Pink's Hot Dogs

Approval Rate: 78%

78%Approval ratio

Reviews 50

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  • by

    shellypaulina

    Fri Jan 08 2010

    Good hot dogs, etc, but not so good that they should have a line around the block!

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    mikefran2113ee_de

    Tue Dec 08 2009

    What can I say? It's an LA staple -- along with Musso and Franks, Mel's, Canter's, etc. The hot dogs are all great, and the variety is exhaustive. My favorite -- the Chicago, spicy Polish. You can't miss.

  • by

    knakayama761e3_325

    Sun Nov 29 2009

    great polish hot dog, love the chili cheese fries, get there early, but its still worth the wait

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    jmsweitz1d5877

    Sat Nov 28 2009

    Used to good "dogs" coney island style, the skin was tough the sauce was like dried chili

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    jraposa1829c2

    Wed Nov 11 2009

    The chili dog is gross. I have wanted to try Pinks forever but line was always too long. Drove by last Saturday early & line was short so tried it. Really bad, sorry. Wished it lived up to the hype.

  • by

    akatito1ac1a7

    Mon Oct 19 2009

    The excitement of eating a hot dog at a historic landmark, and a well talked about, and publicisized restaurant in LA, is always exciting. The food however, failed to deliver on its legacy of good food. Hot dogs are not that complicated to make, its a pretty simple set of ingredients, but who of thought that u could ruin something so simple, and charge large sums of money for a place thats earned so much press based on its legacy and location in the great city of LA. i have to say that i was genuinely dissapointed on the food, and prices of this place. My expectations were short lived. I can now say ive been there, and done that. This place will no longer be on my places to go. or must eat.

  • by

    jewelrygems1b9_89b

    Mon Sep 21 2009

    Great hotdogs!

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    troywarkentin1_42d9c

    Thu Sep 17 2009

    Food is average at best and the line is very annoying...

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    sarahsmith1dd0_88

    Wed Sep 09 2009

    Had to try them out - was not disappointed, it was great. The chili cheese dog was so yummy. Not the healthiest of foods but hey I'm not expecting that at a hotdog restaurant :-)

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    sugartatas

    Tue Aug 18 2009

    Great Hot Dogs with all the yummy toppings you could wish for. No nasty cheap Weinies here!!! Good stuff

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    sjcb10b1ac202

    Wed Aug 05 2009

    here is good

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    jenniferduel13_59ba

    Mon Aug 03 2009

    The only thing that is "signature" for this place is a huge line!

  • by

    citysearchuser_1f4d0f

    Tue Jul 28 2009

    Try the Bacon Chili Cheese Hotdog. The price is okay, not cheap, but great if you like messy hotdogs. I hate to wait, but if you are hungry...

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    jimmyp17aac9

    Fri Jul 24 2009

    This place rocks, they are so so so many styles hotdogs it put Nathans to shame

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    gooberjo151f61

    Fri Jun 12 2009

    After hearing my whole life about Pinks, I decided, while on a trip memorial day 2009, to try. 11:30 AM long line. Ordered the Mayors dogs. Others ordered Chili Dogs and we ordered Chili Cheese fries. Costco has a better hot dog. Hormel has a better hot dog. ANYWHERE -Including the overpriced, left in a warming drawer in Disneyland Hot dogs - ARE BETTER. This places has to be the WORST place to get a hot dog anywhere.

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    eastbayfunk1de_d20

    Mon May 04 2009

    Drive by the corner of La Brea and Melrose on your way to work...on your way home from work...on your way to the gym...and back...on your way to pick up that hot waitress you met last week that may or may not have given you syphilis (still waiting for the results)...whenever!! The point is, no matter when you drive by that historical intersection you are bound do see at least a hundred idiots waiting in a ridiculous line for PINKS HOTDOGS. I hate to admit it, but I was one of those idiots once. Waited 70 minutes. I mean I would understand if Pink's was a new spot trying to get its s*** together, but Pink's will celebrate its 70th BIRTHDAY this year! 70 Years in the business and you're telling me that you can't figure out a more efficient way to keep the line moving at a friggin HOTDOG STAND? When Henry Ford started making B-24 Bombers at the height of WWII, his top assembly line was clocked at assembling a plane in ONE HOUR! Are you telling me that it took less time in 1943 to assembl... Read more

  • by

    shortstackian1_125fe

    Wed Apr 15 2009

    If you're feeling nostalgic for New York dogs or Chicago dogs, or any other style dogs this is the place to go. You can also find one of the best chili dogs in town. The only thing about Pink's is that you can't go hungry or you'll starve. The lines are super long and will take about an hour or more to reach the front to order your food.

  • by

    thatguy6103329

    Thu Jan 15 2009

    They have incredible hot dogs, kind of feel guilty eating them afterwards but they are worth it. There is usually a line but it moves fast and it gives you time to chose from the numerous hot dog selections they have. If you have people from out of town you definitely have to bring them here, this place is a landmark.

  • by

    cantlivewithou_t3c36f

    Mon Jan 12 2009

    Great hot dogs at Pinks! Be prepared with tums! I don't think anyone needs more than one hot dog. They have the most unique menu. I don't eat hot dogs at home, but I like to go all out at Pinks

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    citysearchuser_19477a69199291_9

    Sun Jan 04 2009

    Who the heck thought up spicy onion sauce? That stuff is GREAT! I know, my girlfriend won't kiss me for a few hours....What the heck. It's t...

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    wienerlessinri_vd937b

    Tue Dec 30 2008

    Well, I?ve lived in California for over 50 years and finally thought I would drop by an experience Pinks for the first time. As a self proclaimed aficionado master of dogs & chili, I knew that I must indulge in this well known eatery. My wife & I were in the area (The Stars Tour) this holiday period and dropped by a little before 1:00 pm, what did my wandering chili craving eyes see but a line stretching out as far as one could see. It appeared to be one of those lines (wrapped around the Matterhorn/Disneyland type) that would take at least 1 ? hours to navigate/endure/survive to the promised yummy culinary land of wieners. Since I?m semi-curmudgeonly, I did what any true card carrying member of AARP would do; I drove by without even batting an eye. I hope to try again before my 100th birthday. P.S. It sure looked yummy from the street

  • by

    citysearchuser_12cc0a

    Wed Dec 24 2008

    I am a hot dog lover and I can't tell you how many people over the years have told me to eat at Pink's. I finally did, and the disappointmen...

  • by

    garysimmons130_ad0

    Wed Dec 24 2008

    I am a hot dog lover and I can't tell you how many people over the years told me to eat at Pink's. I finally did, and the disappointment on my face was visible from bite number 1. I believe that no one that told me to go to Pink's ever had the hotdog at Costco. Let's start now with the many problems at Pink's and to make it easy to read--I will sequentially number them: 1) Take out a dime from your pocket. Your Pink's hotdog will not be thicker than the diameter of your dime. It will disappear between the buns. You will wonder if there is a hotdog in your bun. 2) No worries if you burnt your taste buds the day before--the Pink's hotdog is tasteless. It is the most tasteless hotdog I have ever had in over 35 years of eating hotdogs all over the world, on streets, fairs, and deli?s. 3) Be prepared for a line at all times. The staff monitors the line and will slow down service, and sometimes walk away to make sure that there is always at least two lines in front of the shack so tha... Read more

  • by

    lilxluckystar1_0575f

    Mon Dec 01 2008

    Like so many other So Cal natives, my husband and I had to see what all the huff an puff was about this place. It is definitely worth checking out. Here's what I found: *Polish sausage is better than the regular hot dog. *The Pastrami Polish dog with swiss is probably their best dog (add mustard when you get it!) The pastrami is tender and not salty. Take small bites otherwise you will definitely bite off more than you can chew! *My husband got the regular pastrami and swiss dog and he preferred the polish version. *The chili dog was just OK- the chili really wasn't all that great, kind of bland, weinerschnitzel has better chili dogs. The 10 inch dog was very thin. *The most fantastic onion rings I've ever had- perfect size and perfectly crunchy, not oily at all. * Their ranch dressing is very thick as if they made it with lots of mayo. Still pretty good with the onion rings. *They don't have fountain soda- its all canned and bottled. But that's okay they have a large vari... Read more

  • by

    grayrosa1aafb7

    Mon Dec 01 2008

    I have enjoyed hot dogs from all over the U.S. and realize that the hot dog is a fast food. I watched and listened to all the talk over Pink's hot dogs. My wife and I finally visited this establishment during the weekend of November 8th, my birthday. We waited for a while which was no big deal. The place had the feel and aroma of a cool "greasy spoon", but i never knew that i was going to eat my words. The items we ordered were smothered in a tasteless, greasy, gool. My wife took one bite of her hot dog and stopped eating. Both of us left with an awful taste in our mouths and sour stomachs as a reminder. Very disappointed.

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    citysearchuser_114f31

    Sat Nov 08 2008

    Thank you to the big security guard looking guy in the s550 mercedes! He told me to try the polish chili wrap thingy. It was the BOMB DOT CO...

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    veronicamc1f41_6c

    Sat Oct 25 2008

    Eversince I heard about Pinks on the Food Network I dreamt about eating one of their famous hotdogs. The experience of being in line with all the other eager customers was fun; ordering was fun, but tasting the hot dog was the worst. I was so disappointed. The chili dog sauce was the worst I've ever tasted. It tasted like it was just a bunch of low quality, bland, oily gross chorizo. The wiener, I got the twelve inch, was tough and was so gross the taste actually made me and my husband gag. I couldn't eat even a quarter of it. Guess my dream dog was acutally a nightmare dog!

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    citysearchuser_195dc8

    Mon Oct 20 2008

    Everyone should try this place at least once. The is good, if you like Hot Dogs and the crowd in line in fun to watch. It is best late a...

  • by

    mustcop1159a5

    Tue Sep 30 2008

    i went here just to say i went here. it tastes like any other hot dog. not great not bad, just a hotdog. whoooopdeeee

  • by

    contributor177_0c9

    Sun Sep 28 2008

    The Scene Everyone loves Pink's, from lunching businessmen and penny-pinching families to ravenous club kids at 3am. Even celebrities wait in the perpetual line. Orson Welles used to come once a week and down a dozen chili-cheese dogs. The Food The chili-cheese dog is the end-all and be-all of Pink's. A long, thin, 100-percent beef Hoffy is snug in a lightly steamed bun, oozing with chili and topped with a slab of neon-orange cheese--this dog has earned its signature status. But the menu has evolved since its pushcart beginnings; 21 menu items, including mutants such as the pastrami-Reuben dog and the bacon-burrito dog, are worth the risk of indigestion. High Marks "The hot dogs (specially made for them by Hoffy) have that nice pop when you bite into them. Chili had just the right taste to put on a hot dog." (culinaryman, Citysearch user) "I think waiting in line is part of the fun. You get to see and absorb the culture surrounding the hot dog stand." (sincityeater, Citysearch user)... Read more

  • by

    kcchefette1b14_f4

    Mon Sep 22 2008

    I cannot believe this joint continues to win awards year after year. Next time you go, pay attention, they simply open a package of hot dogs and dump them into a steam table. The chili is mediocre and they have the most tasteless guac I have ever had. There are so many better places out there to get a decent hotdog.

  • by

    citysearchuser_17705513853703_92

    Sun Sep 21 2008

    I don't know what the other negative people are thinking but the hotdogs are juicy and flavorful. Pink's offers tons of varieties (including...

  • by

    verababb16357c

    Wed Sep 10 2008

    I don't know where some of these reviewers are coming from...Pink's offers the most generous portions of ANY hot dog stand, the dogs are so fresh...what do you expect when they serve over 2,000 everyday and have to cook small batches due to their small kitchen. The dogs are 100% natural casing, no by-products just 100% BEEF, or they offer turkey dogs or veggie dogs. Best onion rings and fries EVER! Very low prices too...I know the lines are long, but there are times throughout the day when I go when there are very few people in line. If you go right at the lunch hour or right at dinner, what do you expect? PINK'S IS THE BEST!!!

  • by

    madmanx1aacbb

    Sun Aug 31 2008

    Iv lived in Los angeles by whole life and I always pass by this place and the line is always long. So on Saturday night i wanted to see what the fuss was about!! My sister and I went and waited an hour and a half in line. We ordered everything because we had waited so long I wanted to try everything that looked good. The food is nothing crazy. Tommys has better chili dogs. Their hot dogs are the same generic ones that every other place uses. I think cupids uses the same brand and I think tommys does too. The other specialty hot dogs were nothing crazy either I can make them at home. The food is cheap though I give them that. If it wasn't a 2 hour wait I would go to the place again but definitely not worth the hype

  • by

    tolucalake

    Sat Aug 09 2008

    I've lived here for almost 2 years and have always wanted to try it and finally my friends and I did last night. Waited for over and hour and thought the wait would be worth it, but we were all completely disappointed. Our dogs were not cooked and it touch to bite through and the it had NO flavor. Please don't waste your time standing in this ridiculously long line just to be disappointed.

  • by

    citysearchuser_1c5c19

    Thu Jul 24 2008

    It was a Hot Day in April 2008 in the 100's or so and we had to wait in this line for ever. You order them then you are back in line again t...

  • by

    talldude1575da

    Wed Jul 23 2008

    The only thing I didn't like was the long wait in line. But if you go at night I always see hot girls in the vicinity. I always order the burrito pastrami dog, its incredible. Their onion rings gotta be the best I ever tasted. HIGH fat content food so unless you are very active or have a high metabolism this food is only meant to be eaten on occasion. Also, I sent an email to Pink's complimenting their food and they mail me two $5 gift certificates with no expiration date

  • by

    amaes14a110

    Mon Jul 21 2008

    Worst chili dogs i've ever had! We figured since we were gonna wait in line for 1 1/2 hours might as well order everything we want to try. So we ordered 4 of their specialty dogs and 1 traditional chili dog (its what put them on the map....must be good, right?) Took one bite of each and threw the rest away, even the infamous chili dog. Was sick the rest of the day. Can only imagine if we would have eaten a whole dog...would have met the end for sure. Lesson learned, wont be returning. These people are making a killing...good for them.

  • by

    openville11d03_6

    Sat Jun 14 2008

    I don't know what the folks that said they accept credit cards were smoking, but I guess that's why they should up at this LA staple for late night dining. I hadn't been to Pink's in years, but visited them again this past Saturday / Sunday morning at 2am to find the chili cheese dogs were still delicious, the lines still long, the crowd dressed for cubbing and recovering from a little too much to drink. Between the drunkards and the wild car accident down the street that I missed by seconds from being involved in myself, I can say the atmosphere was, errr, interesting?!?!?! So, why did I come back to Pink's after a decade and now slightly past my early twenties? My Virginian-born and raised GF who caught Tyra's recommendation on the tube. Hmmmmm ... I wonder if www.seenon has an affiliate link to Pink's web site (www.pinkshollywood )? Pick's is worth a visit because it is one of LA's things to do. Kind of like cupcakes at Magnolia in Nueva York.

  • by

    notoriousfluff_y5ac72

    Tue Jun 10 2008

    I'd heard of Pink's for years, and decided to try them out a couple of weeks ago when we were in L.A. from San Diego. The wait in line (outside on the sidewalk) was long, but it didn't matter once we sat down to eat. The portions are huge and very reasonable. I had the signature chili cheese dog and a Martha Stewart (10-inch dog with relish, onions, bacon, chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut and sour cream). My wife isn't the hot dog fiend that I am, but she really enjoyed her mild Polish dog. And the onion rings are fantastic - reminded me of White Castle's, if you know them. If you get the chance, go!

  • by

    captainmidnigh_t2cefc

    Mon Jun 09 2008

    Being a LA native, I've been going to Pinks since I was a teenager. Being a Baby Boomer and now health conscious, I eat here every couple of years. Plus the lines are usually too long to wait. But I got off work early and passing Pinks I saw about a 15 minute wait, so I decided to take advantage of it. As someone else said, the chili is not what it used to be. Not as flavorful. But the dog is still good. I had mine with kraut, which was flavorful. Got into a conversation with a gentleman from the O.C., who also around my age. We reminisced about the old Pinks. Today the burgers may be more tasty than the dogs, but if you have the time, because there's always a line, and don't have too many cholesterol problems, this is the place to go.

  • by

    shonstar137b19

    Mon Jun 02 2008

    And yet another example that Hollywood people will eat anything. Seriously, the food at Pinks was really low quality. I grew up in Montreal, lived in Toronto and have eaten the dogs off of many a NYC street corner. For those expecting a juicey Hot Dog, grilled or streamed, with some flavor, get ready for a taste-bud shocker instead. The hot dogs are rubberized at Pinks and bear no similarity to anything Shopsy's or any deli for that matter would serve up. I was shocked at the cheap meat used. Even in Montreal, La Fleurs (one of the cheapest meals you can have) has some great Hot Dogs. The bread was also dry. Pinks is just another example on the decadent stupidity of our good friends in LA LA Land. The only people laughing are the mexicans who work here most of whom are probably in shock that these dum-asses keep eating the garbage they're serving up. A contemptuous experience at best. The only worse time I had over a 2 hour period was watching an Antonioni movie once.

  • by

    alhjr55154014

    Thu May 29 2008

    You know, it's kind of funny but at the same time a shame that so many people can gripe so harshly about the hot dogs at Pink's. First of all, let's ask ourselves one question, "what is a hot dog?", it 's not a fine piece of steak or a piece of prime rib, it's a hot dog! And like they say, we all know what hot dogs are made of. One person's review even said that it grossed them out when the dog popped when bitten. Little did they know that, believe it or not, this indicates that the hot dog was made with a natural casing and all of the better, custom made franks are like that. Let's face it, no matter how you compare, a place like Pink's serves up hot dogs made especially for them by Hoffy and they offer them to their customers with just about any variation of toppings and extras you would want on your hot dog. What more could you ask for in a hot dog? Why eat at Pink's instead of somewhere like Wienerschnitzel that is faster and cheaper? Because the fast food hot dog stands actually D... Read more

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    racedvd120ebd

    Mon May 12 2008

    If you are expecting table cloths and special treatment you won't like "Pinks" however the Valet service was EXCEPTIONAL! Better Hot Dogs somewhere else? Maybe but it is a matter of taste, some people think Chicago Style Hot Dogs in Chicago are the greatest, But I wouldn't walk across the street for one, but I have and will stand in line for a "Pinks." The endless lines are a testiment to how good these dogs are. I am sure some people are put off by the lines. BUT OPEN UP enjoy the experience and meet new people while you are in line and ENJOY life! Who knows you might make a friend, but you have to get your nose out of the air. LOVE "PINKS"

  • by

    rwtjstdst1dd0d_7

    Fri Apr 04 2008

    Reviews raving about Pink's hotdogs were Hollywood hype. If the stars think these hot dogs are great, they haven't eaten very many hotdogs. These were awfullllllll!!!!!! They were sooo tough you could hardly bite into them. They were like leather. My son loves hot dogs and he couldn't choke these down I was extremely disappointed. I have eaten hot dogs from the street vendors in New York City, and at ball parks across the country, and any of them easily put Pink's hotdogs to shame.

  • by

    cmonnow1d565c

    Thu Mar 27 2008

    I went to Pink's Hot Dogs since I love hot dogs and have heard a bunch of hype about Pink's. I figured the hot dogs must be good, and decided to wait in the long line... which ended up taking about 2 hours. Finally, we got some hot dogs, and I tried two different kinds, both of which were terrible. I'd honestly say below average. Seriously, the hot dogs at Costco and Home Depot are MUCH better, and I will NEVER eat at Pink's again.

  • by

    beautifuldarkn_e4aebf

    Tue Mar 25 2008

    One of my ex-boyfriends introduced me to this place! I love having the chili, bacon and onions hot dog, as well as the lord of the rings hot dog! There are also other good choices here. The line maybe long, but the food is worth it. I am also amazed at how well the staff can remember your order without writing it down!

  • by

    mendy08188894

    Sat Mar 15 2008

    Highly overrated. The dogs are good just stay away from the chili. Not worth standing in a long line.

  • by

    citysearchuser_154a9c

    Thu Mar 13 2008

    Pinks has been in Hollywood for years. I have gone when they had 25 cent sales on their dogs on the anniversaries of the stores years in Ho...

  • by

    hef1201197691

    Sun Mar 09 2008

    My first review. First off, if you want good hot dogs, don't come to Pink's. Now I know the nostalgia of Hollywood and what not may entice you, but don't fall for it. The hot dog itself is frozen, not fresh and extremely disgusting. Sorry.

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