The New Jersey Hot Dog Joint That Serves Up Franks In A River

Experiencing a beautiful, unpredictable part of nature is one of the most important things in life, reminding us of our place in the actual world beyond our daily mundanities and routines. The only thing that can make it better is experiencing all of that with a cold or hot drink — or even better, a delicious bit of food. This is exactly the concept at play here when it comes to New Jersey's most picturesque hot dog stand, known to its fans as the Famous River Hot Dog Man.

While the stand, located on the Delaware River dividing New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is most famous for its eponymous hot dogs, it also serves chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, and assorted snacks — available to anyone who tubes or kayaks by. Even better: Those planning a trip downriver can book a tour through Delaware River Tubing, which comes with a free meal courtesy of the stand.

There are many experience-based restaurants you should visit at least once out there, and while grabbing some food from the Famous River Hot Dog Man might not be as death-defying as eating wild sea bass 6,500 feet up in a hot air balloon — or as surreal as Norway's viral restaurant inside a floating orb — it is the perfect blend of adventure and culinary satisfaction. The area surrounding this spot is not without its kayaking challenges, making this pit stop feel well-earned upon arrival.

This floating shrine of cookout goodness was founded in 1987 by Greg Crance. The restaurant was originally conceived in part to discourage tubers from bringing their own food and drinks and leaving litter in the river, which was irritating to those who lived nearby.

The business wasn't what you might call consistent, with revenue varying wildly year by year, but it grew successful enough that Crance was able to partner with the aforementioned tubing company and become a regional legend. While his floating barge may not appear on lists of the world's most beautiful seaside restaurants, it did win the New Jersey Governor's Tourism Award in 2011 and 2017 — though the notoriety has brought brushes with local regulations from both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, leading to fines and complications.

Crance passed away in 2021, but his family has kept the institution going, presumably to the delight of local thrill-seekers and outdoor relaxation experts alike. Some customers have reported price increases in recent years, but many would argue that's the price you have to pay for the unique experience.