In Detroit, few debates spark more passion than who serves the city’s best Coney dog, and stepping into Lafayette Coney Island feels like walking straight into the middle of it. This legendary counter has been dishing out chili-topped classics since 1914, building fierce loyalty among locals and drawing curious visitors eager to pick a side.
Walk through the doors at 118 West Lafayette Boulevard, and the answer starts to make sense almost instantly. The line moves quickly, the dogs arrive exactly as expected, and the tradition keeps proving why this tiny spot refuses to lose the argument.
Serving Detroit-Style Coney Dogs Since 1914
Opening its doors when Woodrow Wilson occupied the White House, Lafayette Coney Island has spent more than a century perfecting one singular mission. Few restaurants anywhere can claim such an unbroken thread of culinary tradition, especially while maintaining the same core menu and preparation methods.
The longevity alone speaks volumes about what happens when quality, consistency, and community intersect at a lunch counter…