The Greater Duluth Coney Island Debate

One of the huge controversies among Duluthians present and past is, which Coney Islands are better: Original Coney Island or Deluxe Coney Island (or as locals sometimes refer to them, "Superior Street Coneys" and "First Street Coneys")?

My introduction to both came from my family. My Grandfather took me to Deluxe and my Mom took me to Original. As I was an unsophisticated kid, I never had a regular Coney, but a purist hot dog: just a bun, the dog & yellow mustard. That was it: Plain, simple and innocent. So to me, there was no real difference.

It was only later in life, after I had been corrupted by tobacco, wine, women & song that I degenerated to the full bore Coney Island dog. The difference was the added chile (coney sauce), chopped onions and a sprinkling of salt. It was only then, I noticed a difference.

While meeting classmates at my reunion, the controversy erupted again. Which were better?

Unfortunately, the debate ended unresolved, and a post party taste test was abandoned. (Sorry about that, Tiss). However, I decided to settle (for myself) the controversy.

Now I recall my old preference for the Original's. Back in the day, I used to frequent a bar just across the street from Original's called Mister J's Bar. It was a typical college bar, for that era: Foosball tables, PONG (mounted IN a table), Space Invaders, 25 cent jukebox, pitchers of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Tombstone pizzas. When the hungries got to me, I'd run across the street and grab a handful of Coney Islands to munch. The bar never objected because I was a frequent regular. The bar was also the HQ for my drinking club known as the "Order of the High Jacks"*.

Now, some 30+ years I would make a definitive test of the two competing dogs. That seems to be plenty of time to erase any bias and clear my palate.

The first contender: The Original Coney Island.

Now I am not going into the in's and outs of texture, flavor, aroma, etc. I'll leave that to someone with a more sophisticated palate. I will simply say, it was delicious...but not perfect. Gone was the dog made with a natural casing (pig gut). There was no 'snap' when biting into it. The cola of choice at this establishment is Pepsi-Cola.


The following day, I went to Deluxe Coney Island, and ordered the same. The featured cola there is Coca-Cola (alas, neither soda used real sugar, but the ubiquitous crap known as high fructose corn syrup for sweetener. I hate that crap, but what are you going to do? Mexican made sodas are difficult to find).

Now it must be said, only Original Coney Island's came from the cook pre-sprinkled with salt. To be a fair test, I added a sprinkle to the Deluxe dogs. They also were the skinless type dogs. No 'snap' here, either. I was midway through the second coney and about to call it a tie, when something kicked in. The Deluxe lacked an extra taste sensation that the Original had. I am not sure what it was, but it was another layer of taste bud titillation. Perhaps one of the "secret ingredients" my cousin told me about, or just a tad more of it. In comparison, the Deluxe was a bit bland. Original Coney Island was the subtle winner. Now in all fairness, both places are very good, and near equal in all respects. The price difference was mere pennies (Deluxe was slightly cheaper for two dogs and a small soda). It should also be noted that I prefer Coke over Pepsi.

Now, I am open to a full test panel competition between the two dogs among my old classmates for the best Coney Islands in town. Contact me before the summer of 2016, when I'll be in town again.

The WINNER





*I may tell more about this secret society later. I'll have to check if I can divulge some of the esoteric and undisclosed aspects of this cabal.