Dog Days of Summer Returns to Bull & Bear

Weather-wise, the “dog days of summer” aren’t technically until next month, but if we’re talking hot dogs, you only have to wait until July 21. Bull & Bear is bringing back its “Dog Days of Summer” hot dog fete, a week-long spree of encased meats and indulgent Americana to help celebrate National Hot Dog Day.

The event runs from July 21 through July 27, served as an elongated homage to Hot Dog Day on July 23. Because one day just isn’t enough for the iconic pastime. For each day of the week, Bull & Bear’s head chef Andy Gibson has crafted a distinct hot dog special, each one inspired by a different American city or region.

The festival of franks kicks off on July 21 with the Cincinnati “Coney,” a spicy beef chili dog flecked with pickled onions, shredded cheddar, and mustard on a potato bun. On July 22, the dog du jour is the Sooo Cali, featuring a bison dog with heirloom tomato and avocado relish, arugula, crispy shallots, lettuce, and pesto aïoli on ciabatta. Next is the Miami Vice dog on July 23, wherein a turkey dog is adjoined by mojo-braised pork, spicy pickle, mustard aïoli, Swiss cheese, shredded lettuce, and a toasted garlic bun. The Northern Woods of Wisconsin dog is on deck for July 24, made with a venison dog, fried jalapeño Jack cheese curds, caramelized onions, juniper-beer mustard, and a soft bun. Gibson rounds out the miscellany with a New Orleans Po’Boy dog on July 25, an adouille sausage creation with olive relish, frisee, crispy salami, provolone, and remoulade on a sesame bun.

Additionally, customers who want it all can order the Frank Plank any day of that week, a sampler plate with tastings of each dog. As a bonus, Bull & Bear will also be offering a 22-inch kosher dog called the Chicago Style Home Wrecker. Tackle it if you dare for the chance to win a gift card and a T-shirt.

Bull & Bear
431 N. Wells Street, Chicago
(312) 527-5973
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