American Coney Island — Restaurant in Detroit

A Detroit staple. If you're from out of town, then that's most likely why you've stopped in. If you're local, then that's most likely why you've stopped in. This place is a landmark as far as food goes in the Detroit area (This and their neighbor directly next door—yes you know who I am referring to if you're from around here). This is a place you must stop in, and eat at—at least once. Though I am betting that one time, will turn in to several more occasions going forward—as it should.

It's big, it's bright, and it's nearly always busy. When you walk in, you will notice that it looks fairly similar to many diners you've probably been in at some point in your life—maybe a little bigger, but it definitely has that old diner feel. The staff is friendly, and the service is top notch. Oh yeah, and the Coney's are delicious —and yes when they ask if you want everything on it (Chili,Mustard, and Onion), the answer is always...YES.

With that being said, this certainly isn't the cheapest place in town to get a Coney (they sell for 99¢ all over the city). If and when you can get past the fact that they are a bit pricier here, then you will absolutely be able to get what you pay for— a superb Coney dog. Don't let the price deter you, it's worth every cent.

If you're in town on business, just hanging out downtown, or well really just downtown for any reason. Make sure you stop by here for a quick bite. You...

Will Never go back again after horrible service at American Coney. Based on last visit I will now try Lafayette Coney when downtown and my 14 yr old son wishes to satisfy his desire for an authentic coney and chili cheese fries. Reason for 2 stars related to absolutely horrible service following a tiger game when tables were 80% full. Specifically, family of four sat for 10 minutes, then based on hungry stomaches, I stood up, walked over to service area and politely reminded gentleman in orange clothes that we were ready to order. "I only do cleanup, you need to ask waiter in white clothes". Following this rebuke, I then proceeded to wait another 5 minutes trying to make eye contact with only waiter serving around 6 tables (large, small), with no luck. Another prompt from both wife and kids, I then proceeded to walk back to service counter and ask waiter in our area if I could order now or if he could take our order? "I am busy, I will come over when I have time". Dumbstruck at this answer, I went back to my table, stated we will wait another 15 minutes, then leave for another restaurant. Combine horrible service with dirty floors and tables and this restaurant will need to re-train and hire at least 2 more waiters during high traffic times (during any downtown sporting events)or risk further...

Great location and view, great asthetics inside, great [and Fast] food. Prices were what we expected - not bargain priced, but reasonable, being located where they are. Waitor was a bit unenergetic, but then again we visited mid-day on a weekday - it was pretty dead in there; not exactly their prime time. One big disappointment though - the reason we actually walked into their establishment over the equally-famed Lafayette Coney Island next door, was because their location allows for you to sit at tables with a ~270° view of a 5-street intersection that you're at the middle of...... But they had those tables closed off, explaining that they were "cleaning" them when we first arrived. Well, my family [including mother-in-law visiting from Thailand] were there for an hour, and they never removed the chair barricade from that area allowing us to go check it out. Not sure how they couldn't realize that That's Their Main Attraction, and edge over their next door rival! Had we known that we couldn't check out that scene, we would've just gone to Lafayette Coney instead. Big missed opportunity in my book; would've probably offered 5 stars for the unique experience, had they done the reasonable thing and accommodated our touristy desires. Ah well, 3...