Best Restaurants for National Bacon Day Across the US

National Bacon Day, celebrated on December 30, is a great opportunity for all bacon lovers to celebrate this delicious ingredient. The day was created in 1997 by friends Dan Goodman and Meff Leonard as an informal holiday that allows people to come together around their love for bacon, offering an alternative to traditional winter holidays. Since then, National Bacon Day has become popular among food enthusiasts across the country.

History of Bacon
Bacon has a long history that spans thousands of years. It is believed that the first references to it appeared as early as 1500 BC in China, where pork was salted and preserved. This practice quickly spread through the Roman Empire, where bacon became a popular food. The word "bacon" comes from the Old English "bacoun," meaning "back," and was originally used to describe various types of pork.

Over the centuries, bacon has evolved, and today it is enjoyed for breakfast and in various dishes—from sandwiches to desserts. For example, bacon is often added to salads, burgers, or even chocolate candies.

Here's a look at some of the best spots where you can indulge in bacon-inspired dishes this National Bacon Day.

The Smith offers a crispy pork belly Benedict that is a must-try. This dish combines perfectly cooked pork belly with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on a toasted English muffin. This popular New York City brasserie is well-known for its classic American comfort food. The Smith also offers a bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and features a variety of bacon-based sides like crispy bacon served alongside their signature mac and cheese.

Located at 1300 N Dearborn St, this café is known for its maple-glazed bacon, served with artisanal avocado toast or poached eggs. Another popular dish is the bacon-wrapped dates - a sweet and savory combination. For a heartier option, the café serves a bacon-and-egg breakfast sandwich on a brioche bun, along with a side of crispy bacon. The café focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients, providing a refined brunch experience in a stylish setting within the Restoration Hardware gallery.

Photo Credit: google.com

Jojo, located in the Pearl District, is named after its signature crispy potato wedges seasoned to perfection. Its weekend-only brunch menu features crowd favorites like chicken and waffles, a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich, and French toast. For vegan diners, options include a plant-based bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit and a spicy breakfast burger topped with vegan cheddar and smoky bacon alternatives.

Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis is a well-known restaurant that focuses on using local ingredients. It offers a variety of dishes, including those made with bacon, which are carefully prepared and full of flavor. The restaurant combines simple techniques with quality ingredients, making it a popular spot in the city.

At Loveless Café in Nashville, bacon is an essential ingredient in a variety of dishes. The menu features classic Southern comfort food, including waffles and pancakes topped with crispy bacon and syrup, as well as a hearty breakfast of eggs with bacon and savory pork cutlets. Additionally, the café serves a unique bacon pie, adding the smoky, salty flavor to a Southern-inspired dessert. These dishes, along with the restaurant's famous biscuits, make it a must-visit spot for bacon lovers.

Harry & Izzy's, located at 153 S Illinois St in Indianapolis, is an upscale steakhouse known for its excellent food and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is famous for its classic American cuisine, with a focus on high-quality steaks, seafood, and a selection of cocktails. One of their standout offerings is their bacon-wrapped shrimp, which features shrimp delicately wrapped in crispy bacon, creating the perfect balance of savory flavors.

Tupelo Honey in Denver serves Southern-inspired dishes with bacon featured in several of their menu items.

For dessert, the restaurant offers classic Southern sweets that complement their savory dishes. The drink menu includes a range of craft cocktails and other beverages.

Sunny Point Café in Asheville, NC, is celebrated for its creative use of bacon. A standout is their bacon-stuffed French toast, blending crispy pieces with sweet flavors. Other popular choices include breakfast plates featuring thick-cut bacon paired with eggs, potatoes, and house-made sides.

The café's commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown in their on-site garden, ensures the highest quality in every dish.

Blu Jam Café is a popular café in Los Angeles, known for its breakfast and lunch menu. The café attracts visitors not only with its cozy atmosphere but also with exceptional dishes, with a particular emphasis on bacon. Bacon is featured in many of their offerings, adding rich flavor and texture. One of their signature dishes is Breakfast Pasta: rigatoni with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and Parmesan.

In addition to this, bacon can be found in a variety of sandwiches, salads, and even appetizers. The café also caters to diverse dietary needs, offering numerous vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it a welcoming space for all guests.

Foreign Cinema, located at 2534 Mission Street in San Francisco, California, is a unique restaurant that blends high-quality cuisine with the ambiance of an outdoor cinema. Known for its creative approach to California seasonal cuisine, it features dishes made with locally sourced ingredients prepared with classic techniques.

A standout feature of the restaurant is the opportunity to dine under the stars, with films projected on a wall in the inner courtyard. The menu constantly evolves, but always includes seafood, gourmet salads, and main courses that highlight seasonal produce. Bacon plays an important role in many of the dishes, adding depth of flavor and a crispy texture. In addition to the main menu, the restaurant offers an excellent selection of wines and cocktails, adding extra charm to every evening.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/foreigncinemasf/