Restaurants, Fast Food Restaurants, Hot Dogs
$, Cheap Eats, Late Night Dining, Lunch Spot
Pink's Hot Dogs is probably the most famous hot dog stand in Los Angeles! Located near the corner of Melrose and La Brea, Pink's can be found by looking for a crowd of people and following the aroma of fresh meaty chili and soft hot dog buns. Pink's is unlike any other hot dog stand in America. For example, it has its own parking lot attendant. It has been in the same location for 62 years. It is not unusual to see a Rolls Royce pull up to Pink's (the chili dog ordered will be for the occupant, not the chauffeur). Movie stars, well-known dignitaries, struggling musicians, businessmen, housewives, school children... all have savored Pink's Famous Chili Dogs. Pink's Hot Dog Stand is a quick lunch spot, a nostalgic trip into the past and a delicious experience. Pink's is definitely a landmark in Hollywood!
This is the place to go for the BEST DANG Hot Dog in the world. There is nothing better then a dog that when you take a bite it snaps...Pink's is world famous, every TV Talk SHow has had them on it.. Movies film there.. It is so good.. You name the topping that you want with your dog and you get it... When you order a soda you get it in a REAL BOTTLE, nothing like drinking ice cold soda from a bottle. There is aways a line, you might even bump into a movie star or 2. The indoor eating area has pictures of all the stars that have eaten there..
Posted 01/30/05 | Report Abuse
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Maybe it's just that I didn't grow up in LA, but I just don't get Pink's. I'm all for tradition, but Pink's just doesn't measure up to its reputation. I can only chalk up the rabid allegience that people have to Pink's to misplaced sentimentality. I canmanage the long lines no problem. It's even a little exciting to wait in anticipation. But when you get to the front of the line, it's the food that just doesn't cut it -- and that's what counts! For example, their gloppy "family recipe" chili is -- according to one of the workers -- really just a thawed-out block of store-bought chili, thickened up with flour. Compare it to the chili at Skooby's or The Stand and you'll never want this mush again. (It's surprising what you can learn with a few friendlyquestions!) If there's that little care in their most popular product, imagine what's going on with the tons of other items down lower on their menu -- which all seem to be combinations of the same frozen and fried ingredients.
Posted 01/07/05 | Report Abuse
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I love this joint. I rarely eat hotdogs but when I have the urge I love going to pinks to give myself a treat. The chili cheese hotdogs are to die for and I especially love the cute "shacklike" building the restaurant is built out of. It's adorable. There can be a bit of a line at times but overall it doesn't take too long and you can get a cheap eat.
Posted 12/16/04 | Report Abuse
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Great dogs -- I personally prefer the Costco hotdogs more (and i consider myself a hot dog connisseur). These are skinnier and less juicy, but still overall good. Gray's Papaya dogs in New York are crispier (and better, I think), but they compare well with these. Although the "old-school" style in which they serve the dogs may make the experience more authentic and no-nonsense, sometimes it's hard to see so many hot dogs coming in and out of the hot water--tongs coming in and out, grabbing 1 to 10 dogs at a time-- not the most appetizing thing to see, even though I love them. Not sure if I want to wait in a line that long, either ... cause there is ALWAYS a line there.
Posted 10/26/04 | Report Abuse
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I waited in line for 45 minutes for a hot dog. It was pretty good; try the polish dogs!
Posted 07/23/04 | Report Abuse
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I drove from Las Vegas, NV just to eat at Pink's! I did wait in line for about 1 hr 45 min but it was well worth the wait! If you head that way on a Sunday the meter parking is free and later at night your chance of getting closer parking is better, you will still wait in line but give it a try you'll love it
Posted 09/08/06
Just b/c you have to wait a long time in line doesn't mean that the food has to taste that much better; contrary to your self-centered mind, food quality and wait time do not affect each other. That said--Pink's is cheap, fun and tasty--no big whoop. Like at most LA landmarks, its about good food at a good price. And this place is it. I guess I've been lucky and never experienced THE line (but I did have to stand next to a whole bunch of USC students in line, which is bad enough).
Try the chilli fries with the nacho cheese. If only they had carne asada fries...! They have a lot of variety, with big dogs named after celebs.
Pros: simply chilli n dogs at a good price, so-LA ambiance
Cons: parking
Posted 08/10/06
We stood in line for almost 1 hour! The chili was thick and NASTY, the the onion rings were greasy and had an odd flavor, the pink lemonaid was bitter. The only decent thing I had was the fry's. Please tell me what is all the hype about??????
Pros: cheap
Cons: Thick nasty chili, bitter lemonaid
Posted 07/05/06
So I can get my dog quicker. So you guys are upset at waiting in line? DON'T go! As far as hotdog institutions (and I have been to quite a few) this place is tops. In my humble opinion, second only to Gray's Papaya. The only problem is that they offer WAY too many combinations. If you are visiting from out of town, just go for the chili-dog. All you Martha and Rosie and Ozzie dog eaters are the ones holding up the line!! Little tip, weekends before noon, weekdays around 6PM.
Pros: Sulfite-rich, artery cloggin' goodness
Cons: Uh...the LINE (but it is not there because they stink!!)
Posted 06/29/06
I was amazed by the lack of flavor to the chili and to the hot dog itself... Wasn't worth the wait and moreover, the quality and or flavor does not compare even to the likes of a 7-11 hot dog let alone the famous hot dogs of NY or Chicago. I was grossed out by the tough skin and mushy dog, I felt queasy for a couple hours after eating there.
Pros: smells good, interesting dog names, cheap
Cons: terrible food, terrible dog flavors, felt gross after
Posted 04/21/06
the wait is just not worth it (or only worth a trip maybe once a year if you're feeling particularly patient that day). A couple of girlfriends and I went there this past Sunday for a casual bite. We got there around 6pm and the line was around the corner. Good thing I had a snack before we arrived because we did not get our food until ONE HOUR AND TWENTY MINUTES later. The food is cheap and good but come on now, why does it take SO long to serve hot dogs and fries?
Pros: the dogs, cheap
Cons: the line, the line, the line
Posted 04/02/06
We waited in line for 35 mins. WHY? Do they need a better system? More workers? I feel like I could solve that problem. It was an experience and we did enjoy our Dogs & Fries (w/ Ranch dip) I know Philly u would never wait like that for a cheesesteak!!
Pros: Good Snacks
Cons: The LINE
Posted 03/19/06
Hot Dogs by themselves aren't my thing, but Pink's has a unique way of making things special. I just had a polish sausage and a hamburger with cheese, bacon and chili, and my stomach is happy. I've been many times, and always try to bring out-of-town guests here for a REAL "taste of LA."
Pros: Great Food, Good Prices
Cons: Parking is limited
Posted 02/13/06
Pink's is a must if you've never had it. I used to live a few blocks away and there is ALWAYS a line. There are tons of choices and it's cheap and filling; what more could you want? I just wish that they had bacon-wrapped hot dogs!
Posted 01/11/06
Friend took me to this spot, after I moved to LA. I'm not so much a Hot Dog Lover (unless it's MAXWELL STREET, Chi-Town). My friend told me "You Have To Have PINK'S!!", well we went and I got the Harry Potter Dog, well I came back again and again and you'll see me there again. It's good, cheap and I don't mind standing in line, part of the experience........
Pros: cheap, good food
Cons: parking
Posted 12/19/05
every time we'd drive by this place there was a line of about 30 people waiting. our curiosity finally got the better of us and we broke down and gave it a shot. sooo.... after waiting for 10-15 mins we each got a hot dog and ate in the outdoor patio in back. you know, maybe it's because i'm not a big hot dog lover, but i don't see what the fuss is about, it's JUST A HOT DOG. it must be because the food is cheap and the place is open late, either that or there are a lot of people with munchies in this city.
Pros: cheap food
Cons: LONG LINE
Posted 11/06/05
I love the Huell dog named after the "California Gold" program host but to wait for an hour and a half for a hot dog is ridiculous. That is how long I waited a Sunday evening because family from out of town had never been. I love Pink's but they need to go back to the old line when there were more lines. Don't come hungry because the wait is long.
Pros: Huell Dawg, Polish Dog, Rosie Long Island Dog
Cons: The Long, Long Line, Spicy Polish Dog, The Line
Posted 10/06/05
I won't complain about the food, the price is just right. Actaully, I love the foot long jalepeño dog.. Thats probally the best thing on the menu.. Chili is very greasy, but it tastes good. Great for after Dodger games since they are usually open til 2 or 3am.
Pros: Open Late, Inexpensive, decent food
Cons: Long Lines, not the friendlist
Posted 06/26/05
too bad the dogs really aren't that good. in any case, it's a lot of fun and a destination that can't be beat. don't bring anyone from nyc though b/c they'll be sure to complain abou the quality of the dogs.
Posted 06/15/05
Every two years or so I go back here hoping that I will be proven wrong. But, no, this place still sucks. The lines are incredibly long. The food is greasy and not even that tasty. I've gone here late at night after drinking and still thought it was icky. I don't get it. If you are driving by and you see no line, then maybe it's worth it for a quick bite....I guess....maybe....To say you went....
Pros: LA Institution
Cons: Food Quality, Long Lines, Seating
Posted 04/22/05
This place serves rubber hot dogs. The chili is not anything special, nothing you can get at the other famous late-night hangout, Tommy's. I don't get why so many people line up for hot dogs that are only one-step away from being raw.
Parking is real bad in the surrounding area, lines are long (why?!), and the food is a bit pricey for a HOT DOG!
Pros: Absolutely none
Cons: Food is bad, Parking
Posted 02/13/05
I love Pink's. The chili cheese dog is delicious. I really like their season fries too. Sometimes the line can be long, but it is worth the wait. I high recommand this cheap eat.
Pros: good food, cheap
Posted 01/10/05
Maybe this is because I'm from Detroit, home of Lafayette Coney Island, but I can hardly express how disappointed I was in Pink's. I can at least say that I invested the time waiting in the ridiculously long line so that I now know better and will never do so again. The hot dogs are not of good quality and neither is the chili. I choked down about 2/3 of mine and threw it away. It isn't BAD, but I certainly wouldn't call it good. Can you say "Emperor's New Clothes"? I find the chili dogs to be MUCH better at Fatburger.
Pros: Cheaper than a steak
Cons: , VERY Long Line, Definitely Not Tasty
Posted 11/06/04
I like the hot dogs here, it's not bad, but I'm not crazy about it and it's not the best. The best hot dog I can remember was a "Dodger Dog"!!! Overall food experience was great, they have different styles of dogs and a variety of burgers & sanwiches, I do recommend it. The worst part about it was the long line, the average wait was about 45 minutes or longer. Not worth the wait.
Pros: always open, $$
Posted 09/29/04
Great food - only good people eat there. Some of the combination meals (hot dog and hamburger with chili, etc.) are named after patrons and they are outstanding.
Pros: outside seating, parking, food
Cons: , long line
Posted 09/02/04
Okay, it is a pretty long wait in line. Especially at 2a after partying in Hollywood all nite. BUT, I have never regreted it. For those of you who want to think too much of a hot dog, you'll be let down. If you just want to have a good hot dog, you'll find it here. I love the different names they call them, like the Lord of the Rings dog (dog in 3 onion rings) and the Lakers dog (extra mustard or something). Great food and they're open late on weekends!!!
Pros: Good food, Reasonable Prices
Cons: , Lines
Posted 06/18/04
I had lunch at Pink's with my colleague today and was blown away by the food. We had Chili Dog's, Fries and Onion rings. I'm going to make Pink's a weekly stop. They even had items on the menu that my health conscious wife would eat.
Pros: Food, Parking, Outdoor Seating
Posted 06/14/04
Have been away from LA for over 25 years. Went to Pinks as a teen and go there every time I am back in LA (2-3 times a year). Continued great food, service and ambience. Well worth any wait for hot dog officianados.
Posted 06/10/04
The food is o.k. Most people go there afterhours. Usually they like to get junk food after partying around town. The food is not bad but it's not the greatest. I recommend polish dog. They're known for that.
Pros: open late
Posted 06/07/04
The Crew is Incredible! After the taste that continues to draw me back year after year, is how the Crew can handle multiple and'have it your way' orders ...you never see anyone getting the wrong order! They're just Unbelievable and Fast! I also remember thinking about Pink's when I lived in Massachusetts for 13 years ...one of my first stops upon moving back to L.A. in time for the Olympics.
Pros: Precision, Consistancy, Diverse Menu
Posted 05/22/04
You can never have enough Pink's for your taste buds. It's always worth the wait. They have the nicest people working for them and great dogs to boot.
Posted 05/05/04
"Pink's" has the BEST burger i have ever tasted. when i i came home from bootcamp all i could think about was the (Double Pastrami Swiss Cheese Burger, with Chilli Cheese Onion Rings, YES ONION RINGS, and 2 Orange Crush Soda's). so right after I was picked up from the airport at 12 midnight my brother and I had some PINK'S BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pros: Inexpensive, Very Good Food, Great Atmosphere
Cons: , None, None
Posted 05/05/04
the best hot dogs with a crispy skin-the chili is outstanding. always busy with a line-not enough seating but go early and enjoy.
Posted 09/17/03
One of the best landmark eateries still remaining in L.A. places like Pink's are hard to find. So enjoy it feh feh... they're not making any more... It's a landmark just like the original Tommy's off Rampart and Beverly... these are two of L.A.'s biggest contributors to tradition and taste...
Well it's lunch time... tough decision... Pink's or Tommy's.... hmmmm.... maybe a little of both... whaddya think??? "=)
Pros: excellent selection, taste is everything, l.a. landmark
Cons: lines are long, seating area limited, parking tough
Posted 08/13/03
Other than the variety of toppings, there is nothing worth waiting in any line or going at all out of your way for. The hot dogs at 7-11 or gas stations are higher quality, the chili is nothing more than brown food colored soy mash that is flavorless. But there is and endless supply of easily pleased people in the world, so I'm sure Pink's will continue to do well.
Pros: None
Cons: hot dog, chili, sheep in line
Posted 07/22/03
We used to live in Simi Valley and loved our weekly trips to Pink's. Since we moved to Colorado in 1994 the first place we visit every year when we come to visit is Pink's. My kids even talk about it at school. The greatest hot dog ever.
Pros: Great Food, Inexpensive, Fast
Cons: Small parking lot
Posted 07/20/03
Delete this review or my acct
Delete this review or my acct
Delete this review or my acct
Delete this review or my acct
Pros: Hours
Cons: Yucky hotdogs
Posted 05/04/03
The dogs are awesome, but try their chicken breast grilled and wrapped in a tortilla with Pink's chili, cheese and a ton of bacon! Also excellent on a bun.
Pros: Create your own dog, outdoor dining, cheap & a lot of food
Cons: Long lines, Exercise Patience
Posted 01/29/03
save your dollars and your patience. Go to Ralphs and buy some Nathan's kosher dogs. No hotdog is worth waiting in a line like that. Angelenos have such a skewed view of history, we will buy into anything that has a "history." I say, so what if orson welles ate there. phooey on youey.
Pros: the dogs ain't bad, that's it, that's it
Cons: LONG lines, LONG lines, LONG lines
Posted 01/28/03
if you're craving a quick fix to those late night munchies, you're in for a treat.
Pros: great food, inexpensive
Cons: bad parking, long line, little indoor seating
Posted 01/23/03
Whether its thier chili dogs and burgers or thier expected 30 minute line at 2 o' clock in the morning, Pinks has held a place in my heart ever since my father began taking me there 25 years ago. The charm in this admittedly "Hole in the Wall" restaurant, with its quaint dining area with cover shots of well know actors that have eaten there, has provided this Pinks enthusiast with many memories. Whether it has been after a night at the Pantages Theatre, or or just passing through after a visit with friends in Thousand Oaks,(I live in Ontario,CA) Pinks had always been there and hopefully will always be there for years to come, so that someday I too can take my children there.
A must stop for all who visit Hollywood, or are just passing though...
Posted 01/09/03
My visit to Pink's was ruined by the horrible service. There was no line, but it was impossible to get anyone's attention. We had to go inside to finally flag someone down, and then we were reprimanded for not ordering from outside. Just placing the order was like Saving Private Ryan's first twenty minutes. That aside, the food was terrific.
Pros: reasonable prices, menu, parking
Cons: bad attitude, difficulty ordering
Posted 01/07/03
Great hot dogs. I'm gonna come back for more so that I can taste everything on the menu.
The drawback though is waiting in the long line. (It's always packed!). But it's well worth it.
Pros: Good Food
Cons: Small, Long Line
Posted 12/25/02
The ULTIMATE hotdog stand! Youll love Pinks mouth-watering 'dogs and fresh hotdog trimmings, nostalgic soda and great service. Beware of long lines!
Pros: Inexpensive, Side selections, Old skool drinks
Cons: Long lines, "outdoor" seating
Posted 12/22/02
This is THE BEST hot dog stand in Los Angeles, some may say that the line at times may be a bit long but as soon as you bite down into whatever it is you've ordered you'll forget about all of that. This palce should be a Landmark. If you ever have the chance to come here don't pass it up.
Pros: The food, The experience, The people
Cons: Long lines at times
Posted 11/14/02
The best burgers and dogs in the world! I wish there were one here in Dallas
Posted 11/08/02
Yum is the only word I can say and I don't like your requirements.
Posted 11/08/02
Fabulous hot dogs, any one you choose. Take the kids, take the wife. Actually never mind; the line is long enough as it is, but it's well worth the wait.
Posted 10/26/02
everything we thought it would be! We first saw Pinks on the PBS special the hotdog show and it was the first place we knew we wanted to visit when we planned our LA trip. We were not disappointed from the vintage look and feel as you approach the lines to the wait and the experience of ordering and recieving that delicous food. Loved every second, only wish we could have fit a second visit in before we left town.
Pros: fun, clean, easy parking
Posted 10/21/02
"Food is delicious, from the quality hamburgers to the pulled pork BUT, ..."
