There is something so iconic and nostalgic about Coney Island restaurants. Between their classic style and each of their unique takes on what a Coney Dog should be, there are definitely plenty in the Lansing area that every true Michiganian needs to go to at least once!

The History Of Michigan Coney Island Restaurants

According to Wikipedia (I know, I know, bear with me here), "A Coney Island is a type of restaurant that is popular in the northern United States, particularly in Michigan, as well as the name for the Coney Island hot dog after which the restaurant style is named."

Interestingly enough, though it is debated whether Coneys and Coney Island restaurants were started in Detroit or Jackson, Michigan, the Detroit Historical Society has some information on how it could be...both?

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According to Detroit Historical Society, the "birthplace of the Coney dog" can't really be definitively "claimed" by one place but Michigan does stand out.

"Detroit’s famous Coney dog restaurants, American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island, followed Todoroff’s Original Coney Island in Jackson, Michigan, which dates its beginning to 1914," Detroit Historical Society says. 

Of course, then the downtown Detroit "Coney wars" began and now Detroit Historical Society says there are now hundreds around Michigan alone!

Coney dogs, while a defining featured item on most Coney Island restaurant menus are not all these restaurants are often known for. Many of them now serve classic breakfasts, often feature Greek food, and also classic American dishes like burgers and sandwiches.

A Look At The Lansing & Jackson-Area Gems

Out of the "hundreds" around the entire state, let's take a look at and recognize some of the fabulous Coney Islands around our area:

Lansing Area Coney Island Restaurants

Any restaurant with "Coney Island" in the name is a guaranteed hit...we don't make the rules.

Did We Miss Any?

If we missed any in the area PLEASE let us know! Coney Island restaurants are just another piece of what makes Michigan and the Michigan food scene so great.

Where are your favorites in the whole state?

MORE: Jackson, Michigan Chili (Coney) Dog Tour

READ MORE: Michigan Restaurants That Should Be Franchised Nationwide

 

 

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