Coney Island Lunch — Restaurant in Shamokin

The Coney. What you see is nearly what you get -- a time capsule from when coal was still king in a huge way in bustling Shamokin. It's a hole in the wall, to be sure, but don't mistake the wear and tear for dirt and grime -- the place has changed little since its inception nearly 100 years ago. The menu is simple: hot dogs and hamburgers with Big Ben's soft drinks in glass deposit bottles from local Catawissa Bottling Company.

For me, it's always three dogs, two with "everything" (the Coney-style beef sauce topping and diced onions) and one with just cheese. Plus a birch beer or two, in craft style, and my favorite soft drink of all time, partially because of the unparalleled taste coming from a thick, heavy glass deposit bottle. It's good food, and simple food, and you pay accordingly. But the value is in the entire experience, from food to accouterments to its storied past.

The trappings are simple -- indestructible old tables, light and sturdy ancient wooden chairs. Simple and clean bathroom. The phone booth is still there, though the pay phone left years ago. If you can, peek in the store room in the back for some gorgeous wooden floors and wood-sided walk-in cooler.

Close your eyes and you can almost smell the coal smoke and hear the chugging Reading Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad engines that once rumbled past this local watering hole. You can imagine the dapper flappers swinging in for a late-evening snack.

This is an iconic, living piece of Shamokin history and...

So we heard this place was a good spot to get some good food. Went with my family and some friends. Before entering there's a sign at the door. Only take cash. We walk in and the place looks run down. Like it hasn't been touched in decades. We sit down and what I think is the waitress come over and just stands there looking at us. I say is there any menus. She responds We don't have any. I'm like ok..... so we order blindly as she nods on what they don't have. Like no fries. We order 5 hot dogs, 1 cheese burger and 4 drinks. It was almost 45.00 dollars. The drinks were this off brand crap. And the diet Pepsi she gave me expired in December of 2024! I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy. ...

This is a public service announcement. This place is cash only and the closest ATM is six blocks away. For $24 we got 4 hot dogs, 2 cheeseburgers, 5 sodas and a bag of chips. Generally speaking, Coney Island affectionados and natives to Shamokin and the coal region will truly appreciate this place. There are no fries. You can't get lettuce or tomatoes with your hamburger, and all of the soft drinks are from locally owned businesses and come in glass bottles. It's also a step back into a bygone era. If you are a visitor and aren't afraid to experience the local ambience, this place is about as genuine as a place can get....