Support Us Button Widget

Celebrate National Hot Dog Day in Tampa Bay style

Calling all glizzy gladiators to chow down on some local dogs.

Three vegan hot dogs from 3 Dot Dash. One has mustard on it, one has mac and cheese and fries, and the other has lettuce and onion. There is a grey brick wall behind.

Meat-free never looked so good. | Photo by @3dotvegan

Move over Independence Day — July’s biggest celebration has arrived. Each year, July 17 is a chance to honor one of mankind’s greatest creations, the hot dog.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, here are a few of our fave local spots:

  • Mel’s Hot Dogs | In 1973, Mel — a self-described “Chicagoland hippie” — opened his eatery right outside Busch Gardens, where tradition remains in every bite.
  • 3 Dot Vegan Kitchen | The trendy Seminole Heights vegan restaurant serves up delectable dogs, burgers + craft beers to boot.
  • 4th Street Sandwich Shop | The St. Pete spot uses Nathan’s skinless all beef franks for its gourmet dogs, with toppings like chili, slaw, and sauerkraut all on the menu.
  • Diggy Dogs | Often found in Hyde Park, this food truck pops up across Tampa Bay, with a brand new menu featuring almost too many tempting toppings to choose from.
More from TBAYtoday
We’re sharing the backstory of the famed Tampa Halloween celebration, and what happened to it.
Sponsored
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
We’re breaking down a new flooding mitigation project, PSTA line, and 15,000-tile art piece.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
The 3,260-sqft new build features a koi pond, zen garden, rooftop terrace, and swoon-worthy views.
Hunt for Tootsie Rolls, Kit Kats, and tricks across Tampa, St. Pete, Dunedin, and the rest of TBAY.
The city is working to make its inspection process faster and more accessible to more builders and contractors.
Once finished, the $56 million project connect residents across the city with a 12.2-mile loop.
Sink your teeth into standout slices at these pizza joints across Tampa and St. Petersburg.