Hambo Coney Island

Oh Hambo, where do I begin? If I could rate this place 6 stars out of 5 I would. From breakfast to lunch and everything in between, Hambo does it all, and it does it freaky fast and with a big, warm smile. Eating here feels like a giant hug, and we always feel welcome every single time we visit. My favorite item is the Greek Omelette, and their pancakes are legendary. They offer specials regularly—ask your server! This Coney Island-style diner is an institution; when I die, bury me inside of Hambo.

Great place to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a cup of coffee and relax. The food is of great quality, the staff is really nice and they wait on you very quickly. Pricing of the menu is affordable and who doesn’t want that in 2025?!

Hands down Hambo is a Ferndale staple! They have the best staff ever that makes you feel you’re apart of a family. As someone who’s worked in food service and still works in customer service, they have something very special. I’ve been going there for over a year and I’ve NEVER had a bad meal - huge shout out to the cooks always killing it! If you’ve recently moved to the area or need a spot to count on, Hambo is the spot!

Just what you'd expect and want from a long standing local diner. Servers are always speedy and friendly. The food is consistent and good. Not a lot of allergen free options however. Can get a little noisy depending on when you're there but it's usually fairly chill.

Stopped in while out in the area with the family and really glad we did. The atmosphere was on the louder side but very welcoming, friendly wait staff, and the food was top quality. Myself I enjoyed one of their scramblers with a few customizations, and a side of the best fries I've had in a while. Well recommended!

We’ve been coming here for years and Hambo’s is always solid for a great Coney Island experience. The team is friendly, cares about their customers, and takes pride in ensuring a great dining experience. We recently came to celebrate something for my son and they made the experience really special, the cooks even make a celebratory cake out of pancakes to make him feel special and the wait team took care of his meal, which was unexpected and kind, it made his day.

Fantastic Coney Island with great food and very friendly service. Their chicken finger pita is one of the best around. Hambo fries with chili, cheese, hamburger, & onion are excellent also. Everyone who works there is so genuinely kind and helpful.

Always friendly and the food comes out quick. Today was the busiest i have ever seen the place and my meal was still out in 10 minutes. Love coming here for that

I wish I could give this place even more stars. Can you ever have a bad time here? All the servers have this down. They are the sweetest group of people and at this point we come weekly just to see Kathleen. The family vibes this place has is immaculate and I'd never go to another Coney Island. The owners did a good job hiring this staff. The food is always 10/10. I always leave with leftovers. The guys in the back are slaving away over the hot grills and you can tell the love they put into it. I recommend the chocolate chip pancakes. Basic but a goodie.

Located on Woodward one block north of the 9 Mile intersection. A few parking spots, otherwise nearby pay street and lot parking. A bright and clean Coney style diner. Good menu, pretty good prices, great staff. Good food. It is a little loud when all the tables are occupied. Strongly recommend.

This is a decent spot. Remodel and paint refresh from the brown and tan looks nicer. Not a bad spot for true comfort food breakfast items. We used to more often grab carry out items for our staff. Their farmer's, veggie and western omelets are bad, along with their Greek, Southern and western skillets.

Seasoned fries are amazing!! Other food was decent and the waitress was extremely friendly!

Always happy with service, quality and speed here. I'm considered the picky one and I bring everyone to Hambo. Prepared fresh, hot, cooked to order, can't beat coming to a regular diner and getting good food.

CBC wrap-with grill chicken. . Food is Great as always and served with a smile every time. Thanks Hambos.

I love Hambos! The staff are nice, the food is filling and tasty, and the best part is, it's not overpriced like so many other places in the area. You can still get an omelette for $7, which I think is pretty impressive.

Delicious food, unbelievable prices, fast and friendly service. Kid friendly. Seriously, nothing but great food and service. They are super personalable.

This is the best restaurant in Ferndale, hands down. The staff is great and very efficient. Great breakfast specials. Great coneys.

My friend and I go to different Coney Island just to try them all out (or as many as we can) and we ended up at Hambo this past week. It easily topped all of the other Coney Island that we've been to. The staff is so nice, and the food comes out quick and is SO good! We ended up here twice in one week and I'd easily recommend this place to anyone.

I love Hambo, the food is always great portions, comes out quick and tastes great! The service is top notch, they are always very attentive and take care of you so well! All in all, a great place in Ferndale to spend your money!

Super quick service - no fuss dining. The food is great for diner food - I would recommend for anyone looking for a classic breakfast + incredibly fast service. It can get busy inside of the restaurant during peak hours, so plan ahead.

the breakfast club sandwich is to die for! friendly staff as well! efficient service as well

Open for breakfast and lunch only, not dinner. This is a total bummer because it has a prime location in Downtown Ferndale and they could make a lot more money with just a short dinner time. Sam's and Earl's both serve dinner and are similar establishments (menu/local) and they both have customers all throughout the day. Also, they need to open earlier for breakfast because 8 am just does not do it lol. Most coney/breakfast/family diner places open at 6am or 7am for the work office crowd. Hours: Mon - Sat 8 am - 4 pm Sun 8 am - 3 pm Chili was lukewarm (only have had one experience with it). Breakfast egg roll is unique and worth trying. Burger is your typical Coney Island burger. Club sandwich was very good. Seasoned fries were awesome. You have to constantly remind the servers to refill your pop. As an added note: Part of the movie "The Mechanical Giant" was filmed inside at counter. Check out the movie, it might still be on Netflix. Not a Thumbs Up or a Thumbs Down, worth a try

BREAKFAST EGGROLLS FTW! Weeeeee! My fiance, my friends and I just got our butts kicked from a circuit work out at Hazel Park. An hour afterwards, its time for us to put all those calories back into our system. We came and we were sat right away at a big table because we had around 5 people in our party. The server came with waters,, I ordered a black coffee as well. Then after dropping off the extra drink orders, she said that they've rolled out their new Breakfast Eggrolls. I asked many eggrolls come in an order, she said 3. I didn't want all that by myself and just wanted to try it out. So we put in an order for the table to share. They came and it was outstanding!! I would definitely order them again. Our main event was the Coney Special with the loose meat and make it Deluxe. Their fries are really something to brag about as well. We had a great meal and we definitely enjoyed eating here at Hambos. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere is very inviting as well. Thank you for reading my review. I hope this helps. Enjoy your awesome yelptastic day!!

Best Coney dogs and fries!! Everything was amazing, and super fast carry out. Wednesday is $1.50 Coney day, too. Getcha some!

I was very disappointed with the carry out food today. I have dined-in many times and never had a bad experience, the waitresses are always great! The hash browns were burnt, the cheese was out of all the mozzarella sticks and the omelette barely had anything in it.

Suspended in time. Waitresses with great one liners. Nothing fancy. Coffee always ready and hot.

this shit bussin!!!! The service is great, you get your food super fast, and the food is delicious!

Went here for breakfast as the Fly Trap next door was closed. Decor is dated, but the place was pretty clean. Service was outstanding. Standard Coney Island fare. I ordered a scrambler which I thought would be everything scrambled together. Instead it was scrambled omelet with hash browns on the side. It was OK.

Went here for brunch last weekend, and they hit it out of the park. Coat rack by the door is perfect for those chilly mornings. Seating was self serve and easy, waitresses were attentive and prompt. I am a pumpkin fanatic, and they have pumpkin pancakes available year-round! They were moist and fluffy, I had them with whipped cream and there was a icing drizzle that was just delicious. Their cheese sticks are tasty, breaded and herbed, fried perfectly and served with ranch. The star of the show however, I have saved for last. I tried something called the Irish Benedict, it is what you may think... A corned beef Benedict. Their corned beef is shredded style, pan fried to perfection. I had to ask the waitress if she was certain there was no bacon! I have tried corned beef all over the country, and Hambo's beat out my previous champion from the Carolinas, which had been reigning for three years. Well done, Hambo. I will be back!

This place is the shit. While Eminem whispers a claim that he owns this joint in the beginning of a nearly 2-decade old video Hambo has posted on their website (which also appears to be from the same era), this place is anything but intense or rude. I've been to a lot of coneys in my day and Hambo stands above the rest atop a pedestal of delicious hash browns. Prices are incredibly reasonable, the menu is diverse in its selection and, probably most importantly for a coney, has incredible service. Your food comes out hot, not like warm with cold bacon. Where other coney islands seem to feel that hash browns should be a moist mess of half cooked potatoes l, Hambo not only nails the proper crust on em, but actually honors requests for slightly crispier-than-average hash browns. I've never had to wait to eat breakfast here during the Saturday Morning Hangover Zone (which is important), and now, as I write this review hunched over their wonderful coffee, we've been brought some pancake bites in a sweet sauce for no reason other than the folks here are nice. Local, friendly, competent. Best coney in the metro detroit area, and if you disagree, 1v1 me, bro

Yummy breakfast! Super nice staff. Very clean. Quick service. It appears they have a high volume of regular's.

I mean who could say anything bad about this place. It is like a coney island so you know what you are going to expect. The food is pretty good tho and the fries are always nice and crispy. The service is always great with friendly people serving the food. I have gone here plenty of times to grab a quick bite with friend and always had a good time.

I've driven by this place a hundred times but wasn't too impressed by the outside. I'm sorry that I waited! This is everything good about a diner. I had the Sullivan handheld breakfast. It was fresh and different and well prepared. I will be back.

I was here when I first moved to Ferndale and I wasn't a fan but I think it's improved quite a bit. The staff was super friendly, almost chirpy and cheerful, on a Sunday morning. We ordered some pancakes, corned beef hash and a couple dogs to go. Everything was pretty solid. The corned beef hash was really tasty although likely out of a can which is fine with me....that stuff is pretty good. The hot dogs were griddled nicely and they may have even been Koegel dogs. The Coney dog I took home was pretty good. While the food is your standard diner fare the service was great...exceptional really. Their hours are a little wonky but if you need some quick sustenance and they're open you should give them a try. 3.5 stars

This was my first visit to a Coney Island! It was good! We went with a group of 4 for breaskfast Saturday morning. I cannot believe how much food we had! I had 2 eggs, toast, has browns, sausage, bacon, and ham. It was an insane amount of food, and I think it was under $6. I was so full. Everyone else ordered omelets, and wow were they huge! With 4 people ordering full breakfast, all adding on sides, and everyone having a drink, the total bill was still only $31. The waitress was so nice, and everything came out quickly. I can't wait to try more Coney islands!

After living in this area for 8 years, I finally checked out Hambo. Not sure what took me so long but I'm so glad I went! My family of 3 went there earlish at 9am on a Saturday and there was seating right away. This place has a great view of Woodward and Ferndale. The staff was super helpful and friendly and the food was yummy. The dish that I couldn't get out of my head was the breakfast wrap which is essentially a breakfast Hani. Skip the mayo and get ranch on the side. Just trust me on this. Going back this weekend!

I have been going there for years for breakfast. Everyone is great and the food was always good

Love the food here. I wish they were open for dinner. The hash browns as crispy and not to thick. And I love the hot dogs here always got a snap when u bite it.

Never ate here because i always thought the name was just too strange, maybe I'm just strange..anyways...gave this place a shot this am and was the exact opposite of disappointed. Breakfast was on point, like a sharps container in the back of a medical office. Eggs, cooked perfectly. I think the Easter bunny works here. Our waitress Melissa was funny and efficient. Melissa even brought us a breakfast egg roll sans extra fees. This place is even light on hipsters...that gets 5 stars alone. Will. Be. Back. #tasty

Food was 5 stars. Good prices, super quick service. They lose a star for having no changing tables. They have booster seats and multiple high chairs but no changing table. Kind of puts a dent in breakfast when you have to leave the restaurant to change your child in the car. Seems odd not to have in a family restaurant.

Unbelievable. I've only been here three times. The first time, I choked down a poorly-made, gag-worthy breakfast, but would've still given them three stars for covering the basics: decent decor, quick service, etc. However, both subsequent dining experiences ended before they could even start, and ultimately earn Hambo a well-deserved one-star review from me. I'd have given them zero if that had been an option. In each case, I arrived within 45 minutes of closing. Granted, I was cutting it close, but not nearly close enough to deserve the chilly reception I was greeted with. The first time, I arrived at 2:15pm, and the servers flat-out told me I couldn't dine there, because 'we close at 3pm.' The second time, I arrived at 2:10pm on a Sunday, and noted with surprise that they'd already begun sweeping and setting the dining chairs upside-down on the tables, the way one usually does five minutes before closing. One of the hostesses looked at me and her face immediately twisted into a sour look. 'Ummm. Uhhh.... We can't really...' She was obviously debating whether or not to allow my girlfriend and me to dine in. Apparently she looked at the clock and decided this wasn't a battle she wanted to fight. But she still assumed an unfriendly, pouty tone to let me know in no uncertain terms that it was unconscionable that I'd dared to walk into the restaurant a minute past 2pm. 'Just... take whatever seats you want.' (Eye roll, violent waving of hand) Needless to say, I left and won't ever be coming back. Sorry, Hambo. Your restaurant isn't a prix fixe, two-hour-long dining experience, and I'm not the sort of diner who spends an hour picking my order and another hour eating it. Consequently, there's really no excuse for turning me away at the door, or making it clear (as rudely as humanly possible) that you don't want me in your restaurant. You don't deserve the customers you already DO have, and you certainly won't be retaining my patronage.

The food was really good. I always drive past this place but never went in. They have great customer service and they were packed! I will be back

First time here, on a weekend Saturday morning - while waiting for the Ferndale library to open up, decided to check this out. Very friendly atmosphere. The interior feels a bit date, but this has been around for a long time and does capture the old time Detroit/Woodward feel of the standard diner. They have lots of week day specials (like lunch and breakfast), so may have to come back again. I tried the Hawaiian omelette, which was good. Coffee was also good and quick refills. Reasonable prices. Parking is right behind the spot and the meter/spot costs are reasonable. A meter maid constantly roams around, so be mindful! Next time will try and find a place little further away and explore more of Ferndale.

Solid Coney Island food. We've had a few of their breakfasts and they have all been great. I especially like the ham they serve. Good location, good prices, good service. We were able to get in and out quickly. Would recommend.

Friendly, quick, clean, and good. Everything you want in a coney. Greek salad with chicken is one of the best I've had; only wish they had the pink Greek dressing.

Hambo Coney Island the best food breakfast and lunch around great people so friendly they been there over 30 years still serving the best food! Be back soon!

Bad food and attitude, I don't eat here anymore!!! The older waitress came and called me a picky eayer. And told my guess your worst then her. We ate, didn't tip and won't be back!!!

The food was decent but the service was pretty poor. I came here on a Sunday afternoon and had a chicken tender pita and chili fries. I assumed that both items would come out at the same time but my fries took another 30 minutes which was annoying. The fries here aren't regular fries they're seasoned fries which just didn't taste right with the chili. I would get onion rings or soup as a side next time instead. Also when you pay on your card the cashier asks you how much you'd like to tip and my server was right in that area which made the ending experience pretty uncomfortable since the service wasn't the best.

The food is good and the service is better. Often the owners are the two working the floor- husband in the kitchen, wife waiting tables. She is very friendly and takes her time to make you feel welcome. The food was cooked properly to order and delivered to my table fast! My one hang up with Hambo is that I sometimes question their hours. They have an amazing location and it seems like they don't capitalize on the bar crowd as much as they could. You're paying for the Woodward frontage- might as well get your moneys worth!! However, when they are actually open - this is one of my preferred coney establishments.

The morning we went here, we had tried every other breakfast place in the area first. We tried Toast, but the wait was going to be at least 45 minutes, and then we tried a place that I think was called "The Fly Trap", and the wait for that was 20. We probably would have waited for that one, except there was a man also waiting there with his wife and ten children, who was very unhappy and very rude. I'm writing this here in the hopes that he reads this next paragraph. This is meant only for him, though you are welcomed to read it if you wish. Dear Angry Man at The Fly Trap: You needn't be so angry. I'm sorry you hate your children and your life, but please do not project your bitterness and disappointment on to strangers whom are now forever going to think of you as "Angry Man at The Fly Trap". I can see your face as you rudely boss me around as to where I am allowed to stand, and all I can think is... poor guy. Poor, angry, guy. Calm down, and tell your sweet children to be quiet. Have a drink later if you must, but be polite in public. Thank you. Hambo Coney Island was where we retreated to when faced with the bitter cold and hunger that was overtaking us. They took us in, offered us seats right away, and fed us promptly. I ordered pancakes and hash browns, both of which were nothing to complain about. The pancakes were standard, but the hash browns were really good. I think. I liked them a lot, anyway. Everyone else seemed relatively content with the food they ordered as well. No one was overly impressed, but neither was anyone disappointed. I was perfectly happy with my meal, and I'm assured that this place has "boss mode" french fries. I didn't try them, but everyone else at the table seemed duly awed. So, you're not going to get a five star meal here, no, but the fries and hash browns are good, and the server was nice and quick. Even if you don't like the food here, at least you're not Angry Man from The Fly Trap. That's a victory any day of the week. (P.S. My boyfriend was facing the street when he asked the question, "So... is hockey a big thing here?"... He didn't realize what was plastered on the walls behind him, but everyone else got a good laugh about it.)

I just don't get it....this is NOT good food by any stretch of the imagination. Hubby and baby and I ate there a couple of weeks ago. All I can say is Blah.... I have had MUCH better! Hubby had the fish and chips...frozen fish planks and tasteless fries I had Gyro and a side salad. Salad was the saddest little bowl of limp iceberg. Gyro was a block of thinly shaved strips that tasted of a freezer. The only thing that was at least edible was the Wing Ding appetizer...but the baby ate that. Left hungry and sad :( If you could ever think this was a good Coney Island, I think you have to raise your standards! They were friendly though...so I gave them two stars. But friendliness will not fill my belly so I don't think we will be back.

I went here today with my boyfriend for the first time (our original plan was to go to The Fly Trap but the wait was too long). When we walked in the place was almost empty, which should have been our first clue. I got the southern omelette with hashbrowns and he got one of the breakfast specials that came with 3 meats, eggs, and hashbrowns. The amount of time we waited for it seemed long, especially being that we were one of the few customers in there. None of it was appetizing, just very bland, low quality tasting food. I could barely eat a quarter of my meal. We both agreed that it was just "edible". He ate most of his for the sake of not wasting money. The service was fine, the waitresses were nice. They were giving out free strawberry crepes (or some sort of breakfasty dessert) for Father's Day. It was actually pretty good. Overall though, I was unimpressed and would never eat there again.

As an out of towner and expert foodie, this place is a great venue to eat at. When I say I hate scorched eggs, I HATE SCORCHED EGGS...my wolverine omelet was not scorched and it was very tasty. The homemade hashbrowns had a nice crunch on the top and the potatoes were just that...potatoes. Not kettle chips! I'll be back tomorrow for breakfast before heading back to Chicago.

Updating my review as I've been back a few times since the last one. This place is outstanding. Never a bad meal here. One of my family members is the pickiest person I've ever met. And he loves this place. Great for breakfast but everything on the menu is good. Their service is top notch too. Super friendly and attentive. It's like they know what you want before you do. I hope this place never goes away. Always reliable for a good meal. I only wish they were open 24/7 lol

The waitresses are so nice. Sometimes they give you free cake. They're just like your mother -- if your mother is sweet and works at a coney island. What else can I say? This: The coneys are delicious and the chili fries are delicious and the coke is really cold.

I don't know how long this joint has been here, but it looks and feels like its been a part of Ferndale for decades. Getting to the quick, we love Hambo. It's cheap, greasy breakfast food from folks who feel like family. For years I drove or walked by this place and never gave it more of a thought than "Oh God, those 1982 greenhouse windows are awful, that place must be gross." And to be honest, the greenhouse windows are awful, but my thoughts were really short sighted. Don't judge a book by its cover I guess. Several of my friends started posting about Hambo, then I saw some photos with friends there and then one morning when every other brunch joint was full and we were ravenous, we stopped in. We were hooked. The food is standard diner, the prices are cheap for Ferndale brunch spots, and I've really come to love the staff. They must all be from the same family or have worked together so long that they get along like family. The counter ladies even know me and always make me feel like they are so happy to see me again - and we don't get carry out THAT often. Don't judge Hambo based on their old windows and greasy spoon decor. Give them a chance. You'll be glad you did.

This is the absolute best family/ Coney/morning and afternoon only diner in Ferndale. The atmosphere is absolutely wonderful if you're willing to laugh and have a good time.. no ones wearing a clown mask or anything but the servers have fabulous personalities & are always chatting and laughing with customers. The owners are just as amazing. I have eaten this food 1000 times and not one time have I ever disliked my plate. The pancakes are my favorite the chicken bacon and cheese wrap is fabulous and if you're not a mediator the turkey burgers and the veggie melts are to die for!!!! Oh man, and that freaking chicken and dumpling soup I swear to God I will get fat as hell if I chose to go eat it every day!!! Just like my grandmas