Get Your Fix on International Bacon Day

Let's face it — we don't need any excuses to celebrate the sizzling, smoky, crunchy and deliciousness that is bacon. It's a breakfast staple along with its counterparts of eggs, toast and potatoes, and it's the star player of many lunch and dinner dishes, from sandwiches to soups and more. It's a flavor booster and unsuspecting surprise in some of our favorite drinks, and it even has its own holiday, in case you still had any doubts. That's right, Sept. 5 is International Bacon Day, and there's no better way to celebrate than checking out some of these restaurants below that are known for bringing their bacon A game.

You'd be surprised how a strip of bacon can enhance the taste of a Bloody Mary, and Hash Kitchen is the place to go with their ultimate Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar. You can also get a non-alcohol version with just the tomato juice and any of their over 50 craft toppings. Don't miss the scrambler filled with thick cut bacon. Hash Kitchen has four locations across the Valley in Chandler, Arcadia and Scottsdale. www.hashkitchen.com

The aptly-named Oink Cafe is certainly known for its "breakfast, lunch and bacon," just like it says on their website. In fact, bacon is part of quite a few of the dishes like the California Chicken Omelet and and the Bacon Benedict. There's even a Bacon Flight that gives you a chance to sample 8 different types of bacon, from jalapeño to sugar cured and hickory. For lunch, the B.L.T. is a must or get the Oink Burger, a half pound of beef topped with two slices of your choice of bacon, grilled onions and mushrooms and cheddar cheese. There are two Oink Cafe locations in Paradise Valley and Tucson. www.oinkcafe.com

O.H.S.O. Brewery & Distillery is all about the casual comfort food, and you haven't lived until you try the Artichoke Dip with a big scoop of sweet bacon relish clumped right in the middle. The smoky flavor enhances the spinach and artichoke combination and is delicious on both the accompanying pita bread and tortilla chips. While you're there, try the Salmon BLT and the PBJ Burger, a half pound beef patty with a peanut butter and bacon jam, crispy onion strings, cheese, Sriracha aioli and of course more bacon on top. Find an O.H.S.O. in Arcadia, Gilbert, Paradise Valley and Scottsdale. www.ohsobrewery.com

Beckett's Table features bacon in several different but equally tasty ways. Start off first with the Bacon Cheddar Biscuits served with apple butter. For a main meal, order the Flattop Seared Cheeseburger that's stacked with charred onions, bacon, American cheese and house-made mustard and pickles. Make sure to save room for the Chocolate Dipped Bacon S'mores (yes, you read that right) topped with a caramel whipped peanut butter. Beckett's Table is located at 3717 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; 602.954.1700; www.https://beckettstable.com

There are a few different ways to get your bacon fix at St. Francis. It is the home of The Famous Pig Dip after all. That has wood-roasted pork loin, bacon, fennel and onion marmalade, dijon, gruyere and pork jus, all served on a baguette with more pork jus on the side. The shrimp in the Shrimp and Grits is wrapped in bacon while the Pulled Bacon BBQ Pizza is not to be missed. St. Francis is located at 111 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602.200.8111; www.stfrancisaz.com

If you're looking for something both sweet and savory, stop into The Local Donut for their Maple Bacon Donut. The salty topping goes perfectly with the sweetness of the maple syrup flavor. The Local Donut is located at 3213 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.500.5236; www.thelocaldonutshop.com

Bacon added to anything is just plain good, and Short Leash Hotdogs takes that to heart with the Bear dog, a hot dog with a meat of your choice (or veggie) that's covered with bacon, BBQ sauce, Cracker Jack popcorn, peanut butter, and smoked Gouda. The Loaded Fries with bacon, blue cheese, sautéed onions and dragon sauce are also a hit. Short Leash Hotdogs is located at 4221 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix; 602.795.2193; www.shortleashhotdogs.com

Have you ever had candied bacon? It's delicious, especially in the Macintosh's Common Ground Brussels. Charred brussels sprouts are mixed with garlic, balsamic reduction and of course, the candied bacon. It's totally melt-in-your-mouth good. For more bacon yumminess, get the Bacon Mac N' Cheese or the Cowboy Bacon Burger. Macintosh is located at 2119 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602.368.8766; www.themacintoshaz.com

You'll be convinced that bacon belongs on dessert if you sample the Bacon & Bourbon at The Screamery. The ice cream shop is known for its unique combinations, and this one is no exception. The intense flavor comes from candied bacon pieces mixed with a Maker's Mark bourbon-infused ice cream base. The Screamery has locations in Chandler, Marana, Phoenix and Tucson. www.thescreamery.com

You probably know that Postino is famous for its bruschetta, and the Burrata, Bacon, Arugula and Tomato one is a standout. Also try the Brussels Sprouts Salad with bits of bacon and the Nine Iron panini with smoked bacon and grilled chicken. Postino has locations in Arcadia, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Tucson. www.postinowinecafe.com