Summer is the time for the beach, lounging by the pool, taking in a ballgame and, of course, hot dogs.
It’s prime time for this all-American comfort food, whether you are grilling them on the barbecue, eating them at a stadium or packing them for a camping trip.
The 4th of July is one of America’s most celebrated holidays and a staple of that holiday is and always will be hot dogs. This year, you can find some great specials to celebrate Independence Day.
“Our annual 4th of July specials are ALL Veterans eat free! We also offer this on Memorial and Labor Day. It’s a small way of doing our part and sending out good vibes to the community,” says Ed’s Hot Dogs owner Edward Fisher.
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The best toppings for hot dogs has been the topic of debate for years. Fisher chimed in, happy to weigh in not just with his own opinion but that of his son.
“On the great ketchup/no ketchup debate, I’m a NO ketchup guy but that wasn’t until I became old enough to know that there are so many other delicious options. If you ask my 4-year-old son, he puts ketchup on his ketchup and I know better than to argue with him!”
When it comes to other toppings, Fisher is open to those too, and open to hearing your
suggestions.
“Obviously, we offer for free the four main staples of hot dog toppings — ketchup, mustard (yellow and brown), kosher dill relish and our hand-diced raw onions. But for those that are more adventurous we offer our homemade chili; our melted, aged cheddar sauce; classic sauerkraut, and our sweet red onion sauce. We are always open to suggestions or willing to put just about anything you’d like on any of our dogs, sausages or smoked kielbasa.”
Center City Hot Dogs, Philadelphia
For those of you that may be taking a trip to the city this summer, Center City Hot Dog is the place to go if you’re in search of a hot dog. This restaurant offers a wide selection of hot dogs including traditional hot dogs, kraut dogs, cheese dogs, chili dogs, Chicago dogs, and much more.
They are open Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are closed Saturday and Sunday. Center City Hot Dog, 1700 Market St, Philadelphia.
Deerhead Hot Dogs, Newark
Deerhead Hot Dogs has been a Wilmington staple for nearly 100 years. The first batch of Deerhead Secret Sauce was made in 1935 by Beulah R. Tilghman while working as a chamber maid at Hotel Olivere.
The secret sauce and hot dogs became so popular, Beulah eventually opened her very own Deerhead Hot Dogs, a name that came from her many adoring customers.
At Deerhead, they offer all-beef or all-turkey hot dogs, as well as salads, hamburgers, steak sandwiches, chicken wings and more.
Deerhead Hot Dogs is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Deerhead Hot Dogs, 1233 Churchman’s Road, Center Point Plaza, Newark, (302) 266-9333, dhhotdogs.com
Doggie Style, Wilmington
Doggie Style is a food truck in Rehoboth Beach known for foot-long hot dogs, sausages, and Caribbean specialties. Some items on the menu besides hot dogs include nachos, empanadas, tacos, French fries, and more.
They also travel with their food truck to events, and you can contact them on their website for rates and availability.
Doggie Style is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Doggie Style, 320 Maple Ave., Wilmington, (302) 384-4386, doggiestyle.business.site
Ed’s Hot Dogs, various locations
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat while you’re out on the run, look no further than Ed’s Hot Dogs.
The menu at the three locations includes hot dogs, hot sausages, Polish kielbasa, and even meatball sandwiches. Ed’s also offers breakfast sandwiches, cheesesteaks and fries.
They are open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.
Ed’s Hot Dogs, Home Depot, Airport Plaza, 138 Sunset Blvd., New Castle; Wilmington DMV, Hessler Boulevard, New Castle; Home Depot Center Point Plaza, Newark; (302) 883-1338
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Johnnie’s Dog House and Chicken Shack has been a staple on Concord Pike for many years. Known for their signature hot dogs and chicken platters, Johnnie’s Dog House is the perfect place to grab a hot dog in honor of the 4th of July.
Signature dogs include a Plain Ol’ Dog, New York Classic, Boston Style, and Chicago Style.
Their chicken menu includes single pieces, chicken boxes, chicken meals, and chicken wings. They also have burger and sandwich options, as well as classic sides like French fries, onion rings and potato chips.
They also are available to cater events.
Johnnie’s Dog House is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:45 pm.
Johnnie’s Dog House and Chicken Shack, 3401 Concord Pike, Wilmington, (302) 477-1440, johnniesdoghousenchickenshack.com
The Dog House is celebrating 70 years of business this year.
Stop by and say congrats by buying a famous foot-long hot dog.
Along with their foot-long dogs, they offer cheese dogs, chili dogs, cheesesteaks, steak sandwiches, milkshakes and French fries.
The Dog House also has foot-long breakfast sandwiches Tuesday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and caters events including office and house parties, sporting events, and more.
Hours are Monday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Dog House, 1200 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, (302) 328-5380, thedoghouserestaurantde.com
