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January 31, 2008
Stylish Six: Great Hot Dogs in L.A.
Filed under: San Fernando Valley, Best Of, South Bay, Westside, Midtown, Eat — StyleGuide @ 7:46 pm
Hot dogs are the perfect StylishGuide food — carefully prepared with pride, yet inexpensive enough to indulge without breaking the bank.
We’re blessed with so many stand-up dogs in Los Angeles, I’ll honor them in shifts. First, favorites in L.A. Soon I’ll share the greats in the Valley — a virtual hot dog heaven.
1. Pink’s of Hollywood: This is the closest thing to a hot dog institution in town. There’s something about sitting in the cheap patio chairs in the tiny parking lot on a glistening Southern California day, settling into a chili cheese bacon dog topped with cool fresh tomatoes, and dripping fluorescent constellations of grease across the paper tray — it kindles something profound. It doesn’t make any sense, but it somehow fills me with a feeling of connection, like finding home. That feeling may explain the long, long lines. That, and the wildly inefficient counter service system, of course.
2. Carney’s: Eating in a converted train-car on the Sunset Strip can bring out the 6-year-old boy in anyone, and the dogs are great too. Visit a second location in Studio City.
3. Skooby’s: You’d expect this tiny Hollywood Boulevard stand to be a typical tourist rip-off operation. But the red and white bedecked, cute as a button, clean as a whistle shop with the tattooed and pierced staff actually slings some of the best dogs in town, as well as perfectly seasoned fries with aioli dipping sauce. A second location opened in Hermosa Beach.
4. The Stand: This is the black-tie dining experience of hot dog joints, with gourmet toppings and an upscale ambiance. Bring a date to the Century City, Encino or Westwood locations. Monday nights feature one-dollar dogs.
5. Let’s Be Frank: This is no ordinary catering truck outside Helms Bakery in Culver City. The 100 percent grass-fed beef hot dogs and organic toppings come with a foodie pedigree — Sue, who works the stand, came from the legendary Chez Panisse. At $5/dog, each bite is an investment in guilt-free eating (the dogs have no hormones, antibiotics or chemicals and are lower in calories than typical hot dogs).
6. Dodger Stadium: Grilled, nearly a foot long, and the perfect accompaniment to a game, it’s not surprising that Dodger dogs are among the most popular dogs in baseball. For the truly glutenous, $35 will buy you a ticket in the right field bleachers and unlimited Dodgers Dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn and Coke.
Honorable Mention
As a global chain, Costco is no “L.A. Original,” but I can’t ignore the fact they’ve asked only a buck and a half for a meaty Polish dog and soda for as long as I can remember. Top with sauerkraut, relish and onions before sinking into that sweet dog. It soothes the soul after the madness of Costco shopping.