Frankly speaking
Nathan’s Famous remains perfect for the dog days of summer (or spring)
It would be a shame to visit Coney Island and not stop into Nathan’s Famous, the original hot dog haven that started the chain. It was first opened in 1916 on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Aves. by Nathan Handwerker, who served up dogs made from a recipe by his wife, Ida.
As the weather gets warmer and crowds start to flock to the Boardwalk to take in the salt air and springtime sun, you can be sure that Nathan’s, one of the only Coney Island institutions that is open year-round, will have crowds lining up to its outdoor order windows and sitdown restaurant.
The now-expanded eatery, right off the W. Eighth St. stop on the Q, has been serving the same style beef dogs for the past 95 years. Nathan’s franks ($3.25) are on the saltier side and most popularly topped with the restaurant’s homemade mustard and sauerkraut. A side of the hand-cut, crinkle-cut fries, crispy and golden brown, are a must. The beer-battered onion rings aren’t bad, either.
But this Nathan’s offers more than the usual fare, including an order of fried frogs legs that come in a paper basket. If you’re feeling less adventurous (and we don’t blame you), they also serve fried clams and calamari, as well as cheeseburgers, chicken wings and cheesesteaks.
But we don’t suggest that you stray from the original dog, the one that Walter Matthau requested be served at his funeral and First Lady Jackie Kennedy served in the White House. You know, the one that draws thousands to Coney Island on July 4 every year for their annual hot dogeating contest.
After all, that classic frank is famous for a reason. And you’re just a few subway stops away from where it all began.