Celebrate National Hot Dog Day today with these 10 delicious options
The entire month of July is actually National Hot Dog Month, but today has the special honor of being designated as National Hot Dog Day. Hooray!
This iconic food holiday was made official by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council in 1991. As an association dedicated to their love for hot diggity dogs (yes… this society is a real thing), they also offer MLB Hot Dog Stadium Guides, tutorials on how to properly eat a chili dog and various tidbits on hot dog history through their website.
Below are 10 places in Charlotte to get your dog fix. Per the usual: this is not a catch-all list, just a few reccomendations that we thought you might enjoy. If we missed your favorite frank, let us know in the comments below.
Chili Man
Corner of South Tryon & 4th streets
Recently ranked No. 1 on Money magazine’s 10 Best Dog Joints in America, Vic “The Chili Man” Werany can be found slinging customizable dogs from his hot dog cart in Uptown Charlotte every weekday from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
What to order: Any of Vic’s “Hot Dogs with Names!!!” are a fantastic choice, but we swoon for his Frito Pie Dog. A Kahn’s all-beef hot dog with chili (plus unlimited toppings) is $3.25 from the a la carte menu.
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Green’s Lunch
309 W. 4th Street
Serving Charlotte since 1926, this popular lunchtime joint serves its dogs on freshly steamed buns topped with mustard, ketchup, homemade cole slaw, freshly chopped onions and scratch-made chili.
What to order: When you’re looking for a quick (and cheap) bite to eat, Green’s regular hot dog will set you back just $2. So go ahead and grab two or three (depending on how hungry you are).
Hinson’s Drive In
2761 CPCC Lane, Matthews
This family-owned drive-in is nothing fancy, but they’ve been around for over 60 years. Swing by the next time you’re looking for a place to eat off Independence Boulevard.
What to order: Grab a German Dog, all the way. It’s’ a sausage dog served with grilled onions, mustard and sauerkraut for $4.
JJ’s Red Hots
Since July 2012, Jon Luther Jr. has been on a noble pursuit to dish out his gastronomical variations of piggies-in-a-blanket. As JJ’s chief brand officer and social media guru Brandy Newton has said in press releases,”We demand that you Don’t Dis’ the Dog.” Grab a peek at their Uptown location here.
What to order: In celebration of the national holiday, JJ’s will offer their “All American” for only $2 all day, at all locations. It’s topped with relish, mustard and onions, and is a crowd pleaser that any dog-lover can’t resist.
Photograph provided by JJ’s Red Hots
JackBeagle’s
3213 N. Davidson St.
When you’re looking to grab a craft beer and a bite to eat at a local neighborhood hangout, this spot has got you covered.
What to order: Your bar-food cravings can be cured with a couple of Jack’s Rippers ($2.50 for regular) or Deluxe versions (ranging from $2.99 – $4.50). These smoked, all beef hot dogs come with various toppings and I suggest ordering their Island Dog. It comes with mango, red onion, cilantro and spicy mustard for $2.99.
Kickstand Burger
1101 Central Ave.
This casual joint is lively and loud, with sports games on various televisions and a cheering crowd to complement the mood. They serve gourmet burgers but their dogs are pretty satisfying as well.
What to order: For those who have an appetite, order a double dog for $9.95. Every frankfurter is “build your own” and comes with your choice of cheese, sauces and various toppings. They are served with an order of fries, tots or coleslaw as well.
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Matt’s Chicago Dog
435 S. Tryon Street
If you’re on the prowl for a genuine Vienna Beef Hot Dog and classic Chicago-style toppings, visit their Uptown fast-casual location. I recommend getting their fried pickles as well.
What to order: If you’ve never had one, order their Matt’s Famous “Chicago Style Dog”. It’s a natural-casing pure beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun with mustard, pickle, relish, onion, tomato, sport peppers and celery salt for $3.99.
Park Road Soda Shoppe
4121 Park Rd.
A classic 1950s diner with fare to match that era, Park Road offers grilled sandwiches, hot plates, sharable sides, soups and salads in addition to hot dogs.
What to order: The Kahn’s All Beef Hot Dog ($2.99) comes with your option of being steamed or grilled. Get it all the way with chili, slaw, mustard and onions. I also like to add pimento cheese for $0.75.
Pinky’s Westside Grill
1600 W. Morehead St.
Mimicking their whimsical burger selection, Pinky’s “Weiner Wonderland” offers a range of hot dogs with quirky toppings.
What to order: I’m pretty sure this is the only place where you can find cream cheese and kimchi on a dog. The Cheesy Korean comes with a Nathan’s All Beef flattop ($4.25), or you can substitute an organic soy veggie dog for just $1 extra.
South21 Drive In
3101 E. Independence Blvd.
Serving Charlotte since 1955, this curbside drive-in restaurant is mainly known for their burgers (they’re the home of the “Super Boy” hamburger) and fried chicken. It’s a fun option for a quick dinner and they offer picnic tables outside if you don’t feel like eating in your car.
What to order: Add a traditional hot dog with homemade chili, mustard and onions to your next order ($2.25). I suggest also ordering a side of onion rings ($3.25).
This story was originally published July 18, 2018 at 1:13 AM with the headline "Celebrate National Hot Dog Day today with these 10 delicious options."