Coney Dog Dishes Out a Delicious Taste of the Motor City

Nestled smack in the middle of iconic Sunset Strip, with its famed music venues and hotspot eateries, brand new restaurant serves up Detroit-style hot dogs, chili-cheese fries, and Faygo pop. (Hint: Don't ask for soda -- in the Midwest, it's called pop.)

Step into the cylindrical glass building and behold a brightly lit space, filled with a long communal table, booths, and a crowded bar. Communal tables are all the rage now among new restaurants, and Coney Dog is clearly riding that wave. Diners happily sit next to other diners and nosh on their Coney Dogs and sip the brightly-colored pop in the jovial and welcoming environment.

At Coney Dog, the menu is simple, as it should be at a self-proclaimed hot dog shop. The Coney Dog ($4), their signature offering, hails from Michigan. It's an all-beef hot dog topped with beanless meat chili, mustard, and onions.

While it may look like any other hot dog, take one bite and you'll taste the difference. The bun is pillowy soft, while the hot dog itself has that snap that gives way to a juicy, meaty mouthful. The chili, mustard, and onions are the perfect complement to it.

Detroiters take their hot dogs quite seriously. Just take a look at Coney Dog'sFacebook wall.

Mike Livanos writes: "This place is the realest outside of Wayne County. From the ingredients to the glassware, they're nailing it."

Drew Patterson posts: "Hence the name DETROIT not New York Coney Dog. Place is great and has had great reviews from Michigan people. Please look for a Middletown restaurant to satisfy your cravings. I will take a Detroit dog over NY any day of the week. Keep up the good work!"

But if you're not feeling beef, Coney Dog has you covered. Try either the Turkey Coney Dog ($4), with vegetarian chili, mustard and onions, or the California Jack ($6), a vegetarian Coney Dog served with vegetarian chili, mustard and onions.

After you've selected your Detroit-style dog, make sure to add an order of their fries, which are crinkle cut and perfectly crispy. They're great plain or topped with beef or veggie chili and cheese.

Another must try is the Faygo pop, shipped in from Michigan. It comes in an array of colorful flavors, including Orange, Grape, Red Pop, Rock N Rye, Root Beer, and Vanilla.

Still have room for dessert? The decadant offerings include the Rockslide brownie with hot fudge ($7.95) and the ice cream sundae ($5.95) with either fudge or caramel, whipped cream, and a cherry.

If opening week is any sign, Coney Dog is going to be dishing out a taste of the Motor City for many years to come.