Downtown Detroit's Coney Islands
Lafayette and American Coney Islands
118 W Lafayette Blvd Detroit, MI 48226
114 W Lafayette Blvd Detroit, MI 48226
Coney Island restaurants are an institution around Detroit as there is probably not a single city in the Detroit area that does not have at least one. The menus are very similar and offer American Greek food like Greek salads and Gyros. However, the main menu attraction is the Coney Island Hot Dog which is a natural casing hot dog in a steamed bun dressed with meat chili (no beans), diced onions and yellow mustard. You can also order various combinations of the main ingredients including ordering a coney without the hot dog. This is called a Loose Burger which is similar to a Sloppy Joe but on a hot dog versus hamburger bun. A standard order would be two coneys with 'Everything' and an order of french fries. It is not uncommon to order a third coney for dessert :).
The two Coney Islands featured in this post are the two original Coney Islands. They are situated right next door to each other and have a common root, with the original restaurant, American, being established by Greek immigrant brothers Bill and Gus Keros in 1914. They got into a business dispute soon thereafter, and in 1917 split their restaurant into the two establishments that exist today. I always got the impression that Lafayette was the original but apparently it was American.
Although they both feature Coney Islands, I believe American has a more extensive menu. True coney island aficionados claim that the chili used at the two locations are different and that one features natural skin hot dogs with a crisper crunch then the other. I myself can't tell the difference between the two coneys but again, I have never tried them back to back.
Over the years, I have visited Lafayette Coney more frequently then American. Mostly it is due to the more unique, old time atmosphere versus American's '60's/'70's decor. Lafayette looks like it probably did in the '20's/'30's. I usually order two with everything, fries and either a coke or a domestic beer. Note that most other Coney Islands around the Detroit area do not sell beer, which makes these two locations unique. Depending on when you visit, part of the attraction of these two places is the clientele that frequents these establishments.
Because these two places are located in downtown Detroit, parking can be an issue depending on the time of day you visit. Recently, buildings down the street from these places have been torn down and paid parking lots have been created. Don't expect to be able to park in front of either of these two place and you will need to walk about 1 or 2 short blocks after you park your car.
If you want to sample some authentic Detroit delicacies, I highly recommend that you visit one of these fine establishments for the food as well as the atmosphere.
