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Tips for Dining, Eating, and Food Shopping in the Greater Los Angeles Area (including Orange County and Malibu)

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Chili Dogs

I'm surprised that I wasn't able to find a recent thread about this in the archives. Who, in your opinion, puts together the finest chili dog in Los Angeles? What makes it better than the rest?

Carney's?
Pink's?
Tommy's?
Skooby's?
.others?

90 Replies so Far

  1. I'm partial to the chili dog at THE STAND and also to the ones served up THE HAT (www.thehat.com) when I can't get the time to drive to the SFV.

    Link: http://www.thestandlink.com/index.htm

    1. re: ipse dixit

      I have given this issue great thought for many years and I have THE ANSWER. Go to Chili My Soul in Encino and get a pint of whatever chili strikes your fancy. Then run down the street 3 miles to Weiner Factory in Sherman Oaks for one of their dogs or polish sausages. Add condiments provided, add chili. Voila!

      1. re: Dave Gee

        What about the chili dog they have at Chili My Soul? I've never had it, and doubt it compares all that well to the polish sausage at Weiner Factory, but wouldn't it do pretty well for one-stop shopping? The other items Chili My Soul does using chili (e.g., the burger, Nachos, and chili fries) are all very good.

        And the chili, imho, is far superior to the chili at The Stand.

        1. re: Jess

          It doesnt have to compare. My point was that your bringing together the best of two worlds so to speak-great chili and great hot dogs, polish sausages and chicken sausages. BTW the chili at WF could stand some work. Also I don't care for the Stand or anyplace that puts raisins on a hot dog. I am a die hard Weiner Factory devotee.

        2. re: Dave Gee

          That's a pretty good idea. The WF has great dogs but very ordinary chili but I'm concerned about the final assembly of the unit. If you work in the west SFV, the dog cart on Townsgate, south of the 101, off at Thousand Oaks Blvd, has Sabretts and pretty good chili. Lament the chili at Jay's. Now that was some chili!

          1. re: TomSwift

            Mmmmm... Jay's Grilldog. R.I.P.

        3. re: ipse dixit

          I like The Stand chili dog. The Stand goes out of their way to make the hot dogs (and sausages)an epicurean experience by making several of their sauces from scratch. Owner told me they have 2 more Stands planned next year for the other side of the hill.
          Tommy's-I think a few years ago they changed the hot dog at Tommy's and it isn't a natural casing hot dog but a skinless hot dog. Still a great classic chili dog.

          Image: http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/10...

          1. re: K

            That link doesn't work.

          2. re: ipse dixit

            Might I add that Mondays at the Stand is $1 dog day!

          3. I know this will rattle your senses but Der Weinersnitzel (sp) has pretty good chili dogs. The chili is very very good, the dog could use some improving. All in all though not a bad chili dog at all.

            1. re: Wes

              Try their all beef hotdog. They are good. I also love their chili cheese fries (well done, of course!)

            2. I just had my first Tommy's chili dog (with cheese) and I have to say it was probably the best one I've ever experienced. I'm not a chili dog fanatic but occassionally I'll get a craving for them and usually go to Weinerschnizel out of convenience. The chili dog at Tommy's is so far out of Weinerschnitzel's league in my opinion, it's not even funny. It was HUGE and covered in a heaping amount of chili and melted cheese and topped off with huge slices of pickles and salted tomatoes. Incredible! I will never look at Weinerschnitzel or The Stand the same again now that I've had this dog.

              1. re: Erika RollerGirl

                LOL! I was going to humbly offer Tommy's Chili Dog myself... Although personally, I perfer my dog on the simple side and I haven't had it in YEARS, but the times that I did, it was indeed wonderful as you describe...

                --Dommy!

                1. re: Dommy!

                  Years ago the Chili Dog and the Tamale were my favorites at Tommy's. It has been decades sine I was there. Glad to know that the Chili Dog is still on the menu. Now I gotta go back for a taste from the past.

                  1. re: Dommy!

                    ...and one evening as we were driving by the Tommy's on Hill Ave. just north of PCC, Tania said, "Oh...if you ever go there, get the chili dog."

                    I think I just heard my South Beach Diet make loud cracking noises...

                2. Have never tried the chili dogs at Tommy's, Skooby's, The Stand, Pink's or Der Wienerschnitzel. So, to be fair, I cannot comment on these.

                  I have tried the "Carney Dog" at Carney's, though. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a good chili dog. I get mine with tomatoes on the side and enjoy the cool (and juicy) tomatoes juxtaposed against the hot, spicy hot dog, chili, mustard and bun combination.

                  One heck of a good chili dog at Carney's!

                  Two locations to choose from. I like the Ventura Boulevard location for ambience, but the Sunset Boulevard location has a liquor license.

                  Go, eat and enjoy!

                  1. re: David Ford

                    Oops! I meant to include these:

                    12601 Ventura Boulevard
                    Studio City, CA 91604
                    (818) 761-8300

                    8351 W. Sunset Boulevard
                    Los Angeles, CA 90069
                    (323) 654-8300

                    1. re: David Ford

                      I, for the first time, tried Carney's (on Ventura Blvd.) for the first time last night. WOW! Evereyone on this board was right. I ordered the small chili cheese fries (well done) and the Chicago Style Dog (mustard, relish, onions).
                      The dog was SO flavorful. I was really impressed. The chili fries were okay, but I found I needed to add salt to get the flavor "just right" for my 'buds. Add a few of those hot little yellow numbers and I was in good shape.
                      I only ate around 1/3 of the fries and the hot dog and was well satisfied.
                      Odd that I have never been here before and I grew up in the valley and have been driving by it forever!

                      1. re: WildSwede

                        You definitely want to try the Carney Dog at some point. Not that I have much of a basis for comparison -- as evidenced by my first post. But to me, it is a truly delicious chili dog. Really good. Consider having it my way; with a mouthful of fresh tomato slice in every bite!

                        And if you want to try a good burger, order a "half-pound" cheeseburger with everything. You will not regret it. Be sure to go around the lunch or dinner rush if at all possible. It will maximize your chances for the best possible Carney's experience!

                        1. re: David Ford

                          Thanks, I will!! ;-)

                          1. re: David Ford

                            The Carney's Red Eye split and grilled is the bomb!!

                      2. As mentioned below, I had the carney's dog (although not the chili dog) last night. Really good. I could see the chili dog being good.
                        I like Pinks. Ususally order their chili cheese fries and a chili cheese dog, and cannot finish either. Prefer the fries over the dog.
                        I personally prefer Cupid's which has a few original locations in the valley. Parthenia/just south of Nordhoff; Vanowen/just east of Winnetka. The original locations (unlike the "fake" new ones that are popping up) only serve hot dogs (original - chili, mustard, onions) add ketchup per request and cheese for .25 cents, drinks and chips. Period. Small hut, outside seating. Delicious!!
                        Weinerschnitzel does a good chili dog, but I prefer their all beef hotdog. Once again, I am more of a fan of their chili cheese friest (well done) than the dogs. I guess I am a big chili cheese fries person!!
                        Tommy's is good as well and as mentioned below - HUGE!
                        All of these places are different in their own way and are a matter of preference to each person's individual tastes. Try them out yourself and see which place comes out ahead!!
                        I have also had the chili dogs at The Hat which is okay and Wolfe Burgers (which by the way has a change of owner notice in the window) which I have no recollection of whether or not I liked.

                        1. My vote would be for Topps over in Pasadena or Arcadia. If you get their chili-cheesedog with diced onions over it with a side of onion-rings you'll be set! I'm a big fan of Tommy's as well but Topps is good for that small town feel. I'd also get a small order of chili-cheese fries there too but that'd be overkill. =P

                          1. Tommy's is my favorite but Pinks and The Hat are also pretty good. You also might want to try Lucky Boy in Pasadena.

                            1. Tommy's is the best....there's so much chili on the hot dog I can dip my fries into the chili and have chili and fries and plenty of chili left for the dog. They also put a hefty couple slices of tomatoes and plenty of pickles.

                              1. I love chili dogs and have tried many of them across Los Angeles, but hands down the champion of all chili dogs, with or with out cheese, is and always will be Chronies in East L.A. I have been going to this spot and eating chili dogs and the rest of their food since I was a little boy. I highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys good food from a good hamburger/hot dog stand. Their good food does not stop at chili dogs, they also have very good cheese burgers, tamales, pastramis, chili cheese fries and root beer floats. When I eat at Chronies I order, a chile cheese dog, double cheese burger, regular hot dog, fries, and a lemonade. This is what makes me happy.

                                1. re: iknowfood64

                                  I got to agree with inknowfood64, Chronies is the last traditional dog left in L.A.
                                  The stand has been open since the late 30's. The chili is top knotch, the burgers are fresh and tasty (the size of an In N out patty). It's on the corner of Keenan and Whittier Blvd. in East L.A. a must not miss joint. Owned and operated by the same family.
                                  Closed Sundays

                                  My second best chili dog spot is in Burbank called Larry's. Very good chili, the dog is a natural casing. The offer a full menu, the burgers are good!
                                  3122 W. Burbank Blvd.
                                  Burbank Ca. 91505
                                  818 842 0244
                                  Closed Sundays

                                  1. re: iknowfood64

                                    Love Chronis! Yes this place is great. Very cool old (real) eastside stand with great hot dogs and hamburgers. My mom used to take me there all the time. Do they still have the 4-fingered dog?

                                  2. For my taste, Original Cupid's on Lindley Ave in Northridge is the best dog LA. The dog has a nice snap, with delicious chili - I think it is the cumin that makes it so great. Pink's is the most over rated place in LA, barely worth the wait. Who cares if you might see Ruth Buzzy? If the Hot Dog Factory is still in Sherman Oaks on Ventura, they get my runner-up. I live within walking distance of the Hat in Pasadena, & never go anymore - It was always disappointing.

                                    1. re: alkyd9

                                      Alkyd9, that's the WEINER Factory in SO, and yes, it's still there (despite an unsuccessful attempt by the property owner to put a Pinkberry in that space).

                                      I also grew up eating Cupid's dogs on Lindley, and yes, they are very good--nice snap. However, I now prefer WF's turkey dog, which has a nice, slightly spicy kick to it, along with their chili, mustard and onions. The two dogs are pretty similar, but both are far superior to Pink's or Tommy's.

                                      Oh, WF's chili is pretty darn good too.

                                      1. re: alkyd9

                                        Cupids takes #1 for me, too.

                                        1. re: WildSwede

                                          Cupids!
                                          Last week, at the Lindley store by CSUN) I got two Cupids dogs (chili, onions, mustard) and a small drink, I think it was less than $6. Bun = fresh, perfectly steamed, onions = fresh, sweet, chili = just what I want in chili, weiner = tasty and snappy.
                                          I hit the jackpot, two perfect chili dogs, in my neighborhood for $6, no waiting, it's a rich full life.

                                          1. re: Otius Gojius

                                            YAY! I LOVE Cupid's. Have been going there since I was a kid. Whenever I am in the valley, I usually make a stop - eat one (same way you had it) and get 3 or 4 to go (triple-wrapped, please). They keep up fairly well in the micro. YUMMY!!

                                            1. re: WildSwede

                                              Yep! Cupids for me. I went to San Fernando Valley State College (before it became Cal State Northridge) and used to go to Cupids everyday. It was right across the street and the dogs were $.50 each. How things have changed, but the dog tastes the same.

                                      2. nobody's mentioned this yet???

                                        oki dog makes a wonderfully delicious perfectly proportioned chili dog, which I find blows away Tommy's and Pinks.

                                        Note that I had a Tommy's dog last night

                                        1. re: ns1

                                          Actually i Did on the other Best Hot dog post. How can you beat 2 hot dogs wrapped in a flour tortilla topped with pastrami, chili and cheese? i ask the guy for "Yasai" he then adds grilled onions, peppers & cabbage Do you ever get the hot pickled cabbage pieces floating in the Hot Yellow chili pepper jar?

                                          1. re: Skunk2Racer

                                            that was the other post, not this one ;)

                                            I dont, never even knew it was possible until you mentioned it.

                                        2. WEINER FACTORY
                                          TOMMY'S

                                          1. I tried the chili dog at Tommy's for the first time yesterday. It was quite tasty. I was a bit unsure about the pickle slices on top at first, but they really added something nice to the overall flavor. It is definitely a good chili dog.

                                            1. I am so upset right now!!!
                                              This thread has gotten me in the mood to try an old favorite dog...so I went to the Bev/Rampart Tommy's tonight since I'm going to San Fran tomorrow and my friend requested that I bring him some Tommy's chili...I got a chili dog. Asked for "a chilli dog with just cheese, chili, mustard and ketchup." the guy said "everything?" I said "no, just chili, cheese, mustard, and ketchup." What did I get when I got home....mayo! YUK YUK YIYUK!!! I am SOOO PISSED OFF, not just because someone was in my parking spot, but because, whay would anyone p[ut mayo on a dog?
                                              Please, if you like it, tell me why? I tried to eat it, but eeewwww!!! Nasty!!!
                                              Oh, well, my friend will be happy with his chili in the morning, and I guess I save my ass a few calories.
                                              Good night!

                                              1. re: tatertotsrock

                                                I have never gotten mayo on my chili dog at Tommy's. That is WEIRD!! I am sorry about that! However, last time I got the dog just mustard and onions (I always ask for pickles on the side and no tomatoes even when I get the chili cheese dog) and it was fantastic! So from now on that will be my order: hot dog w/ Must & onions, chili cheese fries, cooked well done, extra chili. Amen!

                                                1. re: WildSwede

                                                  HI WildSwede,
                                                  So strange with the may thing huh? I had never gotten mayo on a dog there either.
                                                  Anyway, the hot dog spirit was recaptured thanks to the hot dog I had at the Doger game while in San Fran on Friday night...such a good dog.
                                                  Just mustard, ketchup, and relish...mmmm. Snappy casing, soft, steamy bun, and an IPA to wash it down...mmm.
                                                  Then went to AME for dinner on Sat to eat some more civilized food.
                                                  So, have you tried some of the hot dog places on Burban Blvd like Chili Johns, or Larrys...there looks as if there are quite a few on that stretch of Burbank Blvd between Hollywood Way and Victory...let me know if you have an opionion on any of them.

                                                  1. re: tatertotsrock

                                                    I LOVE Larry's. It reminds me a lot of the first place I ever had chili dogs - Papa John's on Hazeltine and Victory in the 70's. It transports me straight back there when I bite into one of his.
                                                    Chili John's I cannot comment on really since when I went it was 15 minutes before they closed (every other time I had driven by they were closed) and they habve a policy of not serving anymore (you can get it to go, however). So I ordered an order of their chili spaghetti (my childhood fave from Bob's Big Boy) spicy. I did not eat it for a couple of days. By that point, it was a disgusting, grainy, congealed mess. So I cannot honestly say whether it was good or not. I will need to eat it fresh, in house to feel like I am doing it justice. Sorry.
                                                    However, I did have my MOST FAVORITE chili dog, Cupid's yesterday. It is a dream on a bun, as far as I am concerned!! ;-)

                                                    1. re: WildSwede

                                                      Thnaks WildeSwede,
                                                      I can't wait to try Larry's.
                                                      I noticed another Chicago Style Hot DOg place on Hollywood way near I think Alamenda or Chandler or something..they are on a corner and serve all kinds of other items...will most likely try it on the same day as Larry's...a girl's gotta have goals y'know.I'll report back.

                                                      1. re: tatertotsrock

                                                        Yeah - its called Taste Chicago. The Chicago Dog was good, but stay away from their pizza - bleech! ;-)
                                                        I hear ya! ;-) I think our goals parallel eachother's nicely!!
                                                        Don't get the chili cheese fries at Larry's as I think it is way overpriced for the pitiful amount of chili and cheese they give you. Stick with the chili cheese dogs!

                                                        1. re: tatertotsrock

                                                          tatertotsrock, you probably saw Taste Chicago. Check their menu out, they don't serve chili dogs. IMO they have the best Italian beef in LA and reportedly their Chicago style dog is very good.

                                                          Some homework :-) here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/368610

                                                          1. re: DiveFan

                                                            Thanks DiveFan and WIldeSwede...I'll be heading over there tomorrow when I go to the Credit Union.

                                                            1. re: tatertotsrock

                                                              Also, I am not sure about that address for Cupid's that DiveFan posted. The "original" Cupid's only have 3 remaining locations - confirmed by the grandson of one of the original partners this past weekend (do not be fooled by the ones that serve sausages, hamburgers, fries, kebabs - these are not original and the taste is definitely different). The three originals are located at Vanowen/Winnetka (just east of Winnetka) in Reseda (okay now it is called Winnetka), on Lindley just south of Nordhoff in Northridge and there is another in Simi Valley.

                                                              1. re: WildSwede

                                                                Ya, I've been there but I couldn't find the Lindley/Nordhoff location online anywhere! Perhaps they don't have a phone..... The website http://www.cupidshotdogs.com/ is completely Content Free so we don't know Who it belongs to.....
                                                                The Original Cupid's current owners don't seem too interested in maintaining their brand. The closest one to me in Torrance is named Cupid's Hot Dog Crunch & Cream - what the.....

                                                                1. re: DiveFan

                                                                  I tried the phone book and saw both of those - oddly enough, none of the original ones are listed.

                                                2. A real sleeper is Chili My Soul. Yes, they have a hot dog ('Soul Dog') and the chili is extra. Pricey - but what great chili!! See the menu on the web site in the Place link.

                                                  1. Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop. Ignore the "sandwich shop"part of its name and go for the Chili dogs. yuuuuuum.

                                                    down and dirty, very "oki dog" in its ambience (i.e. very little) but good fries and dog meat nonetheless.

                                                    Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop
                                                    t.(323) 728-7806

                                                    5825 Whittier Blvd
                                                    Los Angeles, CA 90022

                                                    1. More links:

                                                      Carney's: http://www.chow.com/places/7439

                                                      • The Stand
                                                        17000 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91316, USA
                                                      • The Hat
                                                        491 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
                                                      • Chronis
                                                        5825 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022, USA
                                                      1. Carney's & Pink's for sure!

                                                        Carney's b/c there chili is good and they put just enough on that it doesn't get everywhere and every bite is pefectly proportioned with hot dog and chili.

                                                        Pink's b/c their chili is good (not as good as Carkey's), but it's an LA staple and they're dogs (every dog listed on the menu) is made to perfection.

                                                        1. Pink's is crap. Colony Cafe actually has a really nice one.

                                                          1. After Ruben's Red Hots closed I have yet to find a replacement.

                                                            1. tommy's for sure, for years i was reluctant to order one, a good friend of mine would always order one along with a double burger and a tamal (extra extra chili on all of course), and when i finally had it, it was the messiest sloppiest most delicious chili dog anywhere

                                                              haven't had one in years, but the wonderful memories are still there, thank you mr. koulax, you will always be remembered

                                                              1. Just went to Art's Famous Chili Dogs (a stand/booth) on Florence (near Western)
                                                                MMMMMMMMMMMMM

                                                                1410 W Florence Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047

                                                                http://losangeles.metromix.com/restau...

                                                                1. Usually I would get on here and write about Larry's and Chroni's chili dogs but I am proud to announce a NEW member of my top 3 list (really a top 2 list).
                                                                  The dog is a larger dog (not your typical Hoffey size link) split and grilled. The bun is very good and the toppings are plentiful.
                                                                  I ordered the Chili Cheese dog with onions and there were PLENTY of onions fresh and tasty. The chili was good,meaty with a nice consistency. Cheese was shredded instead of sliced and the amount did not overload the chili.
                                                                  The whole dog was a little too heavy to lift without keeping it in the paper tray my buddy tried and ended up with chili everywhere.

                                                                  This dog has tied Larry's in my book, and for around three bucks its a GOOD dog all around.

                                                                  So my TOP DOG list is:

                                                                  1) Chroni's - the best classic chili dog in L.A. the chili is tops. The size is perfect, not too big or small.

                                                                  2) Larrys - in Burbank, good dog but the balance of chili and cheese needs work. Too much cheese not enough chili.

                                                                  and PHAROHS on the corner of Atlantic and Garfield in Alhambra. Yeah the little joint across the street from the In N out. Even though the dog is skin less the grilling more than made up for it. And if you are a fried mushroom lover they make a Killer order. Try the small order first and then work your way up to the large.

                                                                  1. re: nrique

                                                                    I have never tried Pharoh's ccd. I have had the burger (good) and the chili cheese fries (fine) but not the dog. Another ccd that I like (they split and grill theirs, too) is Wolfe Burgers on north Lake in Pasadena.

                                                                    1. re: nrique

                                                                      My favorite chili dog in the SGV is from a tiny hole-in-the-wall place called Rick's Drive-In in Rosemead (not related to the other Rick's outlets around the SGV). The chili is homemade, has a nice spice, and the dog meat is slit into four sections and grilled. I always order mine with extra onions that are thinly slithered. The final product is a chili dog that's huge and quite delicious! The other items on their menu are nothing to write home about. The description of the chili dog at Pharo's seems similar and I will have to check it out.

                                                                      Rick's Drive-In
                                                                      8640 Garvey Ave (1 blk east of Walnut Grove)
                                                                      Rosemead

                                                                      1. re: SoCal Foodie

                                                                        Wolfe's - best regular burger hands down . . . but the ccd lost major points when I couldn't pick it up! Had to use a knife and fork to eat it.
                                                                        Same thing with Rick's in Rosemead - the dog was just too darn big to eat with my hands. I like the burgers at Rick's, the double cheese I had was really good.

                                                                        1. re: nrique

                                                                          I always eat it with a knife and fork. They grill their bun, which causes them to break apart and it definitely makes it a knife and fork meal!
                                                                          I had a very passable CCD on Saturday at The Chili King (they serve more Salvadorean food (pupusas, champurrado [everyone had one], etc. than chili items) on Hawthorne Blvd. in Inglewood(north of the 105, connected to a car wash). Nice huge grilled (I believe) all-beef hot dogs. Chili was passable and topped with shredded mixed white and yellow cheddar. $3.

                                                                    2. in case you were craving a credible vegetarian option, I have to give two enthusiastic thumbs up to the chili dog at Covina Tasty on Citrus. You'd never know it wasn't meat! I had two last week!

                                                                      1. my 2 pennies..goes with Tommy's as it just works great when you want to feast on the down low..

                                                                        1. Has anyone been to Cho Choo Hotdogs in Eagel Rock/Glassel Park (across the street and up the block from the Fresh and Easy, near where the Rambos Taco truck sometimes parks on Eagel Rock Blvd)?

                                                                          1. re: JackonCrack

                                                                            No, but I will. But I did try that new place that sells hot dogs and frozen yogurt next to Europane and directly below Indochine on Colorado/Mentor yesterday. It has a name like "Freezee Cups" or "Tutti Frutti" or something like that. They offer two hot dogs: regular (sauerkraut, onions, mustard, ketchup, etc) and something called the Colombia Dog. I was intrigued after reading what is tossed onto these puppies. Guess which one I ordered.
                                                                            Okay, first off they serve Hebrew Nationals. Not the little puny ones either, the jumbo ones. The Columbia Dog comes with ham, pineapple, onions, "house sauce" (some mayo concoction), mustard, ketchup, crushed up potato chips (cannot remember if there was cheese on it or not). I was a little nervous, but it was really good. The ingredients came together well and fell off the dog just as well. I also ordered some type of Columbian apple flavored soda which reminds me of Mundrial (I think that is what it is called). Came to $7.04 (with a bag of chips) not counting the $1 I threw into the tip jar. They also offer smoothies. I think 4 kinds. Really was only focusing on the dogs and nother else. If you want a truly different dog, this is the place for you.

                                                                            1. re: WildSwede

                                                                              Whoah. I was intrigued so i looked them up:

                                                                              www.tuttifruttila.com

                                                                              I'll have to check them out soon.

                                                                              1. re: WildSwede

                                                                                Wow, that sounds tasty --! I'll have to swing by!

                                                                                Let us know how the Cho Cho dogs are! It's been on my list forever (along with Vicious Dogs in North Hollywood, one day i"ll get to it!)

                                                                                1. re: JackonCrack

                                                                                  Hey, just went to Choo Choo in Glassell Park. Pretty good chili dog - good chili, nice juicy thick dog, good cheese/tomato/onion/mustard toppings. No fries though, and they were out of chips, which was a bummer. I would have to say not as good in my opinion as the Hat or Lucky Boy in Pasadena, but pretty good. I would go back again...

                                                                            2. IMO: Carney's best and most consistent. Pink's not consistent but when good it's sublime. Skooby's is awful. Tommy's, never had the dog.

                                                                              1. re: la tache burger

                                                                                Awful? Really? My only problem with Skooby's CCD is that they come very little chili or cheese. But I like the dogs and appreciate the smaller buns.

                                                                                1. re: la tache burger

                                                                                  I concur on Carney's. I like everything about their CCD, except it would be even better if they used grated cheddar rather than some kraft singles like cheese slice. Tommy's in Santa Monica was really not that great. Chili was just okay and the dog was not good. They have the same weakness that my local Big Tomy's does (NE corner of Sawtelle and Pico).

                                                                                  1. re: la tache burger

                                                                                    Actually, the Tommy's dog is really good. Cantella's brand (or something like that). Big, meaty, tasty. I was really impressed with how good they are. Recently, I have veered from my usual CCD and have taken to ordering it with just mustard, onions and relish and then getting my usual chili-cheese fries, extra chili cooked well done. That way, if I want some chili on my dog, I can just take it from the fries. Either way, that dog really stands its own! At Pink's, I love their chili cheese fries (well done, of course) above all else. Carneys is good, really good. Have never had Skooby's. Cupid's CCDs still take first prize for this girl!! ;-)

                                                                                  2. i'm a fan of the stand. they make it whatever way you want, grilled or boiled. love the red hote dog, whew is it spicy!

                                                                                    1. re: woofer

                                                                                      If your in Burbank:
                                                                                      Larry's Chili Dog & Grill
                                                                                      3122 W. Burbank Ca 91505

                                                                                      1. re: nrique

                                                                                        I like Larry's, too. Really good service and the fries are always PIPING hot.

                                                                                    2. my vote if it is worth anything Pink's

                                                                                      1. Best chili dog is Weeneez on Spring Street

                                                                                        1. re: mopeyboy

                                                                                          weeneez is pretty damn good. kinda pricey though.

                                                                                          1. re: ns1

                                                                                            and i wish their buns held up better under the chili.

                                                                                            (Also, i love dipping fries in the chili, but they only have chips! Frito Pie ain't the same!)

                                                                                        2. The best in the valley was Weiner Factory, but they are now gone. The best is Cupid's and then Tommy's. Have not tried the Stand, but will now. The best overall though is Pinks

                                                                                          1. re: shannon33

                                                                                            Give Carney's a try, either Studio City or West Hollywood.

                                                                                          2. had lunch at weeneez today. the chili was meaty, spiced well and NOT greasy, as is the case with most chili. at $4.35 for a ccd, it is a bit pricey, and my complaint is it's not a very substantial dog. a tasty dog, but a little more meat would make it a more satisfying experience. since wiener factory is gone, this is as good as any other dog i'm aware of, (haven't been to skooby's) but 5th & spring is not really a destination kind of spot. the other consideration is, unless you work downtown, for a similar drive and a couple of more bucks (my lunch of 2 ccds, drink chips & side of slaw was $11.00) you can grab a pastrami at langer's. but if you want a dog, this is a tasty one.

                                                                                            1. Has any one tried MUSTARDS in North Long Beach on the corner of Long Beach Ave and Wardlow. I pass it now and then but never had the chance to go in. Supposed to be Chicago Style dogs.

                                                                                              1. re: nrique

                                                                                                it's alright, it purveys all the vienna beef wares. i think you mean atlantic and wardlow though. it's definitely worth a try. lots of neons signs in there and maps of chicago, jerseys, etc.

                                                                                              2. Art's The Art of the Hamburger. Great Chili Dogs, and Chili Burgers, just make sire you ask for no letuce and no thousand on your burger.

                                                                                                1. Hound Dog Hot Dog Shop
                                                                                                  8749 Glenoaks Blvd, Sun Valley

                                                                                                  No one has ever mentioned it but it's got the greatest chili dogs I've had. Great chili, finely grated cheese.
                                                                                                  I guess it's a little out of the way but I think it's worth the trip. They have a meal deal with two chili dogs, chips and drink for around 7 bucks.

                                                                                                  It's near the intersection with Sunland Blvd.

                                                                                                  1. re: Kablooie

                                                                                                    are the dogs all beef dogs? do you happen to know the purveyor? also, is the chili all beef?

                                                                                                    thanks. it is out of the way. what neighboring communities or cities is Sun Valley close to?

                                                                                                    1. re: kevin

                                                                                                      Previously commented upon back in 2005 (and another time in 2007 but I can't recall who posted that mention) by Steve-Doggy-Dog: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7646...

                                                                                                      Sun Valley (no skiing) is adjacent to Tujunga / San Fernando in the far reaches of the NE Valley of San Fernando.

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