Coney Islands Go Hollywood

The Coney Dog, which opened in 2011, can be found on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles.
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Photograph courtesy of The Coney Dog

There’s nothing like winding down an evening with a Coney dog or two, complete with chili fries and a Faygo pop or maybe a Stroh’s beer. While Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island reign supreme in Detroit, the dueling eateries have inspired a worthy offspring in West Hollywood.

The Coney Dog, which opened in 2011, can be found on the Sunset Strip near the famed Viper Room and Whiskey a Go Go (the latter has attracted top rock acts since 1964). It’s the brainchild of comedian Tim Allen, actor/producer Mike Binder, and director Sam Raimi — all metro Detroit natives who have made their mark in Hollywood.

While the interior fit and finishes are more modern than those at the Motown establishments, the Coney Dog has no shortage of Detroit fans. The restaurant is pretty much filled to capacity whenever the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, Pistons, Wolverines, and Spartans are playing; the line to watch the 2012 World Series while enjoying hometown favorites seemed to stretch for blocks on end.

The menu includes everything from Coney dogs to Detroit loose burgers, Red Wings (chicken), Vernors, and Better Made potato chips. Available Faygo flavors include Orange, Grape, Red Pop, Rock & Rye, Root Beer, and Cream Soda. Naturally, ice cream sundaes come with Sanders hot fudge.

“It’s a little slice of Detroit heaven,” says Jeff Eshchenbach, a Grosse Pointe native who moved to Irvine, south of Los Angeles, three years ago to serve as sales manager at Chrysler’s California Business Center. “I’ve been there close to a dozen times, and you always meet Detroit people there. They have their Detroit gear on, so it’s a party, for sure.”  —R.J. King