Weeneez Finally Open
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Weeneez, the Historic Core hot dog shop that's been looking oh-so-close for ages now, finally opened on Saturday. I haven't stopped in yet, but both times I walked by this weekend there seemed to be a good crowd inside.
When I lived in Michigan I used to frequent a shop called G&L Chili Dogs. In fact, the last summer I was back there I worked at a video production company a few blocks away from a G&L. I ate there pretty much every lunch that summer. I'd walk in and sit down at the counter, they'd bring me the usual and I'd be back at work inside of 25 minutes. Cheddar-cheese chili dogs and I were good friends. I'm holding out hope that Weeneez can offer me the same simple chili dog experience.
Weeneez is in the Security Lofts building at the corner of 5th and Spring.
Ed Fuentes on November 27, 2006, at 02:05PM – #1
Was out that day shooting. Here's an opening day shot. (A good snap biting into the dogs, BTW)
Scott Mercer on November 28, 2006, at 07:21PM – #2
Yay! I've been waiting for this place for at least six months.
Verdict: pretty good. Not worth a special trip, but if you are in the downtown area Weeneez is deserving of your patronage, if you are a hot dog aficionado. I've tried the Chicago Weenee (not authentic but decent), the L.A. Weenee (Tommy's style chili dog, pretty good) and the Broadway Weenee (excellent).
The most important ingredient is obviously the hot dog, and the ones they have are good quality natural casing dogs, which are steamed. (I prefer flat grilled, but what ya gonna do.)
True, I welcome ANY restaurant that opens in the area and would be somewhat reticent about criticizing it (we need all we can get), but I really think this is a nice lunch counter. The architecture reminds me of old luncheonettes like the Chock Full O' Nuts that used to populate New York City back in the day. I plan on supporting Weeneez with my wallet.
lastraphanger on November 29, 2006, at 12:18PM – #3
The name lacks, but it's great to see it finally open. This corner has improved tremendously in the last year...hopefully they'll be successful.
meekorouse on November 30, 2006, at 01:10PM – #4
seanyoda & I went there last night as we were looking for "lofty dog" (our cat nanny suggested we go there for cat food) but rather than finding it, we found the Weeneez and had dinner there. We were practically the only folks in there last night. I ordered the Kosher polish sausage w/slaw & chips and Sean ordered the Gnarly dog (based on recommendations here!). While we were waiting in line Sean was hit up by a panhandler & gave him a buck which is sad cause I didn't think that he should have been pan-handling in the shop, but oth, he got run off before he (the pan-handler) could get any food..
Still we had dinner there (they close at 8pm) as it was about 630pm. The guy actually brought our food out to us (it was slow or they were being just too nice!) and our drinks as well. Dinner came to about 13bucks and I was full after my dog (which I'm not sure which I liked better: Sean's or my own) and took the bag o' chips with us to go.
Sean got hit up one more time for cash & the security guy from the Lofts there next door told him to buzz off.. must be a nightly thing. As I actually jumped in the car & started eating my chips (I'm a nervous eater). Would we go back? Yes but Sean says he would rather go out of his way for a Jerry's Dog in Orange. He also said he didn't understand why they didn't open the Weeneez in our building.. we get soooo much foot traffic with the Staples Center being so nearby. Maybe that will be the 2nd location?? We need our retail space leased out! They're turning our visitors parking into valet!! ack!
Either way.. really nice guys dealing with a lot of crazy stuff over there. ;) Thanks for the Core update Eric.. BTW, I gave them your name at the register when they asked how we heard they were open "Eric from blogdowntown" =) Hurray for the Internets!!!
EC4ME on November 30, 2006, at 04:43PM – #5
so on my way home from work I finally noticed this place is open for biz. I rarely venture outside the realm of dodger dogs but I felt it my duty to help local folks out. I made it real quick and basic trip. The naked dog with mustard and catchup..........the dog had snap to it, the place was clean, the folks were nice and it was good to see something going on at that corner besides crack smoking. BTW theres a new Lofty dog at 2nd and main at Harlem place.