Charlie’s Hot Dogs (formerly Charlie’s Pool Room)

What a great find in Alpha, out in Warren County, NJ. I've been seeing pictures of the mealies (secret sauces, onion, hot peppers, and pickles) for a while now and stopped in while passing through. Charlie's Pool Room (Alpha, NJ) nailed it with a delicious combination that apparently has been around for a long time with a brief closure but recently opened back up in July 2025. In addition to the mealies, also ordered a chilli dog with onions. While both dogs were tasty, the mealie was by far my favorite with the hot peppers and secret sauce. Admittedly, was a bit skeptical of finding a solid spot out in rural Warren County, but I will say bwas thoroughly impressed and satisfied with my meal. This spot will definitely be added to the list if I find myself in the area and become part of the rotation of great places to go when looking for a tasty meal.

Great food and place with amazing history. Plenty of parking in back. Some memorabilia inside with several tables to sit at. The place is bright and spic and span clean. They prepare your dog the way you like right in front of you not hidden in some back kitchen. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The secret sauce is worth the try and you will not get it anywhere else. I enjoyed it. They also have all other type of toppings which many hot dog places do not provide. I had the milk shake and they know how to make the right. The prices are quite reasonable although they do surcharge you for use of credit card. This place is well worth the trip and will be back again. It is off the beaten path but worth the drive to get to.

I do 'Relish' a link and 20k annual motorcycle miles leaves a lot of 'dogging' the same doovers on 'weenie' day trips, so today I Googled which returned Charlie's Hot Dogs in Alpha, NJ, formally "Pool Hall" which was concerning but I figured if surrounded by pool 'brats', I'd just ride past. Their signature dawg the "Mealie" is cooked in a flooded griddle, so grilled/boiled/steamed. The chef preparing them is meticulous. A steamed roll with their "secret sauce", onions, peppers and a pickle strip neatly layered. ♨️ This was the best I've had to date. When it comes to hot dogs, this 'mans best friend' is Charlie's!

What a blast from the past! Just had two Mealies. The 'secret sauce' is just like I remember. Nice folks working there, too! And excellent fries. They are adding to their menu in upcoming weeks. The decor is very modern - they did an amazing job on the renovation of the building. Excited to have Charlie's back in town

This place came highly recommended by New Jersey Hot Dog Joint and it did not disappoint. I am not a fan of onions, but had to try the secret sauce. It was fantastic, was expecting a heavy onion taste, but that was not the case. It's a must have. They just added Burgers to the menu and they were perfect. Fresh and seasoned to perfection using the best ingredients from a local farm. The size of the burger was perfect. So good. The service was fantastic as the staff was super friendly, they shared stories about the history of Charlie's. My initial order was so good, I wanted more and ordered it again. Cannot wait to go back. Prices were fair.