I was actually looking forward to my Detroit trip! I was really excited to attend a game at Joe Louis Arena and I couldn’t wait to explore Detroit’s up-and-coming food scene. The city has changed quite a bit over the past few years and is making one hell of a comeback. With numerous top chefs, restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and breweries popping up in the area, Detroit is redefining itself as one of America’s hottest food cities.
I stayed downtown at the Westin Book Cadillac. It was within walking distance to many bars and restaurants. The ballpark and hockey arena are nearby as well. The entire downtown area is being reshaped with a fair amount of construction going on.
The room was clean and very spacious.
After unpacking a bit, it was time for lunch! Right down the street from the hotel were a couple of the most famous eateries in town. Each place has its own following of loyal fans who can probably argue which place makes a better coney for hours, but I decided to go to Lafayette Coney Island. I’ve only been to the American Coney Island location in Vegas.
The place is simple and super casual with pictures lining the top portion of the walls. There are small tables and a few seats at the counter towards the front entrance.
I was able to grab a seat at one of the middle tables. Somebody immediately asked me what I wanted. There was no need to look over the small menu since I came here for one thing, and one thing only – a coney.
A Coney Island-style hot dog is topped with chili, mustard, and diced onions. Nothing fancy here. Each place will make their chili and other toppings differently from one another. It is these differences that make their coneys unique and people swear make it the best.
It was messy, but good. I liked the chili and yellow mustard. I had to grab a couple napkins after every bite. I wish I had room to try their chili cheese fries, but that just wasn’t happening.
It really was fascinating watching the swift assembly of coneys. It was even cooler watching the servers carry all of those hot dogs and fries while maneuvering through everybody effortlessly.
After finishing up, I asked the server for the check and paid up. Be prepared, it’s cash only. Each coney was around $2.60. Lafayette Coney Island was great for a quick filling lunch. Service was fast and friendly. Wherever you decide to go, you can’t leave Detroit without having a coney!
What’s Your Favorite Place for Coneys? Reply below!
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
1114 Washington Blvd
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 442-1600
Lafayette Coney
118 W Lafayette Blvd
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 964-8198