Detroit’s battle for the best Coney Island spot is a fierce one between Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island which are located next door to each other and owned by brothers.  I decided to slide into Lafayette and wasn’t disappointed.

Been owned by the same family since it opened in 1914, Lafayette Coney has brought traditional coney dogs to Detroit for almost 100 years.  When you walk up you see the kitchen right in the front window with hotdogs stacked up on the side and pots of chili and beef next to them.

I took a seat right at the wrap around bar and could still see them working away from where I sat.  The place was filled with families and Lions fans eating a meal before they watch their team battle the Cowboys.  Looking over their menu I ordered two Coneys with fries and a Vernors to drink.  Vernors is pretty much only found in Michigan and is my favorite Ginger Ale out there.

I got one Coney straight up which has mustard, chili and onions, and one without onions.  I normally don’t eat raw onions but had to try one straight up for the most authentic flavor.

The Coneys are wonderful all beef dogs that have a little crunch when you bite into them.  The chili and mustard slop over and send wonderful bursts of flavor to your palete.  The fries were crunchy and salty which I used to swipe up the left over chili on the plate.

So if you are in Detroit be sure to check out Lafayette Coney Island.  I haven’t been to American next door but know that I wasn’t disappointed by this american classic meal.