Pink's Hot Dogs

Pink’s Hot Dogs sits on the corner of Melrose and La Brea in Hollywood, a tiny stand that’s been serving hot dogs since 1939. The place has become something of an LA institution, drawing crowds of visitors eager to check it off their must-see list. Celebrity-named menu items line the boards, and the neon signs glow late into the night, promising a quintessential Los Angeles experience.

The menu features an overwhelming array of creative hot dogs, from the straightforward chili dog to more elaborate concoctions like the Lord Of The Rings Dog with its crown of onion rings. There’s also the Double Pastrami Swiss Burger for those who want to go all out. The portions are generous and the combinations are certainly inventive, though the execution doesn’t always match the ambition of the concept.

Pink’s does have its merits—the late-night hours make it accessible when other options have closed, and there’s something to be said for experiencing a piece of LA history. The lines can stretch around the block, especially on weekends, so be prepared to wait. It’s the kind of place that sparks debate among locals about whether the reputation is deserved.

For first-time visitors to Los Angeles who want to tick a famous landmark off their list, Pink’s delivers a certain nostalgic charm. Just set your expectations accordingly and know that the city has plenty of other late-night food spots worth exploring once you’ve had the Pink’s experience.