Ironically I live in the county yet I'm never here for lunch but FINALLY, in the area around lunch time. Time to try the local "institution"?
Theres street parking and a very small eating area inside.
There was Boars Head signage inside so assume that's the brand used.
I ordered 2 with onions mustard and chili.
Paid $4.70
The dogs had a snap, natural casing, though mild, lots of finely chopped onions and a thin chili sauce which was hard to find cause there wasn't much under a heap of onions.
Overall the people were friendly however, I'm not a big fan of natural casing and I wasn't wowed by the averageness of the toppings or the dog itself.
Forgetful.
No nostalgia and no institution for me. Good, not great. Just my opinion.
I've been going to Pete's since the 1950s and I thought it was much better years ago.  The owner tells me the dogs are the same but I find that on some days they are crunchier than at other times.  He said it just depends on the casings.  The hot dogs are good but sometimes it's like biting into a celery stalk.  The variety of toppings are  good and there is usually fast friendly service.  I still like sauerkraut and yellow mustard best.
Review Source:I love reading reviews of places that have to critique something that has worked and been a neighborhood staple forever. Kinda makes me want to go to their house and suggest that their grandma's beloved chocolate chip cookie recipe sucks and could be better. Get over yourselves.
I've been coming to this place since I was small. My grandparents took my mom and aunts here. I don't know too many people who grew up or lived in Newburgh and haven't been here at least a couple times in their lives.
I've moved around the country a few times and I come back to visit family and friends when I can. Even most recently, when home on leave from Europe, I made it a point in my visit to stop here.
I always get two dogs when moving, four dogs if sitting, always with chili, cheese and mustard with some red pepper shaken on. I get Pepsi when it's hot outside, chocolate milk when it's not. If I'm feeling like a complete meal, maybe I get a cookie.
They do hotdogs, people. Hotdogs. They aren't a TGIMcwhatever. They don't pride themselves on shakes or sundaes. They aren't reinventing what a hotdog really is.
From the days of five cent weiners to current times, they've been a success in a neighborhood that most people are mistakenly afraid to drive around. They put out a product that's been consistent and quality. Enjoy the fact that something privately owned does so well for so long. I'll always support this place.
Since I was in Newburgh, I had to try the legendary Uncle Pete's. Ordered two #3s with mustard and onions. The chili had a bit of heat, was thin, but also had a bit of a cinnamon undertone. Dog was good but would have been better if they were split and grilled. Â Soft drink choices were standard pepsi, with the addition of white cream. LItle room to eat, so I took them to go. Good dog, could be better.
Review Source:This place is iconic in Newburgh...it's been around for years in the Orsino family. I grew up on their "bite back" casings, and the water soakers with all the trimmings (like mustard, onions, and sauerkraut). This is not fancy at all - eat in or in your car, or standing up somewhere. My whole family (now dispersed all over the country) makes a regular stop when we are here in Newburgh. We love this place!!!
Review Source:I've been eating these dogs for over 30 years. My dad used to take me here when i was a little monster. I think he bowled with some of the older owners or something down at Tarsio Lanes. I may be biased in that this is almost comfort food for me and tells my stomach that i am home in Orange County, NY (the REAL OC!), but these are the best dogs. No disclaimer about them being the best outside of NYC, just the best. period. Quick, fairly priced, great toppings, true NY bitter staff who don't like you unless they like you. It's a warm feeling in my belly when i eat here and i smile as i park the car. Any time my brother and i are home we make a point to come here, it's old memories and still great food. The ambiance won't win ANY trophies, but it's about the dog, not the place where you sit while you enjoy the dog. Besides, if they had more seating, the place would be crowded and then nobody would go there. Thank you Yogi for the paraphrased quote! Do yourself a favor and eat here, focus on the food and enjoy it!
Review Source:Newburgh institution? yes
Good hot dog? yes
Interesting setup? yes
Cash only? heck yes
Best hot dog in the world? meh...that's up for debate
Am I being fair for -1 star since I'm biased? yes
UPDATE: Have I dined here twice in 24 hours? yes!
After just landing in Newburgh for the first time, I called up my good friend Yelp and asked for a quick place for lunch. This is a pretty small town but I was surprised that one place had over 15 reviews! Jumped in the rental car and drove straight here to see what the hype is all about.
I'm from Buffalo, NY and we have Sahlens hot dogs that are charbroiled over real hardwood coal. However, the flavors are completely different! All of the reviews about this place being fast is true but I'm not surprised that they can pump out that kind of volume! No toasting of the bun and they just drag the wet dog out of the water and plop on the fix'ins.
Definitely a locals place that the staff knows almost on a first name basis and it's tucked away in a neighborhood a couple of blocks off of the main drag. Dont expect the staff to help you too much when placing your order. Just blindly pick something and you should be fine.
Homemade chocolate chip cookie was delicious. There's a Wed & Saturday special (2 hot dogs + 1 drink = $4.95) that I might have to come back to before jumping on a plane to go home.
One of the best things about growing up in Newburgh is Pete's Hot Dogs. I remember begging my parents to be able to go their for lunch. And sometimes while I was in school my Dad would go and bring home a sleeve (yes they would put the dogs in the buns and then back into the same plastic wrapper the buns came in) so we could have them at dinner. Aww Dad. One of my favorite food memories and now I get to bestow the same onto my daughter! SOoooo glad its still there and slinging dogs!
Review Source:*WHY DO YOU PUT SO MANY HOT DOGS IN 1 BUN???
Pete's Original is 1 Hot Dog with Mustard and onions.
Their special is a Double which has 2 dogs in 1 bun
They also have a Triple .. with....okay u can probably guess.
what's really the point of that? I guess it's sweet if you're on a low carb diet.....but then again....if you're working hot dogs into your diet..you're probably getting on a bit...don't u think?
Kinda Weak.....the Hot Dog meat is quite good, but their Texas Chili is weak. I think it has cinnamon in it which kinda is off putting. Also my main gripe with this place is that their only side is plain potato chips. I definitely am the type to need fries with my hot dog.
A great local place to stop by if you happen to be in Newburgh, but there are definitely better lunches to be had down by the riverfront.
Pete's is a great local place that has been around forever. Â
What sets them apart is the toppings: two types of chile and a grilled onion topping that is similar to, but more substantive than the Sabrett-style "red onion" sauce that is well known to any native New Yorker.
Service is fast and friendly.
Growing up eating at a great place like this spoiled me, and now I don't really eat hot dogs anymore because of how high it set my standards (trust me, I'm pickier with them than even pizza). Â I don't claim to know as much about hot dogs as I may know about other foods, but I know what tastes good, and this place makes one of the best hot dogs I've ever had. Â A must if you're looking for something quick to eat in the area.
Review Source:Guess where my husband took me on our first date in New York?
Pete's Hot Dog.
Okay, so me, California Girl, thought that this was really f*cking strange. He, New York boy, thought this was the epitome of cool.
Why? Because at Pete's Hot Dogs, you're supposed to get them (plain or with deli mustard), your soda, take them back to your car (it doesn't matter if it's 10 degrees outside and all the tables and chairs are empty inside... there's some cardinal rule that you have to eat your food in your car) eat it, and be happy about it.
Uhhh... yeah.
So, me, California girl, walks up to the counter and asks, "Do you have fresh tomatoes?"
I got a blank stare.
"Do you put dill pickles or mayo on your hot dog? Do you have regular yellow mustard?"
Totally aghast with embarrassment, my husband cuts in and orders the plain hot dogs for us (which he says taste so good because of the dirty water they're boiled in) and rushes me out the door, through the snow, and back to his late 80s Chevy Cavalier (mind you, this first date was 11 years ago).
He was thoroughly disappointed that I didn't "get" it back then, but I totally get it now. I kinda miss Pete's Hot Dogs. Snappy hot dogs, quick, fast, and quintessential NY.
**NOTE: Husband is sitting next to me in bed and will NOT let me give Pete's anything else but 5 stars.**
Pete's Hot Dogs is a Newburgh Institution. Â If you live here and you haven't been then I feel sorr for you. Â The best hot dogs you will ever eat period. Â Good service wehther you stay and eat or take 12 with you. Â Once i saw someone come in and order 35 and be out in under 10 minutes. Â Highly recommended.
Review Source:This incredibly small, incredibly delicious Hot Dog Stand (well its more like a hut I'd say), is AAAAAMAZING. Although there is an ongoing debate about whether or not Newburgh Lunch or Pete's hot dogs reign supreme, I've got to pick a side here and I'm siding with Pete's.
Seriously now, there's nothing like them. How else can I describe the flavor explosion that ensues when you bite into one of their "snapper" hot dogs with "everything" (mustard and sauerkraut for all you non-Pete's-lingo savvy people out there). If I'm hungry I can down 6 Dogs in under 5 minutes. Some say its a feat, I say its an appitizer. Challenge me, I dare you!
The service is fast and accurate, you'll get your order quickly no matter how packed the tiny dining room is. The tables are usually clean, and most of the time you can even find a place to sit. I recommend ordering more than you think you'll eat because you're probably going to get seconds.
This place SERIOUSLY rocks!