Lafayette Coney Island

I heard from multiple sources that this place is really fun to go to (and also delicious) if you’re in a blackout.
given that I don’t drink, and that I came here only under the influence of Taylor Swift’s newest single, that was not my experience of Lafayette Coney Island.
It was gross, I felt sick the rest of the day and my shoes were sticky for like two days afterwards.
Despite the fact that the food was objectively bad and the ambiance threw me into a clinical depression for the entirety of my visit there I would totally recommend you go at least once.
Going to this place or the place next store (EVEN GROSSER FYI) doesn’t get more Detroit. It’s something fun that you are supposed to do when you go to one of the most crime riddled cities in America. That’s just a fact.
Look, if you try not to think about what’s going on you can totally do a hot dog here. A coney island may be more questionable but if you’re ballsy like I was, you can order both and see how you do.
Go once for the experience and don’t get mad at me if you get sick or really sad.

I think the intro to any review for both American and Lafayette Coney Island should be the same: Their «rivalry» has them both laughing all the way to bank. After all, if you want to determine who makes the best coneys you have to try them both, right?
To be perfectly honest the coneys and «loose hamburgers» are very similar. But American has a bit more cumin and the loose meat is a bit more more flavorful. Also, American uses better cheese and has thinner fries (which I like, for chili fries).
On the other hand, Lafayette really does look like it hasn’t changed since the 40’s. It is all tiled and mint green and it has some ancient coffee makers.
Cash only.

Lafayette Coney Island is a Detroit staple!
Located right next door to American Coney Island, these two local institutions have their followings and have no problem coexisting.
Lafayette is extremely casual. Pop in, find an open spot, even next to a stranger, and someone will be over to take your order.
The chili is thick & savory; these coneys go down great with a Coke.
If you’re downtown Detroit, make sure you head over to Woodward and enjoy this gem of Detroit culture.

You Michigander’s and your love affair with these coney dogs… I just don’t get it. I have to be starving to eat this stuff. It’s not delicious. It’s okay. It’s fuel to get me through my alcohol soaked evening. I eat here once a year. It gets 3 because it’s a Detroit staple and food and service are super fast!

Well, being from Detroit it’s in my blood to be a fan. I mean, what sums up «Detroit» better than loyalty, consistently good simple pleasures and straight-​forward, no frills dining? It’s like walking into a loud, family gathering every time you walk into this place and I love it. Cheap coneys, hot fries, fast service and you can always spot the out of towners because they ask for a menu. If you’re a newbie, just walk in, take a seat and order two coneys, a plate of chili fries and some pop. Don’t be surprised (or offended) if the place is packed and complete strangers take a seat at your table, just roll with it. That’s the spirit of Detroit.

Lafayette vs. American? I go American. Why? Well let’s start with ambiance. There isn’t any except cold both in temperature (on a cold winter day) and demeanor of staff. We walked in, no greeting. We sat down and it was basically, what are you having. There’s no menu no nothing. So be ready to figure out what you want cause mister grumpy face might likely spit in your food. So we already knew we were going to have one Coney dog. No cross your fingers that it doesn’t cost you an arm or leg cause you’re trusting that this guy will charge you correctly. You pay your server who will also get you your water. Then you get your food. That’s it. Lucky if you’ll ever get refills. But hey I’m sure they will if you ask nicely. It was super cold in there and we were already super cold coming from the snowy day. I was glad we ate here first to compare with American where they have a heater turned on!
The dog was ok and also the chili, but what really won me over was the service and seeing a menu at American… did I mention they have a larger space and warmer ambiance? Anyways, it’s good to try if you’re wanting to decide which you like better yourself, but go here first, then go to American. You’ll thank me esp. when it’s cold!

I’ve heard great reviews from multiple sources on the coney dogs here. All of the reviews were true. The dogs were great and the coney sauce was out of this world. I ordered two coneys and the chili cheese fries, both were delicious!
The waitstaff was very unique and great to watch /​listen to. It was one of the most colorful places I’ve ever been to. I highly recommend this restaurant.

It’s 3 am
All friends and family after the casino
I think this is how it was 80 years ago?
Good time… good experience… obviously the food is shit, but it’s a novelty
Will return next time I’m in Detroit and its 3 am on a holiday

A Detroit Classic! A must stop, here in the city! It’s been the same for generations and I’m sure it will be to come! Do yourself a favor and get two with everything, chili fry, and a Vernors for Detroit Authenticity! Must go spot!

While downtown for a meeting I spotted Lafayette while looking for parking and decided to stop in after the meeting. I had eaten here years ago and always remembered liking the coneys. They were about what I thought they were before with really soft buns, dogs with great snap, and tasty sauce. It was worth the stop since I was already down there.

This is a Detroit landmark. Growing up you were bred to be a Fette customer or American customer… I’ve never been to American. Lafayette Coney is a bare bones, diner. No menus, no receipts, cash only. No nonsense or frills-​all business. There is a certain way to order and if you don’t order the correct way that’s a mistake you won’t make again. The coneys are great, chili is delicious. Get the pie for desert always fresh.
The bathroom is downstairs and that is a trip in itself. You won’t be disappointed with the Fette. If you are, get the hell out of our city!

Came here after watching Detroit Lions play and lose lol! Great late-​night meal :) Here comes my review:
Food: My mouth is watering just thinking about the Coney dog!!! I love the taste of chili. It has a tangy kick to it. It compliments the hot dog nicely.
Service: Fast.
Décor: Nothing really to it. The restaurant is all about the Coney. I’m not really complaining lol.

A Detroit classic. You always know what you’re going to get.
The decision comes even before you walk in. American or Lafayette? I always choose Lafayette. Much more «original» than American.
There nothing fancy about Lafayette which I love. Just good olé coney dogs and fries.

We did the taste test. American vs. Lafayette. We found that the Lafayette dog lacked flavor (the chili was just not that flavorful). Bummer.
Service: Was not very friendly… at all.
Ambience: Space is on the smaller side compared to American.
Overall: We weren’t blown away by our experience at Lafayette, both from a food and service perspective.

Why 3 stars? Because it was about what you’d expect.
— — —
Essentially a diner that serves coney dogs with chili and cheese. Automatically, sounds awesome, right? But also not something that you’d put on a top culinary experiences list.
If you’ve been out perusing the Detroit nightlife scene, there would be fewer things more glorious than a couple of coney dogs. We perused a bit, but not quite enough perusing to make this a 4 or 5 star meal.
3 drinks before hand = 3 stars
4 drinks beforehand = 4 stars
5 drinks beforehand = 5 stars
And now you know how much I had to drink that night, because math.

Came by after going to a Tigers game to eat the quintessential food of Detroit. I’m still not sure what’s so great about coney dogs but Lafayette definitely has one of the better tasting ones I’ve had! It was not busy at all at 930 pm on a weekday and my friends and I walked in and sat down right away. The server yells the order to the grill area with no ticket, and be sure to bring some cash because they do not take card!
The coneys themselves have some great tasting chili to top it off and is a perfect complement to the dog onions and mustard. Fries are cooked perfectly and are crispy on the outside. I’d definitely stop by if I’m in the area!

Can’t beat these coneys! Hot-​dog!
Make sure you bring cash. Get a few coneys with extra onions. The cheesy fries are delicious as well. I think the main difference between American next door is the extra spicy flavor!
I’ve had so many great times here. Usually after hours, but they’re also good for lunch. I even met Robert Patrick (T1000!!) here!
You CAN order a can of beer. Heh heh. The bathroom is downstairs (watch your head if you’re tall!) and it is filthy and feels like you’re on a submarine down there, the ceilings are shorter than usual.
I missed this place so much living in LA that one of my friends vacuum sealed a few and sent them to me through fed ex. :D

Guys, I freaking live coney dogs. Living in Milwaukee, we have a grand total of ZERO Coney Islands. How can this be? I dunno, but we don’t have any sliders either.
This year for vacation, our first stop was LaFayette for one carryout to be walked next door for a side by side comparison with the competitor.
Other than an issue with being shortchanged, there were no service issues. I was surprised to find the wiener appeared to be a natural casing wiener! Good quality and snappy! Oh but the sauce… oh the sauce was very savory. Not a chili type flavoring, just more of a savory tasty flavor. The bun was soft and squishy, with the ability to hold every last morsel of goodness.
This was a great coney– probably one of the best I’ve had.
Atmosphere inside was a diner type feel with counter service. It seems chaotic when you step in, but these guys have it down like a clown, Charlie Brown.

If you aren’t a fan of either Lafayette or American, well, I’d go as far as to say you’re not a true Detroiter. This place is as close to an institution in this city as you can get. And if you grew up eating these little wieners of pure bliss, you love this place as much as me.
Out of towners, if you have never had a coney in your life this place is a MUST go. Be prepared, it is CASH ONLY. Get two coneys and a chili cheese fries to share between two with a coke, I’d coin that as the coney starter kit.
It’s not the hot dog itself that makes it, but the chili. Smothered on top of the dog with mustard and onions. Mmmm. The interior of the place is what could be called «dated». Do not leave without paying a visit to the restrooms downstairs. And be careful if you’re tall.
The seating is first come first served and you semi seat yourself with help from one of the employees. Be prepared to eat next to a stranger and strike up a conversation. You never know who you may meet.
Parking is difficult as you will have to find something on the street which isn’t always easy. But I can tell you this place is well worth fighting a soccer mom for a parallel spot.
Overall: best Detroit style coney you can get in Michigan. Bold, but true.

My first Coney Island experience, and according to Unilocal and the Food Network, Lafayette was the clear winner. We were in and out in 15 minutes on a busy game day Sunday, including the wait! Please don’t get the Coney Island without the chili– big mistake! It was delicious. The place is run down but that’s a part of its charm. The chili cheese fries were good too. I’d definitely come back.
We’re at American Coney Island now as my little 11 year old brother wanted to conduct a taste test and he liked American better. I’d have to come back and see for myself.