Food and Drink

Looking for the best hot dog? Where to celebrate National Hot Dog Day in Charlotte

JJ’s Red Hots serves a wide variety of hot dogs with different toppings.
JJ’s Red Hots serves a wide variety of hot dogs with different toppings. CharlotteFive file photo

Whether you’re at a ballpark or grilling out in your Charlotte-area backyard, nothing beats a hot dog during the summer season.

So it’s very fitting that National Hot Dog Day falls on July 19.

Do you like New York style, Chicago style or, of course, a Carolina style hot dog with chili, slaw, onions and yellow mustard? Regardless of your answer, there are several local restaurants around Charlotte you can check out on National Hot Dog Day — and some are even offering deals.

Here’s our guide on where to grab lunch or dinner for the holiday:

National Hot Dog Day deals around Charlotte

The Chili Man at Birdsong Brewing Co.

Location: 1016 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28206

How to celebrate: The Chili Man food truck pops up in different locations around Charlotte weekly but will be at Birdsong Brewing Co. on National Hot Dog Day from 5-9 p.m. Mention this article and you can get free chips and a drink with the purchase of two hot dogs.

The Big Weiner at Goldie’s

Location: 3601 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209

How to celebrate: The Big Weiner at Goldie’s will be offering a $5 deal on hot dogs in honor of National Hot Dog Day. Stop by anytime between 4 p.m. and midnight for a discount on a Carolina Dog, Chili Cheese Dog, Mac Attack or other hot dogs on the menu.

Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office National Hot dog Day event

Location: First Ward Park, 301 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

How to celebrate: The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a National Hot Dog event in First Ward Park. Stop by from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and get a free hot dog.

Town Brewing Co.

Location: 800 Grandin Rd, Charlotte, NC 28208

How to celebrate: In honor of National Hot Dog Day, Town Brewing Co. is offering two hot dogs and chips for $10.

[RELATED: We asked you where to find the best hot dogs in Charlotte. Here are your favorites.]

Best hot dog spots in Charlotte

While not all restaurants are offering deals in honor of National Hot Dog Day, there are still several delicious local spots that serve a wide variety of hot dogs with creative toppings. Here are a few of the best restaurants and businesses to get one, according to CharlotteFive readers:

Comet Grill

Location: 2224 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28203

Menu

Comet Grill’s Carolina Dogs are topped with homemade chili, slaw, red onion and yellow mustard. The Nathan’s all-beef hot dogs are served with fries ($10).
Comet Grill’s Carolina Dogs are topped with homemade chili, slaw, red onion and yellow mustard. The Nathan’s all-beef hot dogs are served with fries ($10). Alex Cason Photography CharlotteFive

The Good Wurst Company

Location: 3001 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Location: 1222 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203

Location: 4015 Corning Pl, Charlotte, NC 28216

Menu

The Good Wurst Company’s House Frankfurter with spicy mustard and relish, Belgian Frites and a Diet Coke.
The Good Wurst Company’s House Frankfurter with spicy mustard and relish, Belgian Frites and a Diet Coke. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

The Happy Hound

Location: 11251 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205

Menu

JJ’s Red Hots

Location: 1514 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Menu

Pinky’s Westside Grill

Location: 1600 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28208

Location: 9818 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078

Menu

[RELATED: Why did Pinky’s Westside Grill close for a day? It’s about to get national exposure again.]

Click here to find the full list of favorite food trucks, ballparks, country clubs, gas stations and more serving up the best hot dogs around town.

This story was originally published July 18, 2023 at 1:45 PM.

Chyna Blackmon
The Charlotte Observer
Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
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