Coney dogs are a Detroit staple, and there are two downtown places (next door to each other, in fact) that are known for being the best. Lafayette is one of them, and even though it looks a little grungy, you should still stop in and order their namesake dish.
The hot dog may be famous and I loved that it was served on a toasted bun, but overall the flavor seemed overwhelmed by raw onions and sharp mustard. The meat itself was great with a snappy casing and the homemade chili sauce was great but the combination just didn't work.
Still, it's worth a visit. The restaurant looks unchanged from the day it opened and in my opinion, that's just another selling point. Bring cash and enjoy.
Surprisingly, Detroit has some great, upscale dining these days, but for a bite on the run, you can't do better than a Coney style hot dog from American Coney Island. Located in downtown Detroit, American Coney features hot dogs that come topped with a homemade meat chili, mustard, and raw onions providing a delicious treat.
American Coney Island is one of two restaurants in the city (ironically, next door to each other) that is known for their coney dogs and after sampling both, my preference goes to American. It's a great combination of flavors and it's really the whole combination that makes it special. If you leave one of the toppings off, it's just not the same. The only critique I have on this snack is that the bun gets a bit soggy.
The inside of the restaurant looks like an old diner and the staff are incredibly friendly, so as a solo diner, I still felt welcomed and appreciated. They come to the table to deliver your order, which is a nice touch.
The restaurant is open 24/7 and accepts credit cards.