Tail O’the Pup – The Renaissance of Iconic LA Hot Dog Stand

By Michael Vallens

Los Angeles is a metropolis that has no shortage of iconic restaurants and food stands. Many gained notoriety by using “Programmatic Architecture or mimic-type architecture, where the building is designed after the product being sold inside.” Made popular in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s, Programmatic Architecture made its presents felt all over the city of angels.

The iconic hot dog stand Tail O’the Pup has gained its following in part because of its hot dog-shaped food stand. Originally opened in 1946, Tail O’the Pup has served Angelenos some of the snappiest hot dogs around. It even has appeared on television and movies as a thought provoking backdrop.

Even with great success over the years, Tail O’the Pup had to close its doors and move the iconic hot dog shaped building to a Torrance storage facility. But fear not my friends; Tail O’the Pup is back with a brand new food truck and the same tasty classic hot dogs as well as some new menu options to choose from.

Owners, Jay and Nicole Miller and the Killer Shrimp restaurant group were gracious to offer an invitation to experience the brand new Tail O’the Pup food truck.

On first inspection, the food truck looked immaculate and the aromas coming from within caused my appetite to increase to hazardous levels. After checking out the new menu and deliberating for a good ten minutes, I decided to try 4 different Tail O’the pup hot dog offerings.

The first hot dog presented was The All American Dog, made with ketchup, mustard, relish and diced onions. This classic was a home run from the first bite. Nothing can beat this classic combo of condiments.

My second choice was The Blue Dog, topped with Blue Cheese, crumbled bacon and caramelized onions. This dog exploded with intense flavors that created an experience that was extremely memorable.

The Nacho Dog was the third in line to grace it’s presence. This dog includes guacamole, cheddar cheese and pico de gallo. The freshness of the ingredients complimented the outstanding all-beef Hoffy hot dogs and would pair perfectly with a Corona and lime.

The fourth and final hot dog is known as The Boston Celtic. Prepared with Boston baked beans, mustard and diced onions; The Boston Celtic is an east-coast delicacy offered only on the Westside of Los Angeles. After one bite of this hot dog, I felt as if I could hit a long range 3-point basket, just like the Boston Celtic Hall of Fame player, Larry Bird. One thing that remained a constant was the snappiness of the hot dog.

In addition to all those old and new classic hot dogs, I boldly requested The Animal Tots. These tots were deep fried to perfection and topped with caramelized onions, grated cheddar cheese and 1000 island dressing; a sinful offering that only adds to this already mind blowing experience.

After contemplating what I had just consumed and hearing about it’s storied history of serving LA’s citizens, I now understand the hype that the new Tail O’the Pup food truck has to live up to. Not only did they live up it, they surpassed all conceived expectations. With it’s future once uncertain, Tail O’the Pup now looks towards the future and its coming Renaissance. Just in time to introduce the iconic hot dog stand to a new generation of food lovers.

 

 

Tail O’the Pup

451 N. La Cienega Blvd,

West Hollywood, California 90048

(310) 579-1213

Hours: Monday thru Sunday: 11am to 10 pm

 

CLICK HERE for a review of LA’s Legendary Burger Joint