Quick, think of a quintessential Tucson meal.
Some may think of a gooey cheese crisp that provides the perfect stringy cheese pull, or of a sweet, icy strawberry Eegee that cools you down on a hot summerβs day.
For most, though, they think of a hot dog.
More specifically, a grilled hot dog wrapped in a thick piece of crispy bacon and lying in a fluffy, buttery bun, topped with chopped tomatoes, onions, pinto beans and finished with a drizzle of mustard and mayonnaise.
The Sonoran dog is a Tucson staple, with hundreds of carts spanning across the county dedicated to serving up the sought-after dish.
What better way to celebrate the beloved dogs than with an ultimate Sonoran Dog Showdown, highlighting the best the westside has to offer.
From 6-10 p.m. on May 2, you can head to the MSA Annexβs Festival Grounds, at 267 S. Avenida del Convento, and channel your inner Gordan Ramsey. A $20 ticket includes bites from the six contestants and one vote for your favorite chef.
The $30 ticket includes the bites, a vote and two pints of ice-cold Mexican lager. Children 12-years-old and under can come in for free.
Those competing in this westside showdown include Rollies West, Gordo Dogs, Whatadogo, and Hotdogs 501, a new hotdog restaurant that has quickly become a favorite in town. There are also two mystery competitors!
Aside from the competition, the event will also feature live music from mariachis and a DJ, live luchador wrestling and goodies from local vendors.
To help wash down all the tasty Sonoran dogs, the 81 Barberβs bar, The Side Bar, will be serving up cocktails from a special drink menu, which will include their secret michelada mix.
For more information on the event, visit the Mercado Districtβs website. To buy tickets, you can click the link here.
