Closing Time – Carney’s Restaurant on Sunset

Carney’s Restaurant
8351 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
(323) 654-8300
Map

I know there’s a Tommy’s on Hollywood right off the 101. And I know that Hollywood is notorious for bacon wrapped hot dogs, but the image of Hollywood to me is typical LA when it comes to food. I don’t think of chili and hot dogs and fries and hamburgers. I think of vegan food and coffee and wraps and smoothies. So it was a big surprise to me when I ended up at Carney’s and found it a haven for chili cheese. The way things were working out that day, it was a good day for food decadence.  My stomach was ready and my soul was willing for a fight. The setting for this chili duel was a converted train car. The parking is conveniently located in the back, but just as a heads up there is a driveway for an entrance and one for an exit. Make sure you don’t end up being that person who enters on the wrong side and find someone in their car staring you down cause you’re going the wrong way.

The only other times I’ve eaten on a stationary train was in Barstow, but honestly the food at Carney’s is way better than the food that they serve there. Being on a hamburger kick lately, I’ve been apprehensive on ordering it at places I have not prepared for. So I was drawn towards the hot dog/polish sausage section. The best rule of thumb is to order the item that’s named after the place. Cause for the most part, if they don’t get that right, there isn’t much there left for you. My decision was Carney’s version of the polish sausage and of course the complementary order of chili cheese fries, which also happens to be a point of interest. The fries at Carney’s are shoestring fries and when chili is put on it, it’s a wonder that any one fry can stand the weight of the oil.

When I first saw it and brought it to my table, my mind immediately set up the grid for a Tommy’s comparison. But as soon as I bit into it, I had to stop. Tommy’s is Tommy’s. However, Carney’s wasn’t a disappointment. The thing immediately fell apart on me to where I had to get a fork and knife…to me this is a good sign. When food collapses on itself, it’s a good indicator that you’ve got your money’s worth in volume. The taste was not a disappointment either. Was it better than Tommy’s? I’d say no. For the most part it was as good as. You’ll spend more a little bit more at Carney’s, but that’s just because they’ve got more options (they’ve got beer).

So what time do they close?

I have no idea. I couldn’t find the hours of operation in or around the place and the guy behind the counter barely knew what I was saying let alone me knowing what he was saying back to me. So the goal is to go back and ask what their operating hours are and re-post this. Oh darn…I have to go back? Darn….