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.