Delaware
On National Hot Dog Day, try one of these 10 homegrown Delaware favorite spots 🌭
Joey Chestnut to face off with Takeru Kobayashi in Netflix Live event
Netflix posted the announcement following the kerfuffle of Chestnut’s removal from 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.
Fox – Seattle
Sure, you could hit up national chain restaurants today to get your big bite of National Hot Dog Day.
But here in Delaware, we have plenty of homegrown greasy spoons, ranging from those specifically known for their mouth-watering wieners to spots that just happen to have top-notch dogs tucked away on the menu.
So if you don’t feel like firing up your barbecue on this hump day to make your National Hot Dog Day meal just as you like it, try one of these 10 eateries for some bun-worthy dogs.
The Dog House, New Castle
Throw a rock, hit a Delawarean and ask them their favorite hot dog joint and The Dog House would most likely be near the top of the list.
Known for its foot-long hot dogs, The Dog House has been in business since 1952 and has a menu filled with a variety of pizzas, subs, cheesesteaks and its best-selling chili cheese dog.
The Dog House makes its own house relish and is partnered with Serpe & Sons Bakery, which makes the hot dog buns. And they just added credit cards and a dog-friendly outdoor dining area.
The Dog House, 1200 N. Du Pont Highway, near New Castle, (302) 328-5380
Deerhead Hot Dogs, near Wilmington and Stanton
If The Dog House isn’t the old school top dog in Delaware, then Deerhead Hot Dogs is.
They started in downtown Wilmington at Hotel Olivere in 1935 and has been cooking up hot dogs ever since.
A popular pairing is the Deerhead Hot Dog with everything, which includes mustard, onions and the secret Deerhead sauce that keeps fans coming. Hot dogs are also sold in doubles or 10 packs if you can’t get enough.
The restaurant, which no longer has a Wilmington location, is still grillin’ in Stanton.
Deerhead Hot Dogs, 1233 Churchmans Rd, Stanton, (302) 266-9333
Johnnie’s Dog House and Chicken Shack, Wilmington
Based in Talleyville, Johnnie’s Dog House and Chicken Shack was featured in an issue of People magazine a few years back for having the best hot dog in the state. And plenty of fans would still give them the honor.
The Delaware Destroyer, winner of the award, is actually two hot dogs served on a 6-inch hoagie roll topped with macaroni and cheese, chili, grilled onions and hot sauce. Burp!
If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, try the Monkey Hill Dog, which comes topped with grilled bananas, crunchy peanut butter, chopped bacon and honey.
Johnnie’s offers its hot dogs in beef, chicken, turkey, kobe beef or veggie. You can also get a beef in a 13-inch jumbo size, which weighs almost a pound.
Johnnie’s Dog House and Chicken Shack, 3401 Concord Pike, Talleyville, (302) 477-1440
Taco Reho, Rehoboth Beach and Middletown
When you think about the Delaware chain Taco Reho, California-inspired burritos and tacos wrapped in warm, house-made corn tortillas probably come to mind.
But for all of July ― including National Hot Dog Day on the 17th ― their rock ‘n’ roll-themed, homegrown restaurants will be spotlighting one of America’s favorite summertime bites.
In fact, there are always some foot-long beef dogs on their menu, including Danger Dog: a bacon-wrapped hot dog with black beans, Monterey jack cheese, avocado, yellow mustard, chipotle mayo, pico de gallo, pickled red onions, queso fresco and cilantro.
For July, they have been offering a different hot dog each week to celebrate National Hot Dog Day. Their Danger Dog is the featured dog for this week and for the week starting July 22, you can get the new Elote: a hot dog topped with Mexican grilled corn, cheese and chile peppers.
Taco Reho, Rehoboth Beach (18784 Coastal Highway) and Middletown (100 Sandhill Drive), (302) 226-8226
Charcoal Pit, Talleyville
Sure, Charcoal Pit has thick milkshakes, high school-themed sundaes and a beloved hamburger line-up, but there’s another American classic on the menu that gets lost in the shuffle sometimes.
You have two options for their flame-grilled hot dogs: the basic plain char dog or the char dog special with two char dogs topped with chili and cheese with a side of French fries.
They have been serving them for nearly 70 years, so they must be doing something right.
Charcoal Pit, 2600 Concord Pike, Talleyville, (302) 478-2165
Twilley’s Willys, Fenwick Island
Twilley’s Willys in Fenwick Island has a menu loaded with hot dogs just as unique as its name.
Try one of the 17 different city-style dogs such as The Baltimore, loaded with large lump Maryland crab, macaroni & cheese and Old Bay or The Philly, topped with chopped steak, cheese sauce and caramelized onions.
The “Other Dogs” menu features fun styles like the Dirty Dog, which comes with chorizo, pico de gallo, cheese sauce and cilantro lime crema.
All are also available in veggie form.
Twilley’s Willys, 300 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, (302) 581-0255
Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen, Rehoboth Beach and South Bethany Beach
Mixed among potato latkes, Reubens and matzo ball soup, you’ll find some big dogs in the center of the Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen menu.
There are seven third-pound split hot dogs just waiting to fill you up from a plain dog you can dress up with sauerkraut to something that call Twinsies: a pair of third-pound dogs on one big bun. That’s nearly 11 ounces of beef.
If you want to try something new (and probably take a follow-up nap), go for The Big Dog, which is topped with pastrami, corned beef, bologna, melted cheddar.
Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen, Rehoboth Beach (18949 Coastal Highway, 302-645-1700) and South Bethany Beach (34444 Coastal Highway, 302-539-8550)
Gus & Gus Place, Rehoboth Beach
Gus & Gus Place is located on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and has a special hot dog that might bring on the nostalgia.
The classic oceanfront restaurant features basics such as a cheese dog, a chili dog and a sauerkraut dog, but rounds its menu off with a corn dog that will give you some real state fair feels.
If you stop by, choose your dog and then be sure to grab some of the “legendary fresh Idaho fries” cooked in peanut oil to go with it.
Gus & Gus Place, 15 S. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-3329
Ed’s Hot Dogs, New Castle
Located at Airport Plaza in New Castle, Ed’s Hot Dogs is known for its combo meals and great deals.
Their slogan? “Food so great, you’ll think we stole your Mom!”
The limited menu features hot dogs, hot sausages, Polish kielbasa, meatball sandwiches, cheesesteaks and breakfast sandwiches. And if you’re on a budget, it’s a winner.
Ed’s Hot Dogs, 138 Sunset Blvd., New Castle, (302) 883-1338
Doggie Style
Doggie Style, which grew from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar spot on Rehoboth Beach’s next to the former original home of Nicola Pizza, is the go-to spot for hot dogs in the “The Nation’s Summer Capital.”
A hot dog joint that also specializes on Caribbean fare offers 11 specialty hot dogs, alongside an array of sausages and a mini Mexican menu witch nachos, tacos and burritos.
The foot-long menu has dogs named after their style, ranging from the Lardeo, Little German and Little Brazilian to the Little Jamaican, Farmer and Little Weenie Between Two Eggs.
If you want to stick to the basics, try the Little Hillbilly with beef chili, cheese and onions. If you want to go off leash, try Little Boriqua topped with sweet plantains, chili, “Florida sauce,” cheese and potato sticks.
Doggie Style, 4 N. First St., Rehoboth Beach, (302) 384-4386
Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier) and X (@ryancormier).
Measles in Pennsylvania worries Delaware health officals
Delaware health officials are on high alert as measles cases rise in Pennsylvania.
As measles cases increase in Pennsylvania, Delaware health officials say they are on high alert, warning that “infectious diseases don’t care about state borders.”
Dr. Ayanna Buckner, chief physician in the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Epidemiology, said as of July 9, Delaware did not yet have any confirmed measles cases.
But she noted the state is vulnerable given its close proximity to outbreak locations, prior exposure incidents in Delaware and the highly contagious nature of the disease.
She also noted Delaware has already encountered potential measles threats this year, including an exposure linked to an out-of-state patient who sought treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital and the detection of measles in a Lewes wastewater sample.
“We do feel that our Delaware community is at high risk,” Buckner said. “We spend so much time doing investigations around infectious diseases, and measles is the one that we are on pins and needles about this summer.”
As of July 8, Pennsylvania had 101 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026, up from 94 on July 6. The majority of those were in Lancaster County – 60 total cases this year, including 52 since late April – and Lebanon County – 20 cases. These counties do not border Delaware.
However, four cases have been confirmed in Chester County since April. Chester borders the First State.
“We can’t say, ‘Oh, that’s over there in that state; we’re [OK],’” Buckner said. “Again, because infectious diseases don’t respect state borders.”
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Quotations are verbatim.
Question: How concerned should Delaware residents be about measles?
Answer: So far this year, the Division of Public Health has issued two health alerts about measles. The first was in February, when an unvaccinated resident of another state who was infected sought treatment at the Nemours Children’s Hospital emergency department. Health officials notified anyone who was potentially exposed and conducted contact tracing.
The second alert came in April, after routine wastewater testing in Lewes detected measles in a water sample.
“We were concerned that a measles case would pop up in Delaware, but that never happened. So we are making a guess that perhaps someone was traveling through the area. But again, if someone with measles travels through here, they could still potentially expose people that they come in contact with in Delaware.”
If a fully vaccinated person is exposed to measles, then visits or cares for an unvaccinated person, what’s the risk to the unvaccinated person?
Everything in the study of infectious diseases is a risk calculation, and a situation like that would be considered low risk. But “that is why vaccination is so important.”
What would you say to someone who is hesitant about vaccination?
“I cannot give a stronger recommendation for them, especially at this time. And I say especially at this time because every meeting I’m in, when I’m meeting with other states, when I’m attending national meetings, we’re always talking about measles.”
Given large-scale public events throughout the region this summer, such as the FIFA World Cup and American 250th anniversary events, “one of our biggest concerns is measles.”
My child isn’t old enough to be vaccinated. Are there common sense precautions I can take?
The first dose for infants is usually given between 12 and 15 months. Some states with outbreaks are recommending that babies get them earlier. Delaware is not one of them. However, it has long been recommended that a baby six months old or older who is planning to travel abroad get the measles vaccine.
“Be thoughtful about prevention and be really vigilant. If someone is telling you they’ve got a rash, they’ve got a cough, really try not to be around them. So often folks are like, ‘Oh, I can’t miss work,’ or ‘I don’t want to miss this playdate.’ But if someone’s sick, don’t bring your baby around.”
If I suspect myself or my child has measles, should I show up unannounced at a doctor’s office?
No. Call ahead and follow the health care facility’s instructions.
Are adults who were vaccinated decades ago still protected?
If you were born before 1957, you are considered immune. If you were fully vaccinated, you’re also considered immune. If you’re concerned, however, your doctor can order a blood test to check for immunity. Such testing is fairly common.
“When we are doing a measles investigation, the first thing we ask is, ‘Are you vaccinated? Can you show us proof of vaccination?’ If we can’t find it in our Delaware database, then we ask people, ‘Can you show us your records?’ If people don’t have them, then we think about whether we need to recommend prophylaxis. But one of the steps in between is people will frequently go and have their (blood) drawn, which can demonstrate immunity.”
If a measles case is identified in Delaware, what happens next?
The process begins by identifying those who were exposed and inquiring about vaccine status. Then, health officials will “make appropriate recommendations about prophylaxis” – or a measure taken to prevent a disease from occurring before it becomes an active illness.
“We will also work with facilities depending on what type of facility it was. If it’s a hospital, we usually can get names and make phone calls to them. But sometimes it’s a public event, and we don’t have someone who can just give us all the names, so we will use social media and/or provide a letter that the facility can provide to inform people. I strongly encourage everyone to follow the Division of Public Health social media pages … We also strongly encourage health professionals, school leaders, business leaders, as appropriate, to sign up for our Delaware Health Alert notification, and that’s on our website.”
Which famous people have visited Hotel du Pont in Delaware?
Athletes, world leaders, actors and other famous people have visited the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington over the years.
Southern rap icon 2 Chainz is coming for Delaware’s neck this summer in a special event highlighting his recently released New York Times Bestseller, “The Voice in My Head is God.”
This book talk is set for Wilmington Public Library on July 21. Folks interested in attending are required to purchase the book at registration. The cost of a ticket includes the book.
Here’s what to know about 2 Chainz, “The Voice in My Head is God” and how he was involved in one of the greatest hip-hop concerts that Delaware never got to see.
Who is rap star 2 Chainz?
Tauheed Epps, better known by the stage name 2 Chainz, is a 48-year-old Georgia native who used to rap under the controversial moniker Ti– Boi when he was a member of the duo Playaz Circle, alongside his friend Dolla Boy. In 2007, the duo signed to Ludacris’ Disturbing tha Peace (DTP), a label that operated under Def Jam, according to an article from Revolt.TV.
That same year, Playaz Circle dropped the major song “Duffle Bag Boy” featuring Lil Wayne. The Atlanta-area rapper eventually went solo and began his journey as a trap music icon who switched his name to 2 Chainz, under which he’s gained a ridiculous amount of music collaborations and success.
According to RIAA.com, 2 Chainz has racked up over a dozen singles and albums combined that have each gone platinum (including “I’m Different” and “Based on a T.R.U. Story”). That doesn’t even include the multiple guest records he’s appeared on that have gone platinum, too.
From Lil Wayne to Drake, 2 Chainz has worked with everyone
Some of the artists 2 Chainz has teamed with include Quavo and Gucci (“Good Drank”), Wiz Khalifa on the song “We Own It” (Fast and Furious) and J Cole (“Chris Tucker”), plus repeat collabs with artists like Kanye West (“Champions,” “The One”), Drake (“Sacrifices,” “No Lie”) and a joint album with Lil Wayne (“Welcome 2 Collegegrove”).
The rapper 2 Chainz has been nominated for six Grammys Awards and won his first in 2017 for Best Rap Performance on Chance The Rapper’s tune “No Problem.”
That time 2 Chainz brought in LeBron James
Thinking outside of the box, 2 Chainz brought on LeBron James (yep, the same NBA superstar who reportedly is considering signing with the Philadelphia 76ers) as an A&R for his 2019 album: “Rap or Go To the League,” Billboard reported.
2 Chainz releases new book, ‘The Voice in My Head is God’
The rapper’s new book released this past spring and highlights how 2 Chainz, raised by a single mom while his dad served prison time, chose to step away from the streets and discovered “his purpose: not by fame or fear, but by faith,” per the book’s synopsis on Amazon.
“In his most personal work yet, Grammy Award–winning rapper 2 Chainz shares the spiritual journey behind his success, offering a raw, reflective, and deeply motivational meditation on the inner voice that’s guided him his whole life: God.”
2 Chainz and the super Delaware concert that never was
One of Delaware’s greatest hip-hop concerts to never happen was supposed to include several rap legends a few years ago, and 2 Chainz was one of them.
This super concert was titled “Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50 Tour,” a celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, and it was set to be held at Frawley’s Stadium in Wilmington in 2023.
The tour stop to Delaware was slated to feature a lineup that included a blend of contemporary rappers and pioneers such as Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Fat Joe, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, EPMD, Rakim and Slick Rick.
Just days before the event, however, The Grand in Wilmington announced on social media that the plug had been pulled on the concert “due to circumstances beyond our control.”
A big reason the event was sunk is likely due to the price of tickets, which were initially $170 per person. The Grand offered the same tickets for $100 on Facebook not long before the show was canceled.
This upcoming book talk with 2 Chainz should be redemption for Delaware fans who missed him because of the canceled tour stop in 2023.
How much are tickets to see 2 Chainz in Delaware?
Interested guests are required to purchase 2 Chainz’s new book, “The Voice in my Head is God,” to attend his Delaware book talk. The price of ticketed admission is $28.52 and includes the book. Be warned: Tickets may not be available if you wait too long. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com.
Where in Delaware is 2 Chainz for his book talk?
Wilmington Public Library (10 E. 10th St., Wilmington) from 6 to 8 p.m. July 21. For more information, visit facebook.com/WilmingtonLibraryDE or Wilmington Public Library’s Eventbrite page or call (302) 571-7400.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
Is Jersey Mike’s the new fast‑food king? How it beat Chick‑fil‑A
Jersey Mike’s beats Chick-fil-A for top customer satisfaction in ACSI study; praised for fresh, made-to-order subs.
Plans for one of the nation’s most popular fast-food chains to open a location in the city of Delaware are moving forward.
Chick-fil-A is planning a new 5,033-square-foot restaurant with a double drive-through lane on a nearly 2-acre site on Delaware’s east side.
The development plans are headed to Delaware City Council after the city’s Planning Commission approved them July 1.
This location would be the first Chick-fil-A in the city of Delaware, but not in the county. The chain has a location in Lewis Center and three in the Polaris area, according to the company’s website.
The popular chicken restaurant, a Chipotle location and other to-be-announced restaurants and retail are part of a new Trailhead Crossing development planned on the eastern edge of Delaware near Sunbury Road (State Route 36) and Sky View Lane, documents indicate. City council approved rezoning the site in February.
Get more Delaware County news: Subscribe to The Dispatch’s free weekly Delaware County newsletter, The Delaware Dispatch.
The restaurant will include 92 indoor seats, an outdoor patio with 20 seats and 68 parking spots, planning documents show.
An internal access drive connecting to Sky View Lane from the west and Biltmore Drive from the north will be built within the site and will connect to all the lots within the Trailhead Crossing development. The access from Sky View Lane will be right-in/right-out only. The site will not have access directly from Sunbury Road, city documents state.
Chris Tebbe, an engineer with the Dublin-based firm Tebbe Civil Engineering, didn’t know an exact opening date for the restaurant, but said once plans are approved by the City Council, crews will be working on the location this year into next year.
Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X.
-
Los Angeles, Ca1 hour agoO.C. police prep for beach, theme park ‘takeovers’ promoted on social media
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoDetroit city leaders to DHS: Stop ICE pursuits which endanger the community
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoSF Supervisor Jackie Fielder hosts listening session after medical leave
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoThe Stewpot artists find healing, purpose and income through art in Dallas
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoCan Jason Marshall push for a starting spot – The Splash Zone 7/10/26
-
Boston, MA2 hours agoPolice investigating shooting in Downtown Crossing – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News
-
Denver, CO2 hours agoDenver mayor announces new $100 million plan to bring in 10,000 jobs
-
San Diego, CA2 hours agoWEBTOON Brings Top Creators for San Diego Comic-Con Panels
