David T.
Yelp
OOMG!!! I wish we had places like this in Illinois. Places in the Chicago burbs were good when we first moved here... But I'm sorry... Detroit has taught me something new about one very simple American classic... The hot dog... Or more specifically, the Coney Island. Which is definitely one of the premiere food staples of Detroit...
Let's get down to it... While I'm sure there are literally dozens of better Coney Island providers in the state of Michigan. This is unfortunately the only Coney Dog establishment I was able to visit during my short work weekend in Grosse Point Woods... And this place did not disappoint...
So about this thing called a Coney Island... The Chicago dog is a more complicated dog with an assortment of toppings. While the Coney Island is pretty simple... Chili, onions, and mustard.... It was the dog itself that set this one apart... There was so much snap in this natural casing that you could actually hear it... I savored every bite of this delicious Coney, that I actually considered driving back for more... But how sad would THAT have made me look? Lmao... I just sat there and ate it as slow as I could, wanting to buy more of them and take them home in my suitcase for my entire family to enjoy... I know the Chicago dog is a precious item when properly made. But I have yet to taste an actual natural casing dog of this quality from any local establishment in Illinois... Vienna Beef, Nathan's, Hebrew National??? Eat your heart out!!! The Coney toppings and the Chicago dog toppings are a matter of opinion in regards to which one you prefer... You need quality toppings and a quality dog to make a Chicago dog work... This Coney Island had very bland chill (which I think is what your looking for in a Coney), crisp chopped onion, and mustard. A very simple dog... It's all about preference... It was the dog that put this Michigan establishment over the top...
Now let's talk about the burger... Do we really wanna go there??? I don't think we do... I'll just say it was the best burger I've had in years! Made to order with your choice of the freshest toppings... Again, very simple... In-N-Out Burger SUCKS!!! I'm from California and I grew up with the Double Double. So for those of you in Cali that claim In-N-Out is the best burger in the world (National fast food reviews claim the same)? I say this, "Try a National Coney Island burger!" And In-N-Out SUCKS!!! End of story...
Lastly... The service... A brand new girl. Handling the takeout door. And they were very busy. (As I'm quite sure they ALWAYS are)... But plenty of backup servers, more than willing to lend her an assist... Normally, this would give a place a bad service rating... But the ball was never dropped... Plenty of staff, with plenty of smiles, made this place one of best places I've ever eaten at... And I've eaten at hundreds all over North America...
National Coney Island??? You only get 2 thumbs up. Cuz I only have 2 thumbs. If I had more, you'd definitely get em...