A Johnstown institution! Best dive lunch spot in downtown. I've gone here several times over the years, both while living here and sporadically as I have visited (in the years they were open). I brought all of my wedding guests here the night before I got married--that's how much of an integral part of Johnstown it is. I had gone here again a few years ago right when they reopened and failed to leave a review. So I'm rectifying that now! I got ten Coney Dogs to go for my family and they were spectacular. Just the perfect blend of all of the right things that taste like coming home. The decor is exactly the same as I remember it from over the years too--electric green and orange. Service was friendly as always. Can't wait to stop again the next time I'm in town. read more

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The food in this restaurant is amazing but it seems like they are under new ownership. this new manager we witnessed speaking down to his employees and also bad mouthing other employees in front of us. overall i really like this place but the owner and the lady at the register could use some tips on how to behave in front of customers. read more

No longer a Coney Island virgin! Had my first Coney Island dog and Sundowner and will definitely be back when we are back in town. Shout out to all the ladies that worked today ! You girls are amazing! read more

Coney Island Lunch - Sundowner and Coney Island dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

FOOD = 3 SERVICE = 2. You will wait. PRICE = 3 AMBIANCE = 3. Clean. WOULD EAT HERE AGAIN = I would give it one more try. The first impression was so so. But I have found once you know what to expect you to adjust. I would not dissuade anyone from eating here. The service was challenged due to not enough help. Though in a short time more staff showed up. Food was a bit salty to my taste. I had a ham and cheese olmet. It took time for food. People waited in line. The ambiance is a diner. Nothing unacceptable. If you want more than one cup of coffee, it could be challenged if a crowd. The breakfast menu is limited. read more

This Johnstown staple hasn't changed at all for literally decades. It's a stubborn testament for those yearning for a cheap meal that harkens back to yesteryears. Let's talk food here: Your options here for lunch or dinner are hot dogs or hamburger. I recommend the original coney dogs. The food is simple, no fuss, and pretty darn cheap. Is it mindblowingly good? No. Is it good for a cheap meal or a meal after some drinks? Absolutely. The fries are made to order. They're soggy but there's just something about a soggy fried French fry. The service: here's where things sorta fall apart for me. There are signs hanging above the counter indicating where to order food. But I found out the only things you order at the ORDER HERE sign are burgers and hot dogs. Everything else you order at the register. The fries are brought out last from the back of the restaurant- usually take 5-10 for the fries to come out. Regardless of how busy it gets here the staff isn't phased one but and move at their own pace.... So much so it's a little off putting. Ambiance? Well... overall the restaurant hasn't changed a bit for decades. Take that for what you will. read more

Coney Island Lunch - Original Coney Island Hot Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

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I had to do an update since my original review. Especially since some things have happened in the span of years between my reviews. A few years back, Coney Island wasn't doing too well. Which is bad for Johnstown, as it has been a community staple and one of the few reasons to go to Downtown Johnstown. I'm not absolutely sure of all the specifics, but the family that owned it passed it onto their son (I think) and then the business kind of got ran into the ground. When the news hit that Coney Island was to close, the community felt that. But, all is not lost, someone came in and saved the day. They bought the business and reopened to the public just the way they had left things and with a few improvements. The food is still spectacular. I will always come here when I am near it. Pop in for either a quick eat-in lunch or take home meal. When I say that the food is spectacular it can come off as an understatement. They did not change a thing about the way the hot dogs, chili, or burgers are prepared. That is the charm of this place. I have yet to come here to try out breakfast, but I am fine with popping in whenever I have the time. You must try the Coney Dogs and a Sundowner. I think what puts these over the top is the chili. That chili is something that feels like you need to bathe in it. It is comforting and satisfying. And the fries, amazing! Any place that prepares the fries as you order them is tops in my book. Not only are they prepared fresh, the are fresh cut. Get them topped with the chili and cheese and it is a meal all by itself. I swear on that. The improvements they have made are a true compliment to this place. They now accept card payments. No long a 'Cash Only' establishment. This alone has upped my visitations here. They also offer delivery as well now. They adapted to the pandemic and I honestly think they have benefited from it all. I can honestly say that this is my favorite eatery in all of Johnstown. It's nostalgic and welcoming. read more

My chili dogs were good, by my bf got the cheeseburgers and they were hard as a rock. Try to do better on them please. This is a nice old place with good history. read more

It's iconic for a reason! Great dogs, great vibes, great sauce, def a must try when you're in the area! read more

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Coney Island !!!! Life long customer. I always stop when I'm in town 2 for the road and 6 for the family when I get home. read more

It has been ages since I was a "regular" at Coney Island. New owners, same hot dogs as far as I can tell. Only thing that really stood out to me this time is how POTENT their onions were with my most recent trip. Almost too overpowering, but I still enjoyed my hot dogs. They do take credit cards now, so disregard previous reviews that state otherwise. read more

The staff was friendly and helpful. The food was grea! I had the Coney Dog and FF. The Coney Dog had the right snap and great flavor. The FF were fresh cut and cooked to perfection. The staff were happy people. They were able to chat amongst themselves but constantly working. I strongly recommend giving this restaurant a try. I know I will go back again. Staff of Coney Island Lunch - great service and so friendly! read more

Super cute family run spot. Staff was friendly and helpful. Every worker was wearing a mask & every other table was block off to promote social distancing. The Coney dog was yummy. Just enough of everything. Really dug the flavor of The chili with the onions & spices on top. The Sundowner looks more intimidating than it is. - everything that was piled on that burger added to it being a big delicious mess! The fries! The fries! Really crisp and well seasoned. Totally loved them. Can't wait to come back! read more

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We are in Johnstown for the State Championship Wrestling Tournament and found this place by driving around looking for a local (non chain) place to eat. We were there around 8:30pm, not to busy and was helped right away. It's almost a subway ordering style. You walk up to the bar and tell the guy what you want then pay down the bar and take your food to the seat. Food was made right in front of you- except the fries. Service was fast and friendly. Even recommended other local restaurants to try out. read more

Coney Island Lunch - Sundowner Burger and special hot dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

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We visited last night and I had the double cheeseburger. It was literally the worst thing that I have ever eaten. I had to force down a few bites just to get something in my stomach before a movie. It didn't really even seem like food, let alone meat. I just cannot express how bad it was. My daughter had a hot dog (their "specialty") and she said it was not very good either. This was our second time there and it was bad both times. I don't understand why people like this place so much. It must be the nostalgia because the food is terrible. read more

Being a former New Yorker, I was very skeptical of the rave reviews I've heard from native and long term Johnstown residents about the Coney Island Lunch restaurant. Many have claimed they are the ORIGINAL Coney Island hot dog -- which is not only factually false, but makes no sense whatsoever. How can a little cafe in Johnstown Pennsylvania be more Coney Island than Nathans in the actual Coney Island, Brooklyn? Not shocking to me, these hot dogs not only cost more than twice what you pay in NYC in general, but especially much more than the original Nathans on Surf Ave in Coney Island, but they don't taste nearly as good either. If you want a Coney Island style hotdog GO TO CONEY ISLAND BROOKLYN! They are so far from Coney Island style that it took great effort to get saurkraut for my hotdog - an NYC staple. The only beverage option they had for a diabetic like myself: diet Pepsi. They also didn't have any fries available until noon on that Saturday, something my friend really wanted. As for overall taste -- they are okay, but nothing close to what you get in NYC and definitely NOT kosher nor is a kosher hot dog option available. In summary, this Johnstown mainstay may be loved by native Johnstowners, but as a former Brooklynite I find it to be sorely lacking. I can get better and at much better prices at any hotdog cart (which are everywhere) in any corner of NYC - and easily find a proper kosher hot dog there too! read more

Love their Breakfast. It can take some time if they are busy because only two people are working and everything is made to order. Very Reasonably Priced! Very Friendly Service! read more

The food was good and the service excellent I only say the food was good because I'm not a huge fan chili overall that is just a taste preference I had a sun- upper and it was great! The service behind the counter was friendly as soon as we walked in and very helpful We will go back in a heartbeat! read more

At 74-years-old, I've stuffed a few Coney Island Hot dogs into my face, so my opinion should count for something. The Coneys I just ate sucked. I find it hard to believe that after serving up an untold number of hot dogs, I would get four in a row that had stale buns. As she usually does, Mrs. Anderson tried to justify these terrible hot dogs by saying that it was just the buns that were bad. Well, the bun is as important as any other element in the preparation of a hot dog and these Coneys, sucked. Then there were the french fries. I made sure I would arrive at the Coney Island while the fries were still being offered, I had struck out twice before. The French fries also sucked. It was obvious that the frying oil should have been changed out some time ago. It's in the details and The Coney Island has lost a long and faithful customer. As I've said before, if I have to check every tomato in the peck, I just find another tomato farmer from whom to buy. read more

Ok so here is my review of the re-opened Coney Island: Prices are still the same. Hot dogs were 90% the same. There were two things I noticed: 1. They are using a different brand of hot dog. It's not a huge difference, but it may be a better quality. 2. The famous Coney Sauce is off JUST A LITTLE BIT. There is this weird taste you would get in the back of your mouth that is not as prevalent anymore. There was one disappointment for me: they are using a thicker, better quality burger patty on the Sundownder. The burger taste dominates more than it should and throws the entire balance of the sundowner off. The sundown is NOT a burger with toppings - it's meant to stand on it's own as one taste. the SUNDOWNER taste. They need to go back to the old burgers they used. Apparently, they have french fries now too! read more

This place is so cool. It's so nostalgic, it's very basic but that's probably what makes it so good. Great service and the fresh cut fries were great! read more

Wonderful-Good Grill . I enjoy breakfast here often. Clean & bright, with friendly folks.

Coney Island is a very unique restaurant. Between their signature sauce and the atmosphere of the place, you'd be hard pressed to find somewhere like it. Their sundowners (a burger with a fried egg and Coney Island sauce) are consistently delicious, the fries are top of the line and their hot dogs are out of this world. On top of the food being great, the staff always has a smile on their faces when talking to you and they make you feel right at home. Though there are not many bad things about this restaurant, I would say that I wish they were open on Sundays and that the wall space and interior decorating is a bit cluttered. But overall, I love it. read more

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Hubby & I love a good hot dog so we're always looking to check out the local restaurants when visiting an area so today, while checking out the Johnstown Memorial, we stopped for a late lunch. I was promptly greeted & ordered 2 Coney Dogs, medium fry, baked beans & cole slaw to go, I was floored at how large the side portions were. The fries were freshly made & delicious, even better than those overpriced ones at the beach, the baked beans were okay, needed a little kick & some salt but good overall, the cole slaw, however, was so tart I thought it might have gone bad, soaked in vinegar, no hint of that creamy goodness you expect from a good slaw. I give the Coney Island Dogs a B - , it probably didn't help that the day before we got chili dogs at a place in Tyrone that blew us away but overall a nice hot dog. This place has all the charm of a locals favorite & is clearly quite popular as the customers rolled in & out non-stop. There is metered parking, indoor seating is available but no outdoor tables so we just ate in our car as our dog was with us. read more

Coney Island Lunch - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

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Really love these dogs! I'm from out of state and my fiancé took me here when they re-opened and was telling me how they prep the hotdogs! These people know how to do dogs!! read more

The last time I wrote about Coney Island, it was to call attention to the unmasked servers while we were in the throes of a pandemic. Ok, seems like everyone thinks we've dodged that bullet, so, now I can assess the product sold by Coney Island. The short of it: their hot dogs SUCK. Having eaten my share of Gooney Island hot dogs over more than half a century, I certainly know what to expect. Also, their hot doggies aren't worth the cost of admission. I can buy 2 excellent, all-beef, natural casing hot dogs and a tropical fruit drink (love the coconut champagne) at Gray's for about what Gooney Island charges for 2 of their dogs. Gray's is at the corner of W72d and Broadway in Manhattan, 2 blocks from where John Lennon was killed. Gotta wonder how an outlet on the Upper West Side of Manhattan can offer a vastly superior product for less money than Gooney Island, in a town where commercial properties are just about given away. read more

I do have it, the "chili sauce" recipe! It is a mixture of ground beef, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper and a few other secret ingredients, that is slowly simmered into this wonderful concoction. The grilled dogs are then topped with this wonderful, gastronomical sauce that is then topped with mustard, finely diced onions, salt and pepper. After being removed from the proprietors sweaty arms they are then wrapped in a thin waxed paper, where they can continue to sweat naturally...OH MY HEAVENS!! They are sooo good!! They are also famous for their "Sundowner", which is a Burger with a fried egg on top! Appreciate what you have in homemade peirogies, ham pot pie, stuffed cabbage (Pigs) and Coney Island hot dogs Johnstown!! If like me, you ever leave Johnstown, you will then understand what you have that many would kill for! Judging from the looks of the old owner and help, they do have a lot of preservatives in those dogs! Why else would their looks never change? The Coney Island was founded in 1916. It has been operated by four generations of the Contacos family. A visit to Johnstown is just not complete without a Coney Island hot dog. read more

Oh, how I wanted to love you. I dragged my extended family into Johnstown just for the experience. Even after trying and being disappointed with the eponymous hot dog, I was still hopeful there could be some good food at this local institution. So, I went back for the Sundowner. No such luck. I love old places. I love dirty places. I love unhealthy places. I've been eating hot dogs with meat sauce all over the country, so I am familiar with the form, and I'm a fan. I even liked how the skinless franks at Coney Island Lunch picked up a nice crust on the grill which was pleasingly redolent of bacon. It was just that their chili sauce was terrible. So terrible my brother-in-law compared it with vomit. I could see where he was coming from. Surely, these are good when you are drunk. And I do not doubt that if you grew up with them, these dogs are good to come home to. But if you don't fall into one of these two groups, don't come here for the food. The atmosphere is phenomenal. They just don't make them like this anymore. And I don't regret going. I only regret eating. read more

Dear Lord, this is a Johnstown staple. The only things on the menu that should concern you are the Original Coney Island Hot Dog and the Sundowner. Both start with either the hot dog or the cheeseburger and they both have mustard, chili, and onions. The sundowner gets a bit crazy and throws a fried egg into the mix!!! Chances are, if you're awake, Coney Island is open. I doubt the decor has changed since the 70's and who cares...the food hasn't changed. This place has been around since my grandfather was a kid!!! And I'm sure it tastes the same. I'll never forget the time I was with my sister at El Rancho and a dude took orders from people at the bar for Coney Island and went down and got it for everyone. Droooooool!!! read more

Coney Island is one of those establishments in Johnstown that has been here as long as anyone can remember and a MUST stop whenever you're in Town. I've been eating Coney Dogs since birth, I believe, and my Dad did the same before me. It's like stepping back in time... Coney's ARE an acquired taste...they are not very appealing to look at, truth be told, but this is not about looks...it's about traditions!! Coney Dogs come with mustard, chili sauce and loads of chopped onions...and if you're lucky and order more than 1 (and who orders just 1???!) the person who is making your dogs will line those delicious Coneys up their arm as they make them for you!!!! If you're adventurous, I definitely recommend trying a Sundowner...a burger with mustard, chili sauce, chopped onions, and a fried egg. Delicious!!! *** CASH ONLY!!!! *** read more

Coney Island Lunch - Now that's a glorious wiener!!! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Been going here all my life. Classic establishment. This is Johnstown! Is it to much trouble to have the luxury of being able to lock the men's bathroom or please for the sake of complete awkwardness put up a partition/divider around the toilet. Shame on the owner for obviously not caring enough about his patrons if they need to use the bathroom #2. Who is going to take a dump without any barrier all the while people can walk right in on you? I'm sure he will blame it on people doing drugs or vandalizing but isn't this the cost of doing business? YIKES! read more

Coney Island Lunch - Is it too much to ask for a little bit of privacy when taking a dump after a few sundowners and a chili cheeseburger? - Hot Dogs Near Me - Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Omg... heaven! I don't eat hotdogs often ( or French fries) but we were told by an ex- resident to try this place while we were in town from pittsburgh to see the Johnstown Flood Museum. We happily obliged! Soo good! We had the hotdog w the works... mustard, chili, onions, sauce and in my case... catsup. Go for broke I always say!!! Delish ! The fries are homemade too! All def worth the calories!!! read more

I just want to say DITTO to Zoran K's review: "This is Johnstown to the bone. It is a complete experience. It is like stepping back in time. The menu is the same and so is the decor. I miss the older Bubba type ladies working there and stacking the hot dogs up their arms, but times they are a changin..." I just wish they were open on Sundays. read more

Well-known in Johnstown for their hotdogs and sundowners. You get what you expect from this classic establishment downtown. Food is very inexpensive, good value although classic hotdogs tasted pretty average. A lot of this restaurant's charm is in the nostalgia the locals have from growing up here and grabbing dogs with the family. Atmosphere is clean but feels a bit outdated - again I think this plays into keeping the restaurant "classic" for Johnstown patrons who grew up with and loved the original Coney Island. Anyone who considers themselves a Johnstown local has to have visited Coney Island. read more

I love the Sundowner, a hotdog goes well with the Sundowner!!! the hamburgers are better than ever!! The addition to French fries is a GREAT ADDITION!!! read more

I really didn't care for it. It's the nostalgia and that's it. Nice people. Tables clean.

Family of four from Somerset. We were there around 1 o'clock. When we got there, the restaurant was super clean everyone was very pleasant. When we ordered, we got some classic hotdogs and three sundowners. Absolutely everything was delicious. They had to be about the best hotdogs we have ever had. It didn't take long for the food to get to the table. Definitely will be going back! read more

The reviews here tell a total story. If you're from the area, this place is an institution. If you're not, it's a possible acquired taste. For me, it's heaven on a bun. I grew up in Johnstown, and back in the day (and I won't say when, thankyouveddymuch...) The Coney Island was the place to be for a quick bite. The hot dogs were nirvana, and the overall "feel" of the place was perfect for a thriving steel town. Being 2 blocks from one of the mill gates didn't hurt either. Fast forward to 2010. J'town lost it's mojo when the mills closed 30-ish years ago. Downtown is a ghost town. Yet the Coney Island remains...nearly always open, and the food hasn't changed one bit over the years. Whether it's the best dog in the world is subject to argument...but it's up there! Get your dog (heck, get 2!) with everything and a chocolate milk or root beer. The onions stay with you however, so if you're expecting some "close encounters" fair warning! I was recently back in J'town for a HS reunion, We all decided after the par-tay to descend on the Coney Island...all 100 of us...at midnight on a Saturday! We were greeted with big smiles, quick service, and the years rolled back again as we feasted on one of the treats of our youth (and laughed our fool heads off!) Can't go wrong with that! read more

To sum it up in one word... Meh Not good not bad. Was in town for a conference and was told this was the local staple/ hole in the wall. Being a huge fan of holes in walls in general I figured why not. The atmosphere was cool cheesy and tacky with patrons that looked like they were waiting in the lobby of either the casting call for deliverance part 2 or a free clinic. The staff was really nice, really ugly and REALLY toothless. What's that I see no gloves, no hairnets and lining hot dogs up your arms? So far? Awesome! Now to eat I had two coneys (for those who don't know that is chilli onion mustard ) the hot dogs themselves kind of ruined this for me they are very bland. If there was a better snap I could see another star easy because the chilli sauce was actually really good! Now about price. Ridiculously cheap. Two people was 6 bucks can't beat that. If you are in Johnstown get out as quick as you can the town sucks! but stop by coney island lunch first, but you probably won't come back. read more

This is Johnstown to the bone. It is a complete experience. It is like stepping back in time. The menu is the same and so is the decor. I miss the older Bubba type ladies working there and stacking the hot dogs up their arms, but times they are a changin...If you go out in Johnstown for a few beers and don't stop here for a bite to eat before bed shame on you... read more

Mainly known for hot dogs, sausages, & hamburgers w/ a disgusting "chili" sauce made from the previous day's ground up hot dogs, sausages, & hamburgers. Famous for it's previously-mentioned "sundowner", which is a cheeseburger with chili sauce and then a fried egg on top. Open until I believe 2am, making it one of few restaurants in town open after 10pm and subsequently a traditional post-drinking hangout. Go to witness the Theatre of the Absurd of downtown derelicts stalking the place late at night. read more