At Pink’s Famous Chili Dogs, the term “hot dog” has an entirely different meaning. The choices of dressing aren’t simply between ketchup, mustard and mayo; instead customers are given the option to choose from 38 different kinds of hot dogs, each with its own special name and variety of toppings. Described as being “a Hollywood legend since 1939”, Pink’s is known to be the most celebrated hot dog stand since its opening more than 50 years ago.

Located in the corner of La Brea and Melrose, Pink’s is always overcrowded with exhausted shoppers and hungry teenagers and families who are willing to wait up to hours for their hot dogs. This legendary hot dog stand serves everything from your average chili dogs to hot dogs served with almost every topping imaginable—from guacamole to grilled onions and mushrooms to nacho cheese with jalapenos… just name it, and its there.

After a long day in Melrose, my friends and I were instantly drawn to the smell of delicious hot dogs and the crowds of people waiting in line. After what seemed like forever (about 45 minutes), we were finally at the front of the line where we were each given a pink menu. Like most fast food stands, the workers at Pink’s simply take your order as soon as you’re ready. However, unlike the ordinary fast food joint, there’s free valet parking and it’s a common hot spot for A-list celebrities.

As I observed the menu, I was surprised by the low prices—the affordable menu caters directly to teenagers who are on a tight budget ($5-$10 for an entire meal), or to anyone who’s craving the perfect hot dog.

Being a fan of Mexican food, I decided to order the Mexican inspired hot dog, the “Millennium dog”—a 12-inch jalapeno dog topped with tomatoes, chili, guacamole, grilled onions, lettuce and bacon. The hot dog was delicious, certainly unlike any hot dog I’ve ever tried in my life; like Foot Network said, I was able to experience the “pop” with every bite (you probably won’t be able to understand unless you try it yourself). In addition, the hot dog was huge and the toppings were literally overflowing. The best part of all was the entire meal cost me a little over $5.

Pink’s also offers a variety of burgers from your regular hamburger to the Poli-Bacon Chili Cheeseburger—a burger served with one grilled Polish dog on a hamburger bun topped with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and mayo. In addition, it also offers a selection of finger foods, including onion rings, chili fries, corn chips, and nachos.

“I love Pink’s. It has every kind of hot dog you can think of, and there’s always something different and new to try each time I come,” commented junior Stacey Yang. “And I love the cute little names each hot dog has…everyone needs to try Pink’s at least once in their lives”

Vegetarians are also welcome; the menu includes the Patt Morrison Baja Dog ($3.10), a veggie dog served with fresh guacamole and chopped tomatoes and onions.

Open 7 days a week, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and from 9:30 AM to 3:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, Pink’s is the perfect place for lunch, dinner, snack, brunch or midnight snack.

The next time you’re craving a hot dog, don’t settle for just anything. Go for the extraordinary, and drop by Pink’s to experience dining out at the most delicious hot dog stand since the early 20th century.