Best Hot Dogs

[goldenroxy]

Just wondering if anyone knows any good hot dog places. I've been to Pink's a couple of times and they make great hot dogs. Can you think of any more?

[orythedog]

I like the red eye (spicy polish) extra well done with heavy yellow mustard at Carney's in Studio City.

[burnnemmdownn]

fab dogs in reseda has the best hot dogs that ive ever had.

theres a place called jerry's dogs in the valley i think that has good wood fire dogs, its like the subway of hot dogs, you tell them the dog you want then they take it to a little stand where they have all the condiments and they ask you what you want on it. its amazing. theyre home made chips are great aswell. :)

enjoy,

[TomSwift]

Fab is truly fabulous. The steam dog with simple condiments is one of my favorites. The more elaborate toppings/preparations are really good and flavorful but often mask the flavor of the dog.

[namstermonster]

my exp at fab's was the very opposite. the dog had a very funny taste.. like some imitation meat.. couldn't even finish it. i'd even rather have a boring oscar mayer than that again. blechh. on another note, the frito pie wasn't bad.

[maudies5]

After having a hot dog from Let's Be Frank, all other hot dogs will pale by comparison.I tried the regular hot dog and the bratwurst. I loved them both. These are fabulous dogs.
I had mine at their Truck in the Helm's Bakery complex. I understand they also have a location on Abbott Kinney.
http://www.letsbefrankdogs.com/

[Will Owen]

Okay, I'm opposite both you guys! All the dogs I tasted at Fab's were drop-dead delicious; we were all swapping bites and to hell with the cooties, like a bunch of starved kindergartners. As for Let's Be Frank, those are cool people in a cool truck and it was a cool scene - out in front of Silver Lake Liquor on a big wine-tasting night - so what's not to like? The weirdest excuse for a bratwurst is what. Bad enough that it was skinny and brown, but what a strange flavor. Not BAD, just... really not bratwurst. Mrs. O had a bite and said she wouldn't eat it; I didn't think it was inedible, and I don't throw food away unless it's gonna make me ill...

[mrshankly]

My experience with Let's Be Frank has also been the same as WIll's. The dog was practically inedible and I wanted to enjoy it. It had a bitter aftertaste with a "grainy" texture like I've run into with certain tofu products imitating meat counterparts... only worse I tried their dog again a few weeks later in an effort to gain some perspective and give it another shot and the experience was the same. Such a shame because the owners seem really nice with good intentions with regards to the quality and composition of their dogs. It's just not the same or even close to a good hot dog.

[jencounter]

I am just finishing up the last bites of a Fab's ripper with chili and cheese and I have to agree: this is the best hot dog I've ever had. And I don't even *like* hot dogs that much.

My son had the texas burrito concoction (it's two dogs with chili, cheese, fritos and I think bacon) and for the first time, I've experienced this 'snap' that everyone talks about and I realized...this is why I've never cared for hot dogs: because they don't taste like this.

[MarlaPR]

I agree! Fab's is the bomb!!!

[a_and_w]

I like the dogs at Let's Be Frank. I'm not usually a fan of grass-fed beef in dogs and burgers, but I thought these had nice flavor and snap. I also enjoyed the "hot" (i.e., spicy) dog, though there was some gristle. Like Will, however, the bratwurst tasted weird to me. I've never encountered the grainy texture Mr. Shankly describes, but have had dogs that lack snap on occasion. I think it might have something to do with low turnover at non-peak times.

PS: Would still kill for a Top Dog clone in LA.

[wienermobile]

I love hot dogs and Let's be Frank just didn't do it for me as much as I wanted to like it. For me it's Carneys , Cupids and my favorite Portillo's

[maxzook]

I think you mean Portillo's ... ?

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Portillo's Hot Dogs
8390 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620

[diaz]

My all time favorite is Chroni's Hot Dogs in ELA on Whittier Blvd. The Chili Dog is amazing. It's completely worth whatever drive you have to make to get there.

[maxzook]

YAHDL (Yet Another Hot Dog Link)

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Chronis
5825 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022

[WildSwede]

Thanks for these! ;-)

[PommeDeGuerre]

A hot dog convo without anything from Steve Doggie-Dogg? Where are you sir? The Dog-Lovin' masses await.

[tritip]

He has risen! New blog entry about Pink's on http://hotdogspot.com

[maxzook]

I have to qualify that it's been years since I've had a Barney's Beanery hot dog, which was really more of a barbecue-grilled knockwurst. I usually prefer my tube steaks steamed since grilling tends to dry them out, but the Barney's dogs were big enough that they could get the outsides crisp and dark without overcooking the insides.

Curious to know if they're still as good ...

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Barney's Beanery
8447 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

[Skunk2Racer]

i Like OKI DOG It's a Flour tortilla wrapped around 2 extra long hot dogs, covered with chili, cheese, & Pastrami. I always ask the grill guy to add "YASAI" Japanese for vegetables grilled onions, peppers & Cabbage. If you go to the Pico Location Tell them Hiroshi sent you.....

[ns1]

oki dog is delicious. the most amazing thing is the dogs are presented perfectly neatly, when things exactly where they are supposed to be. the chili dogs are perfectly sized, fitting neatly into your mouth. the chili stays on top of the hot dog. truly a fantastic hot dog shack.

[DiveFan]

See http://www.chowhound.com/topics/57177 for an unfortunate reawakening of an ancient parallel Topic. See Place links for maps and company web sites.

I hate to sound morbid, but has anyone heard from Steve Doggie-Dogg recently? His blog has been inactive for ~11 months. That's not like a real chowhound.

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QT Chicago Dogs
4344 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Nate 'n Al's Deli & Restaurant
414 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Tommy's Original World Famous
2575 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Jerry's Dogs
2276 E 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92705

European Meat Sausages Mfg
12926 Saticoy St, Los Angeles, CA 91605

Eureka Sausage Co
6835 Tujunga Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91605

Skooby's
6654 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Carney's
12601 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Portillo's Hot Dogs
8390 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620

Taste Chicago
603 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505

Larry's Chili Dog
3122 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Chronis
5825 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022

Brent's Delicatessen & Rstrnt - duplicate
19565 Parthenia St, Los Angeles, CA 91324

[WildSwede]

I was just thinking of him this weekend. I miss seeing him chime in on these 'dog posts. Hope all is well with him.
You left out Cupid's - 2 locations: Lindley just south of Nordhoff in Northridge and Vanowen just west of Winnetka in Reseda. Also, there is another QTs on Reseda and Parthenia. Larry's (which you already mentioned) is one of my faves.
Still have to make it to Portillo's and Chronis.

[WildSwede]

No, thanks for the info. I miss him!! ;-)

[maxzook]

Steve is alive and well and is busy with this:

http://www.animationarchive.org/

[PommeDeGuerre]

Good. If you know him, would you ask him to chime in now and again?
TIA

[brandygirl]

I just had one of the best hot dogs in LA right in my own home. I bought hot dogs from Brents deli in Northridge--gigantic, crisp bite, delicious.

[SIMIHOUND]

Wow...I have been going there for years and never tried the hot dogs. Does anyone have an idea where they get them from? I simply can't believe they make them there.

[ebethsdad]

The best hot dogs I have had in LA come from a little hole in the wall in the east Valley, the European Sausage Factory. Of course you have to take them home and cook them, but how hard is it to cook a hot dog? It's in a little industrial park on the south side of Saticoy just west of Coldwater. They make their own sausages as well as carrying a bewilderingly large line of imported delicacies. It's worth a trip, and the dogs, a traditional casing style a bit more garlicy than Nathan's, Hebrew National, or Vienna Beef, are sublime.

[ns1]

i'm partial to costco dogs (1.62 with a drink is hard to beat) and oki dog. their chili is quite tasty.

[jackattack]

Larry's in Burbank or Weiner Factory in Sherman Oaks

[SIMIHOUND]

Euro Sausage is a unique place...They have all sorts of fresh meats and sausages including chicken and turkey, smoked chicken, deli meats, some cakes including mun-poppy seed, and a small selection of european products. BTW if you like Polish red cabbage, like Weiner Factory serves this place has it.

12926 Saticoy Street North Hollywood, CA 91605
[phone] (may be the number for the manufacturing side of the house)

[iknowfood64]

If you want a good dog you have to eat at Chronies in East L.A., you will not be disapointed. The dogs have a great casing that pops when you take a bite. I have had Pinks and they are good, but Chronies blows them out of the water. Try their chili cheese dogs and you will know what I am talking about. It is located at the corner of Keenen and Whittier Blvd.

[nosh]

This is a fantastic place for dogs! Excellent, inexpensive, good fries too. Outside covered patio seating so great for a nice day when you have time to get there from downtown -- easy parking, efficient service. They do it right!

[slacker]

So...didn't you guys read The Jungle? I stopped eating hot dogs for a long long time after that. And it still pops into my head when I bite into a hot dog. :(
However, that has not stopped me from eating the street cart ones with bacon. As for Pink's, I never understood the lines, it's not that good.

[goldenroxy]

i'm thinking that i definitely don't want to read "The Jungle".

[Josh90004]

Is there anyplace in the Hollywood area to get a bacon wrapped dog during the daytime?

[maxzook]

Pink's is the obvious answer. As has been noted upthread, the line can be long but it moves fast, and seating can be a problem ... I like Pink's but I don't go out of my way, esp. when the parking lot is full.

My favorite local dog remains the Stand, but I admit I tend to favor places that feature New York-style red onions. I used to favor Weiner Factory until they got rid of the NY onions, but if I'm in the neighborhood I'll stop by for a dog with hot potato salad. Art's and most of the quality delis usually have good dogs.

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Pink's
709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Art's Delicatessen & Resturant
12224 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

The Stand
17000 Ventura Blvd Ste 204, Encino, CA 91316

The Stand
2000 Avenue of the Stars Ste 600N, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Wiener Factory
14917 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91403

[Josh90004]

"Pink's is the obvious answer. As has been noted upthread, the line can be long but it moves fast"

Moves fast?? Oy is all I can say if you think that is fast. Pink's inane ordering system creates the huge line, just as they want it to. But to wait an hour+ for a mediocre dog is a fool's game.

[ashlee]

I second The Stand. Check out Monday Dollar Dog Nite.

[Scotty]

I'm sure I'll get flamed, but one of the best deals is the hot dog at costco. Its a good big dog. I get one EVERY time I go to the store. You have to ask for Saurkraut but its free and it comes with a drink.

[kjs]

no flame here !!! i agree it's a good dog....and the price !!!! how can you go wrong ?

[ChinoWayne]

Gotta disagree, the Costco dogs are overrated. They seem to be just a Hebrew National Dinner Frank, steamed, and steaming is not the way to go with a casingless dog, should be grilled. Also tried their Polish dog, tasted just like their regular dog.

[spankbot]

"..just a Hebrew National Dinner Frank.."

Thats *exactly* what it is. So don't bother going to Cosco, just pick up a pack at the supermarket the next time you're there.

[Wes]

If you're going to the market go to Ralphs and get the PS brand. Crisp snap and great seasoning. In chubs with the meat, NOT in with the other inferior dogs.

[WildSwede]

Absolutely! Those are my faves - found them several years ago!

[djquinnc]

Now, I am one of those blasphemers who hates crunchy/chewy/snapcracklepop casings on any sort of sausage. Always looking for a good dog that doesn't make me work.

[mrshankly]

Try Costco (I'm serious). They use Hebrew National dinner franks and are quite hearty without the casing.

[goldenroxy]

no worries....my dad loves gas station hot dogs.

[mrshankly]

Agreed!!! Costco dogs are truely great. Then again, you can't go wrong with the price and the sausage that they use... Hebrew National Dinner Franks.

[foodcorejunior]

Agreed! $1.50 for a large Hebrew National hotdog & 20 oz fountain drink... plus, some fair condiment options (yellow mustard, deli mustard, onions, etc...).
Also a fan of Skooby's on Hollywood Blvd (near Cherokee) is awesome! Their buns are amazing. I'm a big fan of the garlic dog.
I have heard good things about the Edison (downtown) though I can't verify and I'm not a fan of pink's.
Also, it is worth noting that the arthouse movie theater on Wilshire in Beverly Hills sells bagel dogs at their concession stand, which I think is pretty awesome.

[kjs]

oops...i tried posting the pic...didn't work...let's try again

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r3...

[kjs]

awhile back i asked fellow chowhounds for recs on burgers in el monte/baldwin park - yesterday, i was in that area and paid a visit to art's on valley and i also tried to hit a 2nd burger place recommended yanniki's, also on valley, after sitting at the drive thru intercom for 5 minutes without a response , i went up to the window and tried to get someone's attention - no luck...i drove off and remembered seeing another burger place on valley bld, just west of the 605 fwy ( southside of valley ) - i believe it was called big d's - noticed that they had a worn out hot dog sign ...so what the heck..let me try a chili-dog - cheese, onions....wow...what a surprise - the dog had the "sap" similar dog to tommy's, but the chili was much better - a firmer chili with noticeable meat as opposed to the "stuff" tommy's serves ( and don't get me wrong...i kinda like that slop ! ) it cost $2.35...i think it's worth a try !!

[chowchi1]

Qt's in Sherman Oaks, Taste Chicago in Burbank and Portillo's in Buena Park. Pink's is overrated and Weiner Factory is underwhleming to say the least.

QT CHICAGO DOGS
4344 Woodman Av, Sherman Oaks
818.368.0111

[2chez mike]

Last time I went to The Weiner Factory(a couple of months ago) I found their dog mushy and bland. But some people prefer that.

[tatertotsrock]

I loved the WEINER FACTORY...went last week and I chose it as my favorite chili dog during my week of dog-crawling through the valley...whadda I know, I like Doger Dogs and Dogs from TOMMY"S.

[WildSwede]

Tater, did you get to Cupid's during your valley crawl? Also, Larry's in Burbank has a great chili dog.

[maxzook]

AHDL (Another Hot Dog Link)

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Larry's Chili Dog
3122 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

[tatertotsrock]

Thnaks, maxzook, for the info...makes for easier dog hunting.

[tatertotsrock]

Hi WildeSwede,
Sad to say that I wasn't knocked off my seat by Cupids. Nothing bad, but nothing good enough for me to do the drive to get there again.
Never heard of Larry's....guess I gotta go try 'em out now.
I'll report back.

[WildSwede]

That's okay. Everyone has their own tastes. Maybe Larry's will knock you off your seat!! ;-)

[Tom P]

I also love the bacon-wrapped dogs. I am not a fan of Pinks, oddly. Just don't like them that much. Probably my favorite dog in LA is at the Los Feliz Costco. Those are some good dogs. And only a buck-fifty, including drink!

[lil mikey]

My favorites are the bacon-wrapped dogs from the street carts outside major events. For a surefire bet at finding one, you can try Spring Street just south of Cesar Chavez on any Sunday afternoon. (It's by Olvera Street)

[wilafur]

they can be found on most street corners in the garment and toy districts as well.

[Obessed]

Ditto Carney's and the line at Pink's is not worth the wait.

[a_and_w]

Any places like Top Dog (i.e., the Bay Area chain)?

[mrshankly]

Top Dog is the best!! Hands down the best. NO HOT DOG in Los Angeles comes close and most of the places mentioned here (Pink's, Wiener Factory, etc) can't even compare to a pre-packaged 6-pack of Hebrew National dogs. I order Top Dogs by the 5lb bag and have them shipped down to me. My friends BEG me to cook up Top Dogs and I've even given 5lb bags as Christmas gifts to absolutely elated friends. Save your pennies on the generic junk dogs of Los Angeles and order up some Top Dogs to cook at home (www.topdoghotdogs.com)... and no, I don't work for Top Dog.

[a_and_w]

Yes, I think mail order is the way to go, though it's still beyond me why someone doesn't just open a clone down here. BTW, someone recommended the Stand to me as a possible substitute. I tried the Century City location -- it's tasty but *nothing* like Top Dog.

[mrshankly]

There is actually a stand version of Top Dog originally franchised by them but they've since removed themselves from the process. The place is called The Dog Out and they're located primarily in northern San Diego County. I looked into franchising but the cost is astronomical... almost as much as franchising a Quiznos.

[nosh]

C'mon, mrshankly. I agree that Hebrew National dogs are great, but you know they come in a seven-pack, except for the thicker-dog four-packs.

[mrshankly]

Oops!! My mistake. 7 pack it is!!

[burnnemmdownn]

Fab Dogs is better!

[SIMIHOUND]

One of the best is Weiner Factory 14917 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks at Kester and Ventura Blvd. 818.789.2676. They have awesome dogs but I favor the polish dogs-mild or spicy hot. They open at 11am every day and close at different times depending on if it's a weekday or weekend. No alcohol served. See http://hotdogspot.com/2004/07/wiener-... for a great review,.

[burnnemmdownn]

This place closed down ):

[maxzook]

Check the date, Simihound's post is almost three years old. (Believe me, it would've been difficult to have missed the news on this board when Wiener Factory closed down.)

[tuckychica]

If you're in OC, try Portillos (from Chicago). Famous for their dogs, and also have great italian beef.

[2chez mike]

Tommy's has a good dog. But, sadly, they don't have sauerkraut.

Carney's is my favorite, though.

[ElsieDee]

You can browse Steve Doggie-Dogg's blog at: http://hotdogspot.com/ - for some reason the blog looks odd today - the right-hand list of reviews is at the bottom of the page when I go to the page. Go figure. Anyway, I don't agree with all of the reviews (but that's why I'm a Hound), but it's entertaining and informative reading and he's found some excellent places.

[Diana]

Never had Pink's..heard the line wasn't worth the dog.

[goldenroxy]

the line actually moves pretty fast. the main problem is finding a table to eat.

[burnnemmdownn]

its not.

so many other better hot dog places.

[elmomonster]

If you're in OC, try Jerry's Dogs (locations in Santa Ana and La Habra). Truly one of the best dogs I've had.

Here's my review of it with photos.
http://elmomonster.blogspot.com/2006/...

[normalheightsfoodie]

NATE AND AL'S, they bring the Saurkraut to the table as a starter.

[sku]

My favorites besides Pink's are Carneys (locations on Sunset and Studio City) and Skooby's on Hollywood Blvd. Check out http://www.hotdogspot.com/

[goldenroxy]

thank you :)

[ozzygee]

There is a parallel thread on hot dog size that you might want to check out.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/367366

[goldenroxy]

oh sorry. didn't see that post.