Lafayette Coney Island image

Lafayette Coney Island

Restaurant Fast food restaurant Hamburger restaurant American restaurant Hot dog restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed American restaurants in Detroit


Address

118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Website

lafayetteconeyisland.site

Contact

(313) 964-8198

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (4.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 9 AM to 2 AM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 12 AM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 2 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (18) Detroit (16) coney (16) Coney (15) Lafayette (13) dogs (10) chili (9) snap (8) fries (7) experience (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Roberta P. 1 year ago on Google
    Born and raised here and never been until now. What a great experience. If you haven't gone, go. Great people doing Detroit proud since 1914. We were even shown a trick at the counter. And located the bathroom in the basement down a narrow stairwell. That they lovingly call the dungeon.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jerry D. 2 years ago on Google
    Very Very Old school, not exactly sparkling clean looking, could use updating. I actually love the flavor of the dogs very much. Casing was a little tough but my grandson did a Coney challenge and we both agreed the flavor of Lafayette dogs was better but we wished the casing wasn't so tough.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chad C. 2 years ago on Google
    Lafayette Coney Island is my favorite Coney island. I got introduced to this place around mid-1995, and I have been a big fan ever since. I love how they have a nice snap when you bite into one, and the right amount of Chili mustard and onion seems like the right amount of ingredients! Any chance when I come to Detroit, I always have to stop in here. I will also volunteer to run stuff down to the 36th district court when I am at work to stop in here for lunch. LOL
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex H. 1 year ago on Google
    The Lafayette special is well worth it. The buns are soft, the dogs just pops when you bite it, and then the chili, onion, mustard are just classic mixes on all coney dogs. Even though it doesn’t look like the best atmosphere to dine in. But it was full of suit and ties people during the early afternoon and reminds me of Wall Street. It’s a sign that you know it’s returned guest and the best place to grab everyday food.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lindsay E. 2 years ago on Google
    I tried “the place next door” at the same time. This coney was far better in my opinion. Dog had better flavor and an amazing snap. Chili was loose and flavorful and the bun was slightly crisp. If you can only pick one coney to get, pick this one.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nabeel K. 1 year ago on Google
    This was my first coney experience in Detroit where the Coney Dog was birthed. This place truly feels like it’s been operating the same way it did since it was first opened decades ago. I was surprised by the simple menu and low prices. If you want the authentic coney experience, go here. Nothing special about the buns but, biting through the chili and mustard atop as you feel the snap of the casing as your teeth penetrate through the meat is a hot dog experience like no other. Be careful though, your stomach may not be thanking you later if you have one too many ☺️
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Roxy B. 1 year ago on Google
    It was ok. Came because I read a write up about this place in a travel guide. Staff seemed abrasive. Ordering and paying was chaos as we weren't sure who or where to do either. Hot Dog itself was very mediocre. Skin was chewy and not a lot of flavor. Chili was good. Fries were good. Prices were good. But everything else failed to impress.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dallas M. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow!!! OK here is hands down the best Coney cheese dog I think I’ve ever had. This place was clean the service was unbelievably fast. My server was the polite and great sense of humor and I couldn’t believe that is the same Decour and style back when they opened. Like you were stepping back into time and it’s so cool.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 OG Spaz M. 1 year ago on Google
    I ordered the Lafayette Special with chilli Cheese Fries and let me tell you this and my wife got the Coney and fries...I've waited years to come back to Detroit specifically to come here. It was EXACTLY how I imagined. The snap of the dog, the deliciousness of the chili with the onions and mustard. The hot crispy fries smothered in cheese, chilli and onions.... PERFECT! My son was recently born in Detroit and I can't wait til he's old enough to experience what we experienced.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Steve S. 2 years ago on Google
    I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Lafayette Coney. The small quaint feel, and the pictures showing its been a Detroit staple for some time. The coney was good altho I wasn't the biggest fan of the fries. I would visit again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole P. 7 months ago on Google
    Nostalgia at its finest! Love everything about walking into Lafayette knowing I will soon be eating the best coneys. From the hustle and bustle sounds and views of the city, to the snap of the coney dog- nothing not to fall in love with. Service is always fantastic. The taste… oh the taste. THE BEST.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tina 2 years ago on Google
    Looking for somewhere to eat late night and came across Lafayette coney island dogs. There was a long line so we figured why not see what the hype is about. Don't expect Ruth Chris atmosphere, it's order and go! Nothing fancy about this place but the hog dogs were good! Love the chilli. Service was quick.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sunni G. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutley delicious! The Coney Dogs are great as I remember. However, as I no longer eat pork, I ordered the loose burger with chili cheese fries. Best loose burgers in the city for sure. Unpretentious and honest dive. Definitely a Detroit "must see".
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Candyce A. 2 years ago on Google
    🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭 Iconic Detrot Coney Island. Tiny yet powerful atmosphere. Popular at lunch or when the bars close. If you can’t decide between the coney or loose burger, order the Lafayette Special. You CAN have everything!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian S. 4 months ago on Google
    Always the best! Original Coney is the way to go. Have been going here for years and never disappointed. Don’t forget the Vernors! I get my coney with extra onions, yummy. Open late!

  • 4/5 Charles W. 6 months ago on Google
    It's a really enjoyable Coney Dog and part of the Detroit experience, but it still is just a chili dog. I liked seeing the pictures of the Red Wings and the Stanley Cup at Lafayette Coney Island.

  • 5/5 susan c. 4 months ago on Google
    Detroit's best coney. The atmosphere is grungy, authentic, and as expected. When you order with extra onions....

  • 5/5 Josh I. 8 months ago on Google
    They have delicious Detroit style coneys. The coney sauce has great flavor and the dogs were tasty. Small place so you might have to wait when it's busy. The service was very fast even when it was packed.

  • 3/5 Margaret S. 9 months ago on Google
    It was a pretty good hot dog. Being from Texas, I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was a pretty standard hot dog. The wiener was tougher than normal to bite through. And the Bathroom was in an uncomfortable tight staircase downward. And there wasn’t any soap. To be fair, I’m not normally a hot dog person but it was a must do according to the locals.

  • 4/5 Hernan H. 5 months ago on Google
    Stopped by here while heading back to the hotel. You are able to sit down wherever you want, and someone will come serve you and take your order. Food comes out pretty quick, and is a good bite.

  • 4/5 Billy Smerka J. 8 months ago on Google
    Another Detroit staple, the Coney Dog. We tried the famous Lafayette. The chili was unique and the dog had a great snap and flavor. A good chili dog always soaks up the nights beverages...

  • 3/5 Patricia K. 10 months ago on Google
    Had a Lafayette Special and Chili Cheese Fries add Shredded Cheddar. Neither were particularly amazing, but were good enough I would visit again on occasion. Can't beat the price. Dig in and eat up. Make a trip down to the restroom, you won't regret it.

  • 5/5 Kryslyn D. 2 years ago on Google
    They do have good chilli cheese fries and the prices are not bad! I will say they had a long line that moved very quickly! The only thing I didn't like was the fact the man in front of us started showing the barrel of his gun over something so small! Smh kinda made my nerves jittery!

  • 3/5 Michael K. 1 year ago on Google
    It is a Detroit tradition, but... The service is always poor and the place needs a good cleaning. The coneys are good and they are a Detroit tradition. You have to go there to say you have been there but it is probably best to eat there after you have been drinking.

  • 5/5 Nell B. 1 year ago on Google
    The Lafayette Coney Island is a must-visit destination in Detroit. Upon entering, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time, with its vintage subway tile walls, worn Formica countertops, and old men in white uniforms shouting out orders. The coney dogs here are top-notch, and you'll leave feeling satisfied both in terms of your heart and stomach. The atmosphere at this classic establishment is truly one-of-a-kind, and it's a must-try for anyone visiting downtown Detroit. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a delicious coney with all the toppings. You won't be disappointed!

  • 5/5 Amanda H. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband and I wanted to get some real Detroit Coneys and I'm so glad we went here! I don't think I've gotten fresh food faster in my life and the hotdogs were VERY good. I actually forgot to take a picture before we dug in. I would highly recommend this place!

  • 5/5 Grace M. 1 year ago on Google
    I got the Lafayette special and it was very good. The staff are friendly and the food is quick. They are definitely a local gem. Make sure to try a donut while you’re here!

  • 3/5 Risa K. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was good and the service was very fast although the place was crowded. At 10pm on a Sunday they closed the store because they ran out of the buns. The basement, where the bathrooms were located, was not very clean.

  • 4/5 Kirk J. 2 years ago on Google
    One star deduction as the place hasn’t been cleaned in 30+ years and the bathroom needs some DDT to get those mosquitoes out. If you want something good that doesn’t change, this place is it! It hasn’t been renovated or painted in 30+years either. Hot dogs with a snap, chili that fills the mouth topped with zesty mustard and chopped onions. You have to add their hot sauce for a perfect coney. Get a loose meat coney too and skip the fries as that just takes up room that could go to the above. Topping it off is having your order screamed across the room in a Turkish accent and seeing the verbal fight that invariably follows. Pure bliss.

  • 4/5 Jones O. 2 years ago on Google
    My favorite Coney Island restaurant in downtown Detroit. It is quaint and old school style and you can have a beer there too. It is all about the ambiance at the one

  • 4/5 Scott C. 2 years ago on Google
    I love the crunchy natural casing dogs! I prefer the old green interior and the submarine staircase that leads to the scary gimp room bathroom in the basement. The place next door? Nahhhh

  • 3/5 Jose B. 2 years ago on Google
    Seriously don't understand the draw here. But people love it so had to try it. For what it's worth I do prefer this one over the competition. Hot dog is better and more flavorful. But again, to me it's just ok.

  • 5/5 Jessica C. 2 years ago on Google
    Very good food, good price and excellent service. Excellent loose hamburger, chili fries and coconut pie!

  • 5/5 Jennifer B. 2 years ago on Google
    Old school charm, fast service. Dogs have a perfect snap and flavorful. Chili, mustard and onions give it some sharpness.


Call (313) 964-8198 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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