May 2, 2026, will go down in Naples history as a bad day to be a hot dog.
The Naples Hotdog Safari returned for another year of charitable giving and community connection ― all built around a shared appreciation for hot dogs.
Six restaurants competed to create the city’s best hot dog, with participants, or “safarians,” tasting and scoring each specialty dog across five different categories: the dog, bun, toppings, presentation, and value. After making their rounds, attendees submitted final ratings online. The top three finishers were announced during a lively closing ceremony at Mini Bar.
“The goal is simple: celebrate local restaurants, unite the community, and raise funds for one of Naples’ most impactful charities,” a Hotdog Safari spokesperson said in a news release.
Six hot dogs in a single day might sound excessive ― and to be fair, it is. But it’s also part of the fun.
While many locals spent their Saturday morning scouting out brunch spots, I was gearing up for a different kind of culinary marathon. My fiancé and I took on the challenge in support of St. Matthew’s House and the six participating restaurants. The verdict? Hot dogs remain undefeated, and Naples’ culinary scene continues to impress.
So, which hot dog came out on tip? Let’s break down each hot dog and see how they stacked up.
Sea Monkey Tavern: Gyro Hot Dog
Only Doubles: Cuban Dog & Mac Double Dog
Bicyclette Cookshop: Bagel Dawg
Nat Nat: Garlic Parm Dog
LuLu’s Kitchen: Reuben Hot Dog
Ankrolab Brewing Co.: Tropic Like It’s Hot Dog
This year’s competition was especially fierce, with each restaurant bringing bold flavors and creative twists that raised the bar across the board. If this year is any indication, the Naples Hotdog Safari is only getting more competitive and delicious. We can’t wait to see what participating restaurants cook up next year.
Kendall Little is the food & dining reporter for Naples Daily News. Questions, comments, or tips? Email Kendall.Little@NaplesNews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Bad day to be a hot dog: Naples Hotdog Safari raises funds for charity
Reporting by Kendall Little, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
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