4 Philly bars and restaurants filling the Dollar Dog Night void

Now that Dollar Dog Night is no more — abruptly replaced with just two far less catchy buy-one-get-one dog nights — bereft Phillies fans may look elsewhere for their frankfurter fix. Luckily, a handful of bars and restaurants have dutifully stepped up to the plate to provide hot dog bargains all season long. As a bonus, there’s a one-night-only hot dog special from one of the best hoagie-makers in town.

The Italian Market basement bar claims a number of Phillies devotees. They congregate there regularly, tracking the whole of the NL East’s standings and the Phils’ performance in particular. So it follows that 12 Steps embraces the crowd yearly Phillies specials. The details on the 2024 season aren’t yet finalized, but if they’re anything like last year’s — $1 dogs, $5 Victory drafts, $5 hand-cut french fries with lemon aioli and smoky ketchup — that’s where you’ll find us on game day. The bar’s open seven days a week till 2 a.m., and the kitchen is reliably open till midnight, which means you can even enjoy a dollar dog during those late-night away games on the West Coast. “You can make a seven-course meal out of it,” a bartender joked on a recent visit, adding that a lot of weekend customers order a single dog while waiting for a table at Fiorella, a block away. More likely, you’ll see the dogs come out of the kitchen two by two. 831 Christian St., 215-238-0379, 12stepsdown.com

Right off I-95 on State Road, Jimmy’s Timeout looks a little divey from the outside, but it’s got a country club feel on the inside, with handsome beadboard paneling and framed posters of boxing matches past. This is the original Dollar Dog Night outside of CBP that started nearly 10 years ago. The $1 hot dogs and $3 16 oz. beers every Phillies game are a steal, but the regular prices aren’t too much higher: Burgers and sandwiches (roast beef, roast pork, meatball, crab cake, etc.) go for $10 and under, boardwalk fries and mozzarella sticks are $5, plain pizzas are $10. Factor in daily specials like Monday’s all-you-can-eat wings for $15, Tuesday’s $10 pitcher of beer and a pie, and $3 well drinks and wine during Power Hour — weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. — and Jimmy’s Timeout might be the best bargain in town. 5001 Linden Ave., 267-538-6160, jimmystimeout.com

OK, we admit it, the hot dogs here are $2 during Phillies home games (Dos Equis drafts for $3). To be fair, though, the dogs come with (optional) accoutrements, accounting for the extra buck. This year, there are three options: The regular (a standard dog, no better or worse than what you’d get at the stadium); the Tex hot dog with baked beans, cheese sauce, and habanero mustard; and the Mex, with pico de gallo and cheese sauce. Round out your order with cheap side dishes and you’ll still wind up with an embarrassingly small check. If you want to upgrade to a better brat right there, order the house-made smoked sausage, served with Texas toast and pickles. At $11 for ½ pound, it’s well worth it. 1040 N. Second St., 215-925-1110, elcaminophilly.com

Known for their legendary tamales and “OG tacos,” this East Passyunk Mexican restaurant is bringing the dollar dog to South Philly. Juana Tamale will be serving $1 beef hot dogs for every Phillies home game that the restaurant is open (check their Instagram for updated hours at @juanatamale). They can guarantee a great time and good food, but “can’t promise to use a cannon to get it to you” like the Phanatic — but they’ll certainly try. 1941 E. Passyunk Ave., 267-273-0894, juana-tamale.square.site

Northeast hoagie powerhouse Fink’s Hoagies is honoring the fall of Dollar Dog Night with a one-night special of their own. Tuesday, April 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. Fink’s will be opening for a $1 hot dog special. They’ll have deals on smaller-sized hoagies and handing out giveaways. Fink’s is known for their award-winning Italian hoagies, plus their gourmet sandwiches named after neighborhoods in the Northeast. 4633 Princeton Ave., 215-335-2828, finkshoagies.com

The three downtown Philadelphia locations of this burger-and-shake chain are running dollar dog promotions on March 28, April 2, and April 16. Dogs are normally $4.49 a pop, so it’s a good deal — albeit limited to four dogs per order (dine-in or pickup only). There are some other terms and conditions, too. 105 S. 12th St., (215) 709-2702; 2000 Sansom St., 215-809-1742; 3200 Chestnut St., 267-338-3464; shakeshack.com