Cupid's Hot Dogs

I grew up going to Cupid's Northridge location with my dad. We loved the chili dogs and were really sad when the location closed after many decades. Yesterday took a ride out to Simi Valley for a chili dog fix. The dogs were just as delicious as I remembered. The dog still has that signature 'snap' to it. Nice location with plenty of parking. Friendly service and everything was very clean inside the store. Great visit!

What a great experience. All beef hotdogs in natural casings cooked to perfection. This is a local classic still owned and operated by the founding family. Don’t confuse this with your average hot dog stand. They are far from ordinary.

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.

I'm in South Carolina now, after living my entire life with a Cupids around the corner in California. Every few months I get a craving that is NUTS. I buy yet another 4 or 5 brands of hot dogs, trying to somehow duplicate the "Cupids" snap, and flavor and the chili's texture and depth and ... <sigh> I'm ready to order from their website to be honest - but ... how to invest that much on HOT DOGS!!! Ah.. we're only 5 hours from Florida.. would it be the same as the California dogs??? And .. 5 hours??? AM I nuts?? Ah.. Cupids, such a fond memory.

Best Chili's Dogs in the world! I am absolutely addicted and can't get enough. My grandfather used to take me to Cupids in the valley when I was a kid. So happy this place is still around as it is super nostalgic for me.

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.

Cupid is the only place for chile dogs. Has been 55 years that I'm aware of. Don't waste your time or money trying to find a better hot dog. Trust me!

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

I highly recommend this business to any family friend. They do a wonderful job. The coworkers here are highly intelligent. The chili and cheese hotdog is my favorite. I love this place.

Had a great Chicago Dog today at Cupid's in Simi Valley. The service was great and the hotdog was even better. I will definitely be back anytime I am in Simi.

Cupid's has always been a staple for my family. Dating back over 35 years ago when I rode my first city bus with my father in Van Nuys to go get hotdogs. My mom having grown up in the valley as well was also a huge fan so we went all the time. I carried the tradition on with my two boys a few weeks ago my 24-year-old son took his own life. I mentioned to Cupid in his eulogy. I just wanna say thank you for all the memories that you've created for me and my children. I will be a loyal customer for the rest of my life!!! On a sidenote, I went there today to go get my younger son and I a couple of hotdog's. A lady working was so beyond sweet to me that I also feel compelled to say thank you for the amazing customer service and reminder of why you guys are so awesome!

I love Cuipid's and grew up at the Van Nuys location. When ever my wife and I are in Simi Valley we will go "Out Of Our Way" to get a great chili dog. We are here again and just met Steve. I couldn't believe that he was not one of the owners of Cupids! All I can say is one of the hardest things about owning your own business are your employees. They can make or break your business. I asked Steve if he was one of the owners, and to my surprise he said no... I was shocked. Everything he said and did was out of passion for the business. If I still had my store I would have stolen him in a heartbeat. If I had more employees like him I would "still be" in business! Thank you Steve and thank you Cupid's for the best "Hot dogs" anywhere!!

They have been making the best chile dogs for 80 years. If you love chile dogs you can't go wrong. Don't waste your time or money trying to find a better dog anywhere

This is my second time here and both times I ordered the Chicago dog hotdog did not disappoint. The actual frank was very crisp when you bit into it and all the vegetables were fresh with the glow in the dark relish. It does not come with a poppy seed bun but that is not a bad thing. This is my new dog spot. I chased it down with a lemonade... all for under $10.

Tried their chicago dog and reuben dog, both of which are delicious. I love how chicago dog has the perfect amount of celery salt and a crispy pickle. Sauerkraut on the reuben was nicely tangy and perfect. Cool vibes inside and nice amount of seating.

Excellent place for a hot dog! Plenty of parking out front and a big space inside for seating. Friendly and efficient service. And the hot dogs are delicious! I had a Chicago dog and a chili dog, both of which were excellent; fresh toppings on the Chicago dog and a nice snap, and excellent chili on the chili dog. Highly recommend!

I have been coming to Cupid's since I was tiny and now I have the pleasure of taking my kids here as well. Everything about this place screams amazing. Best hot dogs in the country, amazing staff, cold beer and just everything you would want in a locally owned spot. Keep up the good work !! NEVER CHANGE !

Haven't been in years.. Took my daughter recently and it's still the same great taste. We will be back!

Cupid's is great! The hot dogs have this crisp to them when bit into. If I lived closer I'd definitely come here more often. The staff is very friendly and chatty and they're willing to help you out when selecting which hotdog and toppings would most likely taste the best for you. What really stood out to me were the toppings such as the sauerkraut and the chili. I just could get enough of either. For those of you that are drinkers or beer connoisseurs, they do have a lot of local brews on tap.

I was coming home from work yesterday and I had the Cupid's craving. I immediately thought of going to my usual spot in Canoga Park on Vanowen, but then realized I was only a couple miles from the Simi Valley store. When I arrived in Simi, I had the pleasure of meeting the founder's granddaughter (and current owner) Morgan. I got my 3 chili dogs and friendly service, too. Definitely a different vibe there as I like to stand and eat my dogs at the Canoga counter, but also no waiting in Simi. Hmmm, we'll see which one I end up next...

Food and service were great‼ (as always) Looking forward to my next visit cupids never disappoints.

The best chili dogs and service! I usually go to the Winnetka location and all my friends who live in Simi said you have to check out there Simi location. Same family same smiles soooo good!

We used to own a food truck that specialized in hot dogs and sausages- So we have respect for meat stuffed in a tube. Our "go to" here is chili, cheese and onion. Yum

As a kid growing up in the San Fernando Valley I always remember seeing Cupids but believe it or not I had never been there. Today Kevin and I went to the one here in Simi Valley. We were both surprised at how much bigger it is inside then we had imagined. We ordered our meal from the very nice girl at the counter and the man finished up our order so fast. He was very nice and seemed to really enjoy his job. We ot our food so fast too. We took it home to eat and it was delicious . We could have just as easily eaten there as there is plenty of seating and it is very bright and welcoming. Not sure why we have never been here but that is about to change. Just a side note they sell chips but no fries.

The hotdogs are as I remember them, and while nothing spectacular, they are quite good. I was also pleased to see a polish sausage offered on the menu. This is what I ordered, with mustard, ketchup and relish. Another in our party ordered the Cupid dog, with chili and cheese. And another ordered a hotdog with mustard, ketchup, relish and sauerkraut. This location isn't a shack, but a store in the corner of a building. One of the nicer aspects of this location was it had ample indoor seating and air conditioning. The Cupids I usually go to had outdoor seating, so on a warm day this was a pleasant surprise. The lady behind the counter was friendly and patient with us as we made our decisions for our order. I'll have to visit again if I'm in the area.

The best hotdogs ever. I've been going to Cupid's for over 50 Bill years. Never disappointed. The chili is excellent. The service was what one would expect. It's the chili and hotdogs that are so good. I've been frequenting Cupid's since I was in high school, and I am now in my 70's.

Same great quality I remember as a kid back in the 80's. My kids enjoy them too now. Friendly staff. Quick service. Beer tap is a nice bonus.

FRST, I've been a regular customer of Cupids Hot Dogs for over 50 years. I studied at CSUN [formerly San Fernando Valley State College] back in the day, and made a regular pilgrimage to Cupids located directly across the street for lunch time almost every day for 4 years. Fast forward 50 years, and I now have eaten at the Simi Valley Location multiple times. My last 2 visits have resulted in the aftermath of EXTREME DIAREAH within 5 hours of having lunch. My best guess is that something's seriously wrong with their Food Preparation / Storage Process and it's time for a SERIOUS OVERHAUL. Is it just me? Or ~ are there others experiencing this? As for me, this will sadly be my last time visiting.

I've been coming here for years. This location has been open since 1988. The hot dogs are basically artwork. The chili is perfect. Not too spicy but not bland. The Chicago dog pops with fresh pickles, tomatoes and peppers. The buns are warm and soft. They have beer on tap and in cans from local breweries (White Walls IPA from Camarillo and Enegren from Moorpark). And they are spinning 70's Soul. C'mon, Al Green and a hot dog and a beer?......try getting that anywhere else!

BAR NONE BEST SPECIALTY DOG PLACE IN THESE HERE VALLEYS!! Exceptional BEEF HOT DOGS! Chalk one up for INDEPENDENT SMALL BUSINESS IN SIMI!! The bad reviews seem to be from narcissistic misfit, outcast townies who trash every place they come in contact with almost as if they were paid to do so.

Always a great dog and very nice people. Looks like they are adding some new items to the menue

Been going to Cupids since the 60's- though not at this location. The menu is pretty much the same. The Cupids hotdog is a consistent favorite. My husband goes for the Chicago dog. Still good, clean inside, and the service is good and fairly fast.

By far the best hotdog, chili, dog, and all around lunch, or dinner. I have been enjoying Cupid hotdogs for over 50 years. Some of its locations have close, but I am praying at the ones near me. Stay open.

Best dogs in town. Love the Chicago dog and all the trimmings that are included. It's about 20 minutes away but worth the drive, wished there was one closer of course!

I was in the area yesterday and have been craving a chilli cheese dog for a couple of weeks. The Cupid's in Northridge closed and remembered there was a Simi location. Hit Google maps and arrived. The place was clean and the food was excellent as always. The young lady working was polite, friendly and helpful. Thanks for a great lunch.

Not quite as the dogs use to be in the '80s. They were still great and be worth a shot for a chili dog in Simi.

always has been one of my favorite spots after living here for almost 30 years, they never fail me!!! love this location and all of their staff. best hotdogs around and quick service!

I highly recommend this classic family owned business bc the owners only hire dedicated, honest, hard working employees who genuinely care about maintaining the high quality of service and food that their father originally implemented.

I've now come here a half-dozen times and have to say this place reminds me of the old Hot Dog Stand that was in the Sycamore Village shopping Center during the 90s. The food is always delicious and made extremely quick! Even when this place is busy you should be able to get in and out within 10 minutes or less. Honestly if you want a great hot dog in Simi Valley, THIS is the place to visit! They do have beer, soda and chips available. My only complaint (and that was on my first visit only) was they don't offer French fries. Not a dealbreaker, but just know it's chips or nothing. Honestly I love how efficient and amazing this place is and can't recommend this place enough!

Good old hotdogs small business in a corner building. Friendly service. Would go by again if in area.

I've been going to Cupid's since I was a kid, 30 years or so. Always loved it. Always. Yesterday I went after not being there in a bit. Found out it's been sold, the hot dogs were not warm, and the buns were not the same. Got 3 like I always do, and was shocked that each Cupids is $5.20. Asked for them to go, got home and not realized they gave me enough chili on 3 dogs that we used to get on 1. I blame Obama!

Be careful at this location.... Do not use a credit card for payment.... Their point of sale reader will hit you with a unauthorized charge for a tip... I found out too late... but I'm warning all.. CASH ONLY... Beware...

Came in last week and asked for the best hot dog he had. Dog came with week-old looking chili. Apparently "give me your best dog" means he will give you whatever he wants to get rid of. No wonder no one goes there. Trying to save pennies will get you no repeat customers and bad reviews. Grear job.

I have nothing bad to say. The service was great and fast. They were very polite. It can be kind of hard to find. There is plenty of parking , inside of the building is really nice. Like the decorations and the lay out. The price can be steep 11 and some change. I believe for 2 chili dogs, soda, and bag of chips. The taste is really great the quality of the hot dog itself also the chili is homemade. They also have yellow peppers on the side that is a must. They make you feel at home and it is comfortable. Once you check in you get an 10 % off coupon for your meal.

Kudos to the Simi Valley location to produce a Chili Dog that is actually better than it was decades ago! While there was a wayward period of time years ago where the other locations fell down in quality of the dog itself and the bun, all is well now here in Simi. Great snap on the dog like it used to be and a good bun that holds up well to the chili without falling apart. And the chili is just so good. And to top it all off, a friendly and happy staff who really care about the customers as well as producing what I believe to be the best Chili Dog in all of Los Angeles

I really try and support local businesses and especially restaurants in the area. I was really disappointed today. I ordered 2 Cupid Dogs and added cheese and kraut. They now charge 4% for me to use my credit card and they want a tip on top of that. It was over $15 for 2 dogs and no drink. The hot dogs were warm, not hot. I'm joy impressed and I just can't see paying that much money for 2 hot dogs. They bumped up their prices in the past but now it's just ridiculous.

Far and away the best chili in Los Angeles. Their hotdogs have a super unique crunch to them. I moved out of state and this is a MUST every time I come home. Hole in the wall type vibe with great customer service and quality deliciousness

I was in the area and was craving a dog (7:30, hours state they close at 8). Drove up, went to the door. Locked. All lights are on, "Open" sign is flashing, but no one to be seen. Called 3 times to place an order, no answer. Guess they don't want my money?

So sad to write this review, the guy was really nice. He's probably the owner he seem to really care about greeting the customers but, but. The hotdogs were all they have probably been sitting there all day. We took one bite and left them there on the table. A waste of $21. And then we went to Taco Bell. Will not be back. I was a little worried that they had no customers. The location does not seem like it's a great spot to draw and customers. Or maybe it's just the food not being fashion some people realize not to go there?

Hotdogs and chili are always the best. Staff always very friendly. Always great to sit down and eat a dog!

Stopped by Cupid's Hot Dogs this afternoon and it was quite good. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by a friendly female employee, and our order was placed quickly. We ordered the chili dog and 2 plain dogs and drinks and the dogs were really tasty. Family loved today's experience and they really upped their game. Kudos to the young lady working today! Great customer experience for sure!

Dropped in for two Cupi dogs with cheese yesterday. Bun was steamed to perfection, hot dog had plenty on snap and mustard/chili/cheese was a epic topping. Definitely a treat!

Was excited to support an old time business, but the flavor wasn't there at all. It was like I had Covid and couldn't taste anymore. I guess I see why they're closing in December.

How can you ever go wrong with a Cupid's Chili Dog? This place is a staple in Simi and Simply out have the best chili dogs in the world. If you haven't tried them you must do so and if you have but it's been awhile than go back because you're missing out.

So this is my second review from when I was there in late June. Apparently the restaurant complained I was never really there. So stupid, why would I waste time reviewing a place I've never been? At any rate, from what I recall the place is in kind of a strip mall at the very end. On a slope and parking was a bit challenging but my review was largely a complaint about the temperature of the hot dog itself. It wasn't even warm, room temp. Hence the 1 star. How do you screw up a hot dog? Serve it not hot...

The service was good. The hot dogs were below average and also, the pricing was a bit on the high end. Would not recommend.

Great little place in a very odd location. Its next door to a real estate business and below a restaurant/bar. The decor is pretty blah but there was a poster of Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant on the wall (is this a good thing?). If you're interested in good chili dogs in a relaxed environment then this place will work for you. The chili was good not great but the hot dogs are excellent. They have that "snap" when you bite into it that many hot dogs don't have. I do agree with the some of the complaints about $0.75 refill on sodas especially when your spending $1.75 to begin with. The menu is pretty limited so it's basically hot dogs or nothing. Fortunately there were TVs otherwise I would have had to focus my attention elsewhere (probably not a good idea for them) I'd go back again as long as my expectations were just for the chili dogs and nothing else.