Philadelphia is a foodie’s dream, with incredible influences from around the world and delicious takes on classic cuisines, including well-known staples like cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, of course, and the timeless hot dog.
While not everyone can agree on whether it’s a sandwich (or possibly even a type of taco), everyone loves hot dogs. This Wednesday, July 16, is National Hot Dog Day, and Metro has the scoop on the best local spots to celebrate the occasion.
Cake Life Bake Shop
Hot dogs come in all shapes and sizes. At Philadelphia’s award-winning Cake Life Bake Shop, they come in a form inspired by the traditional ‘pigs in a blanket,’ featuring Kielbasa Hungry Dogs, a favorite of beloved Eagles legend Jason Kelce. With a flaky, buttery croissant dough wrapped around this iconic Kielbasa, folks looking for their fill can find these delicious dogs in two varieties: Classic Kielbasa Hungry Dog or a Hot ’n’ Cheesy. All orders also come with a side of spicy brown mustard for that extra pop.
1306 Frankford Ave., cakelifebakeshop.com
Famous 4th Street Delicatessen
One of the city’s many historic eateries, Famous 4th Street Deli, is known for its traditional Jewish deli classic American options, and is offering a whole section of hot dog dishes in honor of the h.oliday
Highlights include the Bagel Dog, which is exactly what it sounds like — an all-beef dog encased in a bagel and baked until golden — and the Frankwurst, served in a baked in-house-baked bun, with your choice of traditional condiments like mustard and ketchup, and their own take on pig in a blanket, or as they call it, the Frank in a Blanket. On the more adventurous side is the Pastrami Dog, a kosher dog topped with house-smoked beef pastrami, mustard, and grilled onions, and of course, the good ol’ fashioned hot dog.
700 S. 4th St., famous4thstreetdelicatessen.com
The Twisted Tail
For those looking for the ultimate experience, The Twisted Tail, Headhouse Square’s signature restaurant, bar, and live music venue, offers the Kobe Beef Hot Dog. This dog is topped with savory bacon jam and served on a buttery brioche roll. Can’t make it on National Hot Dog Day? On Tuesdays, guests can enjoy the #HotDogKoolKat special, pairing one of those dogs with the restaurant’s refreshing Kool Kat cocktail, all for just $15.
509 S. 2nd St, thetwistedtail.com
