National Hot Dog day is about as real as Festivus, but hot dogs are delicious, and local restaurants are celebrating the fake holiday tomorrow with real deals. I don’t need an excuse to eat hot dogs–I mean, I went out of my way to sample the haggis dogs in Edinburgh, Scotland, on my summer vacation–but a discount makes everything taste better.
The Original at City Dogs, bottom left
Richmond’s best-known and oldest hot dog joint, City Dogs, is offering their Richmond Original Dog for $1.50 all day. This classic, our web editor Amy David’s favorite, is served “all the way” with chili, mustard, and onions at both the downtown and Fan locations.
A variety of dogs from The Dog Wagon Plus
Over in Scott’s Addition, the Dog Wagon Plus is offering the American hot dog with fries and a drink for $2.99. If you’re looking for something fancier, they’re also offering a buy-one-get-one deal on any specialty dog. Richmond’s newest hot dog shop also has a new owner, David Silversmith, who stepped in this past February. He’s expanded the vegan and vegetarian options (including Vegenaise!) and their hours. The Dog Wagon is open until 3 AM weekdays and 24 hours on the weekends.
Hot dogs at The Diamond
If you’re looking for lunch and a show, head to The Diamond for $1 hot dogs and a noon game between the Flying Squirrels and the Erie SeaWolves. Gates open at 11 AM and tickets are available online.
The Boardwalk, which promises “Richmond’s best hot dog on wheels,” is offering two hot dogs, fries, and a drink for $8 tomorrow at the Riverfront Plaza at 901 E. Byrd St. from 11 AM to 2 PM. After 18 years in the business, the family-run shop suffered a fire at their Henderson Road location and re-opened as a mobile food truck.
Local grocery stores aren’t in on the discount game, but Ellwood Thompson’s is still a great choice for those celebrating at home. For the health-conscious, all of their dogs are nitrate, hormone, and antibiotic-free, and they carry several vegetarian and vegan alternatives. The top pick from Ellwood: Pastured pork dogs from The Piggery.
Whatever your preference, one thing is clear: at least tomorrow, Richmond is for hot dog lovers.
