse to purchase the Hoffman hot dogs that - I think- puts them a step above the rest, and plans for creating more space to sit outside to overlook the river view and enjoy these delectable dogs when the weather warms up. I hope we'll be able to snag a table!! Pictured is All the Way lover (I added grilled onions.) This one had some of the best homemade chili that I've ever tasted and is made in house after perfecting the recipe.. perfect to me. The regular dog with just a touch of spicy mustard to focus on the flavor of the air fried hot dog alone. The Mexican lover with jalapeños for a slight kick, cheese and bacon bits, and crushed potato chips to give it an extra crunch. Amazingly crispy tater tots that had the perfect bite of crunch, and last but not least, the burger that was perfectly cooked, with great flavor, and placed on a soft pillowy bun to complete a wonderful lunch. Thanks for a great experience ..we will be back to our new favorite NJ hot dog spot to try the entire menu! read more

Lover Dogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - Woodland Park, New Jersey

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Great air fried dogs! Awesome staff and the owner is an ex collegiate wrestler and he's the brother of NCAA wrestling champ Gene Mills. It was a fun conversation for what I thought would be a quick lunch! Cool photos to enjoy read more

Amazing spot to grab a great dog. They have all kinds of toppings and what not. Pricy but good. However do NOT get the burger. It was worse than a cafeteria burger. Only negative about this place. read more

LD air fry's their , hotdogs which very rare and they serve Hofmann brand hot dogs, which are very hard to find in any restaurant in NJ, two kinds, their pork-beef-veal dog, and their all beef, both are delicious. I also tried their jalapeño dog which was a little to hot for me, but bursting with flavor. Wayne the owner, couldn't be nicer, and his excellent crew served 50 people that attended the 19th. Annual Great American Hot Dog Tour without a hitch. Lover Dog's is definitely on my favorite list of hotdog stops. read more

First time here and the food was great! The owner served us and was really friendly. He gave us samples of almost everything he had love it! The dogs are great and have a snap to them ! Will be going back. read more

Lover Dogs - One all the way! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Woodland Park, New Jersey

Amazing dogs and friendly service - loved the chili! Can't wait to go back and try other dogs!

Was not impressed my hot dog was cold and it seemed thrown together !! The hot dogs were cooked in an air fryer I believe and I can do that at home and put some love in it ..... read more

We had cheesesteaks & fries before heading to the lake...really good food and staff is friendly and accommodating!! read more

Lover Dogs - Cheesesteak Lover Cheese Fries - Hot Dogs Near Me - Woodland Park, New Jersey

Today @BigDudesBigFoods had a #collaboration with @TheWednesdayWarriors and @LoverDogsNJ where Wayne, the owner, treated us to some of his "air-fried" masterpieces. We tried multiple @HofmannSausagedogs including the #BigKahuna and the #SouthernLover ( with #PulledPork imported from #Virginia #SweetPepper slaw and @heards_best_bbq_ever sauce ) The #AirFried tots and eggplant fries were excellent also. If someone in your party is not in the mood for hotdogs, #LoverDogs has air fried pizza . If you have room for dessert, there is a case of delicious @Gelotti to complete your LoverDog experience. The LD crew is top notch! If you're feeling it, I don't think it would take much to get Wayne to wrestle you in the parking lot. Come on down for a hotdog or dessert or just to talk H.S or college wrestling. #BigDudesBigFoods #SupportSmallBusiness #CelebrateEveryDay #globaleats #shenanigans #BDBFCertified #ThePhoneEatsFirst #Forkyeahfoodies #BDBF @forkyeahfoodies #YouDontKnowJersey #TeaseTheDay #ClearEyesFullBelliesCantLose #ABigDudesGottaDoWhatABigDudesGottaDo #HaveYouHuggedABigDudeToday read more

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Great customer service and the food is delicious. I love the ambiance of the location.

Lover Dogs only continues to improve since my original review. Wayne, the Owner is a great guy that's passionate about his craft. You will never find an Owner that is more welcoming than he is. His hot dogs are Hoffmans and they are air fried and have a great snap to them. His pulled pork is incredible as well as his ice cream. Lover Dogs is worth going out o your way to visit. Don't worry about parking. Plenty of spots in this strip mall. read more

The hotdog was crunchy, flavorful, and just amazing! You must get the chili dog ! Service was amazing too!

Tried this spot for the first time and it did not disappoint! SalchiPapas was delicious. The Big Kahuna was outstanding. The hotdogs were also seriously good. read more

Was sitting at the tables setup in this parking lot outdoors. We ordered food from another business and when we finished eating we wanted try something else. We saw the sign up for lover dogs and saw the door open and people walking out of the business so we walked in. As soon as we went in, we could tell the business was not yet open for the public but the owners were extremely friendly and welcomed us in. They gave us a small print out menu of their creations and told us to order something on the house, and they just ask we give feedback to them. I love spice, so we ordered the hot dog with the pepper, crumbled chips, mayo, ketchup and they recommended we also get the hotdog with the pulled pork and their homemade coleslaw. The hot dogs were huge. We were told they airfry all of their hotdogs and they were definately delicious! My favorite of the 2 we ate was the one with the pepper - sooo good! As we were eating the hotdogs they came outside and gave us loaded fries with pulled pork and some sweet sauce drizzled over them which were really delicious. The two gentlemen were extremely hospitable and passionate about there business. I don't know if they are open yet as I haven't been in the area, but I would definately stop by as a patron to try more of their creations when I am local. read more

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Lover dogs is definitely the place to get your dogs from, with a wide range of toppings, including their homemade chili and amazing smoked pulled pork. Along with their signature dogs, they have all different types of loaded fries, a chicken sandwich and a wide range of ice cream! And all their food items are air fried rather than plunged into oil, which definitely presents you with fast food and less guilt. At this location you can dine in with a cute hotdog ambience haha, or do takeout. In this case, I chose takeout! Driving 20 minutes away from home the food still remained warm and crispy, Their hotdogs had a beautiful snap to it and each signature dog was loaded with flavor and one of a kind. I recommend the Big Kahuna for sweet and savory and their new Cuban dog. The chicken sandwich was above average with their homemade chipotle mayo sauce and their pulled pork/sausage cheese fries are 100% loadeddd. Each item on their menu is worth more than to low price it's given and the service was amazing, as I was given samples of their smoked pulled pork and homemade chili! Definitely a place to visit if you're craving a good dog and some fun sides! read more

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The chili is worth the trip alone and Hoffmans dogs are some of the best around. We need more locations!

This was a great find!! Whenever I am roaming around for my work, I have a habit of looking for hotdog joints. Lover Dogs is over the top. High quality hotdogs and endless toppings. The chili for the dogs is perfect. I also tried the Italian Stallion. Almost needed a fork there were so many toppings. Clean, friendly staff, I highly recommend this place. Oh, did you see that everything is air-fried? Make's it easier to justify a couple hotdogs for lunch. Zig read more

Lover Dogs lives up to it's name!! I loved them! And air fryer dog with the best Hot Weiner sauce! The dogs were so crispy and juicy! And the Weiner Sauce was amazing. Just the right amount of spices and heat. Served on a super fresh roll. I could eat these everyday!! read more

Never heard of this out of the way establishment so why not give it a whirl. Super friendly owner/server who really likes what he is serving. Very passionate, which I love but it could lead ( and I believe it does) to seeing the results of your end product you are producing. Especially in this case. Air fried everything. Not my style. The dogs had snap and the chilli topping was eatable but skip Lovers Dogs. Plenty of options to get on your dog, maybe too many but no taste. read more

Sometimes the best and most enjoyable things in life come along unexpectedly. And that includes hot dogs as well. Last week I saw a picture of a guy wearing a tee shirt that had Hot Dog Tour on it with six or seven places named below. I had been to all numerous times with the exception of one that I had not even heard of. The name of the place was Lover Dogs. I checked Facebook and found their page. Located on Main Street in Passaic. I learned that their dogs are prepared in an air fryer. I don't know of any place that does this. I couldn't determine the brand from looking and it wasn't mentioned on their page so I decided to call them. I spoke with a very pleasant woman who told me that they serve Hofmann's German franks. They happen to be my favorite. And I have never had an air fried dog. A definite trip was planned. I went this afternoon and met the owner, Wayne Mills. Wayne is a former standout wrestler in high school and college. His brother is Gene Mills, a world famous wrestler. NJ multiple high school state champion, national high school champion, two time NCAA champion and 3 time World Champion! He would have been an Olympic Champion had we gone to the Olympics in 1980 as he had handily defeated all his competition previously including the eventual gold medal winner. I mention this as a rabid wrestling fan. Plus it ties in. Gene wrestled at Syracuse where Hofmann's are made and where he discovered them. He brought some home to Wayne who fell in love with them. As wrestlers, these guys were always cutting weight so they couldn't enjoy them often until their wrestling days were over. Gene would bring some back when visiting. Wayne would often make the four hour drive to Syracuse when the craving hit. So when Wayne decided to open Lover Dogs (named after his love for these dogs) he knew what hot dog he would be serving. On to the dogs. It was a foregone conclusion that I would like these as Hofmann's are my favorite German style dog. I was delighted to find a place serving them a half hour from home. With Maui's closing, Lover Dogs is the only hot dog establishment in New Jersey serving these dogs. And the only one using a food service air fryer that I know of. Air frying is much healthier than deep frying. Seventy five percent less fat. Not that the health aspect is that important to me, but if you could reduce fat while having a dog that tastes just as good as one deep fried, then it's an improvement. My first dog was plain. And every bit as tasty as a deep fried dog. Better, because I love the brand more than others. This was a juicy, delicious hot dog. Doesn't even need mustard although my next dog had mustard and chili, Texas Weiner style. Another standout. A true Passaic County style Texas Weiner. If you like the chili at the Hot Grill, Jersey Johnny's, or River View East, you will love this. In the same style, but thicker. I love the Passaic/Bergen County style, but I prefer the chili sauce a little thicker like it is here. In my opinion, no better Texas Weiner. I also sampled a sausage which they call the Big Kahuna. It is a spicy Italian sausage from Hofmann's with cilantro, two types of peppers, pineapple, and maybe something else I'm forgetting. Very popular here. Tasty but a little too spicy for me. I needed a drink immediately. Although I'm a minimalist when it comes to hot dogs, I like fries loaded. The fries I had were also air fried and topped with jalapeno cheese, fresh bacon, and pulled pork. You could also get barbecue sauce. These were some great fries. The pulled pork, which many get as a hot dog topping, is hands down the best I've had. Phenomenal. Wayne drives all the way to West Virginia to get it. It is smoked with a wood that is not available here. Next time I will have a pulled pork sandwich. You probably have to leave New Jersey to get pulled pork this good unless you come here. Lover Dogs opened in July and had their Grand Opening in September. Their food is top of the line. No better German dog. Excellent chili, fantastic pulled pork. Many combinations. Unfortunately I left my menu behind. What more can I ask for? How about a quality beef hot dog? I suggested it and Wayne will be getting it. The Hofmann's beef dog. Every bit as good as their German dog. I highly recommend Lover Dogs. Everything you would want in a hot dog joint. And less fat. Wayne is an enthusiastic, dedicated owner with a good young staff. I wish them success and will be back. Often. read more

I've never wrote before the gentleman (boy in yellow shoes) in the store told me it will help the business and to write my honest opinion. First of all the food was amazing, I ask the young man what dish I should get. He recommended the The Big Kahuna which included pineapple and peppers which I'm a big fan of!!!! Never thought pineapple will do good on a hot dog sausage. Overall everything was amazing. A big shout out to the gentleman. Even tho it was busy , he managed to get my order on time and fresh. The big score was the boy asking me how my day was, a single conversation can go a long way for a business. I hope next time I come he does my order cause it was amazing!!!! read more

Drove out of the way to go here and was not disappointed. Had the John Fox & All American Lover Dogs. Good chili on the dogs. Owner is a character and obviously loves what he does. Brought over some fries on the house for me to try, very good. The Air Fryer is the cooking style for the dogs, fries and probably everything else and it works. I'll be back & next time I'll try the Cubano Lover Dog. read more

Very tasty. Good amount of toppings! Nicely cooked hot dogs and fries. Also, parking was great. Table area very clean and well-lit. Great place to quickly stop by for a snack. Try it! read more

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The food at lover dogs is amazing, with a wide selection their hand crafted, chili and recently added personal pizza, lover dogs is to die for! The food tastes amazing and the staff is super friendly with the Owner always greeting the guest, making them feel welcomed every time they arrive, i recommend this spot for everyone who is craving some soul food!!! read more

Great place the hot dogs are superb, and if wayne is there he makes the atmosphere even better.

Recent visit was great. Plan to return again when in the area!! Wayne is a cheerful host and a maker of great hot dogs! Air fried too as it is making my dog a bit healthier! read more

Fantastic place to eat. If you are in the Northern NJ area, you should stop by and try out the food. I had pasta salad, ice cream and a hot dog with chili. All very fresh!! read more

Best place to go for hot dogs, they have different varieties to choose from which I don't really see at other places. Food was great and people there are really nice. They even have home made ice cream, was so delicious, the owner was really nice he made us some treats in the end. Overall great place to go, definitely recommended and will go back soon. read more

Lover Dogs - Coffee shake 4. Mexican Lover Sandwich - Hot Dogs Near Me - Woodland Park, New Jersey

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This place is awesome. They got the best hotdogs I've ever tried. Great service from the workers. It's a must try if you are in the area!

Amazing food and great customer service. Very affordable and you get your moneys worth!

Lover dogs have the best hotdogs which in fact are air fried , which means is 80% less fat. And OMG the fries are out this world, crispy and crunch, I recommend asking for the pink sauce !!and the chili they have got for the fries and dogs is just right. Best hot dogs in NEW JERSEY read more

One of the few times the healthier option is tastier. The air frying method of cooking they use makes for a hotdog with a perfect snap and fries that stay crispy even when loaded with cheese and after being packaged for 15 minutes before eating. Their pulled pork is out of this world. It was my first time ordering. And I took about 30 minutes to get there when DoorDash said it would be ready in 20 minutes. When I arrived, the owner asked to give him a couple minutes. They remade my fries cause they were starting to get cold. I'll be ordering from them again and again for sure. Great place. read more

food Is bomb 10/10 salchipapa everyone should try.

Good food, great taste. Food takes a little longer to prepare due to the fact that it's air fried, but the product is quite tasty. Be prepared to spend a little extra time waiting, but it will be well worth it. read more