The first place we went after getting off the subway on our day trip to Coney Island was to the original Nathan's Famous restaurant on the corner of Stilwell St & Surf St, about 200 yards from the subway station. We had read about this famous restaurant, which began in 1916 as a nickel hot dog stand in Coney Island operated by Nathan Handwerker a Jewish-Polish immigrant, and wanted to try their famous hot dogs. There's a seafood section on the left hand side as you enter the long Surf St store front and a hot dog section on the right. I ordered the original hotdog with sautéed onions & a large pint of draft Brooklyn beer for my wife and a chilli dog with sautéed onions & extra jalapeños with 1/2 pint of the draft Coney Island Mermaid IPA beer for myself, at one of the self order kiosks. The kiosks only accepted credit card payments and I'm not sure if you could pay with cash. I choose the eating in option, paid $40 and waited for a server to call out my name to pick up my order from the counter. It wasn't busy on our visit so our food & drinks came out pretty quickly. Ketchup, mustard, napkins & plastic cutlery were provided on self service carts by the entrances to the store. After loading up on mustard & Ketchup on our hot dogs, we found a table in the large outdoor seating area, which had restrooms at the far end of it. The hot dogs were very tasty on fluffy, soft lightly toasted rolls & I particularly enjoyed the extra bit of heat & crunch provided by the fresh jalapeños on my hot dog. My wife's Brooklyn beer was a dark hoppy beer & my Coney Island Mermaid IPA beer was lighter & fruity. Both beers were refreshingly cold and perfectly accompanied our hot dogs. The hot dogs are fairly small so I went back to the counter and ordered 4 delicious chicken tender pieces (which were perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender & moist inside) accompanied by a fantastic honey mustard sauce, together with another Nathan's original hotdog to share, for $15. We really enjoyed our first experience of Nathan's Famous food and beers sitting outdoors in the hot late summer sun, near the sea👍 We passed another Nathan's store when we walked along the Boardwalk and just managed to resist our urges to have another of their...
Read moreCNathan's Famous on Coney Island is an absolute gem when it comes to satisfying your cravings for incredible chili dogs. 🌭🔥 Beyond the delicious food, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience. 😄🍴
From the moment you step foot into Nathan's Famous, you can feel the vibrant energy and rich history that surrounds this iconic establishment. The aroma of grilled hot dogs wafts through the air, instantly making your mouth water. 🌭👃 The classic red and yellow decor, along with the bustling crowds, creates a lively and exciting atmosphere. 🎉🌊
Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the chili dogs. Nathan's Famous has truly perfected the art of crafting mouthwatering chili dogs. The hot dogs themselves are juicy and flavorful, with that perfect snap when you take a bite. But it's the savory chili that takes these dogs to another level. The rich, hearty chili is generously ladled over the hot dogs, adding a delicious kick of flavor that elevates each bite. 🌶️🤤
The menu at Nathan's Famous offers a variety of options to suit different tastes. Whether you prefer a classic chili dog, a cheese dog, or even a chili cheeseburger, there's something for everyone. The portions are generous, ensuring that you leave fully satisfied. 🍔🍟
One of the things I appreciate most about Nathan's Famous is the friendly and efficient service. The staff is always welcoming and ready to assist with any questions or special requests. Despite the crowds, the wait times are usually reasonable, allowing you to enjoy your food without feeling rushed. 🙌👨🍳
Nathan's Famous on Coney Island provides more than just incredible chili dogs; it offers an experience that captures the essence of this historic location. Whether you're a local or a tourist, dining at Nathan's Famous is a must when visiting Coney Island. Grab a spot at one of the outdoor tables, soak in the lively atmosphere, and savor every bite of your chili dog. 🌭😍🎢
In conclusion, Nathan's Famous on Coney Island delivers on its reputation for serving amazing chili dogs. The combination of the delectable food and the enjoyable atmosphere makes it a go-to spot for a satisfying and memorable meal. Don't miss out on this iconic dining...
Read moreIt's not just what they used to be. Their food quality has suffered greatly. The French Fries were delicious but undercooked and limp and the Strawberry Shake that my wife and I had split was tasty, but still there is something lacking. The last few times we've eaten there and we tend to go to Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs every time we go to Coney Island, has been severely disappointing.
The service was great. The staff were very courteous and friendly and I'd have to say that one of the employees must've worked at Moe's Southwestern Grill because he was the only one who shouted "Welcome to Nathan's !!" which kind of made me chuckle. And you really can't go wrong with the atmosphere, after all, it's Coney Island and well, you're at Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs on Coney Island !!
You have the people, the amusement park rides and music in the air and an overall great vibe. It was a wonderful night, but I have to really stress this that the overall food quality sucks compared to when I used to go back in the '80s and the '90s and into the very early 2000s.
It's like each successive time I go there and with the family the food quality just gets suckier and suckier.
Take my advice, if you ask for the hot dogs and their other fare tell the cashier to tell the cooks to COOK the food !! I'll be honest, I don't think I will be going to Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs anymore.
The second to last time, I had ordered the Chili Cheese Fries and it was like eating Alpo dog food. The hot dogs didn't have THAT flavor and the last time I had a cheeseburger there, I wound up asking for my money back.
Go for the vibe and the service. Buy anything else from somewhere else and park yourself and your family at a table and just take in the atmosphere. This way you won't be disappointed.
Sorry, Nathan's...I used to love you, but the love affair is over and done. 👎👎
Friendly service, good atmosphere, but I am going to pass on Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs the next time we go to...
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