Chronis' Famous Sandwich Shop

In my hunt for the best chili cheese dogs in L.A. I came across Chonis on TikTok so I decited to give them a shot. Their house chili was on point (not too greasy) with a very distinct and pleasant flavor. Although I've always been a tommys guy, I will say that if I find myself cruising Whittier Blvd, I will definitely stop by again. I sampled their pastrami, good stuff, and I look forward to trying their pastrami sandwiches on my next whittier blvd run. Thanks Chonis for a good chili dog (my comfort food).

Chili cheese fries and dogs were seriously 10/10
Burgers were good.
Guy flipping burgers with ponytail not so great.
Stating "I only wanna know how many burgers you want in total, that's all I want to know about."
Everyone else was great.
The older gentleman filling the rest of order was the people's champ. He was really pulling everything together.
Ponytail guy really needs to get it together with his poor attitude and not so great customer service.

12/24/2023

Chronis' Famous Sandwich Shop
5825 Whittier Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90022

I went there on Christmas Eve (Sunday) for a chili dog. The large parking lot was almost empty and I ordered and paid at the counter fronting Whittier. I waited and watched while my dog was assembled; steamed bun, dog, mustard, onions then the chili.

I ate in the outdoor patio dining area, there is no indoor dining. My chili dog was just okay. The hot dog was tasty with a good snap, but I can't say that it was better than Costco's. The meaty chili was very bland with no detectable spices or heat. I would splash some Tabasco on it if I had any.

Super fast service if it's not busy. It's repeatable but I'm still looking for spicier chili dog.

For years I've passed by this green place and never knew it was a staple here in East L.A. I saw this on my tik tok one day from a food critic and what he ordered looked good. So I try their chili cheese dog & chili cheese fries and the combo together was great. The hot dog was outstanding with the beef flavor & crunch on every bite. The chili, cheese, onions and mustard really went well together. It was so good I had to have another! I will definitely be coming back and trying the rest of the menu. The service was great and the Patio was nice & clean!

Checking in on an old friend after months, even years, is a necessary exercise in loyalty, brotherly love and kindness. When those are reciprocated, the relationship is truly something special and should be preserved with all due care.

This old friend, so far, has always treated me well and taken good care of my appetite. I've never been worried about some gossip or misunderstanding here. The chili and hot dogs are always on point.

This is one friend that will never let you down!

Pretty close to Pinks hot dogs, the guys behind the counter were super nice. Food came out fast and taste real fresh. The ambiance is not that great but sometimes great food comes from these hole in the wall spots. I regret not coming sooner.

My favorite hotdogs east of DTLA. They are nearly perfect both in taste and execution. The franks are the same snappy Hoffy ones used by Pink's in Hollywood, except while at Pink's you have a plethora of choices and topping combos; here at Chronie's in ELA, there is but a spartan, zen-like offering of two: 1) a hotdog that comes standard with mustard, ketchup (sacrilegious, I know), and chopped onions, and 2) a chili dog that comes with mustard, onions, and their special chili sauce (add a slice of American, if you want, for extra)

I say "chili sauce" instead of "chili" because this ain't no eatin' chili; it's a topping-- like gravy. Who would dig into a bowl of gravy?? Its superpower manifests itself when it assists the main player, whether it's fries, a burger, or a tamale.

I have to highlight the genius in this chili dog. Not only is it perfect in taste but in execution. Lesser establishments just "put it together". At Chronie's? A snappy frank, steamed, nestled into a steamed bun. Atop this, mustard, then chopped onions. THEN they ladle on the chili sauce. Everything is held together. No onions on your lap. This is a well thought-out dog.

The chili fries are portioned generously yet still manageable. The chili tamale, if I remember correctly, use those XLNT brand ones with the nuclear orange masa-- a guilty pleasure of mine, and perfect for this kind of place.

Some caveats-- their chili burgers, while delicious, have lettuce. If that's not your thing, then let them know. If you're in a hurry, they'll take a while to make. One reason I like to stay with the steamed menu options.

Another very very important thing-- they have grape soda.

Ambiance? Patio eating on picnic tables with sparrows flying around waiting for a handout.

Parking is generous.

They take credit cards

Their pastrami? Standard with mustard and pickles, but really.... I go there for the chili dogs.

And so should you.

Ambiance: Not much to this place, you walk up and both the kitchen and the cashier are in one long room. Right on the street, but it's not crazy loud. There were some tables around the back and plenty of parking.

Service: I've had a pleasant experience both times I went. I ordered over the phone the first time, and the person was extremely nice and helpful, this seems like a pretty popular place, but he didn't rush me. Ordering in person took a bit longer, but nothing to worry about.

Food: I don't usually like chili dogs from fast food places because the chili is always suspicious. Lol. This place was so good. I don't think I'll even bother with any other place. Great portions, filling, the hot dog had the infamous "snap." I ate mine with the peppers for extra spice, and it was perfection. Unfortunately, the chili cheese dog was so good that I probably won't try anything else, lol

Yummy have not been here in years ones of the guys is still here after 38 years. Ron is retired but still comes and visits.
The one guy says he loves working here because of the people he loves the people the history the stories..
chili is still good uses the same family recipe still family owned.
Everything is still the same except the grape drink
Hotdogs are the best....
A blast back in history this has got to be part of the history and this has to be one of the oldest buildings.
Thank you for still working here and having this place open.

They need a new system to take orders because I watched them get someone else's order wrong and then mine. if they slowed down and used a pen paid to take orders, they would have better service. Also fries needed more salt .