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
Dining in Tampa and St. Pete is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Here’s a look at the latest towers and businesses rising up in Tampa and St. Pete.
The Florida Aquarium is celebrating the upcoming World Penguin Day with a free meet-and-greet with their tuxedo-ed crew.
What do you do on vacation? You can do those same things here.
And that’s not all: Hillsborough just opened a new call center to help residents apply for grants, and a downtown Tampa park reopened.
We’re sharing the lineup for this fall’s country music and barbecue festival at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Tampa Bay, FL and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
Ybor’s final operating cigar factory is fully restoring the century-old Sanchez Y Haya building across the street into a new inn, restaurant, and cigar lounge.
We’re talking parking, shade, dining options, and all the other tea.
The festival is back — at its new home within Water Street Tampa — with huge headliners like Mt. Joy and Gov’t Mule.