Pink's Hot Dogs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pink's Hot Dogs |
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1939 |
| Street address | 709 North La Brea Avenue |
| City | Los Angeles |
| State | California |
| Postal/ZIP code | 90038 |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 34°05′02″N 118°20′40″W / 34.083941°N 118.344391°W |
Pink's Hot Dogs is a super famous hot dog restaurant in Los Angeles, California. It's known as a landmark in the city's Fairfax District. You can find it on North La Brea Avenue, right across from the exciting Hollywood area.
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The Story of Pink's Hot Dogs
Pink's Hot Dogs started way back in 1939. A couple named Paul and Betty Pink opened it. They began with a small pushcart near La Brea and Melrose Avenues.
This was during the Great Depression, a time when many people didn't have much money. Paul and Betty sold their special chili dogs for only ten cents each! These hot dogs had Betty's secret chili recipe. They also came with mustard and onions on a warm, steamed bun.
People loved Betty's chili and the custom-made hot dogs. These hot dogs had natural casings, which made them extra tasty. As more and more people came, the business grew. In 1946, the Pink family built the restaurant building you see today. It's still at the same spot on North La Brea Avenue.
What's Special About Pink's Today
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Pink's Hot Dogs is famous for naming some of its menu items after Hollywood celebrities. You might even spot a celebrity eating there! Inside the restaurant, the walls are covered with signed photos of famous people.
Some of these celebrity hot dogs are exactly what the stars themselves like to order. For example, the "Martha Stewart Dog" has lots of toppings. It comes with mustard, relish, onions, chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut, bacon, and sour cream. The "Rosie O'Donnell Long Island Dog" is a long 10-inch hot dog. It's topped with mustard, onions, chili, and sauerkraut.
The "Huell Howser Dog" is a classic chili dog but with two hot dogs on one bun! The "Ozzy Spicy Dog," named for Ozzy Osbourne, is a Polish sausage. It has nacho cheese, American cheese, grilled onions, guacamole, and chopped tomatoes.
Besides hot dogs, Pink's also offers a few hamburgers. For dessert, you can choose between coconut or marble cake.
Even though parking can be tricky, there's almost always a long line of customers. Many people think waiting in line is part of the fun at Pink's. This is especially true on Friday and Saturday nights. That's when many people go after concerts or other events.
Pink's even has a parking lot attendant, even though parking is free. The original chili dog, which is 10 inches long, is still the most popular item on the menu.
Pink's and the Dodgers
In 2017, when the Los Angeles Dodgers played in the World Series, Pink's did something special. They changed their name to Blue's Hot Dogs! They even repainted their pink and white building blue and white. This was the first time in 78 years the building changed colors. It also featured Dodger logos and player names.
Pink's even made a friendly bet with a hot dog stand in Houston. The Dodgers played against the Houston Astros that year. The Astros won the series. Pink's changed its name to Blue's again when the Dodgers reached the World Series in 2018, 2020, and 2024. In 2024, they played against the New York Yankees.
Pink's During the Pandemic
In early 2020, like many other restaurants, Pink's had to close its indoor dining. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main Pink's location closed from mid-March to mid-August 2020. It closed again from January to February 2021.
Other Pink's Locations
Pink's Hot Dogs has grown beyond its original spot. In September 2009, a location opened in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.
In April 2010, another Pink's opened at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles. This location even introduced "The Betty White Naked Dog," which is a hot dog with no toppings!
Pink's has also opened in other places. These include the Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila in the Philippines (their first international spot in 2016). They also opened at the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, California, in October 2016.
In February 2019, Pink's opened its first East Coast location. This was at the King of Prussia shopping mall in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
You can also find Pink's hot dogs at fun places like amusement parks. From 2011 to 2018, they were at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Since 2014, they have been at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut.
Other locations include the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the Forum, and the T-Mobile Arena.
See also
- List of hot dog restaurants
