National Hot Dog Day Celebrations
It may not have fancy Hallmark cards but National Hot Dog Day is being celebrated in Chicago throughout July. In case you'd like to buy your family a hot dog present, the actual holiday is July 23rd. Celebrate the American icon and delicious Chicago staple at any of the local restaurants below. Happy Hot Dog Day!
Downtown Dogs
804 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL
rushanddivision.com
Downtown Dogs and Pippin's Tavern plan to commemorate the day by raising money for homeless dogs through PAWS Chicago while holding their first annual Hot Dog Beauty Contest, with Bootleggers celebrating the 23rd with a Chicago-Style Hot Dog Eating Contest and complimentary Hot Dogs for all.
Downtown Dogs, one of Chicago's premier spots to grab a traditional Chicago-style hot dog in Streeterville, will donate $1 for each and every hot dog sold on National Hot Dog Day to PAWS Chicago in an effort to benefit homeless dogs.
Pippin's Tavern
806 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL
rushanddivision.com
At 7PM, Downtown Dogs and their next door neighbor, Pippin's Tavern, will host a "Hot Dog Beauty Contest" where dogs of all breeds may strut their stuff to compete for the title of "Hot Dog 2014". The winner will receive a dog spa package from Tails in the City. This winning pet's accompanying adult will also receive a human spa package from Fringe. There is no cost to participate, and Pippin's Tavern will offer $6 Dogfish Head IPA pints and free bowls of fresh water on their outdoor patio.
Bootleggers
13 West Division
Chicago, IL
rushanddivision.com
Bootleggers, will be hosting a Chicago-Style Hot Dog Eating Contest and Complimentary Hot Dogs for All. At 7:30PM, Bootleggers will host a contest to see who can consume six Chicago-style hot dogs, with all the Chicago-fixings, the fastest. The winner will receive $100 cash, a Beach Party Kit, plus a 10 pound case of Vienna Beef Hot Dogs. For those just watching, and every Wednesday night this summer, Bootleggers will offer complimentary Hot Dogs at 7PM, while supplies last.
Navy Pier Beer Garden
700 E. Grand
Chicago, IL
www.chicagosbestbeergarden.com
Chicagoans can celebrate National Hot Dog at the LandShark Beer Garden located at the East End of Navy Pier. Grilled highlights include the Johnsonville Big Brat (Soaked in LandShark Lager, topped with sautéed onions.
Lauren Wulf LaRoche writes about living in Chicago on a budget on her website, A Poor Girl's Guide Chicago.
