The little deli isn’t anything fanciful. It’s located right smack in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of downtown Detroit so after eating, you can stroll off the calories – which is what we do. And you’ll never know what kind of festival or celebration is going on over there when you’re chomping down on your coney island.

Practically everyone who comes in here orders their coney dogs so don’t bother asking for the menu but if you wish to have something else, they have the list of items up behind the counter. I think they have a printed menu (that is hardly ever used unless you’re a tourist or a foreigner) so, ask if you want something other than coney dog.

Many of the patrons are locals who have been eating the same coney dog for decades, I dare say, and it looks like they’re absolutely in love with the place and the food. Dads and moms bring their kids out there for chillin’ out time, eating, having fun and chatting with each other while waiting for a movie or a play to start.

When we were in NY on time, a friend of ours laments that one thing that she misses the most is Detroit’s Lafayette Coney Island. The service, I would like to say is very fast…which is surprising for a place this busy. There’s just something really magical and nostalgic about Lafayette Coney Island deli…maybe it’s just the tone that is very family-friendly, no-rush, calming and maybe it’s just the fragrant aroma of delicious coney dogs – I’m not really sure.

Sit back, relax and have a beer if you want. If there is a big event somewhere downtown, you know FOR SURE that this Detroit deli’s going to be packed beyond recognition. There’s an interesting mix of people too – there are elderly hanging out with their friends for beer, busy professionals grabbing a quick bite, teenagers hanging out with their friends discussing a game and little kids playing hide and seek around the tables.

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Lafayette Coney Island

118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Tel: (313) 964-8198