The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council designated July as National Hot Dog Month and this year Wednesday,  July 20 as National Hot Dog Day. On this day, the North American Meat Institute will host its Annual Hot Dog Lunch on Capitol Hill in the height of hot dog season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) as has been done on the 3rd Wednesday in July every year since its establishment in 1991. Here are some of the restaurants in Tampa where you can celebrate National Hot Dog Day in the Bay area:

Mel's Hot Dogs

Mel's is the perfect place to celebrate this national tradition after spending a long day with your family down the road at Busch Gardens. Tripadvisor user William L. described Mel’s as “Hot dog heaven, Florida version!” Celebrating their 46th birthday July 2nd, there's a reason they've stayed in business this long, variety and a quality product!

Portillo's

A Chicagoland Tradition since 1963 serving hot dogs, burgers, salads, shakes and more, Portillo's has been in the Bay area only a short time. If you are in the University area of North Tampa or in the Brandon area, look for this iconic hot dog spot and give them a try. PS - their cake laden milkshakes - oh my!

BurgerFi South Tampa

BurgerFi is typically lauded for their above average burgers, but have you tried their hot dogs? They are delicious, also made of Wagyu beef! Find BurgerFi in the Soho District of South Tampa, the ideal atmosphere for partaking in the day’s festivities. 

Five Guys - Kennedy Blvd.

Five Guys offers hot dog savings year-round with their kosher-style hot dog, cheese dog, bacon dog, bacon cheese dog, a famous bag of fries and cold sodas. Hit up a Five Guys near you on National Hot Dog Day in Tampa and relax with family or friends over a great American meal! Click the link to find a location near you!

7-Eleven

Yes, even 7-Eleven has a great dog and classic fixins' - celebrate National Hot Dog Day on the run with $1 Big Bite hot dogs all day long at your nearest 7-Eleven.

EVOS SoHo

Evos offers a healthier fast food option, serving all-beef grilled hot dogs made humanely without hormones or antibiotics on an organic bun with locally sourced toppings. Evos is offering a buy one get one FREE deal on hot dogs July 3-7 for 4th of July. We do not know of any National Hot Dog Day specials yet but believe they are cooking something special up, last year it was a BOGO deal. Click the link in the title, then head over to their website to find the Evos nearest you.

Chicago Paulie's

A favorite South Tampa restaurant since 2009 serving premium Vienna Beef Hot Dogs, sausages and more, Paulie's offers a variety of hot dogs including Chicago Style, the New Yorker, and the N.C. Dog. Stop in to Paulie's on National Hot Dog Day in Tampa, it's a meal and an experience!

Sonic Drive-In Bearss

Sonic, home to the pretzel dog, with eleven locations in the 813area serves a 6-inch 100% All Beef All-American Dog for $1 and Chili Cheese Coneys dripping in their hot dog chili on National Hot Dog Day. But honestly, their dogs are a great deal every day of the year. 

We invite you to celebrate National Hot Dog Day in Tampa by visiting one of the places listed and share your decadent dog on social media using #NationalHotDogDay. Did you know you can review businesses on 813area? We're more than great things to do in Tampa and fun events in Tampa, we enjoy hearing from you and love it when you connect someone to one of your favorite places. Register to share your experiences and what you know are the best restaurants in Tampa. (All photos from respective Facebook Pages, cover photo Wikimedia Commons)