Pink’s, on La Brea just barely north of Melrose, claims to be the “Home of the World’s Best Chili Dog.” There are lots of chili dogs I like, but I do have to say that Pink’s is up there. They’ve been in business since 1939 without a change in location, so clearly I am not the only one who thinks this. The lines will testify as well–yesterday we waited for an hour to place our order. On the other hand, once the order was placed, it took about one minute to get our food.
I don’t know how the staff keeps things straight, but on our three visits (we don’t live in the area, so we don’t get there often), they haven’t missed a beat. In spite of what looks like mayhem behind the counter, and customers shouting out orders, everything seems to get to the right person.
A trip to Pink’s has become a minor tradition for us. After running (in my case, watching) the L.A. Marathon, or participating in a 5K fundraiser in the general vicinity of downtown (I did do this one), chili-cheese dogs are a welcome treat. We like ours with no mustard or onions. I’m not sure what either of those is supposed to add; they seem like they result in too many flavors and distract from the chili. I also think the fries (seasoned–not my favorites) benefit from a dollop of chili. They’re cooked just right, but I prefer the chili to the flavor of the seasoning. So while I’d get a chili dog and regular fries at most places, at Pink’s it’s chili on everything. Mmmm….
Pink’s dogs are also helped, as far as I’m concerned, by their stock of Bubble Up. This lemon-lime soda is sort of like 7-Up, but better. Why? Glass bottles and real sugar, instead of corn syrup. I discovered it on my first trip to Pink’s and was instantly hooked. Try it, you’ll like it. Or you won’t, which leaves more for me. Cheers!
BTW, the Melrose Pinkberry is right around the corner. Pinkberry, your yogurt is awesome, but your website is just plain weird.
Update (6/19/07): Okay, the site is less weird now. Way to go, Pinkberry!