New York has the Statue of Liberty; India, the Taj Mahal; and L.A., well, we have Pink's. Though perhaps not as picturesque on a postcard, you can't really say you've been to Hollywood without downing at least one of the world's most sublime hot dogs. Wait in the inevitably long, celeb-spotted line; top your dog with a heaping spoonful of irresistible chili (it's an L.A. thing — see Original Tommy's for reference), and bite into a true and lasting piece of Americana. Something about the way the soft yet stable bun works to unite the all-beef Hoffy frank and the belly-warming comfort of the secret-recipe chili is a beautiful thing. On second thought, perhaps it would make a fine postcard, after all.
Cash only. No alcohol available. Serving during lunch, dinner and late-night hours daily.
Zagat 2011: 20 food rating (very good to excellent)
"If you haven't had a hot dog at Pink's, you haven't been to L.A."
— Condé Nast Traveler
"The bun is soft enough to achieve a oneness with the thick chili that is ladled over the dog, but firm enough to resist dissolving altogether, unless you order it with sauerkraut. And why wouldn't you?"
— LA Weekly
New York has the Statue of Liberty; India, the Taj Mahal; and L.A., well, we have Pink's. Though perhaps not as picturesque on a postcard, you can't really say you've been to Hollywood without downing at least one of the world's most sublime hot dogs. Wait in the inevitably long, celeb-spotted line; top your dog with a heaping spoonful of irresistible chili (it's an L.A. thing — see Original Tommy's for reference), and bite into a true and lasting piece of Americana. Something about the way the soft yet stable bun works to unite the all-beef Hoffy frank and the belly-warming comfort of the secret-recipe chili is a beautiful thing. On second thought, perhaps it would make a fine postcard, after all.
Cash only. No alcohol available. Serving during lunch, dinner and late-night hours daily.
Zagat 2011: 20 food rating (very good to excellent)
"If you haven't had a hot dog at Pink's, you haven't been to L.A."
— Condé Nast Traveler
"The bun is soft enough to achieve a oneness with the thick chili that is ladled over the dog, but firm enough to resist dissolving altogether, unless you order it with sauerkraut. And why wouldn't you?"
— LA Weekly