la.foodblogging

Because I’m such a fan of the hot-dog review bloggers at Hot Dog Spot, I can’t really bring myself to write a whole post about something they’ve covered much more thoroughly. These guys do the dirty work at every relevant hot dop joint in town, they order up a bunch o’ food, and give you a full report.

Skooby’s is a teeny tiny hot dog stand right across the street from Musso & Frank’s. It’s bright, clean and colorful with a simple menu consisting mostly of hot dogs, fries and juice shakes. They’re big on the Arnie Palmer, the music’s blasting, and the famed picture of Beck on the walk lends a distinct rock n’ roll vibe.

I ordered a regular hot dog, with onions, relish, jalapenos (see previous post). The bun was great, it was overall a doggone good sandwich, but I was slightly bummed they didn’t make grilled onions. Life goes on. The dog itself was not my favorite kind: it was a little too pink, a little too thin, and a little too soft on the tooth. That sounds like a pan, but I actually really liked it, and will definitely go again. I think the hype and my years in Chicago had me expecting a very specific thing. (Disclaimer: I’ve never been crazy about Pink’s.)

But here’s the thing about Skooby’s: the fries are truly amazing. Even the LA Weekly says so. If anyone out there thinks they know better fries in LA, please notify–and yes, that’s a challenge. I’ve long believed Papoo’s Hot Dog Show in Toluca Lake had my favorites in SoCal, but those are thick steak fries, and good in a conventional way. The fries at Skooby’s are like the ones you used to be able to get at Benita’s Frites in Santa Monica. They are made-to-order from fresh cut potatoes; a mixture of long fries and chips. I can’t figure the reason for the mixed shapes, except that it makes them unique. They’re hot, coated with seasoning salt, and served with a side cup of aoli. Who serves anything with aioli anymore?

Skooby’s is great, and you should make a point to go, even though you probably can’t remember the last time you actually ate in Hollywood. Hey, there’s Siracha sauce on the condiment counter! How cool is that?

Skooby’s Hot Dog Stand
6654 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) HOT-DOGS

P.S. I was glad I didn’t order one of the blended fruit juice shakes they sell, because while the staff was very nice to me, the rocker-girl yelled out loud, “I hate making these things!!!”

By Why We Type (see more of his posts).