9 Classic and Creative Coney Restaurants Worth Trying

by Hannah Lowe Jan 28, 2015, 2:49pm EST

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Coney Dog.

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by Hannah Lowe Jan 28, 2015, 2:49pm EST

Here's the question: If it veers off the chili-mustard-onion track, is it truly still a Coney? Can a creative Coney even exist? Or is that just a fancy hot dog? While the traditionalist debate over American vs. Lafayette Coneys rages in the background, much like the Pat's vs. Geno's Philly Cheesesteak showdown, some Coney (or should we say, hot dog) enthusiasts have made subtle—and not-so-subtle—changes to the traditional recipe. So dive into Eater's Coney Island map for some of the more original Coney creations, along with the old favorites.

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American Coney Island

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Self-touted as “Detroit’s Original Coney” in operation since 1917, American Coney Island pleases purist Coney enthusiasts to no end. Here find the classic combination of hot dog, secret chili sauce, mustard, and onions on a steamed bun.

114 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

(313) 961-7758

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Lafayette Coney Island

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Literally right next door to American Coney Island sits rival Lafayette Coney Island. Once owned by the same family, Lafayette boasts similar classic Coneys, but with slightly different chili sauce and hot dogs. If you haven’t already picked a favorite between these two, then chances are you aren’t really from Detroit.

118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

(313) 964-8198

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Duly's Place

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Featured on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown,” Duly’s in Southwest Detroit is another oldie but goodie dating back 93 years. This classic Coney restaurant is even open 24 hours a day to sate those odd-hour Coney cravings.

5458 W Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209

(313) 554-3076

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Green Dot Stables

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Coneys can and ought to be an inexpensive dish—it’s a fancy hot dog for goodness sake. So for $2, get a Coney slider at Green Dot Stables made with an amped-up chili sauce of venison meat…along with the usual fixin’s of mustard and onions of course.

2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216

(313) 965-1523

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Mercury Burger & Bar

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They don’t officially call it a Coney, but the “Detroit” hot dog looks awful familiar. Chili? Check. Onion? Check. Cheese? Um, sure, why not. Also, it’s a quarter-pound hot dog.

2163 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

(313) 924-5000

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Bucharest Grill

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Again, the word Coney only appears in the ingredient list of The Detroiter hot dog referencing the kind of sauce found on this gourmet dog. But along with that more classic take on the dish, Bucharest Grill also offers five other variations from The Chicago, featuring relish, peppers, and tomatoes, to The Hamtramck, with red cabbage, bacon, and spicy mustard on a kielbasa.

2040 Park Ave., Detroit, MI 48226

(313) 965-3111

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Atomic Dawg

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Creativity reigns supreme here, with gourmet hot dogs (“dawgs”) such as the Hula Dawg (teriyaki and pineapple) and the Swanky Franky (bourbon bacon and “jalapeno lava cheddar”). “The D” being as close to the traditional Coney as it gets with chili and onion.

2705 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072

(248) 398-3294

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15 Top Hot Dog Spots to Try in Metro Detroit

Mike's Pita & Grill

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At Mike’s in Eastern Market, quantity is just as important as quality. In the case of feeding a family or a voracious Coney appetite, grab eight Coneys for $10. (And maybe some antacids too at that rate?) Don’t need quite so many? Then just go for one and choose from any number of variations on the theme: chili, mustard, onion, sauerkraut, ground beef, bacon, ketchup.

2719 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207

(313) 259-8151

Zeff's Coney Island

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Another Eastern Market Coney outpost, along with Mike’s, Zeff’s offers up true Detroit-classic Coneys, as well as a few creative styles. Try the Coney Taco with ground beef, which is actually served on a bun, not a taco shell.

2469 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207

(313) 259-4705

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