Chili Dogs
I'm surprised that I wasn't able to find a recent thread about this in the archives. Who, in your opinion, puts together the finest chili dog in Los Angeles? What makes it better than the rest?
Carney's?
Pink's?
Tommy's?
Skooby's?
.others?
rastan
Dec 07, 2005 06:02PM
I'm partial to the chili dog at THE STAND and also to the ones served up THE HAT (www.thehat.com) when I can't get the time to drive to the SFV.
Link: http://www.thestandlink.com/index.htm
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I have given this issue great thought for many years and I have THE ANSWER. Go to Chili My Soul in Encino and get a pint of whatever chili strikes your fancy. Then run down the street 3 miles to Weiner Factory in Sherman Oaks for one of their dogs or polish sausages. Add condiments provided, add chili. Voila!
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What about the chili dog they have at Chili My Soul? I've never had it, and doubt it compares all that well to the polish sausage at Weiner Factory, but wouldn't it do pretty well for one-stop shopping? The other items Chili My Soul does using chili (e.g., the burger, Nachos, and chili fries) are all very good.
And the chili, imho, is far superior to the chili at The Stand.
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It doesnt have to compare. My point was that your bringing together the best of two worlds so to speak-great chili and great hot dogs, polish sausages and chicken sausages. BTW the chili at WF could stand some work. Also I don't care for the Stand or anyplace that puts raisins on a hot dog. I am a die hard Weiner Factory devotee.
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That's a pretty good idea. The WF has great dogs but very ordinary chili but I'm concerned about the final assembly of the unit. If you work in the west SFV, the dog cart on Townsgate, south of the 101, off at Thousand Oaks Blvd, has Sabretts and pretty good chili. Lament the chili at Jay's. Now that was some chili!
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Mmmmm... Jay's Grilldog. R.I.P.
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I like The Stand chili dog. The Stand goes out of their way to make the hot dogs (and sausages)an epicurean experience by making several of their sauces from scratch. Owner told me they have 2 more Stands planned next year for the other side of the hill.
Tommy's-I think a few years ago they changed the hot dog at Tommy's and it isn't a natural casing hot dog but a skinless hot dog. Still a great classic chili dog.
Image: http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/10...
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That link doesn't work.
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Might I add that Mondays at the Stand is $1 dog day!
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I know this will rattle your senses but Der Weinersnitzel (sp) has pretty good chili dogs. The chili is very very good, the dog could use some improving. All in all though not a bad chili dog at all.
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Try their all beef hotdog. They are good. I also love their chili cheese fries (well done, of course!)
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I just had my first Tommy's chili dog (with cheese) and I have to say it was probably the best one I've ever experienced. I'm not a chili dog fanatic but occassionally I'll get a craving for them and usually go to Weinerschnizel out of convenience. The chili dog at Tommy's is so far out of Weinerschnitzel's league in my opinion, it's not even funny. It was HUGE and covered in a heaping amount of chili and melted cheese and topped off with huge slices of pickles and salted tomatoes. Incredible! I will never look at Weinerschnitzel or The Stand the same again now that I've had this dog.
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LOL! I was going to humbly offer Tommy's Chili Dog myself... Although personally, I perfer my dog on the simple side and I haven't had it in YEARS, but the times that I did, it was indeed wonderful as you describe...
--Dommy!
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Years ago the Chili Dog and the Tamale were my favorites at Tommy's. It has been decades sine I was there. Glad to know that the Chili Dog is still on the menu. Now I gotta go back for a taste from the past.
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...and one evening as we were driving by the Tommy's on Hill Ave. just north of PCC, Tania said, "Oh...if you ever go there, get the chili dog."
I think I just heard my South Beach Diet make loud cracking noises...
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Have never tried the chili dogs at Tommy's, Skooby's, The Stand, Pink's or Der Wienerschnitzel. So, to be fair, I cannot comment on these.
I have tried the "Carney Dog" at Carney's, though. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a good chili dog. I get mine with tomatoes on the side and enjoy the cool (and juicy) tomatoes juxtaposed against the hot, spicy hot dog, chili, mustard and bun combination.
One heck of a good chili dog at Carney's!
Two locations to choose from. I like the Ventura Boulevard location for ambience, but the Sunset Boulevard location has a liquor license.
Go, eat and enjoy!
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Oops! I meant to include these:
12601 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 761-8300
8351 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(323) 654-8300
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I, for the first time, tried Carney's (on Ventura Blvd.) for the first time last night. WOW! Evereyone on this board was right. I ordered the small chili cheese fries (well done) and the Chicago Style Dog (mustard, relish, onions).
The dog was SO flavorful. I was really impressed. The chili fries were okay, but I found I needed to add salt to get the flavor "just right" for my 'buds. Add a few of those hot little yellow numbers and I was in good shape.
I only ate around 1/3 of the fries and the hot dog and was well satisfied.
Odd that I have never been here before and I grew up in the valley and have been driving by it forever!
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You definitely want to try the Carney Dog at some point. Not that I have much of a basis for comparison -- as evidenced by my first post. But to me, it is a truly delicious chili dog. Really good. Consider having it my way; with a mouthful of fresh tomato slice in every bite!
And if you want to try a good burger, order a "half-pound" cheeseburger with everything. You will not regret it. Be sure to go around the lunch or dinner rush if at all possible. It will maximize your chances for the best possible Carney's experience!
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Thanks, I will!! ;-)
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The Carney's Red Eye split and grilled is the bomb!!
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As mentioned below, I had the carney's dog (although not the chili dog) last night. Really good. I could see the chili dog being good.
I like Pinks. Ususally order their chili cheese fries and a chili cheese dog, and cannot finish either. Prefer the fries over the dog.
I personally prefer Cupid's which has a few original locations in the valley. Parthenia/just south of Nordhoff; Vanowen/just east of Winnetka. The original locations (unlike the "fake" new ones that are popping up) only serve hot dogs (original - chili, mustard, onions) add ketchup per request and cheese for .25 cents, drinks and chips. Period. Small hut, outside seating. Delicious!!
Weinerschnitzel does a good chili dog, but I prefer their all beef hotdog. Once again, I am more of a fan of their chili cheese friest (well done) than the dogs. I guess I am a big chili cheese fries person!!
Tommy's is good as well and as mentioned below - HUGE!
All of these places are different in their own way and are a matter of preference to each person's individual tastes. Try them out yourself and see which place comes out ahead!!
I have also had the chili dogs at The Hat which is okay and Wolfe Burgers (which by the way has a change of owner notice in the window) which I have no recollection of whether or not I liked.
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My vote would be for Topps over in Pasadena or Arcadia. If you get their chili-cheesedog with diced onions over it with a side of onion-rings you'll be set! I'm a big fan of Tommy's as well but Topps is good for that small town feel. I'd also get a small order of chili-cheese fries there too but that'd be overkill. =P
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Tommy's is my favorite but Pinks and The Hat are also pretty good. You also might want to try Lucky Boy in Pasadena.
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Tommy's is the best....there's so much chili on the hot dog I can dip my fries into the chili and have chili and fries and plenty of chili left for the dog. They also put a hefty couple slices of tomatoes and plenty of pickles.
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I love chili dogs and have tried many of them across Los Angeles, but hands down the champion of all chili dogs, with or with out cheese, is and always will be Chronies in East L.A. I have been going to this spot and eating chili dogs and the rest of their food since I was a little boy. I highly recommend this place to anyone who enjoys good food from a good hamburger/hot dog stand. Their good food does not stop at chili dogs, they also have very good cheese burgers, tamales, pastramis, chili cheese fries and root beer floats. When I eat at Chronies I order, a chile cheese dog, double cheese burger, regular hot dog, fries, and a lemonade. This is what makes me happy.
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I got to agree with inknowfood64, Chronies is the last traditional dog left in L.A.
The stand has been open since the late 30's. The chili is top knotch, the burgers are fresh and tasty (the size of an In N out patty). It's on the corner of Keenan and Whittier Blvd. in East L.A. a must not miss joint. Owned and operated by the same family.
Closed Sundays
My second best chili dog spot is in Burbank called Larry's. Very good chili, the dog is a natural casing. The offer a full menu, the burgers are good!
3122 W. Burbank Blvd.
Burbank Ca. 91505
818 842 0244
Closed Sundays
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Love Chronis! Yes this place is great. Very cool old (real) eastside stand with great hot dogs and hamburgers. My mom used to take me there all the time. Do they still have the 4-fingered dog?
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For my taste, Original Cupid's on Lindley Ave in Northridge is the best dog LA. The dog has a nice snap, with delicious chili - I think it is the cumin that makes it so great. Pink's is the most over rated place in LA, barely worth the wait. Who cares if you might see Ruth Buzzy? If the Hot Dog Factory is still in Sherman Oaks on Ventura, they get my runner-up. I live within walking distance of the Hat in Pasadena, & never go anymore - It was always disappointing.
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Alkyd9, that's the WEINER Factory in SO, and yes, it's still there (despite an unsuccessful attempt by the property owner to put a Pinkberry in that space).
I also grew up eating Cupid's dogs on Lindley, and yes, they are very good--nice snap. However, I now prefer WF's turkey dog, which has a nice, slightly spicy kick to it, along with their chili, mustard and onions. The two dogs are pretty similar, but both are far superior to Pink's or Tommy's.
Oh, WF's chili is pretty darn good too.
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Cupids takes #1 for me, too.
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Cupids!
Last week, at the Lindley store by CSUN) I got two Cupids dogs (chili, onions, mustard) and a small drink, I think it was less than $6. Bun = fresh, perfectly steamed, onions = fresh, sweet, chili = just what I want in chili, weiner = tasty and snappy.
I hit the jackpot, two perfect chili dogs, in my neighborhood for $6, no waiting, it's a rich full life.
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YAY! I LOVE Cupid's. Have been going there since I was a kid. Whenever I am in the valley, I usually make a stop - eat one (same way you had it) and get 3 or 4 to go (triple-wrapped, please). They keep up fairly well in the micro. YUMMY!!
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Yep! Cupids for me. I went to San Fernando Valley State College (before it became Cal State Northridge) and used to go to Cupids everyday. It was right across the street and the dogs were $.50 each. How things have changed, but the dog tastes the same.
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nobody's mentioned this yet???
oki dog makes a wonderfully delicious perfectly proportioned chili dog, which I find blows away Tommy's and Pinks.
Note that I had a Tommy's dog last night
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Actually i Did on the other Best Hot dog post. How can you beat 2 hot dogs wrapped in a flour tortilla topped with pastrami, chili and cheese? i ask the guy for "Yasai" he then adds grilled onions, peppers & cabbage Do you ever get the hot pickled cabbage pieces floating in the Hot Yellow chili pepper jar?
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that was the other post, not this one ;)
I dont, never even knew it was possible until you mentioned it.
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WEINER FACTORY
TOMMY'S
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I tried the chili dog at Tommy's for the first time yesterday. It was quite tasty. I was a bit unsure about the pickle slices on top at first, but they really added something nice to the overall flavor. It is definitely a good chili dog.
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I am so upset right now!!!
This thread has gotten me in the mood to try an old favorite dog...so I went to the Bev/Rampart Tommy's tonight since I'm going to San Fran tomorrow and my friend requested that I bring him some Tommy's chili...I got a chili dog. Asked for "a chilli dog with just cheese, chili, mustard and ketchup." the guy said "everything?" I said "no, just chili, cheese, mustard, and ketchup." What did I get when I got home....mayo! YUK YUK YIYUK!!! I am SOOO PISSED OFF, not just because someone was in my parking spot, but because, whay would anyone p[ut mayo on a dog?
Please, if you like it, tell me why? I tried to eat it, but eeewwww!!! Nasty!!!
Oh, well, my friend will be happy with his chili in the morning, and I guess I save my ass a few calories.
Good night!
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I have never gotten mayo on my chili dog at Tommy's. That is WEIRD!! I am sorry about that! However, last time I got the dog just mustard and onions (I always ask for pickles on the side and no tomatoes even when I get the chili cheese dog) and it was fantastic! So from now on that will be my order: hot dog w/ Must & onions, chili cheese fries, cooked well done, extra chili. Amen!
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HI WildSwede,
So strange with the may thing huh? I had never gotten mayo on a dog there either.
Anyway, the hot dog spirit was recaptured thanks to the hot dog I had at the Doger game while in San Fran on Friday night...such a good dog.
Just mustard, ketchup, and relish...mmmm. Snappy casing, soft, steamy bun, and an IPA to wash it down...mmm.
Then went to AME for dinner on Sat to eat some more civilized food.
So, have you tried some of the hot dog places on Burban Blvd like Chili Johns, or Larrys...there looks as if there are quite a few on that stretch of Burbank Blvd between Hollywood Way and Victory...let me know if you have an opionion on any of them.
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I LOVE Larry's. It reminds me a lot of the first place I ever had chili dogs - Papa John's on Hazeltine and Victory in the 70's. It transports me straight back there when I bite into one of his.
Chili John's I cannot comment on really since when I went it was 15 minutes before they closed (every other time I had driven by they were closed) and they habve a policy of not serving anymore (you can get it to go, however). So I ordered an order of their chili spaghetti (my childhood fave from Bob's Big Boy) spicy. I did not eat it for a couple of days. By that point, it was a disgusting, grainy, congealed mess. So I cannot honestly say whether it was good or not. I will need to eat it fresh, in house to feel like I am doing it justice. Sorry.
However, I did have my MOST FAVORITE chili dog, Cupid's yesterday. It is a dream on a bun, as far as I am concerned!! ;-)
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Thnaks WildeSwede,
I can't wait to try Larry's.
I noticed another Chicago Style Hot DOg place on Hollywood way near I think Alamenda or Chandler or something..they are on a corner and serve all kinds of other items...will most likely try it on the same day as Larry's...a girl's gotta have goals y'know.I'll report back.
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Yeah - its called Taste Chicago. The Chicago Dog was good, but stay away from their pizza - bleech! ;-)
I hear ya! ;-) I think our goals parallel eachother's nicely!!
Don't get the chili cheese fries at Larry's as I think it is way overpriced for the pitiful amount of chili and cheese they give you. Stick with the chili cheese dogs!
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tatertotsrock, you probably saw Taste Chicago. Check their menu out, they don't serve chili dogs. IMO they have the best Italian beef in LA and reportedly their Chicago style dog is very good.
Some homework :-) here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/368610
2575 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057, USA
14917 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91403, USA
603 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505, USA
3122 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505, USA
233 N Maclay Ave, San Fernando, CA 91340, USA
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Thanks DiveFan and WIldeSwede...I'll be heading over there tomorrow when I go to the Credit Union.
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Also, I am not sure about that address for Cupid's that DiveFan posted. The "original" Cupid's only have 3 remaining locations - confirmed by the grandson of one of the original partners this past weekend (do not be fooled by the ones that serve sausages, hamburgers, fries, kebabs - these are not original and the taste is definitely different). The three originals are located at Vanowen/Winnetka (just east of Winnetka) in Reseda (okay now it is called Winnetka), on Lindley just south of Nordhoff in Northridge and there is another in Simi Valley.
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Ya, I've been there but I couldn't find the Lindley/Nordhoff location online anywhere! Perhaps they don't have a phone..... The website http://www.cupidshotdogs.com/ is completely Content Free so we don't know Who it belongs to.....
The Original Cupid's current owners don't seem too interested in maintaining their brand. The closest one to me in Torrance is named Cupid's Hot Dog Crunch & Cream - what the.....
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I tried the phone book and saw both of those - oddly enough, none of the original ones are listed.
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A real sleeper is Chili My Soul. Yes, they have a hot dog ('Soul Dog') and the chili is extra. Pricey - but what great chili!! See the menu on the web site in the Place link.
4928 Balboa Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91316, USA
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Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop. Ignore the "sandwich shop"part of its name and go for the Chili dogs. yuuuuuum.
down and dirty, very "oki dog" in its ambience (i.e. very little) but good fries and dog meat nonetheless.
Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop
t.(323) 728-7806
5825 Whittier Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90022
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More links:
Carney's: http://www.chow.com/places/7439
17000 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91316, USA
491 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
5825 Whittier Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90022, USA
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Carney's & Pink's for sure!
Carney's b/c there chili is good and they put just enough on that it doesn't get everywhere and every bite is pefectly proportioned with hot dog and chili.
Pink's b/c their chili is good (not as good as Carkey's), but it's an LA staple and they're dogs (every dog listed on the menu) is made to perfection.
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Pink's is crap. Colony Cafe actually has a really nice one.
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After Ruben's Red Hots closed I have yet to find a replacement.
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tommy's for sure, for years i was reluctant to order one, a good friend of mine would always order one along with a double burger and a tamal (extra extra chili on all of course), and when i finally had it, it was the messiest sloppiest most delicious chili dog anywhere
haven't had one in years, but the wonderful memories are still there, thank you mr. koulax, you will always be remembered
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