Midwestern hot dog connoisseurs love traveling from region to region to sample local specialty dogs, but hot dog mavens pressed for time can sample hot dogs from several different regions at the One Stop Coney Shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
We stopped by this unassuming little hot dog joint for lunch when we were in town for ArtPrize at the suggestion of our friend Jessie from Wandering Educators and found an imaginative menu of Coney dog choices that included Chicago, Detroit and Flint style dogs.
We wondered if we should try a Chicago dog with its poppy seed bun, sweet relish, tomato, sport peppers, celery salt, mustard, onions and a dill pickle spear. We considered selecting a Flint-style hot dog with its loose-meat chili, onion and mustard, or going with our usual standbys of Detroit-style Coney dogs with their saucier chili, onion and mustard.
It was a difficult decision, but we opted for the One Stop's own Grand Rapids-style dog with chili, mustard, ketchup, onions and shredded dill pickles.
I normally don't care for ketchup on my hot dogs, but the "Grand Rapids" combo on ingredients really worked for me...so much so that I ordered it again when we went back the next day for lunch with relatives!
Tim is a real Coney dog fan, but as much as I liked the hot dogs, the Belgian-style fries accompanying them were the real stars of the meal for me (an opinion apparently shared by Ed over at Wandering Educators).
These fresh-cut, twice-fried frites come to your table in a large spiral steel cone lined with wax paper and, if you wish, there are several different sauces like garlic ketchup, curry mayo, curry ketchup or ranch to accompany your fries. You can also order with chili or cheese.
My advice? These fries are so crispy and flavorful that you don't really need the chili, cheese or sauces! The fries are soaked in filtered water and vinegar overnight, blanched at low temperatures to give them a fluffy texture inside, fried at high temperatures for a crispy finish, and sprinkled with low-sodium sea salt so they hit your table hot and full of potato flavor.
I saw several people skip the dogs entirely and just stop by for an order of fries for lunch while we were there.
The combo of a Coney dog, fries and pop will only set you back about $7 and makes for a hearty mid-day meal.
Don't feel like a dog? You can also get burgers (including a veggie variety), grilled cheese sandwiches, milkshakes or ice cream.
One Stop Coney Shop has a cozy and convivial atmosphere. Order at the counter, get your pop from a self-serve machine and grab one of the two dozen seats either at a small table or along a counter facing the street side window. Service is friendly and speedy, and One Stop's staff will bring your order to your table or bag it for take-out within a few minutes of ordering.
I also like One Stop's use of regional products like Koegel hot dogs from Flint and one of my all-time Detroit favorites, Vernor's Ginger Ale.
I dropped a dollar in what I supposed to be a tip jar on the counter and was surprised when one of the owners asked for my autograph. One Stop donates tips to local charities and all those who contribute autograph a poster board for permanent display on the wall. Charities change each quarter, and I saw quite a few autographed posters from previous fund raising drives displayed on One Stop's walls.
Brian and Leslie DeGalan moved from metro Detroit to open One Stop Coney Shop in 2009, attracted by Grand Rapids' vibrant downtown and growing college-age population.
Oh, and be sure to check out the building facade when you visit the One Stop Coney Shop, as it is one of several businesses in the 1930-vintage Willard Building. It takes its name from Dr. Willard Burleson of the Burleson Sanitarium, which operated in Grand Rapids from 1899 to 1968. Most people know the building as the Peacock Building these days, though.
Bottom line-Great dogs, but don't miss the fries! Great for a quick and affordable lunch. Eat in or take out. Regional specialties and products featured here.
154 Fulton St. East between Jefferson and LaGrave in Grand Rapids, Michigan
616-233-9700
Check out my review of One Stop Coney Shop on Yelp, and check out Matt's guest post here on Midwest Guest, Every Day has its Dog, for more Midwestern hot dog stops.
© Dominique King 2011 All rights reserved
this is our favorite hot dog place EVER (sorry, hot doug's Chicago)... so glad you found it - and loved it! the owners are awesome, the food is extraordinary. time to head to GR!
Posted by: wandering educators | December 15, 2011 at 05:21 AM
I'm hoping we'll get back out that way soon. Thanks for recommending this place to us, Jessie.
Posted by: Dominique King | January 03, 2012 at 02:16 PM