As I write this, it’s one day before the start of National Hot Dog Month (July), and I prepare to celebrate by eating hot dogs in my car. For breakfast.
I don’t feel guilty. This macro isn’t too bad. The dog itself? Approximately 150 calories. The bread will take another 100 pieces. Mustard and sauerkraut: just a little. It got so bad that I had a woman stationed outside a hardware store and spoon-feed me some saucy onions.
It’s baseball season, so it hasn’t been that long since I last had a hot dog, but it’s not a luxury that many people allow outside of work. In fact, just talking about it gives me the feeling of being burnt, or almost burnt, on a kettle grill. I have to do it at least once before this month ends.
I will be one of many.
July is peak grilling season, when Americans consume about 7 billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. Here in Orlando, there are plenty of places to get involved outside of your own backyard. There are also some spots where you can do a big job of making your own.
But Primrose Lanes (400 N. Primrose Drive, Orlando, 407-745-0862; primroselanes.com) isn’t the only place in town with its controversial and delicious homemade tube steaks. Ten 10 Brewing (1010 Virginia Drive in Orlando, 407-930-8993, ten10brewingcompany.com) has its own version stuffed with sirloin, smoked with a Big Green Egg and finished in a variety of ways. A perfect combination for beer and summer.
Read on for some more sausage suggestions.
cupid hot dog
When this California favorite arrived in Winter Park in 2022, nostalgic fans rushed to get their chili dog. And while those who lived nearby may have balked at the move to Longwood, it’s more likely that those snappy Vienna comforts will get them into their cars craving it.
Details: 254 W. State Road 434 (Longwood), 407-674-8517;cupidshotdogs.info
hot dog heaven
The sacred Chicago dog has a formula. Poppy seed bread. Vienna beef hot dog. Chee locals may differ a little when it comes to toppings, but one thing they can all agree on is no ketchup. Until now. A similar sign can be found at Hot Dog Heaven, a fixture on Orlando’s Colonial Drive since 1987.
Details: 5355 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando, 407-282-5746; Hot Dog Heaven fl.com
portillo’s
I’ve interviewed native Chicagoans who love portillos, as well as people who don’t really understand portillos because you can get a solid Chicago-style hot dog just about anywhere in the Windy City. But here in Orlando, its following resembles the cult-level status White Castle enjoys.
Indulge in memories: Chicago dogs are universal in structure and nostalgia
That said, Portillo’s is taking advantage of the formula and is currently offering a limited edition special, the “Char’diniera Dog,” in addition to their classic offerings. In partnership with Vienna Beef, this tube steak is infused with giardiniera and provolone cheeses and is a special item currently on sale in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Enjoy the new Chardiniera Dog Maxwell Style or Chicago Style with mustard and grilled onions.
Details: 7715 Palm Parkway in Orlando and 315 N. Alafaya Trail in Orlando. portillos.com/order
Lesser panda noodles
They aren’t known for their hot dogs, but they are known for doing whatever they want. And America’s 250th means hot dogs, albeit very Red Panda style. Therefore, we have our own delicious homemade crab salad and lobster cheese covered viennese served with fried noodle chips. Lady Liberty is famous for welcoming literal boatloads of mashups, so I think this is a fitting tribute.
Details: 274 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando; instagram.com/Red Panda Noodle
sodo square
Hot dogs are as regional as pizza styles, and this Orlando-born brand brings two Motor City delights under one roof. Detroiters are so excited about Sodo Pie’s ruffled border deliciousness that they box it up and take it home to eat chile-crusted coneys at home.
Details: Multiple locations: sodoughsquare.com
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram @amydroo or the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, and for more foodie fun, join our Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
