If you’re in the mood for the best hot dogs in Indiana, then you are definitely in luck. Stop in at Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island for some of the best wieners around!
How it Started
With a long history spanning nearly 11 decades, Coney Island Weiner Stand is the oldest continuously running hot dog stand in America. Opened in 1913, and at its current location since 1914, Coney Island has been offering patrons the same great flavors and atmosphere since the hot dog was practically invented.
Upon arriving in the States in the early 20th century, 4 Greek gentlemen first docked at Ellis Island. The first thing they saw when in the land of the free was Coney Island. This is where the name of their capitalistic dream began. Taking their business all over the Midwest, they pursued the American dream with tenacity and perseverance. In 1916, they sold their business to VK Eshcoff, the grandfather of one of the current owners.
Keeping with Tradition
Without changing hardly a thing, the recipes used today at Coney Island are the same as when they originally opened in 1913. Their signature and most popular dish are one and the same – their original Coney Dog. A steamed bun, grilled frank, stripe of mustard, homemade Coney sauce and freshly diced onion. And I’m here to tell you, it is in fact absolutely delicious! Serving over 2,000 of them daily, the Coney Soup is their second most fast selling item on the menu.
And the menu? Well, it’s pretty small. Want some hot dogs?
You can get as many as you like. Want some soup? They have a bowl just for you. And how about an old fashioned cheeseburger? You won’t want to miss out on that one. Add a small bag of chips and don’t forget a root beer. And you’re all set. The prices aren’t bad either. With a hot dog costing less then $2, it would take a good thousand burgers and hot dogs to go broke here.
But don’t forget about their souvenirs right next door. You will definitely want to snag up some of that while you’re there – just like I did.
The sweatshirt I got while visiting is now my favorite, and I love to wear it all the time. It’s also exciting to see the logo when ever I wear it – knowing that I got to visit the oldest hot dog stand in America! Luckily for you though, if you can’t make it to Fort Wayne, you can purchase some of their swag online. Just go to: www.fortwaynesfamousconeyisland.com, and they will ship to you anywhere in the world!
The most unique thing about Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island isn’t just the amazing food. It’s the old style ambiance, and the family-oriented feeling of belonging. Co-owner Jimmy says,
“Some customers aren’t just patrons but family. We’ve had engagements, weddings, celebrations of life and other life changing moments at the restaurant.”
One customer that I spoke with while there, said he’d been coming for 50+ years, and was only 2 weeks old in a stroller when he first started frequenting the establishment. Now that’s loyalty! And it also speaks to how good the quality, service and overall attitude of the wiener stand is.
I for one would love to go back to Coney Island, and would love to have some more of those absolutely delicious dogs!
Just make sure the next time you’re in town and you stop in, you let them know Lisa sent you!
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