Pink's And Papaya King - The Best Dog East And West !

For 66 year now this hot dog joint has been one of the famous must-eat destination in LA. Paul Pink started this hot dog stand in 1939 and it stood on the same spot, giving the same quality of hot dog for years. This is LA's so-called hot dog stand to the stars. Once you walk through the doors and you will see the picture walls, you will understand that they all have been here--present or passed! Pink's has been able to build a real hot dog heritage over the years. The number one sell at Pink's is their Chili Cheese dog, but in my mind there is no dog on that menu that can beat their Chicago Polish Dog. Pink's started to market Hot Dog variations branded by the preferences of a particular celebrity. For example, The Ozzy Spicy Dog by Ozzy Osbourne which is composed of the spicy Polish Dog, Nacho Cheese, American Cheese, grilled onions, guacamole and chopped tomatoes. So for all you celebrities freaks out there--here you can knock yourself out with your favorites own hot dog. There is no better hot dog in LA - and on the West Coast for that matter - and you may encounter some real stars whilst going at it. Average wait in line (there is one day and night!) is about 15 minutes!

Pink's Hot Dog
709 N La Brea Ave (near melrose)
Los Angeles, CA 90038-3338


In 1923, a 16-year-old Greek boy named Gus Poulos arrived at the docks of Ellis Island from Greece. Penniless but industrious, he set his sights on achieving the American Dream. On a trip to Miami Gus came to love the various concoctions of papaya, pineapple and orange juices.In 1932, Gus opened his first juice store on 86th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan, which at the time was an area heavily populated with German and Polish immigrants. After seeing the popularity of sausages in the neighborhood, he introduced the frankfurter to his juice stand, and business skyrocketed. Gus was very particular about his franks and insisted that Papaya King’s hot dogs be specially formulated. The Zagat dining guide has calls Papaya King the “best, stand-up lunch in the city”and a “must visit highlight of any trip to New York City. Critic Ed Levine of New York Eats calls it the “best hot dog in the world.” Papaya King has become a tradition with local residents, tourists, political and business luminaries, as well as the jet set of New York society. Papaya King represents the ultimate in quick dining – arguably the best hot dog on the East Coast!

Papaya King
179 East 86th Street
Corner of Third Avenue Between Third and Lexington