The Stand

On the way home from the gospel concert at Our Lady of the Valley Church (OLV) on Saturday, April 5, we stopped by The Stand in Encino to have dinner.  We had heard about The Stand 3-4 years ago when it was featured on the cover of the Los Angeles Magazine restaurant issue.  It’s known for its hot dogs and sausages but it also serves burgers, sandwiches, salads, and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.  After moving out of the San Fernando Valley we figured we would never have a chance to try The Stand.  Luckily, this concert gave us an opportunity.  On the way to the concert we did “recon” and stopped by the restaurant to determine that it had convenient parking in the back and it was between the Balboa and White Oak exits off the 101 freeway.

After leaving the concert we parked in the back of the closest spot possible and went in.  It was a large space with a high ceiling and tables both inside and outside.  We went to the counter behind which was a large grill and many containers of condiments.  Above it was a large menu listing everything they serve.  The server who took our orders seemed very friendly.  She offered us some pickles to eat while we waited for our food.

While we waited and my wife was in the restroom the server came by and told me, “You’re a cutie but don’t tell your girlfriend I said so.”  I said, “Actually, she’s my wife.”  She answered, “I have to be careful.”

They brought us our orders.  I had the Chicago Dog:  a large steamed hot dog on a poppyseed bun with pickles, diced tomato, diced yellow onions, neon relish, sports peppers, mustard, and celery salt.  I ordered it because it had so many things on it that I could eat.  It’s very colorful and it was the hot dog featured on that cover of Los Angeles Magazine.  The hot dog itself tasted great and everything else made it even better.  It was a bit messy with so many things on it but I was careful to make sure that whatever fell off fell on the chips that came with the hot dog.  The Stand chips were also good and not too salty.  They went well with excess condiments.  My wife had the Southern Slaw Dog: a steamed hot dog on a regular bun with Stand slaw, yellow mustard, and Stand chili.  She thought it was interesting that the Southern Slaw Dog cost the same as the Slaw Dog even though the latter was the same except it didn’t come with chili.  She enjoyed her hot dog and chips.

Usually one hot dog is not enough food for a meal but in this case it was.  The name The Stand is a bit of a misnomer since it’s actually a full-on casual eatery with a large and varied menu.  But the prices are still pretty good.  Our hot dogs were $4.25 each.  I wouldn’t mind going back there and trying some of their other hot dog or sausage selections.  They’re almost reason enough to return to that part of town.

As we drove home I mentioned to my wife wouldn’t it be nice if there was a place like The Stand in Azusa.  Well, after we got home I was perusing the San Gabriel Valley Tribune online and there was an article about a new hot dog and sausage place in Azusa.  It’s called Jake’s Hot Dog and Sausage.  Now we have another place to try.