Jun 9, 2008

Pink’s Hollywood Los Angeles California

One of Hollywood’s most popular eateries doesn’t require reservations or feature cuisine catering to the body conscious set. The dress code is much more lax than California casual. No shoes, no shirt, no service rules do not apply.


Pink’s, established in 1939, is to Los Angeles what Nathan’s Hot Dogs is to New York—an institution. On weekends the line stretches around the building. Locals and tourists wait patiently in the hot southern California sun. SUVs and limos with tinted windows pull up and double park while assistants jump out to get lunch for their employers who remain inside anonymously in air-conditioned comfort. Drive by at 2 a.m. and you’ll see the club going crowd standing on line jonesing for nourishment after a night of partying.

I must confess that I have never eaten at Pink’s. The line is always too long. But I’m told on good authority that hot dog connoisseurs won’t be disappointed. A chilidog will set you back $2.50.

Pink’s is located at 709 North La Brea Boulevard near Melrose Avenue. Here is a map. Free parking, the equivalent of gold in Los Angeles, is available.

4 comments:

Lara Dunston said...

Very kitschy-cool looking! But you must try it yourself.

I'm always suspicious of these places. I find they rarely live up to the hype.

We stood in line for one of "Rome's best pizzerias" a few weeks ago for what seemed like forever (in reality 25 minutes I guess) and as it was almost our turn, we were close enough to the interior to see the pizzas. They looked awful! Thick and really cheesy in a super-sloppy way - not at all like the fresh, crispy Roman pizzas we love. There was also little atmosphere and all the staff were grumpy, the pizza guy in particular!

So we gave it a miss. Then when we started to talk to our Roman friends they agreed it was overrated but it survived on curious tourists, both foreign and Italian.

Wendy said...

Hey Lara,
One of these days I'll sample the cuisine although I haven't in the 15 years I've been traveling to LA. I stand by my sources though, who live there :^)

Alexander Santillanes said...

I have to admit I've never been to Pink's either- though I lived rather close last time I was in LA. I have heard mixed reviews, I have to say. I'm much more into Taco Trucks, which rarely disappoint. -X

Wendy said...

Hi Xander,
my brother always raved about the taco trucks when he lived in LA.