Antonio’s Coney Island in Ypsilanti, Michigan offers Central American food | Eater Detroit

"Occupying a small space in an Ypsilanti shopping plaza, Antonio’s Coney Island serves a great version of the iconic Detroit hot dog topped with chili, onions, and yellow mustard, though they only make a few of them each day (maybe one or two). The main attractions are Central American and Mexican favorites: pupusas; bajadas (fried green plantains); the Honduran enchilada catracha, which is more like a tostada with a flat, crispy tortilla base topped with meat, Honduran cabbage slaw, tomato, avocado, boiled egg, and parmesan cheese; a very popular fried chicken (a fried leg quarter topped with cabbage slaw and Honduran mustard over tajadas); and the baleada, a flour tortilla with beans, cheese, cream, scrambled eggs, and avocado that Serrano describes as a perfect breakfast or snack. Owners Irene Serrano and Miguel Martinez opened Antonio’s in early 2015 intending to be a regular Coney Island with Mexican specials, but a lease clause and the persuasion of Serrano’s Honduran friend led them to focus on Central American recipes based on family recipes; early positive press helped them grow. Serrano says she has customers from Guatemala, El Salvador, Columbia and beyond, that a customer from Trinidad and Tobago told them the food reminds them of their mother’s and grandmother’s cooking, and that while some diners may find the food unfamiliar at first, they often return to try more. “I cook with the heart,” Serrano emphasizes, and limited seating is available." - John Reyes