I really don’t know where to start talking about Ripper’z. There is so much of a revolution going on here. Let’s start with the eponymous rippers – the deep-fried, all-beef hot dogs… WAIT! HANG ON! Before you call your cardiologist just for reading that sentence, I gotta tell you these dogs are Nueske’s Premium All Beef from Wisconsin, and all of the fryers at Ripper’z use 100% beef tallow! No seed oil is used anywhere. Even their homemade dressings and sauces use avocado oil.
Originating in New Jersey, the ripper-style dog is an American institution with a little crunch on the outside and a whole lotta flavor on the inside. And it’s not only the combination of premium beef and beef tallow that makes these dogs delicious. It’s the massive variety of toppings you can have from their delicious homemade chili and cheese to a Philly to a Cardiac Arrest! (That would be pimento cheese, cheese whiz, bacon, bacon, and more bacon, and the delicious mustardy Ripper sauce.)
What’s a Nueske?
The Nueske family immigrated to Wisconsin in the 1880’s bringing the Old World skills of applewood smoking along with recipes for spicing and curing meat. But these aren’t spicy or smoky tasting. Y’all, that’s just how good sausage is cured. There’s something rich and velvety about these dogs. The family prides itself on methodic and meticulous methods. The Nueske hot dog is slow food at it finest. But slow is not what Ripper’z is. Their service is excellent and you’ll find Hannah or Michael right there when you come in, greeting you with a smile.
That’s a Bunch of Bologna
There is so much more to Ripper’z than just their dogs, although that’s reason enough to come. Nearly everything here is homemade and made fresh from the Ripper sauce to the ketchup to sides and desserts. You can get bologna on just about anything you want, and I highly recommend it on the smash burger. These are some of the best smash burgers I’ve ever had and they are not made for dainty appetites. They all come with delicious caramelized onions and your choice of the Ripper ketchup, pickles, American cheese, or get a little loco with a spicy chorizo sausage patty and fresh jalapeños. Aiyeeee!
They have a great assortment of sammy’s, including – you guessed it – grilled bologna, bacon, and cheese. The mac and cheese is made fresh every morning. It is incredibly craveable! Made with the legendary Philadelphia Cooper cheese, this sauce is smooth and creamy with just the right amount of sharpness. The baked beans are definitely worth mentioning here. The recipe is Chef Michael’s mother’s, and you can taste the love 😋
Breakfast of Champions
You’ve got a big day planned, and you’re going to need to fuel up. You gotta check out the breakfast sammy’s: Village Bakery challah bread wrapped into a neat little sandwich in a cute rectangle box. You can get chorizo, all American (with fried bologna, tots, American cheese & Ripper sauce) or just freakin go for it, and get The Wally: sausage, bacon, chorizo, tots, ketchup and Ripper sauce. That’s for the working man and it is delicious!
For the kiddos, nothing could please them more than the pancakes. You have some out of this world options here including the legendary Oreo Explosion, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Peaches and Cream and so much more. Be sure to watch the video above to see these pancakes in all their glory. And be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel while you’re at it!
Chef Michael stays busy, especially with his signature H’s Big Buns, baked fresh each morning. Don’t miss the cinnamon s’more bun; it’s absolutely dreamy. His biscuits with homemade sausage gravy really hit the spot. On Sundays, all these breakfast delights are served all day long, and you can wash them down with a refreshing Mimosa. In true island spirit, Mimosas aren’t just for Sundays; they’re available every day for those who embrace the island lifestyle.
Don’t forget the pooch! Ripper’z has delicious doggy bowls for outdoor dining with your best friend. There is something for everyone here: breakfast, lunch, supper and even some times late night. Check their current hours.
Check out The Beard’s first trip to Ripper’z below and make your own trip there today!
RIPPER’Z
203 Edwards Plaza PE, St Simons Island, GA 31522
Hours are subject to change but they are taking Wednesdays off
Sun – Tues 8am – 6pm
Closed Wednesday
Thursday 8am – 6pm
Friday – Saturday 8am – 8pm