Nathan's Famous

"You can get a Nathan’s-branded hot dog just about anywhere, but as it says on multiple signs around the massive Nathan’s Famous facade on Coney Island, “THIS IS THE ORIGINAL.” The legendary counter-service spot, which also has a raw bar, is just a block from the boardwalk and has been open 365 days a year since 1916, with the exception of a six-month closure after Hurricane Sandy. Sit outside and contemplate why these snappy, juicy dogs taste so much better in such close proximity to the beach—as if the salty breeze off the Atlantic Ocean acts as a final pinch of seasoning. Hot dog with sauerkraut, ketchup, and mustard" - molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, will hartman, bryan kim, sonal shah

"You can get a Nathan’s-branded hot dog just about anywhere, but there’s only one Nathan’s where you can accompany it with an order of fried frog legs. As it says on multiple signs around Nathan’s massive facade in Coney Island, “THIS IS THE ORIGINAL.” photo credit: Noah Devereaux The legendary counter-service spot, which also has a raw bar, is just a block from the boardwalk and has been open 365 days a year since 1916, with the exception of a six-month closure after Hurricane Sandy. When you visit, stick mostly to what they’re famous for. But whether you eat just one snappy, juicy dog or a Joey Chestnut-worthy 76 of them, sit outside and contemplate why they taste so much better in such close proximity to the beach—as if the salty breeze off the Atlantic Ocean acts as a final pinch of seasoning. Food Rundown photo credit: Noah Devereaux Clam Bar We’ll give it to you straight—we prefer the seafood at Pete’s Clam Stop, just a couple doors down, which offers a bigger selection and a shorter wait. photo credit: Noah Devereaux Hot Dog Load yours up with sauerkraut, ketchup, and mustard (we don’t always love the chili here) and proceed directly to the ocean, where you should eat it standing knee-deep in the surf. Ah, summer." - Molly Fitzpatrick

"Even if it has since grown into a wide-reaching franchise, Nathan’s Famous remains a true New York institution. The Coney Island original opened in 1916, selling hot dogs for five cents. They cost more now, of course, and come in vegan varieties, but otherwise not much has changed about the experience of eating a cheap, greasy dog on the boardwalk." - Eater Staff

"What culinary experience at a New York beach can best Nathan’s franks? Smeared with mustard and heaped with sauerkraut, the skins pop when you bite into them. This institution’s pedigree extends to the early days of Brooklyn frankfurter history over a century ago. There’s another location right on the boardwalk that may be less crowded." - Robert Sietsema

"Long before they made competitive eating a televised sport, Nathan’s Famous had this spot in Coney Island. It’s been here for over 100 years, serving all-beef hot dogs at a big counter, a block off the boardwalk. We’re not going to tell you how you should eat your hot dogs, but we will say that you should probably pair whatever you get with a cold beer and sit at the picnic tables outside. The lines can get really long, so consider checking out their less-crowded outposts in Luna Park and on the boardwalk." - neha talreja, bryan kim, matt tervooren, kenny yang