Victor Red Hots

I grew up going to this place with my grandparents. Every time I’m back on n town, I make it a point to stop. Great chili makes a great coney dog. And this place has great chili! It’s not a great part of town, but it is worth the trip.

My husband and I went here for the first time. This was a great find. Family owned and the quality of their food shows this. We ended up getting a little of everything. The coney dogs are great. Their chili is home made and delicious. Burgers are good. If you have never tried this place you should. Great people, great food! Win! Win!!!

We enjoyed great food and conversation. The coney’s were great. My son and I enjoyed talking with the owner while we were there as well.

I like this place. I like it a lot. Basic coney food, done right … with terrific service by Ms. Christine. They certainly have their regulars & characters. Sadly, I visit ~once per year. I need to change that.
The breakfast special w/​coffee was less than $ 6. Two eggs, two sausages and potatoes or grits w/​two slices of white or wheat toast. I forgot to ask if the grits were instant or made the way that the Grits God intended. Hot food was served, hot.
The remodel by Ty & Amanda was long overdue. It was done with respect for the bones of the business. FWIW; they put a huge poster on the wall by the door that says Hot Dogs 5 Cents, 1921. Next time I’m gonna order the nickel hot dog and try to pay for it with a 1921 «Buffalo» nickel!
About the neighborhood; yeah, it’s kind’a rough. But on-​street parking is plentiful and I’ve never had to walk more than a few car lengths to the door.
The business is kept clean. In the short time that I was there, the floor was swept twice and Christine was prompt in seeing that vacated tables and counter spots were promptly bus’d.
Free WiFi; but not suitable for anything that requires a login/​password.
I did not see a sign prohibiting CCW.
Will I return? You ‘betcha!
Factoid: I notice that another poster mentions this being the oldest coney in Michigan. Not. My list of the oldest Michigan restaurants & bars:

Amazing people and food. The place was just redone on the inside. The owner is very kind and tells great stories about the good Olé days. You must try the ice box cake as well. The coney dogs are the best in Michigan here!

This is my favorite coney spot. Yes, the coneys are delicious. So are the sliders. My favorite thing to get, however, is the «Milton Special» — bean soup with a big dollop of coney chili and a big dollop of hamburger in it, sprinkled with chopped onions. Yeah, I know it sounds a bit weird, but it’s really good. I always say that I’m going to order something different when I’m there, but I always end up with Milton. And you can have a beer with your lunch!
Besides the food, Rich and Carol are awesome people — warm, friendly, and welcoming.

I was not impressed by my food at all. In fact, this is probably the worst coney island I’ve ever been to. My coney dog was mediocre but edible. My fries on the other hand were a few seconds shy of still being frozen… they were even still «white» in color. And then I got 2 packages of ketchup for the handful of fries which wouldn’t merely mask the taste of them being undercooked. In addition to that, I had to pay a $ 1.00 surcharge for using my debit card so I ended up paying $ 5 for food that I didn’t even like. Had I saw the sign before they began cooking my food, I probably would have left out but I decided to give it a try and support a small business. Anyhow, I certainly will not be returning nor will I be recommending. Very over-​rated in my opinion.

Hard to find and worth the search. Red Hots has been here since 1921 and it’s history is intertwined with the story of the Ford Factory down the road. The workers building the model T used to rush down for Conny Dogs from the current owners Grand-​Uncle on lunch break. Richard is third generation. Great photo of him sweeping up at 14 next to one from a few months ago.
And the food? Basic and good. I swear I have never had bacon that was as well prepared. Ultra thin slices that were both crisp and tender. How does he do that? Very limited menu, but hey, its all good.
Another interesting story is about «Milton’s Special». Ask the waitress. Essentially an eclectic mix that has changed names over the years as former patrons have moved on and others have inherited the taste for the good stuff.

One of my family favorites! Best coneys in the Detroit area with a small diner feel. You become a regular when you go through the door. Don’t let the outside deceive you, the inside is New remodeled from the TV show «American Diner Revival «episode 5. My parents went in the 40’s, we went through the 60’s And 70’s, now my friends and I go… What place to go! Family owned and family run. Keep it going!

Def can feel its history. A few have mentioned cinnamon or nutmeg taste in the chili. I could be wrong, but from the smell and taste, seems like Tumeric is the flavor. Cinnamon never came to mind. Whatever it is it is different. Anybody know what it is??? Another tip, I think they use only beef dogs. Pretty solid hot dog and chili. Different. Tasty but different. Not sure if the dog is natural skin. Couldn’t tell fully.
I stopped by due to my mom seeing the makeover TV show. Never really know about the spot. From seeing others plates, kind of small fries serving.
I do wonder how the slider burgers are. I would be back but wasnt blown away. Sorry.

Sorry Lafayette you have been dethroned as best coney imo. A very unique chili seems like a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg can’t quite put my finger on it. Served fast and friendly even though they were slammed. Faygo pop is served.yea. and that makes it that much better. Can’t wait to go back.

Happened to hear about this place from a show on the Food Network last night and decided to pop in today to try it out.
I ordered 2 coney dogs and a side of fries. Their coney sauce recipe is one of the best I’ve had. In my opinion it surpassed Lafayette and American in flavor. The fries were fresh and crispy.
The service is what really stands out. It’s an «all hands on deck» type of establishment. Everyone working helps you out so your cups are never empty and any requests made are fulfilled promptly.
I strongly suggest that every coney lover checks this place out. It’s worth the stop.

It’s good, yeah — it’s good. My son and I tried this place today. The coneys were dang good… not the best in Detroit (which IMO goes to American) but one of the best. Typical diner setting (recently remodeled). Great service with smiles and friendliness.
If I had one complaint, it would be that the chili has a distinct cinammon flavor. But that being said, it’s still really good and tasty. I’d go there again.

Since 1921 old School wax paper wrapped coney dogs to go! I suggest you give it a try when traveling the Woodward corridor your thru Highland Park. They have there own Unique chili and dogs if you are a lover of the coney Victor Red Hots is a must try.

If the place is not too busy you will get your food with a slice of Rich’s personality. A great family business … you can have your coney and a beer … prices are very moderate … forget the rest, this is authentic with quality made, flavorful chili. Oh, and the coffee is absolutely amazing with a bottomless cup! Sometimes you get Saturday entertainment but Rich, crew, and customers are entertaining enough. Its safe to go their people, easy parking!

What can I say, that hasn’t been already said… National, Kirby, Lafayette and Leo’s please stop by and have a taste of real authentic homemade chili; «often imitated, never duplicated» Red Hots is a true staple of Highland Park… this family own and operated establishment has been serving coneys since 1921… that’s 93 years people. The chili is heaven, from the first bite to the last… your taste buds take a journey to flavor paradise.
Overall 10 out of 10
PS: This is my first 5 star rating…

Don’t let the store front fool you. This is a hole-​in-​wall restaurant with some good tasting food. I enjoyed the coney and fries. The coney is not you normal sized coney that snaps when you bite into it. It’s flavorful and easy to eat — you probably won’t get chili all over your shirt (darn, I was looking forward to a sloppy experience) The slider was tasty but my friend said it tasted like donkey meat. To me it tasted like hamburger, not ground chuck or ground round — definitely an upgrade from Whitecastle.
What I really enjoyed was the friendly waitress and the regulars walking in and out of the place. This place definitely has character. It’s the kind a place you can sit, eat, talk to strangers, surf the net, people watch for cheap. Far more interesting place to people watch than your suburban Starbucks. I have driven by Victor St. for decades and never knew this place existed. The Free Press did a great story about this place. After reading the article, i knew I had to find this Highland Park jewel. Don’t let the Highland Park city name scare you. Instead of driving by the place by taking I-​75, why not add some adventure in your life and take Woodward instead. It’s like finding a rare, valuable coin in your old, almost forgotten coat pocket.
It’s well worth a visit.
Pros: Free WiFi, free parking, cheap eats and inexpensive beer, free people watching, service with a smile (sometimes a sarcastic smile)
Cons: a healthy version of anything on the menu (I guess this is not the place you go to for a healthy version of anything).

Such a fun, welcoming atmosphere with good, greasy food. Especially entertaining on a day when they have a live band!

I’m almost afraid to post a review of this place… it truly is a secret that hasn’t been invaded by hipsters or those out of the loop.
Hands down the best coney dog the world, in fact it is the OLDEST coney in Michigan, since 1921. This place is not your typical ‘hood’ coney with a bunch of junk, it has a limited menu of coneys, they just added some amazing sliders, a nice cheap breakfast, and a few other things you can count on your fingers.
Husband and wife run the restaurant, and sometimes their daughter as well. Service is very great, and it is the type of place where you hold conversation with them and the regulars… anything goes; news, politics, race, religion, Detroit… a neutral ground and often funny. Many regulars that have been coming for decades.
Coffee is great too — from the local Becharas Brothers Coffee based right there in Highland Park (the best local coffee).
Interior décor is from 1967, which is slightly worn (which ADDS to the character), with tons of old photos of Detroit and car ads framed on the entire wall.
I spend hours in here, sipping coffee, talking about whatever is on my mind with everyone else!
Free wifi. Beer is only $ 2 a bottle all the time… including miller, Heineken, etc.

I never thought I would be having breakfast in Highland Park on a Saturday morning, but I’m happy I did.
Red Hots is a typical diner, with good, cheap breakfast and coney fare. There are a bunch of booths and a counter, and all in all it has a very archetypal «diner» feel. There were quite a few regulars sitting at the counter, and even a bit of a feud going on before my eyes. Anywhere else I wouldn’t mind a shouting match, but in HP, a veritable no man’s land, I had one eye on the door.
Anyway, the cook/​owner made some good eggs (sunny side up) and hashbrowns (to which I added hotsauce). Everyone enjoyed their food, and it was cheap ($ 3). I would come back.
CASH ONLY (I think…)