James Coney Island — Restaurant in Houston

Very disappointed. As a kid, I grew up on James Coney Island hot dogs and though I stopped eating them over 20 years ago, something made me want one today. I googled where they were as so many locations have closed. I went thru drive-thru at this location and ordered 2 hotdogs with mustard and ketchup and tater tots. When I got to the cash register, I realized I had forgotten to have them put cheese on the hotdogs and told the girl that it was my mistake, and asked if it could be done, or if it was too late to add. She gave me all sorts of looks like she was put out. She looked at the cooks and simply looked back with no answer. I apologized profusely to her and said again, it was my fault, I would pay the extra, and if it was too big a deal that was fine. She rudely informed me she could put some cheese in a cup. I mean it's squirt cheese, so if they could squirt it in a cup, they should be able to squirt it on the hotdog. Since I could tell she had an attitude, I told her never mind I would take them the way they were. She handed me my box which was very small and I asked if the tater tots were inside to which she said yes. She never offered to give me any napkins, though I had asked. If all that wasn't bad enough, when I opened the box, I was shocked to see how tiny the hotdogs and buns were, as this was not what I had remembered from years past. These were approximately 3"" in length! The buns were hard, dried out and cold, the hotdogs were completely cold and were so tough you needed a knife to cut it. The gator tots were cold and greasy. I was completely disgusted, and very disappointed in the whole experience. Especially the toughness and coldness of the hotdogs. What a far cry and terrible change from what used to be. I see now why so many have shut down. I will...

It's always fun to find a fast food place you've never heard of while traveling. JCI is a hotdog-based chain, which you don't see too often. In contrast to Weinerschnitzel or Nathan's, though, their menu is less traditional and leans closer to their burger chain counterparts. You can get a hotdog on different kinds of buns and topped with things other than just mustard or chili, like Chipotle Mayo, Guacamole, Pico, Cilantro & Fresh Jalapeños or Spicy Mustard, Garlic Cream Cheese, Caramelized Onions, & Jalapeño Relish.

The food was cheap and better than we expected. They were very generous with their cheese, a good way to get a great review from me. This location had an employee (I think she was just a busser) who was exceptional. She was enthusiastic and so friendly and seemed to love her job and the customers. She saw us walking up and came and held the door open while greeting us sincerely. She was as attentive as a waitress while we dined in and brought us things we needed, refilled our drinks, etc. We saw her treating other customers the same way. She even called them "my guests." It is rare to find that level of ownership and pride in a fast food worker and we are duly impressed.

I don't know when we will come across one of these restaurants again, but if we do,...

I was super excited to come here and try the food, but from the moment I walked in and started placing my order, the guy taking my order didn’t understand what I was saying. I was obviously saying what I had just read in the menu. Idk if he didn’t understand me or what was the problem. Had to keep repeating myself multiple times. Then we get the food and the hot dog was as thin as my thumb with a big O bun full of the other ingredient (I got the Baja hot dog) hot dog link wayyyy too little. Then the melt I had ordered my son didn’t like it. I went and told them if they can put it on a regular bun and the manager (dressed in all black) gave me attitude saying that’s how it comes, and I get that but i told her it was my first time and that I didn’t know otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten it. She was frustrated at her employees bc I saw it from where I was sitting. The food was not the best. I could have done this at my house. lol but o well. Thanks for the horrible food and service. The one nice employee was the kid walking around...