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American Coney Island
Categories: Restaurants Diners Restaurants Hot Dogs Diners, Hot Dogs [Edit]
115 Michigan AveDetroit, MI 48226
Neighborhood: Downtown Detroit
(313) 961-7758
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 9 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
96 reviews for American Coney Island
Review Highlights
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"But both American and Lafayette have very similar tasty..." In 41 reviews -
"The hot dogs snap when you bite into them." In 3 reviews -
"Try the gyro sandwich or Greek salad." In 5 reviews
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96 reviews in English
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Review from Mark S.
12/27/2011
My wife and I did the coney island challenge (coney from both American and Lafayette back to back). American has a great coney with subtle differences from Lafayette, and I did like that you could get a little extra beef on your coney, but overall I liked Lafayette better.
That being said, both places have a great dog, and I can only assumed that it's slight differences that people use to choose which one they like better.
As for anything other than the food, Lafayette has a cool "old diner" feel, but the guys running the show there are anything but friendly. Also, cash only is sometimes hard to do. Over at American, they have more room and take credit cards, but didn't really like the owner putting us on the spot as to which dog we liked better. Kind of awkward, especially because we liked Lafayette better.
But in any case, both are great places, and both worth a visit before you decide which one you like better. -
Review from Sam L.
Detroit, MI
5/20/2012
This place is gross. I wanted to try both places (including next door rival Lafayette), but I wish I hadn't gone American. Both places are filled drunk jerks late night, but Lafayette is more manageable. American Coney is a very hostile environment - good chances you will see or be part of a fight.
Hotdogs are disgusting, synthetic-tasting, and salty. The chili tastes over-processed and canned.
I ate a few bites outside the place then threw it against the building.
DONT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS PLACE! There is really no competition with Lafayette. -
Review from Jeannie L.
Detroit, MI
3/31/2012
We kind of went to this place by mistake. We were intending to go to Lafayette Coney Island, that I heard so many rave reviews about, but we were being followed by a homeless man becoming increasingly persistent that we give him a dollar. So, I didn't realize we walked into the wrong door until we sat down and I saw "American Coney Island" written on the wall. Very foolish mistake, I know, but I couldn't bring myself to walk out after a worker saved us from the angry homeless man.
Our waiter was an older man with a gold tooth who seemed to be Greek (assumed from the accent). He was very friendly and took our drink orders right away. There was no one in the place (it was a Thursday night around 8pm) except for a lost looking man cleaning the floors and an occasional person coming in for carry-out.
The menu was on the table and had very few items, but did have your typical coney island food (fries, chili cheese fries, coneys, pitas, gyros. etc.)
We ordered chili cheese fries, a coney, one plain gyro with feta on the side, and one grilled chicken pita with no tomato but add onion. The waiter repeated the order back wrong, I kindly corrected him somewhat knowing the food was not going to come out right.
Literally moments later the food came out with no cheese on the chili cheese fries, feta in the gyro (not on the side like ordered), and no onions (which asked for) or tomato (which I asked not for, one thing correct!) on the grilled chicken pita. and a coney. Luckily, the changes were all easy enough to deal with but it was just a little annoying knowing we had corrected him and the order still came out wrong.
The lamb meat (at least I'm telling myself it was lamb meat) was very good but the pita it came on was not toasted or warmed up, it tasted like it was just pulled out of the bag. The grilled chicken pita was....not very good. The chicken was tough and somewhat pink in the middle (gross), it had probably been sitting in a tub under a heat lamp all day, and again the pita tasted like it was just pulled right out of the bag. The chili cheese fries were good (hard to mess up). I was not a fan of the coney. I know it's the traditional way to make a hotdog, however I am not a fan of hearing the crunch of the intestinal casing when I bite in and chew the hot dog, but that's just my personal preference.
The entertainment with dinner was very comical! And by entertainment I mean gazing out the windows at the characters who walk the streets of downtown Detroit in the evening and night (if ya know what I mean).
When we were leaving the lost looking floor cleaner, whom had not made very much progress, was cleaning the floor with dirty water and a broom....ew.
Overall, the service at this place was friendly but the order was not accurate when it came out.
The restaurant was kind of dirty but I pushed myself to look past that because it is a coney island. It was also very quiet, no background music or anything playing.
The food was not very good at all. I really would have rather eaten at McDonalds, and I don't even like McDonalds. Not mention it was overpriced for the quality.
I'm confused about the four star review this place has, maybe I'm missing something, but I don't think I will be able to bring myself back to American Coney Island to find out what it is. -
Review from Busia B.
3/13/2012
Not that great, not that bad...
Seems like they are resting on their history more than the actual quality for buns and hot dogs.
Eh..... maybe again, cool building great views with sub par coneys. -
Review from Julia H.
Chicago, IL
4/9/2012
There aren't too many 24 hour, classic, bright, sloppy late night food diners around like this anymore. This place is CLASSIC. Don't expect fine dining, peace and quiet or mood lighting. DO expect drunk and excited patrons, plenty of ketchup and mustard stained tables, grease, sometimes slow waitress service and an air of "eat n' get out!"
All good in my book. This place serves a purpose, and that is to serve those who've set their diet aside and who need to soak up several glasses of liquor. I ordered the fish sandwich - a white bun, some kind of flash-fried bottom feeder fish and typical fries. We also ordered a piece of cheesecake with extra whipped cream. The hot seller here: what else? The Coney dog! Dogs piled high with onions and chili and cheese. Order a glass of milk, or you might be tossing and turning with heartburn. This place is worth it all. -
Review from Pauly G.
4/30/2012 3 photos
After parking half way between Comerica Park and Lafayette Coney, I jogged my big butt threw the streets of Detroit making sure to avoid the clouds of steam vomiting from the sewers below & the always nice homeless men asking for change. Upon entry I could just sense the years of smiles brought to the faces of the patrons who have enjoyed these crisp fries, smothered in there homemade batch of chili and fresh grated cheddar cheese. I tried both Lafayette & American Coney ... I would have to say the chili cheese fries at American were not only better then Lafayette Coney next store, but they were among some of the best I've ever had. The hot dogs were crisp, and snapped when I bit into them. These Coney Dogs were awesome. Next time I'm eating Coney's in the D, I'm going to American Coney only Homie!
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Review from Alex K.
New Baltimore, MI
5/5/2012
American loses to Lafayette in nearly every aspect. I compare the two, because I figure 90% of these review do.
While American has a much better atmosphere and is quite a bit larger in size, the food just isn't as good. The hot dogs taste pretty decent, but Lafayette's are better. The onions? Same. But probably the most important thing: The chili.
The chili is much better at Lafayette. American's to me actually has very little flavor. Almost like it's watered down. It doesn't taste terrible, but why go to American when Lafayette's right next door? I understand that some people have differing opinions, but how someone can expect a chili that has little taste as opposed to one that has a lot is sort of strange to me.
In my opinion, Lafayette wins by a somewhat substantial margin.
HOWEVER -- if you're looking for the absolute BEST Coney, you should find your way down to Legend's Diner in Eastpointe... their chili reigns supreme, and their hot dogs are very, very good as well. -
Review from Mick V.
Warren, MI
Updated - 3/18/2012
I have to say, when I'm in the mood for a GREAT coney island, I travel some 40 minutes to American Coney Island. BUT the last time I was there (few months back), I have to say I had the WORST service I've ever encountered. I was the ONLY customer in the place and the manager Abu (Jerry) Hawa, is the person who waited on me. Granted I pass MANY coney island places during my 40 minute ride so I have MANY options but have always chosen American Coney Island. Not to mention, I have a National Coney less than a half mile from my place, but I think next time I will try Lafayette Coney Island.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/16/2011
Whenever I go downtown, I generally always stop at American Coney Island to dine in or get a carry… Read more »
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Review from Ashley M.
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
I like their coneys more than Lafayette. It's all personal preference but I like their chili better in addition to the dogs themselves. I love the snap when you bite into them. We tried both head-to-head and now I only go to American.
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Review from David S.
1/19/2012
Meh.
I blame my friend Wilson for suggesting this place.
It's his fault. -
Review from Dennis D.
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yang to Lafayette's Ying!
Their interior isn't as spacey or inviting as their neighbors.
And their dogs seem to be a little messier.
But their sauce, to me, seemed to have a leg up on their neighbors, in comparison.
I'd definitely return for the dog, and to try their fries.
But the fruit fly flying around in their pie-case will probably have me going next door for desert.
Another interesting point,
Both places serve Vernors, but American serves theirs in cans.
More info (SPECIFIC info on individual food items).
You can see what items I reviewed there (including pics!): http://www.nosh.com/re... -
Review from Samir N.
2/25/2012
It is fast and cheap. You really cannot mess up hot dogs or chili, so I am not entirely sure why everyone is so passionate about the place - I was on the receiving end of at least two diatribes extolling the virtues of this place. As someone who did not grow up here, I cannot say I get it. I gave the place next door an identical review, even though there was a slight difference in preparation techniques.
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Review from Billy B.
Lansing Charter Township, MI
3/12/2012
My favorite coney joint in the state. People argue over which one is better....American or next door. Can certainly understand both sides of that debate. My vote goes for American.
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Review from Jaclyn S.
Village of Clarkston, MI
3/4/2012
Not what it's cracked up to be. As a true coney, you can't get a dog without a casing. I don't eat pork, so I went with a chicken pita wrap. This is like my favorite sandwich, I get it everywhere, so I definitely have something to compare it to. It sucked. It was embarrassingly messy, the chicken was dry, and it was very bland. I was super hungry and couldn't even finish it, it was that bad. Also, if I recall, they only accept cash.
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Review from Robert C.
10/6/2011
I've been here twice now and I gotta say - I'm not terribly impressed.
The girlfriend, currently a Detroit native, and I have driven over here for the interesting atmosphere and history of the place; for a restaurant that's been around this long I'd expect them to have perfected their menu. Perhaps it's just me, but the fries lack crunch and the chili is... chili. Not secret-recipe-refined-for-countless-years-and-ther efore-mind-blowingly-awesome chili, which I would expect from a place like this.
There is this, and then there is the value-for-money thing - the portions are disappointingly small and not super-cheap. If I were really hungry and looking for coney food, I'd head to a local diner or something over this place because I know I'd get more for the money and potentially better food. IMHO.
We have yet to try Lafayette, but will do so soon. I'd give this place a 3.5 if I could - a 4 for history and the view of the cool deco buildings outside, and a 3 for the food and prices.
...yelp is misspelling my "therefore" :( -
Review from WILLIAM N.
Helena, MT
2/23/2012
Great place, but second fiddle to the Lafayette Coney. Can't explain it, just taste different. We go here when the Lafayette is full or we have more people with us. American Coney has more seating. Both are good, on is better. Just Goodness!
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Review from Anna S.
7/16/2011
This place was the epitomy of MEH. I've been here a million times in my pre-yelp life, but the last two times (one most recently, which I'm rating) I haven't been that impressed.
Husband and I went late night for food, about midnight-ish. The place was a little empty and the employees were kind of walking around, a little bored and joking around with each other. I kind of hate that; stay busy or at least look busy. I don't care about your inside jokes or whatever. Anyway, we each ordered a coney and fries. I ordered my fries with cheese.
My coney was okay - the hot dog itself was of high quality, but everything else was adequate. The bun was tough and a little hard and the onions were all unevenly chopped. The cheese fries were really lame. They used shredded cheese on them and they were microwaved to melt the cheese. Yes, microwaved. I watched our server put them in the microwave for a solid minute or more - all the while joking around with the others. When the fries came they were, of course, mushy, and the cheese itself was melted to the point of scalding (that bubbly, hard cheese). I had to knife & fork them in order to eat them. The cheese would obviously melt if under a pile of hot chili, but they should have melty cheese for those who just want cheese. Oh well. I'm just not impressed. Duly's place had the cadillac of coneys. -
Review from Dan H.
5/14/2011
Ok, call me a wimp or whatever other disparaging name of your choice. I am giving both American and Lafayette 4 stars. I know I know, I am also disappointed in myself. Some things you just can't be Switzerland about. In this case ima puss.
After tasting both back to back I have come to the realization that I wouldn't know the difference in pretty much any ones version. Hey, its a hot dog, its mustard, its chili, its onions, its a bun. The only way to f" it up is to put some crappy Hormel Chili on it. But both American and Lafayette have very similar tasty chili. Hope I'm not being blasphemous my Dear Fellow Michiganders. Maybe 34 years in California has got me too Californicated.
Well the crew here sure is friendlier than the guys next door. They were standing out front meeting and greeting. Even hollering out to the ppl going next door. "Hey, ours are better!" We are the original!" These two camps ever break out into fisticuffs? Wouldn't doubt it.
The only difference I could tell was there was less add ons than Lafayette. My Nephew also noted that the buns were steamed here and the chili was hotter. The loudest of the crew here saw us walk from next door and asked us which we liked better. Randy replied w/o hesitation that he thought American was better. Me being all Switzerland, I like em both about the same. Puss ass.
Anyway, we had a blast doing our tasting and walking around Downtown Detroit. It does have a nice downtown area, and ppl on the streets were friendly and helpful in giving us directions. Maybe its more of a California thing, but we saw only 1 panhandler in our 1 hour of strolling. It's too bad Detroit gets such a bad rap. We came, we saw, we liked, we didn't get murdered.
A successful adventure was had. -
Review from betty ming l.
New York, NY
8/26/2011
I am new to this Motown tradition and have to admit, my first experience was dangerously addictive & very reasonably priced. We had the Coney Island Hot Dog ($2.35!!) with the chili, but no raw chopped onions. The bun was toasted & the dog was delish.
But we didn't stop there. The generous order of Chili Cheese Fries ($3.55) was recommended by the waiter. He said it was better than the Cheese Fries ($2.90), which are microwaved. But with the Chili Cheese Fries, the shredded cheese is sandwiched between the hot fries and steaming chili, melting on its own. Sinful.
We ended the meal with a tiny square of baklava ($1.75); between the city's Arab and Greek communities, it's probably impossible to get bad baklava. This one was good. So was the service at this family-owned Greek establishment. -
Review from Tom F.
4/23/2011 ROTD 2/10/2012
Wiener Wars Part1.
So the great debate has been going on for years. Who has the best coney in Detroit? I have spent my whole life in the Detroit area, I even went to trade school in Detroit, a five minute walk from THE coney places. But this was my first trip into the sacred hallows of the Coney Wars.
My first venture was in American because I liked the appearance. I love the ol' red, white, and blue. Now the actual taste test. I am rating these based on my slider school training.
Lesson One - Smell
I could smell these wieners from outside my car door, window rolled down. Unfortunately I couldn't tell which one I was smelling, American or Lafayette. I'll give this one a five star simply because I will give them both the same.
Lesson Two - Preparation
No waiting here. the meal came fast, thrown on my table with a little slide so that I had to catch them before falling. two dogs, smothered in chili.
Lesson Three - Meal
Two coneys with everything, fries, and a Sprite. Almost did the beer but I figured my stomach would be brewing at the ballgame all night anyway.
The coneys were smothered in the traditional Detroit style coney chili, the fries were nothing fancy but good and hot. The coneys had really good onioins diced small and sweet, perfect. Needed a little more mustard for which I added. Throw some mustard on the fries and this was a great meal.
Lesson Four - Atmosphere
I enjoyed the views of the hustle and bustle of Detroit just before a baseball game. The staff was fast and friendly. Get 'em in get 'em out. NEXT. I felt that we were sort of "pushed" out faster than I wanted to be.
Wiener Wars Part 1 - American Coney Island - Four and a half StarsListed in: Wiener Wars, On a deserted (Coney) Island
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Review from Paul C.
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
For background, the Coney dog is a Detroit tradition. It's a chili dog topped with onions, and a generous helping of mustard. Two restaurants, started by the same Detroit family are right next door to each other, each claiming to be the TRUE Detroit Coney dog. So what did I do? Hit up both, of course.
In Detroit's famous Battle of the Coney Dogs, American is the clean cut, friendly competitor. The place is huge, clean, and bright. The service was great. We were greeted by friendly, fresh-faced youngster, who took our order and brought us our Coney dogs almost before we were even sitting down.
The dog itself was quite tasty. I thought the onions worked really well with the chili, and surprisingly the generous amount of mustard mixes perfectly with the chili and onions producing one tasty dog. The hot dog itself had a sort of weird crispness to its skin. It was sort of an al dente hot dog. I'm not so sure how I felt about it, but after I finished eating my first ever Coney dog at American, I was immediately wanted a second one.
Go to American for a great dog with friendly service. It's a Detroit institution. -
Review from Carole H.
4/29/2011
With 50-some reviews, there's not much more I can say. American is larger, cleaner, more kitschy than Lafayette. They do have a more extended menu, but the key word there is only "more" in comparison to Lafayette. The addition of a fish sandwich, greek salad, a couple chicken creations, & a few desserts still doesn't make it a wealth of food. And furthermore, I don't know anyone who comes to American for anything other than the coneys anyway.
Sure, their hot dog has a little more "snap" to it. Their chili is more seasoned. The onions, nothing to write home about. But ehh...sitting in this place just makes me feel weird. They try to come off like they're the "fancier" of the 2 neighboring coneys, but the reality of the place is dirty tables, ugly colors, too bright lighting, and shoddy service.
As the 2 stars indicates - I've experienced better. -
Review from Jessica L.
San Mateo, CA
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
A- DOG!
YUM - the chili has SO much flavor that we ordered chili fries later on.
GREAT mustard and onion ratio too.
Awesome hot dog. Much more seating and menu options too.... -
Review from Janelle W.
Detroit, MI
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American v. Lafayette
a greasy sausage standoff
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The story of next-door neighbors American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island is the stuff a Food Network producer's dreams are made of. Countless television shows have staged food throwdowns on this little corner of Michigan & Lafayette Aves., each one featuring an annoyingly-enthusiastic host, lifelong Lafayette loyalists who'll embarrass their palates in a blind taste test, and a script that makes a coney dog out to be more gastronomically meritorious than the f*cking chili dog that it so plainly is.
But I wanted to do the American-Lafayette throwdown *my* way. No cameras. No bullshit. And my snarky ass is your annoyingly-unenthusiastic host.
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American Coney Island is what would happen if Lafayette got an M.B.A. from a for-profit university: it has an extensive menu, web site, and credit card machine, yet it's still nothing more than a greasy spoon lacking polish and mass appeal.
American is the more spacious and flashy of the two restaurants, looking like the Fourth of July threw up on a wedge-shaped street corner of Downtown Detroit. But their fizzy fountain sodas and sticky squeeze bottle of vinegary hot sauce put a sparkle in my eye, as they subliminally signaled that American's food would win this coney crusade.
And indeed, American's food beats Lafayette's by a handsome margin. They emerge victorious because of their toothsome and multidimensional chili, full of cumin and chilli powder. Add a generous trail of hot sauce to introduce a tartness that brings the flavor profile full-circle. The hot dog is grilled to achieve that thrilling snap when one's teeth penetrate the natural casing -- this snap is the culinary equivalent of a sassy finger-wag and attitude-pumped "oh no you didn't".
American's coney (~$2) not only won this food war, but it won me over. Prior, a coney was what I considered the lowest common denominator of cuisine. But American got me to see the light. Now, I understand coneys. I even appreciate coneys. So the next time I feel like flogging myself with a sickle, I think I'll just eat a coney instead.
My head-to-head breakdown:
+ Food: WIN
+ Atmosphere: WIN
+ Service: LOSE -- waited ten minutes just to order
+ Payment: WIN -- they take plastic
+ Drinks: WIN -- fountain soda and booze
+ Condiments: WIN
+ Price: DRAW -
Review from A.J. S.
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
So, after three years of living in Detroit I finally bit the bullet and decided to try a Coney.
Let me be up front about this : I honestly thought the Coney was worse than the hot dogs you get at 7-11. The ones that have been rotating in their own fetidness all day, which you then put chili on from the the pump. It was nasty, and disgusting.
People are constantly debating with me which is better , Lafayette Coney or Amerian Coney. I didn't know which one I would chose, but when I got there I noticed that American Coney took visa, and I didn't have Cash. So i guess American coney won out. It really is just a glorified Chilli dog.
The hotdog had an unappealing flavour, it was small, the bread in the bun was cheap, the chili obviously had no meat in it, and I don't want to know what was in it. The fries they gave were ok, I guess really the only upseide of the experience.
I'm not sure what was worse, the food, or when I walked up to the counter and the cash guy blew his nose into his t-shirts sleeve before cashing me out.
If you are visiting Detroit, take my advice, Coney's while supposedly the "Detroit thing" , are not worth your time. Everyone compares American to Lafayette, but if you compare either to the world at large, you realize , it's like comparing being kicked in the crotch, or kicked in the face. I suppose one might better than the other, but, why would you want either? -
Review from larry Y.
San Mateo, CA
5/25/2011
This place makes a great hot dog. I really enjoyed the snap of the dog - with every bite your mouth could determine the different textures of the ingredients - which is something that I really like. The chili was great here - I almost wanted to order a bowl full of it, but instead we got chili fries which were awesome too.
There are waiters there that will take your order just in case you are to lazy to stand in line.
***Just a warning though know what you want before you get to the front of the line. They like to move fast so don't site there and look around and ask whats good - its all good - just order and move on because I could tell the guy behind the counter was getting pissed at the people ahead of me because they were taking to long. -
Review from Jim R.
Detroit, MI
5/12/2011 5 photos
I was downtown today again chasing my tail.
My goal is to get a hack license for Detroit so I can write more Yelp reviews. After being told at 1300 that I was in the wrong place, and had to go to some far flung precinct of the local fuzz to get the app. I decided to shelf my quest for the time being and just enjoy my city.
Being that I was also in need of lunch, I was considering many places, Five Guys being one of them. I walked in, saw the prices and my DNA did the rest; because there is no way in hell was I paying nearly 9 dollars for a cheeseburg and fries. That is not how I roll.
I remembered Janelle and her throwdown between American and Lafayette and since I had eaten at Lafayette previously about 2 years ago I decided to give American a whirl. I walked in and was scanning the prices, when one of the dudes asked me if I was ordering carryout. Answering in the negative I was told in a surly manner to have a seat.
My food arrived almost as fast as I sat down. The dog was good and hot, snappy and the chili was great. Not enough onions or chili for my taste because my coney standards are if you can see the bun there is not enough chili. Not wanting to escalate into a war, I finished my dog, paid for it, and went on.
All in all, it's pretty good food, and that's what really counts. There are also cool pics on the wall of famous folks like Vic Tayback, Dennis Archer, Soupy Sales and Coleman Young. The tile walls remind me of the long departed bus station bathrooms, but it aint about the decor. Its about the food and it will always be.
If you're looking for a good meal, this place is it. If you're looking for fine dining, this aint it, but is some damn fine chow. -
Review from Mike E.
Phoenix, AZ
7/3/2011
Saw this place on Man Vs. Food and stopped by for a dog when I was in Detroit.
The dog had a good flavor to it and the chili was excellent. I also ordered some chili cheese fries, which were really good.
I went in in the mid afternoon on a weekday, so I was fortunate enough to have some quick service.
I'd go back again for another coney next time I'm in Detroit. -
Review from Jessica A.
Detroit, MI
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
With 67 previous reviews, there's not much I can add to this conversation.
Screw the Detroit "die-hards." I've said it once and I'll say it again... You go next door if you want the gritty Detroit experience. You go to American Coney if you want good food. That's it. -
Review from Doug S.
5/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hot dogs with coney chili sauce on them. Nothing special. The locals love this place and I'm sure a coney dog-lover would also love it here. I'm just not a big hot dog fan.
Service was great. The waiters looked like GQ models with big doe-eyed looks and chisled faces. My (friend who's a girl) girlfriend and I sat slack-jawed and stared at their every move. It was seriously difficult to remember to chew and eat my food. Ladies (and gay men) I highly recommend this place for a few minutes of eye candy fun. -
Review from Ed L.
Huntington Beach, CA
12/30/2011
Well it was no big deal it was a CHILI DOG!!!!!!!! That's it, service was mediocre and I feel sorry because if this is all Detroit has to be proud of its sad.. The hot dog was OK the chili was just OK I really don't see the big deal just because its been open for a many years does not make it the best. Denny's has been open for many many years but we don't want to do a show about them. Why? cause its just eggs like this place its just a hot dog, don't waste your time
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Review from Randy G.
12/28/2010 1 photo
The infamous Detroit debate, American or Lafayette Coney Island? The verdict - American, only slightly. The best way to do a test is to walk into one place, have a coney and fries, walk outside and about five feet to your right or left and have another coney and fries to do a comparison.
Next time I go, the new test will be to buy one from each and once I have them both in hand, do a bite by bite test. Then I'll see which I prefer.
In this test, American is the winner, only by a slight margin. I thought the chili was slightly more spicy, giving it more flavor. The fries were also slightly better with a better crunch and didn't find any soggy fries.
If you're not familiar with coneys, allow me to introduce two places to you. First either place is legendary in Detroit. The coney has a slightly toasted bun, grilled and not boiled all beef hot dog. Boiled dogs don't have the charbroiled flavor nor the snap when you bite into them. They are also not as firm since they absorb water. Getting back to the coney, its grilled and has an excellent snap when you bite into it, fresh diced onions, homemade chili and the flavor is unique here in Detroit, and lastly the homemade blend of mustard.
Either place, you won't be disappointed. I'll see how my next comparison test goes. -
Review from Katie E.
Takoma Park, MD
8/1/2011
Maybe I'm not the best person to comment on the American vs. Lafayette debate -- I don't eat hot dogs and don't like chili. But thinking about the restaurants gives me the warm fuzzies due to their iconic status in the city -- my grandpa talked about eating there when he was a boy in the 1920s!
I have heard the argument that American "sold out" since they expanded, both physically in size (bought the space next door) and with their menu. Well, for me, this is where American wins -- I love their soups and cheese fries. Going to American Coney Island is always a treat, even though I don't experience their signature items (and that's OK with me). -
Review from Tony S.
Eastpointe, MI
4/14/2011
2nd Best Coney in the world. They've polished up their act with a beautiful makeover and great view of the street, but I think they also raised their prices to make up for it.
Trivia -They filmed one of the 1st scenes of the TV show Detroit 187 here.
4.75 Stars -
Review from Don H.
5/3/2011
My last trip to Detroit was spent mostly downtown so, before I left, I wanted a little piece of home to take with me in my belly. After driving around for about 20 minutes, I decided to get myself an authentic coney. Last time I was here it was 230a after drinking at The Town Pump.
I didn't expect it to be so busy on a Saturday afternoon but I was very happy about it. I ordered two coneys, both fully loaded with ground chili meat. I also got some fries. $8 later, I was back in the car and headed back to see dad. As I remembered, it's a treat. Sure, it's no four-star dining experience but, to me, it was four-stars for the soul.
Anytime is a good time to come here. Even in the middle of the night the corner is lit up like a baseball field. It's totally worth the adventure, even if you do the takeaway. The people watching, for me, is better. -
Review from Brian S.
Detroit, MI
5/15/2011
Made a stop at the American recently as the Lafayette was closed at 5:45am and I must say that the American is pretty cool inside, but really, what is so special here in their coney ? Not too much. The bun was of good quality and the hot dog and chili, just average at best which would put it at three stars, but when you charge over $2 for sub par coney, a star disappears. Overpriced, just like next door !!
This seems to be more for the non Detroiters and more for the tourists and/or traditionalists, but there are better coneys out there to be had.
Being inside the American is like being inside a Circus with no guests. Of course there was one guy sleeping a table with stale fries have uneaten. He wasn't homeless either, just passed out. -
Review from Pamela V.
1/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
We arrived at the Westin Cadillac Book around 1 am, starving, on a mission for food.
We walked across the street to the coney island.
Remind me to lower my expectations after 1 am. The older male host and young hostess were arguing (read: he was yelling undeserved profanity at her). A homeless man entered and more profanity flew and he was asked to leave, while another homeless man ate a bag of chips at the counter. Welcome to the D.
As much as I'd like to give this place 1 star based solely on the event above, the food was awesome. Try the gyro sandwich or Greek salad.
Try to get there before 10 pm. -
Review from Emily E.
New York, NY
10/28/2010
Friendly service and really good (but not great) hot dog.
When we first entered, we were confused. People were standing by the counter waiting to order. But there were also tables to the right, where some of the waiters were delivering plates. So we thought the counter was for take out only, and sat down. We studied the menu and waited, but no waiter came by. Then I caught the eye of one who was cleaning up a table not too far away and he came over. Then he explained what the Special was, what the Coney Island was, etc. And then he said we had to go to the counter to order. So I did.
An elderly gentleman who has a warm smile took my order, then helped me carried everything -- 2 Specials, 2 sodas and 1 fries -- to our table. Very nice man.
The dog was really good, though I found the chili had a bit of aftertaste, as if it wasn't all beef. There was more sauce than meat, really. But, those sweet onions were the best thing about this dog! YUM.
Then as we were getting ready to leave, I saw one of the waiters take orders from people at the table! So..is there table service here or not??? -
Review from Forrest B.
San Diego, CA
12/8/2011
Cleaner, larger and more polished of the 2 rivals but, the dog just isn't as good (chili not as flavorful and they hold back on the onions). Service is a tad friendlier than next door. Cheese fries had real cheese instead of crap sauce. Went on a wed around 8pm, was almost empty.
-
Review from Mary P.
3/10/2011
This is a classic American establishment. The American Coney Island. Since way before I was born.
The coney that you get here is covered in chili, chopped white onions, and mustard. The hot dog has a bite to it meaning that if you don't bite hard with your incisors you won't be getting any hot dog in your mouth. Better bite that wiener hard!
The fries are good with chili on top but they aren't amazing. Its simple really. Just a few selections of typical coney island food (greek + hot dog + burgers??) and only a few ways to eat them.
I also experienced a rather loud smattering of musical attempts from some band that was playing in there on a Sunday afternoon. The servers couldn't tell me for the life of them who they were.
Odd isn't it?
Experience this place at least once. Its just classic Detroit.
