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There has been an ongoing debate regarding the origin of the first Coney Island in Michigan. It’s similar to asking for your mother’s chili recipe, as you get a different answer depending on who you ask. Despite this, we can observe the ongoing debate between the Detroit, Flint, Jackson, and Kalamazoo styles of Michigan Coney dogs.
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The Detroit Coney
Today, we take a road trip from the Thumb region to visit our youngest child, who is attending Western Michigan University. It also allows us to explore a uniquely Michigan experience, the Coney Island Hot Dog. Open just about any foodie magazine or Google about Michigan Coney Islands, and chances are you will stumble onto voluminous articles and posts discussing the back-to-back Detroit standbys of American and Lafayette Coney Islands. Local legend tells that these two hot dog stands emerged from a disagreement between two partners. However, rather than locating far away from each other, the former partner ended up next door. A rivalry was born.
But Are Detroit Coneys All There is?
I must confess that I am a huge fan of Lafayette and American and I always make it a point to visit them whenever I’m in Detroit. According to most food critics in Michigan, these two Detroit stands are the top two contestants in the best coney dog competition. However, despite these consistent rankings, many people are unaware that there are actually three delicious variations of the Michigan Coney: Detroit, Flint, and Jackson.
Flint Coney Island
I traveled to northern Michigan and decided to take a small detour and search for the premier Coney Island in Flint. The Flint style is coney dog is less saucy; it’s a topping made with finely ground beef heart. However, most agree that the “authentic” Flint coney must be a locally produced Koegel hot dog.
Back in 2013, the Flint-style Coney Island hot dog made the top ten of all hot dog styles in the United States. In addition, Flint’s own Tom Z Original Coney Island made a list featured in USA Today. Needless to say, it made news in Flint. The landmark restaurant had an original sign that dates back to 1919. However, I was disappointed to learn that this hallmark restaurant was closed.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t get a true Flint Coney Island in “Buick City.” At last count, there are at least 10 Coney Island outlets in Genesee County. Here are the top-ranked Coney Restaurants.
- #1 Freaking Unbelievable Burgers – This top-rated burger place has been called out for its Flint Style Coneys.
- #2 Westside Diner – An authentic 1950s-style diner known to throw a great Coney in Flint.
- #3 Torch Bar & Grill – If you can find this place in downtown Flint (it’s off an alley), you’re in for a treat. While known for great burgers, they rank as one of the top joints for a Coney.
Want the Original Coney? Leave Detroit and Head West!
It seems universally accepted that George Todoroff created the first Michigan Coney in Jackson in 1914. His Jackson Coney Island restaurant was in front of the Jackson Train Station on East Michigan Avenue. It closed when his son, who was running the restaurant, was drafted into World War II. Today Jackson Coney Island continues the tradition. They have the distinction of being the first coney island in Michigan.
The Oldest Coney Island in Michigan
It surprises many folks that the oldest continuously operating Coney Island from the same location in Michigan belongs to Coney Island Kalamazoo. They opened their doors in 1915, and it has been running at the exact location ever since. Its location downtown makes for a busy lunch crowd.
The Kalamazoo Coney
The mildly spicy moisture Jackson-style coney “sauce” is more like an open loose burger on top of a natural casing hot dog. The meat spices have obligatory garlic and chili powder, but there are hints of celery salt, turmeric, and even the exotically expensive saffron. I asked one of the cooks about the spice mixture. She said that it comes pre-ground in a small stainless container for each batch, and it’s a closely guarded secret. It was topped with onions and mustard on a steamed bun. It didn’t last long.
Keep the Coney Rivalry Going
In our post about Unique Michigan Foods, You Have to Try, I did get some hate emails about our love for the Western Michigan version of the Coney dog. We stand by our tasty assessment and point out that the Kalamazoo Coney Dog doesn’t follow you all afternoon if you know what I mean. I say keep the dogs cooking and try to improve the original. Pass the mustard.
More Uniquely Michigan Coney Food Reading
Unique Michigan Hometown Foods – If you have traveled and kept up with us about all things Michigan, you will find many posts for our love of UP Pasties, Faygo RedPop, BetterMade potato chips, and Vernor’s ginger ale. That is only the beginning. Michigan has uncommon and delicious variations of comfort food dishes originating from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the Ohio and Indiana border.
10 Delicious Michigan Foods and Recipes You Have to Try – I think you will agree that every state has its favorite foods. Massachusetts has its clam chowder. Louisiana has gumbo, while Texas and Missouri both claim the BBQ has its own. Michigan food is endowed with such variance in history and resources that you can’t pin down any specific Michigan foods as “the” iconic favorite. However, here are a few Michigan foods and traditional Michigan recipes that are our favorites.
Top 9 Best Foods Which Made Michigan Famous – No trip to Michigan can be finished without trying out some of the popular foods in the area. Known for its comfort foods, the Mitten state is renowned for re-creating regular dishes by adding a twist like the Detroit-style pizza, Olive Burgers, and Coney Dog. Its home-grown foods like cherries and Michigan apples also make Michigan a savory food destination.
4 Of The Best Michigan Potato Chip Companies – Michigan is the nation’s leading producer of potatoes for making potato chips. Michigan State University’s scientists and researchers created many potato varieties used for making potato chips. In 2017, Michigan potato farms produced more than 1.8 billion pounds of potatoes. As a result, Michigan potatoes account for 25 percent of the chips consumed in the U.S., which is every one in four bags of chips!
I ate at Todoroffs in Jackson in 1975 so it was up and running long after ww2. You may want to contact the city in Jackson MI for more info.
The original was “in” the train station. It reopened across the street.
That’s right! Kalamazoo’s Coney Island started in 1915. I wonder if Dr. W. E. Upjohn used to walk there from The Upjohn Company to enjoy one of these savory treats? But Jackson claims to have started in 1914? I’ll need some proof!
Sure…Here you go. Enjoy… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coney_Island_hot_dog