The Beloved Old Hollywood Hot Dog Joint That's Still Open Today
When it comes to foods that deserve their own star on Hollywood's iconic Walk of Fame, it's probably a beloved hot dog stand that has been a part of this movie-driven community since 1939. Near the corner of La Brea and Melrose in the Fairfax District sits Pink's Hot Dogs. This single spot sells, on average, 1200 glizzies and 200 hamburgers every day. In the immortal words of Paris Hilton, "That's hot."
But before Pink's Hot Dogs became ingrained in the Hollywood fabric, with a celebrity clientele that includes Giada De Laurentiis, Martha Stewart, and Drew Barrymore, it started as a pushcart. Paul and Betty Pink, the parents of the current owners, started the concept after borrowing $50 from Betty's mom to buy the cart. They leased the spot where they parked it and sold hot dogs for a dime and Cokes for a nickel.
The volume of sales was nothing like the current numbers. Back then, the cart would feel blessed to sell 100 hot dogs each day. It was in 1946 that they made the upgrade to a brick-and-mortar shop and started selling different styles of hot dogs and burgers, and the family's business increased.
They aren't cheap
What can you expect if you decide to add Pink's Hot Dog to your agenda the next time you are in Los Angeles? Well, for starters, Fodor's Travel Guide crowned it the "Best Hot Dog Stand in the United States" in 2025. Translation: It's worth the stop. Why? Because Pink's is all about the dogs. They don't use grocery store brand hot dogs. Instead, the fast food uses special Hoffy dogs that are 9 inches in length. Its natural casing gives your chompers that classic snap that is synonymous with a Pink's frank.
What should you order? Pink's is famous for its chili dog, which is similar to French's chili dog. In addition to mustard and onions piled onto a hot dog on a bun, there is a nice serving of chili, which is rumored to be Betty Pink's secret recipe. But just because it is backyard barbecue food doesn't mean that it's cheap.
It will set you back $8.50. Add cheese, and it's going to be $9.50. But don't limit yourself or your appetite. Philly cheesesteak dogs, Polish pastrami dogs, New York dogs, which boast sweet and saucy onions, and bacon chili cheese dogs are among the many options to sink your teeth into. Just be sure to save room for a slice of coconut cake and thank us later.