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.

Although Peter Luger Steak House is best known for its steaks, many visitors come here specifically for the bacon, which is served as an appetizer. These are not the usual thin strips familiar from diners, but massive thick cuts of cured pork belly. The meat is roasted until a crispy crust forms, while the inside remains juicy and tender.

On the menu, this item appears simply as "Luger’s Sizzling Bacon." Guests often order one or two pieces per person before the main course. The restaurant has been operating for many years and accepts only cash or its own debit cards, so it’s best to be prepared in advance.

This restaurant has been operating for over a hundred years and offers visitors its signature "Heart-Stopping BLT" sandwich. The main feature of this dish at Crown Candy Kitchen is the sheer amount of meat. Each sandwich is packed with fourteen strips of fried bacon, complemented by lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise on toasted white bread.

Because of the large number of ingredients, the sandwich is quite difficult to eat without the contents falling apart. The place is also well known for its milkshakes and desserts, but it is this bacon-loaded sandwich that attracts those who want to test their limits.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/crowncandykitchen

Texas barbecue is usually associated with beef, but Heim Barbecue gained popularity thanks to a dish called "Bacon Burnt Ends." These are chunks of pork belly that are slow-smoked over wood and then coated in a sweet-and-spicy sauce. The result resembles meaty lollipops with a pronounced smoky flavor.

The place started out as a food truck but grew into a full-fledged restaurant largely due to demand for this very menu item. You can order other types of meat here as well, but most orders include a serving of smoked bacon either as a main dish or as part of a barbecue platter.

Tony’s I-75 is located near the highway and is known for its outrageously large portions. The main reason to stop here is their signature BLT. This sandwich is stuffed with a full pound (about 450 grams) of fried bacon. The bread and vegetables play more of a decorative role, as the meat takes up almost the entire plate.

Because of this massive amount of fatty food, the restaurant is often mentioned in lists of places with the largest portions in the country. Visitors frequently order one sandwich to share or take the leftovers to go, since not everyone manages to finish the dish in one sitting.

The Hash House A Go Go chain is known for its concept of "twisted farm food." Dishes here are served in enormous portions, often held together on the plate with a knife. Bacon is added to waffles, baked into dough, or served as thick steak-like slabs alongside eggs.

One of the signature dishes is sage-fried chicken with waffles that have strips of smoked bacon baked right inside. The restaurant doesn’t try to be refined; the main focus is on sheer quantity and bold, rich flavors, catering perfectly to the tastes of tourists in Las Vegas.

This bar is known for its burgers, which are often described as extreme. The Vortex offers a burger called the "Triple Coronary Bypass." Instead of regular buns, it uses three grilled cheese sandwiches, with patties, eggs, and a large amount of bacon inside.

The menu includes a separate section dedicated to pork dishes, including bacon battered and deep-fried. The establishment enforces strict house rules and age restrictions (adults only), which allows it to maintain its distinctive concept without catering to a family audience.

Cochon Butcher is both a butcher shop and a sandwich spot specializing in Cajun cuisine and pork. They break down whole animals in-house and produce their own sausages and bacon. One of the most well-known dishes is the "Buckboard Bacon Melt" - a sandwich with bacon, greens, and Swiss cheese on white bread.

The establishment focuses on meat quality and traditional smoking methods typical of Louisiana. The menu changes depending on product availability, but bacon-based items, including sliced meats and sandwiches, are always available for a quick bite.

At Ted’s Bulletin, breakfast is served all day, and bacon plays an important role on the menu. One popular item is "Millionaire’s Bacon" - thick-cut bacon baked with brown sugar and spices until caramelized. This gives the dish a sweet note that contrasts with the salty meat.

In addition, bacon is used in the house-made “pop-tarts” (filled pastries) and even added to milkshakes. The restaurant focuses on classic American comfort food, where simple ingredients are prepared in a straightforward, familiar way.

Swig & Swine is a classic South Carolina barbecue spot that focuses on wood-smoked meats. One of the most popular items on the menu is their chocolate-covered bacon and glazed bacon, which are served as standalone appetizers. They use thick cuts of pork that go through a long smoking process, giving them an intense smoky aroma.

In addition to the dessert-style options, bacon is added to many side dishes here, such as braised greens or corn pudding. The restaurant operates in a traditional, cafeteria-style barbecue format, with an emphasis on product quality and time-honored recipes from the state.

This Florida restaurant is known for its breakfast and brunch approach, where bacon takes center stage. The signature dish that draws guests in is the "Cap’n Crunch Bacon Pancakes." The dish combines sweet pancakes with salty, crispy pieces of pork, creating a clear contrast of flavors.

The menu also often features candied bacon with spicy seasonings. The restaurant focuses on straightforward food served in large portions. The chefs don’t try to overcomplicate the presentation, concentrating instead on keeping the bacon crispy and making it the main highlight in every dish where it appears.