Plaza Blog

Best Hot Dog Restaurants in LA: A Journey with the All-American Classic

Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the streets of Los Angeles? In a city known for its diverse culinary scene, there's one food that stands as a beloved all-American classic: the hot dog. Whether you like yours topped with chili, wrapped in bacon, or bursting with creative toppings, LA has a hot dog joint that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Discover new restaurants nearby as we take you on a tour of the best hot dog restaurants in LA!

Vivi's Gourmet Cuisine- If you're looking for a twist on the traditional hot dog, head over to Vivi's Gourmet Cuisine, a Colombian street food trailer located in Van Nuys. Here, you'll find sauced-up hot dogs piled high with onions, lettuce, tomato, crispy bacon, and stick fries, all laced with five different sauces. Be sure to ask for napkins—you'll need them!​

Vicious Dogs- Head to North Hollywood and visit Vicious Dogs, a hot dog mecca known for its zany toppings. From hot dogs topped with jalapeño cheddar poppers to pastrami, mozzarella sticks, and chopped chicken tenders, Vicious Dogs is sure to impress with its unique and adventurous menu​

The Stand- A Valley classic with outlets in Woodland Hills, Encino, and Northridge, is the perfect spot for old-school hot dogs with a new school vibe. After picking your dog, don't forget to try their awesome fries to complete the experience​

Dog Haus Biergarten- For an elevated hot dog experience, visit Dog Haus Biergarten in Pasadena. The Sooo Cali hot dog features an all-beef skinless dog with wild arugula, spicy basil aioli, crispy onions, avocado, and tomato. Their unique creations can even be made into gourmet sausages​

Carney's- All aboard the Pacific Railroad passenger train on Sunset Boulevard! Carney's offers a unique experience, slinging hot dogs out of a bright-yellow rail car since 1975. Enjoy an old-fashioned chili dog in a one-of-a-kind setting​

Tail O' the Pup- A legendary hot dog-shaped stand, Tail O' the Pup, is back in West Hollywood on Santa Monica Boulevard. With hot dogs like the split and grilled 1946 and the footlong Baseball dog, this iconic spot is a must-visit for hot dog enthusiasts​

Okidog- Get a taste of a hot dog with international flair at Okidog in West Hollywood. The Okidog is a cross-cultural hot dog hybrid stuffed with two franks, chili, pastrami, mustard, and American cheese in a burrito-style tortilla. It's a hot dog that's sure to challenge anyone’s metabolism​

El Churrasco Chapin- Experience Guatemalan hot dogs, also known as pan shucos, at El Churrasco Chapin in Melrose Hill. Try the loaded pan shuco with griddled sliced wieners, avocado spread, pickled cabbage, onions, and a mesmerizing striping of mustard, mayo, and ketchup​

Pink's Hot Dogs- No list of LA hot dogs would be complete without mentioning Pink's Hot Dogs on La Brea Avenue. A staple in the city since 1939, Pink's is famous for its long lines and celebrity sightings. Picture menus of local restaurants won't do justice to the variety of delicious hot dogs Pink's has to offer. From the classic chili dog to the iconic "Lord of the Rings" dog topped with onion rings and barbecue sauce, Pink's is a true LA institution that every hot dog lover should visit at least once​

And there you have it—some of the best hot dog restaurants in Los Angeles! Whether you're a local or a tourist, these eateries are sure to satisfy your hot dog cravings with their creative and mouthwatering offerings. As you embark on your culinary adventure, you may even be inspired to try combinations you've never thought of before.

While most of these hot dog joints welcome walk-in customers, if you're planning a special occasion or want to beat the crowds, you can make reservations at top-rated restaurants like The Stand or Dog Haus Biergarten to secure your spot.

So, next time you're in LA and looking to indulge in this classic American treat, be sure to visit one (or all) of these hot dog hotspots. With so many unique and flavorful options to choose from, you'll be left dreaming about your next hot dog outing. Until then, happy eating, and enjoy the savory journey!