Trying to find some really good food on Coney Island is tough. You’re mostly here for the kitsch and crappy fast food.
I somehow managed to track down some decent tacos and ice cream recently, but more often than not, you’re going to want to eat at Nathan’s. If you’re a first timer to Coney Island, the classic hot dogs are a must. And somehow, they are only really good here on the (or near) the boardwalk.
I already wrote about the iconic and historic dogs, but I failed to mention a dish that is probably even more nostalgic for me: their distinctive brown, crinkle cut fries.
Most of America may be aware of these due to their popularity in the frozen section of grocery stores. But there is something about getting them with a plastic spear and a side of ketchup while walking around the amusement parks trying to decide which vomit-inducing ride you want to check out next.
When hot, these crisp and salty accordion shaped tubes give way to steaming thick potato innards. Always seasoned perfectly and plump and starchy, these are very different from your usual fast food fry.
It actually feels like you’re getting a vegetable on each bite and the deep browned flavor is unmistakable.
These are probably not the best bites in this part of Brooklyn, they’re not even the best fries in Brooklyn (I’m sure), but they are nostalgic, terribly satisfying, and pair perfectly with the other junk food you’ll eat (and love) when visiting Coney Island. Price: $4.39-$4.99
| NATHAN’S FAMOUS |
| 1310 Surf Avenue (at Stillwell Avenue), Coney Island, Brooklyn (718) 946-2202 |
| 1205 Riegelmann Boardwalk (at West 12th Street), Coney Island, Brooklyn (718) 714-7207 |
| nathansfamous.com |
