Though the personification of hot dogs is a common advertising trope, be-limbed versions of the hand-held dinner inspire haunting dreams that linger atop pillows as phantom ketchup aromas. Today's Groupon puts the dog within the man instead of vice versa: for $7, you get $14 worth of hot dogs, drinks, and more at Capitol Dawg.

The Midtown hot-dog haven offers a dazzling display of bun-clad hot-dog and sausage dinners. The menu boasts 10 types of links, including the traditional beef frankfurter ($3.49), a polish sausage ($4.49), a steamed vegan dog ($3.49), and a crispy corn dog ($2.49; also available in vegetarian). Customize your dining delight with any of Capitol Dawg's 55 plus toppings (up to $1.25 each) or opt for one of the specialty dogs, such as the Tesla Dawg ($4.19), loaded with mustard, chili, and onions, or the El Senador Dawg ($5.39), a Sonoran-style bacon-wrapped dog nestled with a cozy blanket of pinto beans, cheese, jalapeños, grilled onions, and chopped fresh veggies. Dogs can also be paired with french fries and a fountain drink to form a mighty meal ($7.47+) or matched with a succulent side such as beer-battered onion rings ($2.99) or sweet-potato fries ($2.99) for a customized creation.

The lively eatery has a manic, vintagelike décor, complete with checkered floors and wall-covering knick-knacks throughout. The expansive outdoor patio makes it an ideal place to enjoy a meaty meal on a bread bed as a new Tuesday tradition or to linger over a root-beer float ($3.49) while pondering the moment in history when the hot dog was created.