Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Perry's Joint

I have sought hot dog heaven, and I have found it.

The first time I went to Perry's Joint at 2051 Lincoln Avenue (just south of Woodbury), I had the Chicago dog and a chocolate shake. For the next two weeks I didn't stop thinking about the dog or the shake, so I went back and ordered the same thing. I loved it just as much the second time.

I'm sure the other things on the menu are good but I may never try them. For my money, Perry's Chicago dog is the best hot dog in Pasadena.

Here's Perry, scooping up the chocolate ice cream for my shake (ice cream and milk are the only ingredients). You can get a better look at Perry in this Youtube video by John Muir students.

To give you an idea of the kind of guy Perry is, last time I was there he was donating 65% of the day's proceeds--sixty-five percent--to a local girl who needs an operation. I asked if she was a relative. "No, she just needs the operation," he said.

Perry and Melanie Bennett have been running Perry's Joint for six years, regularly getting raves at online review sites. The place is bright and comfortable, the music smooth, and the service so friendly you'd come back even if you didn't like the food.

32 comments:

Katie said...

Wow, I haven't even had breakfast and now I'm craving a hot dog and chocolate shake from Perry's. And are those jars filled with interesting candy?! Perry sounds like a really cool guy too -- I would definitely be a Perry's regular if I lived closer.

Margaret said...

I went once! Very yummy but a bit out of my way.

Bellis said...

I drive down Lincoln all the time after my dog walks, but I've never noticed it - thanks for the recommendation. A real milkshake is worth stopping for! What's the parking like?

ben wideman said...

Looks great! I'll have to check it out.

Petrea Burchard said...

Katie, we keep planning your next Pasadena visit: A Hahamongna Walkabout, then a dog at Perry's!

A bit out of your way, Margaret. Truly. Next time you're on the northwest side. It's not too far from my place.

It's a bit hard to see, Bellis. Just south of Woodbury on the west side of the street, tucked into what looks like a condo building. Street parking, but I've never had any trouble.

Ben, this is your kind of place! And I do believe babies are welcome.

Speedway said...

I'm watching my cat as she alternately rubs, loves on and "kills" her dolly - and that's the way I feel about the picture of that wonderful looking hot dog and shake. Would Perry's deliver, say, morphing the food through the ether, setting it in front of my monitor? NO!?

TheChieftess said...

Been there...had that dog...loved it!!! (missed out on the milk shake though...) Very cute place, and sounds like a guy who's business I'd like to support regularly!!!
(found it just before we moved...darn!) Still looking for a good hot dog up here...

Cafe Pasadena said...

Pasadena has recently become the Hot DOG mecca in SoCal!

Would this qualify for your Coffeeshop Quest?

Support your fav local biz in this economy - especially if they're an eatery.

Petrea Burchard said...

I didn't ask about shipping, Speedway, but I think he'd be shipping to Indiana and Mammoth if he did.

Cafe, you're so right about local economy and hot dog Mecca! Perry's serves high quality coffees and might work for my quest, except he plays some really decent jazz. I find it hard to write when there's music playing so I go there for the food.

Rip said...

Mmmmmm... I had a chocolate milk shake today for the first time in a while.... Its just one of those American guilty pleasures that we cant live without.

Angela Odom said...

I'm sold and I'm done. A Chicago Dog close to me? I'm so there. I also saw cobblers in the video which means I'm in a lot of trouble. Thank you for the introduction to Perry's Joint.

pasadenapio said...

Love that place! Perry's Joint = pure decadence.

Petrea Burchard said...

Isn't it, though, Rip? I should never have one, but there you go.

Angela, I hope I see you there. Although if you're not wearing a cowboy hat I'll never recognize you, and you probably won't know me if I'm not wearing pink!

PIO, you know all the best places.

John Sandel said...

Perry's is the Real Deal.

dive said...

Good heavens, Petrea! I thought people only ate hot dogs and drank milk shakes in cartoons. You mean those things are real? America sure is a strange place.

Petrea Burchard said...

Come visit, Dive! There are some hot dogs I wouldn't allow you to eat, but these I'd proudly give you. And the milkshakes...you'll want to find a way to take them back across the pond.

dive said...

I'm almost tempted by the hot dogs, Petrea, but milkshakes? Eww! Too sweet and icky for me. Hee hee.

Petrea Burchard said...

Obviously, you've never had a good milkshake. Where've you been eating, McDonald's?

TheChieftess said...

Milk Shakes too sweet and icky??? Blasphemous!!!

Steve Scauzillo said...

I don't know about your claim...have you tried Dog Haus on Hill street? The dogs there are amazing.

Petrea Burchard said...

Amen, Chieftess. I mean really.

Steve, I hear your challenge and I must now go to the Dog Haus which, believe it or not, I've never heard of before now. But I'm willing to do the research.

TheChieftess said...

Where on Hill??? I have to put that info in my back pocket for the next time in the Southland!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

Here you go, Chieftess. Just south of Walnut (google will find you anything).

http://www.yelp.com/biz/dog-haus-pasadena

TheChieftess said...

Thanks Petrea...I'll keep that info for future reference!!! In the meantime though, I think we'd all like a personal review from you!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

Darn. I'll have to eat another hot dog.

Dina said...

Oi, all those things we are missing in Jerusalem.

Petrea Burchard said...

No hot dogs or milkshakes in Jerusalem? Surely, though, you can get them on your trips to Tel Aviv?

Amy said...

This does look like hot dog heaven... and now I'm inspired to find a hot dog for dinnerr.

Unknown said...

Personally, I'm a vanilla shake girl, but the penny candy looks equally tempting. And, oh yes, the hot dog! Next time I'm in the area (maybe after an IWOSC meeting), I'll definitely stop by.

Petrea Burchard said...

I'll bet he'll make a vanilla shake.

Susan Campisi said...

I finally made it to Perry's Joint, inspired by this post. Perry wasn't there but I told the woman who made my veggie dog and black cherry shake that I'd learned about their place here. She said they've gotten a lot of customers through you. Great job helping the local economy, Petrea. I can't speak for the traditional hot dog but the veggie version was yummy. So was the shake.

Petrea Burchard said...

You've made my day, Susan. I'm so pleased that people checked out Perry's. Now you've got me craving a Chicago dog.