In Michigan, a Coney dog is more than a quick lunch. It is a hot dog in a steamed bun, topped with chili, mustard, and chopped onions, and it has been a local favorite for more than a hundred years.
Many of the best Coney Islands were started by Greek immigrant families, and some are still guided by their kids and grandkids today. Here are seven spots where that family story is still on the grill, from downtown Detroit to the Flint area.
1. American Coney Island, Detroit, MI
Back in 1917, a Greek immigrant named Gust Keros opened a small hot dog counter on Lafayette Boulevard. More than a century later, American Coney Island is still in that downtown Detroit spot, and the Keros family has guided it across generations.
The menu stays focused. The American Coney Dog comes on a steamed bun with chili, and the chili cheese fries are a close second.
The American Special and gyro sandwiches round things out.
The dining room is bright, busy, and quick. Service moves fast, which helps when the Friday night crowd rolls in.
Hours run 10 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday, with late hours until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Street parking downtown can be tight, so a paid lot may save you some circling.
And yes, the famous rival is right next door. Plenty of people try one, then walk a few steps to try the other.
2. Lafayette Coney Island, Detroit, MI
Brotherly competition has rarely tasted this good. Lafayette Coney Island was started in the 1920s by Bill Keros, brother of the man behind American Coney Island next door.
Inside, things stay simple and no-frills. You will find chili-topped coney dogs, burgers, fries, and the loose hamburger, a crumbled burger served on a bun with chili.
Chili without beans is on the menu too, and there are doughnuts for anyone wanting something sweet after.
Lafayette is a night owl. It opens at 9 AM daily and stays open until midnight most nights, and until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday.
I would save this stop for after a game or a show downtown. Just know there is no delivery, so you will have to come in or grab takeout.
3. Starlite Diner & Coney Island, Burton, MI
Head about an hour north of Detroit and the coney changes style. Starlite Diner & Coney Island in Burton serves Flint-style coneys, the version known for its drier meat topping.
Greek immigrant Jim Kallis opened the diner in 1966, and the Kallis family has carried it forward. The vintage look and lunch counter fit right in with that history.
Breakfast is served all day, so a French toast combo or a corned beef hash and Swiss omelette works at dinnertime too. The homemade battered onion rings and coney cheese fries are popular sides.
Monday brings $1 shakes, which is a fun reason to plan a trip early in the week.
Starlite is open 7 AM to 9 PM every day, has a drive-through, and offers a kids’ menu. Parking is usually easy.
4. Senate Coney Island & Restaurant, Livonia, MI
Rice pudding might be the quiet star here. Senate Coney Island in Livonia traces back to Greek immigrant George Skentos, and his family has kept the grill going across generations.
Of course, the coneys and chili are here. But the menu leans hard into Greek favorites like spinach pie, saganaki, and Greek salad with chicken.
Fish and chips, club sandwiches, and all-day breakfast keep the regulars coming back. Portions tend to be generous, and prices stay fair.
Doors open early at 6 AM Monday through Saturday and close at 9 PM. Sunday hours are shorter, ending at 3 PM.
There is plenty of seating, free Wi-Fi, and a free parking lot. Weekend mornings get busy, so a weekday breakfast is an easier time to grab a booth.
5. George’s Senate Restaurant, Northville, MI
A coney with a golf course view is not something you see every day. George’s Senate Restaurant in Northville is a sit-down sister to the Livonia spot, carrying on the Skentos family’s Greek coney heritage.
It feels like a step up from a typical coney. There is a fireplace inside, a patio outside, and a menu that spans American, Greek, and Italian dishes.
Coney dogs and omelettes share space with chicken, burgers, pasta, and daily specials. The family rice pudding shows up here as well.
Unlike most places on this list, George’s accepts reservations and has a private dining room. That makes it a smart pick for birthdays or family gatherings.
Hours run 6:30 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Monday closes early at 3 PM.
6. National Coney Island – 11 & Gratiot, Roseville, MI
Ask anyone on the east side about 11 Mile and Gratiot, and this corner will probably come up. National Coney Island in Roseville has long been a landmark there.
The chain was founded in 1965 by Greek immigrant James Giftos, and the Giftos family has grown it over generations. Longtime locals may remember that this location was once Susie Q, known for fish and chips.
Fish and chips are still on the menu, along with the coneys meal, gyros, and a coney omelet. The chili is a big draw, and vanilla milkshakes pair well with nearly everything.
Look for murals on the walls and a spinning sign out front. The dining room is known for being very clean.
It runs 7 AM to 11 PM daily, with a drive-through and curbside pickup for busy nights.
7. Kerby’s Koney Island, Southfield, MI
Spelling it with a K is part of the charm. Kerby’s Koney Island grew from a grill started in the 1960s by Greek immigrant brothers, and it is still a family-owned chain today.
The Southfield location on Telegraph Road serves Detroit-style Koney dogs, chili cheese fries, wings, and burgers. Zucchini fries are a fun side that sets it apart.
Breakfast is a strong suit too. Pancakes, crispy bacon, and omelets make the weekend mornings busy.
For lighter meals, try the grilled chicken pita or the chicken tender salad. There is also a breakfast special and a kids’ menu.
Kerby’s opens at 7 AM Monday through Saturday and 8 AM on Sunday. It takes reservations, offers a drive-through, and has free parking.
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