Just about every Southern California neighborhood has its iconic little restaurants, whether they are well-known chains or famous only among locals. These are the places that everyone in the ‘hood remembers going to as a child (and often end up bringing their own children), spots that have stood the test of time and hold many memories. The best ones are exactly as they began and have been run by the same family for decades. In the area where I grew up, one of the latter is a long-running hot dog stand in Los Angeles.

The first Cupid’s Hot Dogs was opened in 1946 by Richard and Bernice Walsh. They actually named it Walsh’s Hot Dogs, but the name only lasted a few months until the couple decided to change it to Bernice’s nickname, Cupid. This time the name stuck and has lasted over three-quarters of a century.
Cupid’s Hot Dogs/Google Reviews
The first Cupid’s location was in North Hollywood, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley - a suburban area of Los Angeles.
Cedrick Kern/Google Reviews
By the 1960s, there were Cupid’s hot dog stands scattered throughout the Valley. In 1982, The Walsh’s son, Rick took ownership of the business. Only two locations remain and they are run by Rick’s daughters.
Miss Brittany/Google Reviews

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The name is not the only thing that became iconic among Valley residents. It seems anyone who has grown up in the area in the past 77 years knows this red heart-shaped sign from a distance and exactly what it signifies.
S. S./Google Reviews
The original menu item, and still the most popular, is a hot dog with mustard, onions, and chili. The offerings have evolved, but only slightly, with the family committing to a super simple menu.
Stanley Ochoa/Google Reviews
In the 1980s, ketchup, relish, and other toppings were brought on board and the menu went from one option to three - the original Cupid, the Triangle, and the Reuben.
Cedrick Kern/Google Reviews
In recent years, another hot dog addition, the Chicago, has begun to rival the original Cupid in popularity. And, in keeping with the times, a Veggie dog has also claimed a spot on the still-simple menu.
Stanley Ochoa/Google Reviews

This old-fashioned family-run hot dog stand has weathered decades of change in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Have you ever had a Cupid’s hot dog? Do you have any family stories about this place? Find more information (including shipping if you don’t live in the area!) on the Cupid’s Hot Dogs website, or by following Cupid’s Hot Dogs on Facebook. If you are looking for another fun culinary activity in the area, check out this San Fernando Valley Brewery Tour!

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