National Hot Dog Day 2018: Where To Find Pittsburgh's Best Franks

PITTSBURGH, PA - The question everyone has difficulty answering in Pittsburgh every July 18 is this: Where do I celebrate National Hot Dog Day this year?

Pittsburgh is fortunate to have a number of world-class weiner joints, ranging in style from humble food stand to sit-down restaurant with other dining options you never would consider on National Hot Dog Day.

What follows are Patch suggestions as to where you might find some of the best dogs to mark this momentous occasion. The list is not inclusive, but chances are you’ll find a place relatively close to you on it.

The Original Hot Dog Shop, 3901 Forbes Ave., Oakland

By far Pittsburgh’s most famous place for a frank, The O, as it’s commonly known, opened in the shadows of Forbes Field during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1960 World Series Championship season. Over the years, The O has been spotlighted on TV programs such as The Food Network’s “Unwrapped”, The PBS Special “A Hot Dog Program” and in several magazine and newspaper articles. Spotlight dog: The Original Cheese Dog with a side of delectable O fries.

Franktuary, 3810 Butler St., Lawrenceville

The name was clever when this restaurant began in a Downtown church, but the Lawrenceville location still serves the same delicious franks. Spotlight dog: The Reykjavik, an all-beef frank with remoulade, onion, ketchup, yellow mustard and crispy shallots of a potato roll.

Yovi’s Chicago Hot Dogs, 477 Graeme St., Downtown

With all the eateries in Market Square, it’s easy to overlook the hidden-away Yovi’s, which is tucked away on Graeme Street since moving from it original Liberty Avenue location several years ago. Don’t overlook it. Spotlight dog: The Chicago, of course.

New York Hot Dog Shop, 9022 Old Perry Highway, Ross

For nearly four decades, this unassuming, family-owned business has been grilling dogs and serving shakes, floats, and fries. Spotlight dog: Patch has been told the chili dog is amazing.

Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe, multiple locations

The Brighton Hot Dog Shoppes have a tradition dating back to 1959 and their wieners are restaurant-grade made in their own commissary. Spotlight dog: World-class Weiner with chili sauce, onions, mustard or ketchup and relish.

D’s Six Pax & Dogz, 1118 South Braddock Ave., Regent Square
If you’re looking for a beer to wash down your dog, D’s is the place for you. It boasts more than 1,000 different selections in its famous “beer cave” adjacent to the restaurant area. Signature dog: The Big Ben with fries, cheese sauce and creamy coleslaw.

Joe’s Doghouse (food stand), Tech and Margaret Morrison streets, Oakland

One of the more popular Carnegie Mellon University food stands, Joe’s signature special can’t be beat for students and those on a budget. The Puppy Love gives you two dogs, chips and a drink for $5.

Lock & Dam Hot Dog Shop, 7331 Butler St., Morningside

This family owned business is a popular spot for people on their way to the Pittsburgh Zoo. Spotlight Dog: The Grunge, with garlic cream cheese, caramelized onion, bacon and candied jalapeno.

Nana’s North Side Hot Dog’s 1110 Federal St., North Side

Featured in Rick Sebak's 2013 Documentary, “North Side Sandwiches” (under the name of Steve's New York Hot Dog Shop) the restaurant is under new ownership but maintains its old-time charm. Spotlight dog: The chili dog. You can’t go wrong with a chili dog.

Packs & Dogs, 223 Shiloh St., Mt. Washington

Located in the former Village Dairy, this place also has a voluminous beer selection. Spotlight dog: The German Shepherd, with sauerkraut and spicy mustard.

Feature photo via Getty Images, other photos via Google Maps.

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