Hot Dogs For A Good Cause: Gapers Block's Annual Hot Dog Cookoff

By Lisa White in Food on Jul 11, 2014 9:30PM

It’s no secret that we love our encased meat here at Chicagoist. Almost as much as our readers love them as well, as evident by the passionate debates when we share our personal favorite spots around the city to get a nice hot dog fix. Combine our love of tubular meat and the sport of competition all for a good cause and you have our attention. Local outlet Gapers Block is doing all of that this weekend at their second annual hot dog cookoff at Schuba’s.

The setup is simple; give a group of creative culinary minds some Vienna Beef hot dogs and let their imaginations run wild. Winners will be crowned, both by a panel of judges (including Chicagoist Associate Editor, writer of this article and former hot dog columnist, Lisa White) and a People’s Choice award. At the end of the day, proceeds from the event will benefit Reach Out and Read Illinois.

Last year’s champion, ManBQue, will be defending their title while Harmony Grill will have home field advantage, but we're looking forward to what creative concoction Fat Rice will come up with. Entry to the cookoff will get you tasting portions of each creation, DJs spinning music and a live performance from The Get Up With the Get Downs. There will also be a cash bar with drink specials from Old Style, raffle prizes and some cornhole for those who want to toss around the old bean bag. Although we usually don’t need any extra excuses to spend the afternoon eating hot dogs and drinking beer.

The Gapers Block Hot Dog Cookoff is tomorrow, Saturday July 12 from 2 to 7 p.m. outdoors at Schubas (3159 N. Southport Ave). Tickets are $20, Kids 12 and under are $10. Tickets are available online here or at the door. Proceeds will benefit Reach Out and Read Illinois.