Chef Chris Van Jura is bringing some New Jersey to the Route 1 corridor.

Van Jura, who hails from the Garden State, makes Jersey-style hot dogs and other staples, such as disco fries with brown gravy, inspired by the state’s diner culture. In fact, New Jersey boasts more diners than any other state in the country.

After starting Catalyst Hot Dogs in 2020 as a food truck, which can be found at its own concession stand at the University of Maryland Xfinity Center and all over Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, Van Jura partnered with Denizens Brewing Co. at the Station at Riverdale Park over a year ago.

Located at 4550 Van Buren St., the brewery now features a menu by Catalyst with options like a Hanks hot dog in the style of a New Jersey eatery; the deep-fried A La Rutts, named for another iconic New Jersey hot dog place; and the Capital, made with mambo sauce. On weekends, from noon to 3 p.m., it offers Taylor ham, egg and cheese on a Kaiser roll and a secret menu item that you can ask about.

Van Jura says that not everyone who comes into Denizens recognizes the references, but he can always spot the New Jersey natives who do.

All of the hot dogs are made with black Angus, dry-aged beef from Roseda, a farm in Monkton, Md., which Van Jura says makes them much higher quality than other hot dog places. The chili and relish are both made from scratch.

Apart from the hot dogs and diner fries, Denizens’ Catalyst menu also features other classics like the big pretzel with spicy brown mustard and beer, cheese garlic knots, and jumbo wings. For something sweeter, you can order funnel cake fries and chocolate-chip cannolis — think New Jersey by way of Wildwood, a Mets game, and Coney Island.

While hot dogs originated in Europe, New Jersey-style hot dogs had their origin in the 1930s and typically feature an Italian roll and toppings such as bell peppers, onions and potatoes.

Help the Wire grow in 2024!
Make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter here.