Did you know that Wednesday, July 20 is National Hot Dog Day? It seems like there’s a national day for anything and everything, but this is a day that I’ll gladly celebrate.
There’s nothing like summertime barbecues, and for me, it doesn’t get much better than simple food like burgers and hot dogs. If your grilling (or cooking) skills leave a lot to be desired, then you’re in luck because I’ve written this guide to the best places to grab a dog nationally and here in St. Louis.
Nationally, my favorite hot dog comes from Costco…yes, I know, hey, big spender! But for $1.50 you can’t beat their dog. My second favorite national hot dog is from Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and I love both the chain restaurants (which are in many mall food courts) and the packaged hot dogs you can buy at your local grocery stores to cook at home.
Locally, in the St. Louis area a few great places to get a dog are Gus’ Pretzels, I love their pretzel dogs! Saucy Dogs in St. Charles, which offers every kind of dog you can think of – from a classic dog to a Philly cheese steak dog to a veggie dog made from tofu. Also in St. Charles County, Dirty Dogz, in O’Fallon offers a variety of dogs, from all beef to Kielbasa and bratwurst, plus toppings ranging from peanut butter (!) to jalapeno jelly, pineapple, and traditional toppings like relish, onions, and sauerkraut.
And, if you’re planning to stay home and barbecue a dog for you and your friends, don’t forget to have something refreshing to wash it down with. I personally think a root beer goes perfectly with a hot dog and my favorite local brand comes from Fitz’s (I love that they make an excellent diet version of root beer and cream soda!). Or, if you like whiskey, I was recently made aware of a new collaboration between WhistlePig Whiskey and Traeger Grills, for the ultimate smokey spirit that pairs with summer barbecue.
In a press release by the distiller, they outlined the unique smokey flavors in this limited edition whiskey, “WhistlePig SmokeStock Whiskey is aged in American Oak No. 3 char barrels and then smoked slow and low with Traeger’s all-natural apple BBQ wood. The limited edition whiskey is further smoked during the proofing process to impart campfire smoke and subtle savory notes alongside WhistlePig’s signature bold and spice-forward style.”
Have I made you hungry (and thirsty)? Do you have plans for National Hot Dog Day? If so, let me know in the comments below, and enjoy those dogs!
Amanda Bretz 