Michigan’s Got the Real ‘Coney Dog’ (Sorry New York)

Let's get one thing straight: what New York calls a "Coney Island hot dog" is nothing remotely close to a real Coney Dog. Sure, Nathan's might have the history of serving the first "hot dachshund" in a bun to Coney Island beachgoers, but in Michigan and throughout the Midwest, we've taken that basic idea and made it actually worth eating.

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So, grab some napkins, because I'm about to spill the mustard on what make a Coney Dog a Coney Dog.

New Yorks Coney: All Hype, No Flavor

In New York, if you order a Coney Dog you'll receive what civilized people refer to as a Chili Dog, some of them complete with beans. Yes, beans appear on a New York Coney.

Oh yeah, you may or may not get onions and mustard on it. I'm willing to overlook certain things, but if onions and mustard aren't a part of your Coney Dog, your taste buds don't know what their missing. You see, New Yorks Coney's lack heart.

Michigan Coney Dogs: Chili, Mustard, Onions

According to Eater.com, a Detroit Coney is a true legend. Walk into any diner in Metro Detroit, and you're greeted with a hot dog smothered in beefy chili, diced onions, and a substantial streak of mustard. According to Smithsonian Magazine, you can thank Greek immigrants for this version who had sampled the New York version while making their way through Ellis Island and wisely thought, "We can do better."

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While the Detroit Coney Dog is delicious, but if you were raised outside the city limits, it's still not the real deal.

A Real Michigan Coney Dog's Got to Have Heart

For a true "mic drop" of a dog, head to Jackson, Michigan, where the sauce is thick, almost meaty paste with ground beef and—the most important ingredient—beef heart. This is what makes for a more savory and a touch sweeter Coney Dog.

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Regardless of where you get your Coney Dog in Michigan I am certain that behind the recipe is a proud family of Greek origin who will tell you their family has the perfect recipe. Frankly, I'm up to try them all.