Thursday 20 July 2023

THE BEST HOT DOGS IN LOS ANGELES

Tail o' the Pup | Photo: @tailothepup, Instagram
Landmark stands, new school spots and veg-friendly.

Hot dogs are a summertime staple, from backyard barbecues to an afternoon at the ballpark. In LA, the "endless summer" weather means that locals and visitors alike can enjoy hot dogs all year long. From landmark stands to new school spots and veg-friendly options, read on for the best hot dogs in Los Angeles.

1) TAIL O' THE PUP

8512 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood 90069
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One of LA's most beloved hot dog stands, the legendary Tail o' the Pup reopened in July 2022. The iconic 18-foot hot dog was restored by 1933 Group, which has garnered widespread acclaim for its restoration work on Formosa Cafe, Highland Park Bowl and Idle Hour. Installed off historic Route 66 near its original location, Tail o' the Pup fronts a two-story building where The Doors recorded the entire LA Woman album in the lower level, which the band called "The Doors Workshop."

The hot dogs range from traditional to veg-friendly, served in whimsical trays shaped like a wiener dog - the frank sticks out of the back, so it's literally the "tail" o' the pup! The interior features a plein air painting by Shag, along with vintage photos of everyone from Sigourney Weaver to The Go-Go's and Devo hanging out at Tail o' the Pup. There's even a Doggy Menu and water station for your fur baby.
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2) DODGER STADIUM

1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles 90012
323-224-1469
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When it's time for Dodger baseball, it's also time for the iconic Dodger Dog, provided by Vernon-based Papa Cantella’s throughout the ballpark. Family-owned and operated, Papa Cantella's also offers Louisiana Hot Link, Bratwurst, and Italian Sausage at the LA on Deck Circle. The official plant-based Dodger Dog is the Signature Stadium Dog from Seattle's Field Roast.

During the off-season, you can still get your Dodger Dog fix - Papa Cantella's classic is sold in supermarkets like Albertsons, Gelson's and Ralphs; and the Signature Stadium Dog is available at Whole Foods.
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3) CARNEY'S

Chili dogs at Carney's on the Sunset Strip
Photo: @eat_dank_, Instagram
8351 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood 90069

323-654-8300
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Founded in 1975 by John Wolfe, Sr. and his wife Pat, the original Carney's serves up classic American comfort food in a yellow Union Pacific railcar that overlooks the world-famous Sunset Strip. A second Carney's - also built out of a vintage train car - opened in 1981 on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

Well-known for their snap, the beef franks hold their own in the signature Carney's Hot Dog with a generous hit of chili, chopped onion, thick tomato slices and cheddar. Add a side of Train Wreck Fries (cheese, Thousand Island, grilled onions) and you're good to go. Other favorites include the Spicy Style (split & grilled with grilled sauerkraut, chili peppers, grilled onions) and the Red Baron with pickled red cabbage and cheddar cheese.

Carney's will be opening a third location at Jerry Moss Plaza in the Music Center, joining recently opened dining options like Ray Garcia's Asterid (in the former Patina space) and a second outpost of Inglewood-based Sip & Sonder outside Walt Disney Concert Hall.
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4) CUPID'S HOT DOGS

20030 Vanowen St., Winnetka 91306
818-347-1344
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Cupid's Hot Dogs was originally established in 1946 as Walsh's Hot Dogs by Richard and Bernice Walsh - Richard soon changed the name to Cupid's (Bernice's nickname). With sisters Kelly and Morgan Walsh at the helm, Cupid's is now in its third generation of family ownership.

A San Fernando Valley institution, Cupid's is famous for its namesake chili dog - an all-beef Vienna with mustard, onions and chili. Add-ons include cheese, kraut or Chicago toppings (neon relish, tomatoes, sport peppers, pickle spears, celery salt).

The Winnetka location offers Carhop Service every Sunday from 3-6pm. Order online and Cupid's will skate the food out to you. Be sure to include your space number under special instructions at checkout.
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House Dog at Dirt Dog | Photo: @dirtdogla, Instagram

5) DIRT DOG

2528 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles 90007
213-749-1813
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Timothy Cam opened the first Dirt Dog near USC with the goal of making his elevated street dog “the official hot dog of Los Angeles.” Dirt Dog has since expanded to Pasadena and Downey, along with outposts in Las Vegas.

Every hot dog features a 100% Premium All Beef Nathan's 5/1 Dog wrapped in center-cut bacon, including the signature House Dog - topped with grilled veggies, house sauce, house spread, mayo, house mustard, ketchup, and bacon bits. The Flamethrower piles on steak, cheddar, grilled veggies, Henny-Q BBQ, cilantro, chipotle aioli, and seasoned charred habanero. Rap legend Snoop Dogg inspired his namesake dog, topped with curtido, Doggy-style BBQ, Billionaire Bacon, and Gin & Juice Ketchup. You can make any Dirt Dog veg-friendly with a Beyond Meat link.

"Dirty" sides include chili-lime seasoned fries and the elote (aka Mexican street corn) with lime, mayo, chili powder, cotija, cilantro and bacon bits.
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* Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, 633 West 5th Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA info@discoverlosangeles.com

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