"Let’s face it, there’s a Pink’s Hot Dogs in every city. Not literally, of course. We say this in the sense that Pink’s is that one place in every city that supposedly represents its culture and culinary identity, yet actually fails in every aspect. Overrated might be a more convenient term. Not to discredit Pink’s history, which is long and interesting, but somewhere down the line, she managed to lose every ounce of magic. The tiny little stand on the corner of Melrose and La Brea is now an uninteresting food trap, chock-full of Indiana tourists searching for the “real” Los Angeles. If you think a sad hot dog topped with sauerkraut and named after Rosie O’Donnell is the real Los Angeles, we worry for you. But maybe we can’t blame Pink’s for attracting every tourist from Santa Monica to Hollywood. They’re just working their business, right? OK, fine. But we can blame them for charging ridiculous prices for bargain-bin food. Want to know where you can get a heated-up hot dog with cheese on it? At home. Sure, Pink’s is open late, which could make it appealing to Saturday night stumblers, but, unfortunately for Pink’s, there are ten other late-night joints in the vicinity that are far superior. Is Pink’s worth going to once? Maybe if you're a completist. Wait in line, eat an expensive, monstrosity of a hotdog, and contemplate what you could’ve done with your Saturday instead. And then be done forever. Because this city is full of places that actually deserve your attention. Food Rundown The Chili Dog The perfect gut-busting snack for every tourist trying to find their way back to their hotel in Santa Monica. The Double Pastrami Swiss Burger For anyone considering giving up on life altogether. The Ryan Lochte Dog Since discontinued. But we'll never forget. LMAO. The Today Show Dog Named after a thing that doesn’t take place in Los Angeles. Fitting. The Lord Of The Rings Dog It has onion rings on it! Get it! Lord of The Rings!! The Emeril Lagasse “BAM” Dog Hard to imagine Emeril was consulted when they put this dog together." - Brant Cox
