L.A. Boasts Several of America's Top 'Cult' Eateries

LAist picks up on a list (compiled by PoorTaste) of the top 100 "cult" eateries in America. L.A. fares well, with several in the top 20 -- including Pink's Hot Dogs at No. 3.

Here's how PoorTaste rates a "cult" eating joint:

1. "The restaurant must have a highly devoted customer base and should appeal to locals and tourists."
2. "The food must obviously be stellar and unique enough to produce a dedicated clientele."
3. "The wait is almost always unbearable — but worth it."
4. "Multiple locations are okay, but not too many, unless they’re in another country."
5. "A single meal should be relatively cheap. Less than 20 bucks per person is ideal. Less than 10 bucks per person is better."

Here's how L.A. spots fared:

3. Pink’s Hot Dogs
7. Philippe The Original
11. Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles
14. Father’s Office
17. Wurstküche
20. Umami Burger
24. Dan’s Super Subs
35. Porto’s Bakery & Cafe
39. Daikokuya
41. Scoops
49. Yuca’s
67. The Oinkster (photo above)
99. Soowon Galbi Korean BBQ

I'm proud to say I've been to all but three on this list. I better complete it.

Take a Bite Out of Betty White

It continues to be a Betty White world. Next up: Famed hot dog purveyor Pink's has created a new hot dog named after the actress.

Pink's will unveil the dog next Monday, timed to the grand opening of its new Universal Citywalk hot dog stand.

As part of the opening event, Pink's will donate all proceeds from the first day sales to LA Animal Services’ East / West Valley Animal Shelters. White, of course, is a well-known animal supporter.

The details: "Universal CityWalk opens the San Fernando Valley’s first ever Pink’s Hot Dogs and unveils the Betty White “Naked” Hot Dog, assisted by two male models (with nice buns). Proceeds from the Pink’s Universal CityWalk Betty White’s “Naked” will benefit LA Animal Services’ East / West Valley Animal Shelters. A “Pooch Ambassador” will join in the festivities.

So what's in a Betty White "naked" hot dog? Turns out it's exactly what you might think: Nothing. Hot dog and bun, that's it. "Betty likes her hot dogs simple," her rep said.

Free Food Alert: Pink's Hot Dogs

Given how long the line usually is at Pink's, I can't imagine what it's gonna look like this Friday and Saturday, when free regular dogs -- with or without chili -- are passed out to the first 500 customers.

It's part of a promotion for Fox's upcoming new comedy "Unhitched." (From the Farrelly Brothers.)

I can't vouch for the show -- but I can vouch for free hot dogs.

First 500 on Friday, Feb. 29 and Saturday, March 1 will be offered one -- limited one per customer, while supplies last.