Best Hot Dogs In LA
(credit: Pinks Hot Dogs)
There are many theories as to the origin of the hot dog. One popular theory dates it back to Roman times when pigs were starved for one week before their slaughter. Gaius, head chef to Emperor Nero, discovered that one of his pigs was not gutted before roasting. When Gaius cut into the pig, he found the intestines inflated yet empty because of the starvation and went on to stuff them with ground game. Now, technically this would be considered sausage and it wouldn't become the hot dog we know it as today if it didn't travel across Europe to Germany. But if sausage was never invented, would the Germans have created the hot dog? While you ponder this "which came first" dilemma, you might want to check out any of these top five places for hot dogs in LA.
(credit: Felicity K./Yelp)
Hot Dog Lady
Echo Park
W. Sunset Blvd. and Sutherland St.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
It's no surprise to see a long line for food stands or trucks late at night, especially near local watering holes. Fast and cheap is what tired partiers are looking for in the wee hours of the morning. But for the Hot Dog Lady on the corner of West Sunset and Sutherland, you kind of want to eat it without the mix of a tasty libation. Her hot dogs have the option of coming fully loaded with toppings at $3 each or you can do two for $6. That includes the bacon-wrapped dogs with all of the fixings.
Related: Best Hot Dogs In Los Angeles
(credit: Budacki's Hot Dog)
Budacki's Hot Dog
Exposition Park
3782 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(844) 283-7872
www.budackishotdog.com
Hot dogs are great, but sometimes you have to eat a bunch in order to get full. And really, for some appetites, that would be a lot of hot dogs. But Budacki's Hot Dogs has awesome combos so you don't have to dog yourself to death. Come hungry and get your fill with a Vienna (dog, fries, soda), Chi-Town (two dogs, pizza puff, soda), Greek (gyros, dog, soda), American (burger, dog, fries, soda), Ocean (fish sandwich, dog, fries, soda) or even a Munchie (dog, pizza puff, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, fries, soda), just to name a few.
(credit: Vicious Dogs)
Vicious Dogs
5231 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 985-3647
www.viciousdogshotdogs.com
About a decade ago, hot dogs were nothing special. They were a quick and cheap meal for mom but loved by kids all over America. But thanks to places like Vicious Dogs, times have definitely changed. The sky's the limit when it comes to what you're craving. Sure, you can have a plain dog, but why would you want to when you have options like the "Hot Chick" (bacon-wrapped beef dog with melted mozzarella cheese, a chopped chicken tender, and topped with Frank's hot sauce, and ranch dressing), the "Krusty Krab" (bacon-wrapped beef dog with a light sweet and spicy chili glaze, grilled onions and peppers, topped with a chopped crab patty and a house-made tartar sauce) or the "Green Hornet" (Louisiana Link with house-made spicy habanero green sauce, melted monterey jack cheese, and guacamole)?
(credit: Eli G./Yelp)
The Greasy Wiener
Los Angeles, CA
www.thegreasywiener.com
It's hard not to associate hot dogs with food trucks. It was a staple menu item of the food truck pioneers. But as the four-wheels-meals culture progressed, so did the standard food truck hot dog. The Greasy Wiener serves up dogs that are a little bit retro and a little bit gourmet. Bite into the "Brat Jovi" (aged cheddar-infused bratwurst), the "Born to Run" (chicken cilantro jalapeno sausage) or "The Bomb Dog" (hickory smoked bacon with homemade chili and cheese sauces, mustard, grilled onions, and a pickle). There's something for everyone (including a little something called "The Hippie" for the vegetarians) and The Greasy Wiener's prices are budget friendly.
(credit: Mucho Perro)
Mucho Perro!
Bronson Bar
5851 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(818) 530-6408
www.muchoperro.com
The hot dog stand Mucho Perro! loses a little something with the English translation to Much Dog, yet at the same time is quite accurate. Hefty toppings on a large frank does in fact equal to much dog for not much money. The menu is small but it's packed with flavor. Take your pick from the Mucho Perro!, the Mucho Turkey! or the Mucho Veggie! All are served with mozzarella cheese, smashed potato chips, ketchup, mustard, pineapple sauce, cilantro sauce and pink sauce. Then there's the Mucho Chili! topped with bacon, jalapeños and chili in addition to all of the other good stuff. Even better, all Mucho Perro! dogs are only $4 each.
Related: Best Places For Chili In LA
