Cupid's Hot Dogs

I'm a sucker for a spot like this. Yeah, it's a hot dog stand. But it's exactly what it needs to be. The service is always warm and inviting. The vibe feels old school, with neon signs above the counter and hot dogs served on parchment paper. They're always playing rock and roll music, have stuff like Pawn Stars on TV, and have NES games to play in the corner. It's just... Cool. Homey. Chill. And the hot dogs are good. Get it your way, their way, mustard, chili, cheese, whatever you like. Grab chips, soda, beer to round it out. It's far from gourmet but it's happiness. It's comfort food and community, straight up.

My Dad took me to Cupid’s in the SF Valley when I was a kid in the 60’s. I also ate there between classes when I went to CSUN. Loved it when they opened in Simi Valley and was a loyal customer for 25+ years before moving out of state 2 1/2 years ago. Back in town for a few days and had to get my Cupid’s fix. What a disappointment. It looked to me like the business had been sold and there was no quality control. The guy behind the counter was wearing a Cupid’s shirt with mustard and chili stains on it. He fumbled around opening different warming compartments until he finally got the hot dogs in the buns. The ends of the dogs looked burnt. He then applied the mustard and then added the onions from a plastic container on top of the counter. No telling how long these onions had been standing at room temperature. Finally, he applied the chili. I thought I was going to die. Instead of the warm mahogany color the chili is known for, the stuff he spooned on to my dogs was a disgusting brown looking gravy. The dogs tasted so bad, I threw them in the trash. I hope this is isolated to the Simi Valley location and not at the stands in the SF locations. So sad to see one of my favorite places go down the toilet.

Hot dogs always a really great size and generous chili portions and cheese mm mm mm. We came from the valley and know the Cupid franchise very well. And use to come to Simi valley and still the same great Hit Dogs three generations and still coming ! We Love Cupids!

Best hot dogs in the world.

Absolutely loved visiting this Cupids! Perfect classic chili dogs just like when I was a kid growing up in the valley!

This particular cupids is the only single remaining original occupant right after this entire strip mall was built. So bless their hearts. I love Cupid’s hotdogs, especially, the chili dog. Sometimes when we go to junkyard Café up above, then we come here also and get hotdogs to go. I remember when this place was built junkyard Café used to be Fudruckers, and right next to that used to be a restaurant called the good Earth. Aw, I miss those places.

Stumbled upon this spot with my in-laws who have lived in the area all their lives yet never tried Cupids. All of us were pleasantly surprised at the simplicity of the menu and the NO BEAN chili is perfect on these dogs. Enjoyed the Cupid and the Chicago were great! They don’t travel well b/c of how they wrap them if you order take out so definitely dine in for the best experience. If you’re curious, check it out.

A fine, family owned establishment. Steamed bun, chili, onion and mustard is a classic.