The Best Hot Dogs in Los Angeles

When it's time for Dodger baseball, it's also time for the iconic Dodger Dog, provided by Vernon-based Papa Cantella’s throughout the ballpark. Family-owned and operated, Papa Cantella's also offers Louisiana Hot Link, Bratwurst, and Italian Sausage at the LA on Deck Circle. The official plant-based Dodger Dog is the Signature Stadium Dog from Seattle's Field Roast.

During the off-season, you can still get your Dodger Dog fix - Papa Cantella's classic is sold in supermarkets like Albertsons, Gelson's and Ralphs; and the Signature Stadium Dog is available at Whole Foods.

Located in Chinatown's Far East Plaza, Amboy Quality Meats is best known for their stellar burgers, but don't sleep on the Amboy Hot Dog - a beef frank in a custom hot dog bun is topped with caramelized onions, pickled peppers and garlic aioli.

Founded in 1975 by John Wolfe, Sr. and his wife Pat, the original Carney's serves up classic American comfort food in a yellow Union Pacific railcar that overlooks the world-famous Sunset Strip. A second Carney's - also built out of a vintage train car - opened in 1981 on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

Well-known for their snap, the beef franks hold their own in the signature Carney's Hot Dog with a generous hit of chili, chopped onion, thick tomato slices and cheddar. Add a side of Train Wreck Fries (cheese, Thousand Island, grilled onions) and you're good to go. Other favorites include the Spicy Style (split & grilled with grilled sauerkraut, chili peppers, grilled onions) and the Red Baron with pickled red cabbage and cheddar cheese.

Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, the family-owned Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop is an East LA institution with a wonderful vintage sign. You're here for the Chili Dog, featuring a steamed Hoffy all-beef dog and a slice of American cheese topped with meat sauce and chopped raw onions.

A celebration of the aperitif culture and artisanal cocktails of the bars and bistros of France, Coucou serves elevated French favorites, classic cocktails, and fine California and Gallic wines.

Pinkies out for L'Haute Dog, made with Peads & Barnetts pork sausage topped with French onion marmalade, cheese fondue and Dijon mustard on a brioche bun. Coucou suggests a knife and fork to enjoy Chef Jacob Wetherington's decadent creation.

Cupid's Hot Dogs was originally established in 1946 as Walsh's Hot Dogs by Richard and Bernice Walsh - Richard soon changed the name to Cupid's (Bernice's nickname). With sisters Kelly and Morgan Walsh at the helm, Cupid's is now in its third generation of family ownership.

A San Fernando Valley institution, Cupid's is famous for its namesake chili dog - an all-beef Vienna with mustard, onions and chili. Add-ons include cheese, kraut or Chicago toppings (neon relish, tomatoes, sport peppers, pickle spears, celery salt).

Timothy Cam opened the first Dirt Dog near USC with the goal of making his elevated street dog “the official hot dog of Los Angeles.” Dirt Dog has since expanded to Pasadena and Downey, along with outposts in Las Vegas.

Every hot dog features a 100% Premium All Beef Nathan's 5/1 Dog wrapped in center-cut bacon, including the signature House Dog - topped with grilled veggies, house sauce, house spread, mayo, house mustard, ketchup, and bacon bits. The Flamethrower piles on steak, cheddar, grilled veggies, Henny-Q BBQ, cilantro, chipotle aioli, and seasoned charred habanero. Rap legend Snoop Dogg inspired his namesake dog, topped with curtido, Doggy-style BBQ, Billionaire Bacon, and Gin & Juice Ketchup. You can make any Dirt Dog veg-friendly with a Beyond Meat link.

"Dirty" sides include chili-lime seasoned fries and the elote (aka Mexican street corn) with lime, mayo, chili powder, cotija, cilantro and bacon bits.

Originally opened in Pasadena in October 2010, Dog Haus has expanded to 50+ locations across the country, including Alhambra, Burbank, Canoga Park, Hollywood, Long Beach, NoHo, Northridge, Rose Bowl Stadium, Santa Monica, and Westwood here in LA. The self-described "Craft Casual" chain touts their certified humanely raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free Black Angus beef from Creekstone Farms. Along with housemade sausages and burgers, all Haus Dogs are served on grilled King's Hawaiian rolls.

The popular Sooo Cali features the signature all-beef dog with wild arugula, slices of avocado and tomato, topped with crispy onions and a squiggle of spicy basil aioli. A plant-based version, the Sooo Veggie replaces the Haus Dog with a Beyond Sausage Hot Italian. The ubiquitous LA street dog inspired the Downtown - smoked bacon-wrapped dog, caramelized onions, pickled peppers, mayo, mustard and ketchup. Turn up the heat with the T-Mex, made with beef chorizo & pepper jack sausage, avocado, chipotle aioli, Haus slaw, pickled jalapeños, and pickled peppers.

Brothers Duane and Cary Earle started with a hot dog cart and have since grown Earle's On Crenshaw into a thriving restaurant in the heart of the Crenshaw District. Earle's serves a variety of gourmet hot dogs, from spicy beef to turkey and kosher, with vegan dogs and links provided by Field Roast. Buns are available in wheat or gluten-free. Choose from a long list of toppings: ketchup, mustard, relish, regular or vegan mayo, regular or vegan chipotle mayo, BBQ sauce, ranch, tartar sauce, NY cooked onions, raw onions, hot mustard, sauerkraut, jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and hot peppers. The extensive vegan options include the Beyond Meat Burger, sides and desserts.

Follow @earlesoncrenshaw on Instagram for weekly specials like Meatless Monday, Turkey Dog Tuesday, Vegan Link Vensday, and Kosher Beef Saturday.

Opened at the Original Muscle Beach in Santa Monica in 1946, Hot Dog on a Stick has since expanded to locations in some of LA's most popular shopping malls and even has franchises in Korea and Shanghai.

Order the OG Turkey Corn Dog - always made-to-order - and Hand-Stomped Lemonade for a quintessential SoCal summer experience. Other sticks include Nathan's Famous all-beef, Veggie and Pepper Jack.

A Burbank institution since 1953, Larry’s Chili Dog has a loyal fan base and more often than not, a queue of customers waiting to order. The lure is the classic chili dog - a juicy beef link is nestled in a soft white bun and covered with rich chili that stains the bread orange. The Combo adds small fries and a small drink. Other favorites include the New York Dog (grilled onions, sauce, spicy mustard), Chicago Dog (available as a veggie dog), and The Hawaiian with grilled pineapples and onions, topped with BBQ sauce. Based on an unofficial Instagram survey, the breakfast burrito is nearly as popular as the chili dog.

Chef Charles Namba and sommelier Courtney Kaplan opened Ototo in May 2019, adjacent to their acclaimed izakaya, Tsubaki. LA Times restaurant critic Bill Addison wrote in his 2022 appreciation: "If there’s a deeper list of sakes than the one at Ototo available on the West Coast, I don’t know of it." Ototo was recognized with the 2023 James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine or Other Beverages Program.

When the Dodgers are playing at home, Ototo features the Kurobuta Corn Dog Set with arabiki sausage, served with hand-cut Kennebec french fries, snowy cabbage and kushikatsu mayo.

Paul and Betty Pink founded Pink’s Hot Dogs in 1939 as a pushcart near the corner of La Brea and Melrose in Hollywood. The landmark restaurant opened on North La Brea in 1946 and guests from around the world have been lining up ever since. The menu features more than 30 hot dogs, many named after celebrities and chefs like the Drew's News - Drew Barrymore's favorite features a 12″ jalapeño dog topped with mustard, chili, onions, 3 slices of bacon and shredded cheddar cheese - Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse Bam Dog and Giada De Laurentiis (9” stretch dog, sauteed peppers, onions, mushrooms, chopped tomato and shredded mozzarella cheese).

Local pro teams get some love with the LAFC Dog (9″ stretch dog with grilled steak, coleslaw and BBQ sauce) and the LA Chargers Dog - two 9″ stretch dogs in one bun topped with mustard, chili, nacho cheese, French fries and a side of onion rings.

One of LA's most beloved hot dog stands, the legendary Tail o' the Pup reopened in July 2022. The iconic 18-foot hot dog was restored by 1933 Group, which has garnered widespread acclaim for its restoration work on Formosa Cafe, Highland Park Bowl and Idle Hour. Installed off historic Route 66 near its original location, Tail o' the Pup fronts a two-story building where The Doors recorded the entire LA Woman album in the lower level, which the band called "The Doors Workshop."

The hot dogs range from traditional to veg-friendly, served in whimsical trays shaped like a wiener dog - the frank sticks out of the back, so it's literally the "tail" o' the pup! The interior features a plein air painting by Shag, along with vintage photos of everyone from Sigourney Weaver to The Go-Go's and Devo hanging out at Tail o' the Pup. There's even a Doggy Menu and water station for your fur baby.

Specializing in Korean corn dogs (gamja hot dogs), Two Hands was founded in November 2019 and has since expanded to dozens of locations across the country. LA locations include Koreatown, East LA, Northridge and Torrance. Instead of cornmeal, Two Hands uses fermented flour for its batter, which results in a coating that's crispier than the familiar American corn dog. Filling options include 100% beef sausage, half sausage & half mozzarella, whole mozzarella, half mozzarella & half cheddar, spicy beef sausage, and vegan sausage.

Highlights include the signature Two Hands Dog with Two Hands seasoning and ranch; Spicy Dog rolled in Hot Cheetos; Potato Dog (potato cubes and Two Hands Dirty Sauce), Crispy Rice Dog, and the Injeolmi Dog with bean powder and Two Hands Sweet Sauce.

Located on the fantail of the Battleship IOWA, Vicky’s Doghouse Cafe is a gourmet hot dog kitchen serving a variety of hot dogs, sides, salads, beers and wines.

Vicky's is named for the IOWA's famed mascot, Victory, who belonged to the battleship's first commanding officer, Captain John L. McCrea. Vicky was aboard the IOWA during the ship's entire WWII service - he was beloved by the crew and kept morale up during the hard times of war. Vicky even kept President Franklin D. Roosevelt company on his journey to the Tehran Conference, an important Allied meeting with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin. Vicky would go on to see six years of Navy service and earn the rank of Mascot First Class.

Vicky’s Doghouse is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Special Happy Hour pricing is offered from 1pm to close, including discounted food and beverages. Admission to the IOWA is not needed to dine at Vicky's.

You can't miss Eagle Rock favorite Walt's Bar with its rainbow "PINBALL!" above the entrance. Another sign promises "COLD BEERS," which is exactly what you'll get when you belly up to the bar and order a locally brewed craft beer. Walt's boasts a beautiful collection of pinball machines from the 1970s and '80s and regularly hosts tournaments.

The hot dogs are just as retro - the wieners emerge from a warmer and slowly rotate under a heat lamp before they're tucked into buns, drizzled with ketchup and grain mustard, and served in a foil wrapper. Be sure to get the hot German pretzel!

Opened in 2008, Wurstküche was one of the first restaurants to pave the way for the current red-hot dining scene in the Downtown LA Arts District. A Venice sequel followed in September 2011.

Lines started forming outside the original Wurstküche ("Sausage Kitchen" in German) from the get-go - diners were eager to try "Exotic" sausages like Rattlesnake & Rabbit with Jalapeños, Duck & Bacon with Jalapeños, and Lamb with Mediterranean Spices. More approachable than the Exotics, "Gourmet" offerings include Kielbasa, Chicken Apple & Spices, Filipino Maharlika, and Mango Jalapeño. Plant-based options include a Beyond Meat Veggiewurst, Mexican Chipotle (chipotle, arbol, chiles, garlic, onion) and Smoked Apple Sage (apples, Yukon potatoes, rubbed sage). The Belgian fries are a must - glazed in white truffle oil and served with a choice of dipping sauces.