Detroit Coney Island in Palm Harbor Review
So, how does one live in Orlando, and end up having breakfast in Palm Harbor? Well, it helps being a lifelong Detroit Lions fan. In addition, attending the preseason game vs the Tampa Bay Bucs at Raymond James stadium. Since I spent the night in Tampa, I was definitely close enough to get a Detroit Coney Island fix.
Location
A quick drive across Hwy 60 to Clearwater, then up Hwy 19 to Detroit Coney Island. We rolled into the parking lot at 9:20, only to find out they don’t open for breakfast on Saturday until 10:00am!! Retirees tend to sleep in, but breakfast after 10? I was with my buddy Ken, who recently moved to Florida. We decided to take in Palm Harbor instead of sitting in the parking lot. The scenery is beautiful, especially of the coastline. Saw a couple Raw Bars, and local funky joints I would check out if we were hanging for the day.
Heading Into Detroit Coney Island
Eventually we blew off enough time to hit Detroit Coney Island at 10:00. Let me tell you, they didn’t disappoint! Detroit Coney Island is a family owned and operated restaurant. Dante came over and talked with us, as soon as we walked in. Saturday’s Special is Detroit style pizza, which is modeled after the famous Buddy’s Pizzeria from Michigan. As soon as I ordered breakfast, I asked for a pizza to go. The waiter said they usually don’t fire the oven until 11 or so, however, Dante fired it right up to take care of this former Michigander.
The Menu at Detroit Coney Island
I went right for a Detroit Coney omelet. If you’re from The D, you may have had one of these at Van’s in Dearborn, on Ford Rd. We’d head there at 2:00am after the bar. It’s a loose hamburger and cheese omelet with chili all over. Sadly Van’s is gone now. But I still order my omelet at either Senate Coney Island, or Leo’s. They do it right at Detroit Coney Island. With a side of home fries, and fresh lightly toasted bread, I had to slow myself down to enjoy this little bit of heaven.
Also, I ordered chili to go, and a couple coneys with everything, to go along with our pizza. I knew My little Jojo would want the chili to make her own chili fries at home. The car ride home was the best smell ever. I was so excited to surprise The Fam with what I brought home.
All in all, Detroit Coney Island does it right in Pure Michigan style, right down to the straight from Michigan ingredients. Not only is the chili from Detroit, but you can find some other Michigan favorites. Such as Better Made Potato Chips, Sanders Hot Fudge, Faygo, and Vernor’s. In addition you can find products from Koegle, and Dearborn Sausage Company. Dante and his family are great hosts. I look forward to returning some day to sample their Almond Chicken, Polish menu, or Fried Perch. All foods that bring a little touch of Michigan to our Florida Life. If only they were closer to us!
UPDATE on our Review of Detroit Coney Island
Since our original post, we’ve been back to Detroit Coney Island twice during our trips to Tampa. Therefore, both Matt and I had the chance to try out more of the menu. Back in December, we happen to be there for perch dinner Friday. I’m not a big fish eater, but growing up in Michigan, perch is a staple. You don’t really find it down here in Florida, so it’s a special treat!
Our trip to Tampa in December was for Matt’s birthday, so when the waitress found out, she brought us a Sanders Hot Fudge Cream Puff Sundae!! Boy did this bring back memories of when we owned an ice cream shop in Michigan.
Next, we stopped off at Detroit Coney Island on our way home from our Treasure Island trip this past March. This one was exciting, since it was Polish day, and we had the Polish platter and pierogi.
Matt wanted to try the “Hani” sandwich, which is a signature menu item at National Coney Island in Michigan. It was pretty close, and Josephine was happy we brought half home for her. Along with pierogi and kielbasa. The Hudson’s Maurice Salad has been something I’ve wanted to try, so we also grabbed one to go for dinner. Not sure I ever had one back in the day, but I know lots of people who rave about it. I thought it was pretty good.
It’s great to get that taste of Michigan when we can. Next to try is their Almond Chicken, because it’s just not the same menu item here in Florida. Take a look at some of the Detroit Specialties on the menu. As always, we hope our Detroit Coney Island review is helpful. Enjoy!
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Makes me miss living over in that area. It looks like a great place to eat any time of day! Nice post (and pics, too!)
Hoping to plan a beach day on the Gulf Coast so we can stop here soon.
This looks amazing! The food is so unique and looks like a great experience. I would love to try it!
Yum!!! Looks like a great place for some good food! The Polish platter looked amazing!
Cream puff sundae! I have never heard of that. I am going to try that. I need to hit Detroit Coney Island.
At the Detroit Coney Island, they are an interesting selection of different foods to what I see here. I haven’t eaten a hot cream puff before!
I would love to go to Detroit Coney Island. The food looks and sounds amazing. I’d love to try the pizza and the cream puff sundae.