Coney Island Hot Dog Restaurant (Milwaukee WI)

A while back I came across a reference to Coney Island in Milwaukee and was hopeful that this old hot dog restaurant might still be in business. As discussed in an earlier thread such places were once common in the Midwest (and elsewhere) but are getting scarce these days. There are really none left in Chicago but Detroit is blessed with two classics, side by side.

Coney Island is located about a mile south of downtown so I set off across the 6th Avenue Bridge, a rather spectacular modern bascule span.

View West from 6th Avenue Bridge

The area between downtown and National Avenue is kind of a post-industrial no-man's land but there are some fine old commercial buildings, many currently vacant. At the left you can see the smokestack of the old Sprecher Brewery before they moved north to larger quarters over 10 years ago.

After a pleasant walk I arrived at National Avenue. The neighborhood seems to this naïve observer to have much in common with Chicago's pre-gentrification Pilsen, a thriving Mexican community with some wonderful, well-preserved old buildings.

National Avenue, Looking West Toward 6th

Coney Island has been at the same address since 1926, likely the area's oldest business. The current owner, a crusty but likable old gent, has been working there for the last 55 years. Inside, it's about as basic as can be, clearly remodeled from the early days but still very old.

Coney Island's Menu

Ordering is as simple as it gets: hot dog, hamburger, fries, chili (of course, cheese is an option).

Hot Dog, Burger, Works

I got a dog and a burger with the works, meaning bright yellow mustard, finely chopped onions, and chili. Any component by itself would be completely forgettable (except perhaps the chili) but the combination works nicely. Very much a case of the sum being greater than its parts.

The Aftermath

It's nearly impossible to eat these things neatly, so why bother trying? I think you can see the formica on the counter is wearing thin after many decades of cleaning up after slobs like me.

Coney Island doesn't serve the region's finest hot dog but it's a very special place nonetheless. There are so few like it left around here that just by virtue of surviving it has become a something of a treasure. I'm a big fan but I'm certain not everyone will share my enthusiasm.

National Avenue, Looking East (1900)

One of the few decorations in Coney Island is this nice old photograph.

National Avenue, Looking East (2006)

Here's a similar view from a few days ago showing how little has changed in the last century.

Coney Island Hot Dogs
530 W National Av
Milwaukee WI
414-672-5660
Tue-Sat 10:30am-2pm

Great post, Rene G.

I'm adding Coney Island to my list.

And, I have to ask, did you take the Metra train to Milwaukee?

I did so a month ago as part of a bachelor party excursion, and it sure was a pleasant way to travel.

E.M.

P.S. Given your affection for both Ramova Grill and Coney Island, I wonder, have you ever been to Real Chili?

Thanks. I think you’ll appreciate the place, Erik, but don’t have unrealistic expectations for the food (I really wish the hot dog itself was better quality).

Do you mean Amtrak (Metra only goes to Kenosha)? In any case, no, I took Megabus. So far I have nothing but good things to say about this new service. Depending on when you travel, you really can get a ticket to Milwaukee for $1! It’s so easy. For those interested, have a look at http://megabus.com/us/.

Funny you should ask about Real Chili. Some years ago, while attending a conference at Marquette, a friend and I stopped by almost every late evening for a nightcap. A week ago, on my way to Elsa’s, I was surprised to find another Real Chili almost around the corner. I stopped by afterwards and got a bowl to bring back to Chicago. I enjoyed the chili but getting takeout just isn’t the same.

Rene G wrote:Do you mean Amtrak (Metra only goes to Kenosha)?

Oh, geez, yes, I meant Amtrak.

At any rate, the Milwaukee Amtrak Station is right in the heart of the 3rd Ward, and just two blocks from the Public Market.

E.M.

Sad to report that CONEY ISLAND ...is no more. The owner Mike Syrrakos, retired after 60 years and the place is currently FOR SALE, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal (December 2009). The last time that they were open for business was August 2009. According to the Journal newspaper article, the former owner is looking to sell the place --- and the recipe for the "secret sauce" to anyone who is interested. I had the good fortune to have been one of the last customers at Coney Island during the final days. It was a Milwaukee TRADITION for decades and will be greatly missed. GONE but NOT forgotten. Happy Retirement Mike !!!! You made MANY people happy over the years. WELL DONE !!!http://lthforum.com/bb/posting.php?mode=reply&f=15&t=9180&sid=660a64e637433fccd8a874208c4efa4c#

coneyislander wrote:Sad to report that CONEY ISLAND ...is no more. The owner Mike Syrrakos, retired after 60 years and the place is currently FOR SALE, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal (December 2009). The last time that they were open for business was August 2009. According to the Journal newspaper article, the former owner is looking to sell the place --- and the recipe for the "secret sauce" to anyone who is interested.

Looks like there were no takers. Coney Island is now a convenience store. Here's a link to the December 2009 Journal-Sentinel article.



Coney Island Hot Dogs (closed)
530 W National Av
Milwaukee WI

Chili-Cheese Dogs: Good Chili is KEY (Wisconsin)

Real Chili 419 East Wells Street, Milwaukee and 1625 West Wells.

This was the chili cheese dog ($4.25) I was looking for! First, I liked the finely shredded cheddar Real Chili uses better than the nacho cheese sauce at the other places. The hot dog itself was good – I’m uncertain if it was a Vienna (there was no signage in the restaurant), but it definitely wasn’t an Oscar Meyer. But the key – the chili. What would you expect from a place named Real Chili, right? It was spicy and, because the ground beef is so finely chopped, it was thick and hearty. There are no fries at this place, but I didn’t care one bit – I was so satisfied with the chili cheese dog alone.