Would it be worthwhile for a family of four lovers of tacky goofy stuff to drive from Anaheim to LA and find Pinks hot dogs? We want to spend an afternoon/evening seeing the sights of LA - nothing in depth - just a glimpse of the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, iconic architectural sights. Thought about stopping at Pinks after seeing something about them on tv the other night.

Since you want to see the sights of LA, a stop at Pinks would be perfect.

yes! absolutely! ;-)

Yes - since you are food lovers of tacky goofy stuff. If you are in the area it's nice (aka touristy, hokey, funny) to say 'we've been there'.

And the hot dogs are good.

Hi bennie!
Yes, definitely stop. So kitchy LA and fun. But be prepared for long lines. Regardless whenever i've gone, there's always a line. I know there's at least one near the hollywood tourist stuff, and i'm sure another fodorite will have more specifics. What else are you hoping to do? Sounds like DL / DCA? They're both great and lots of fun! Need lodging reccos?

Thanks for the great feedback. You never know with those tv shows - is it really cool or is someone paying a lot of money to a publicist!

Ellen - we will be going to DCA or DL (not sure which yet and not sure if we'll spring for a park hopper pass), Knotts, an Angels game and who knows what else. Staying at a HoJos in Anaheim that is cheap and gets good reviews. From there we are headed to Santa Barbara for a few days - beach, golf, biking, hiking and a drive up the coast.

Would love any suggestions but already gotten lots of great feedback from previous posts.

For sure go to an Angels game. Hopefully they will be generating some offense by then Anyway, the Big A is a great venue for baseball, very family friendly, and the product on the field is very exciting.

GO ANGELS!!!!!

A few of L.A.'s iconic architectural sights:

http://www.oldenburgvanbruggen.com/binoculars.htm

http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=330235

http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=462308

http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=385085

http://www.waltlockley.com/lalibrary/lalibrary.htm


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy's_Donuts

http://ia33.org/images/Hollywood_Bowl_new_shell.JPG

http://www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc5300.php

http://www.gamblehouse.org/photos/index.html

http://www.hollyhockhouse.net/hhphotos.html

Sorry about that link to Randy's Donuts. Here's another one:

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/set/donut.html

Jean - thank you so much for putting together those links. This is great information for my budding architect daughter. We'll have a fun day hunting these down. She'll love the Frank Lloyd Wright house - we were not aware of it before you posted it for us.

Actually, there are several Wright houses in greater L.A. and at least one commercial building. Not all are open to the public, and Hollyhock is the easiest to tour.

http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/los...s/a/flw_la.htm

Just got around to opening the link on the Gamble house - would love to tour that too. Oh my.... so many choices so little time. Jean - thanks again for the links.

ttt

I've been to Pink's twice, but have yet to eat a hot dog there. After standing in line for 10 minutes or more and hardly moving or seeing any progress, we have left. Both times it was before going to a movie (real close) and it looked like we just didn't have time to wait. And both times were sort of middle of the afternoon when we thought there would be no wait. If you have time to spare though -- do it.

ok folks, Pinks is the LA version of Tavern on the Green.

Yucky hot dogs, just a tourist trap...do it to say you've done it but nothing more.

Same as everyone has told me about Tavern on the Green...but you will wait for at least 30 minutes (depending on when you arrive...for us it was 5:00pm on a Saturday) for a crummy hot dog.

I had to decide not to go to Tavern on the Green so I could get better food...maybe not much better (going to the Boathouse) but from what I hear, its better anyway.

So, I'm returning the favor and what most chowhounds will tell you...its a tourist trap.

Shadow

Well there are a couple of main differences between Tavern on the Green and Pinks, not the least of which is that Pinks will not cost you a couple hundred dollars for two.

Yeah, you are right...I wrote that wrong...totally different categories!!

What I meant to imply is that they are both Tourist Traps/crappy food (at least that is what I have keep reading about Tavern on the Green...since I have not been there)

bennie: Go on www.chowhounds.com and read about Pinks..most folks hate it!

I know its hard to miss an "institution" but I am taking everyone's advice not to go to Tavern on the Green, as much as I am so curious about it.

Shadow

Patrick's right; its pocket change to experience Pinks, simple fun and defnitely LA. Similar to Magnolias cupcakes in NYC, a la SATC, or Nepenthe in Big Sur - mediocre food but omg, what a view. Sometimes its just fun to see what all the hoopla's about, or to just have fun. I love being a tourist

bennie, if you want GOOD fast food, ya gotta go to In & Out burger. ymmm, just the thought.. LOL Also wondered if you're planning a visit to the Getty? If nothing else, reserve a parking spot - i think thats still required - and take in the architecture and views.

Just fyi: Parking lot reservations are no longer required at the Getty. It costs $8 to park, admission to the museum is free. I was just on their website, since I'm going tomorrow.

Thanks again for the tips - these type of places always generate a heated debate. Kind of like going to Durgin Park in Boston. We are not really looking for good food as much as a fun experience and judging from the menu prices it won't break anyone's budget.

Ellen - I really really want to go to the Getty. I'm hoping it works out but we haven't created a final itinerary yet. But given how inexpensive it is I am going to try to squeeze it in.