Undiscovered Duluth

First and First West is home to Delux Coney Island, where you can fill your craving for a Coney dog or choose to go with a gyro. Either decision is a good one.

As you step into the doorway, nine-year-long owner George Regas greets you with a genuine smile and warm hello. Behind the counter, you can how the magic happens as he prepares a handful of Coney dogs.

“It (Coney sauce) has been the same for all the years, it's what the customer wants,� Regas said. The recipe has kept customers coming back year after year.

Coney sauce is a specially designed chili sauce without beans. The “dog� is complimented with Coney sauce, yellow mustard and onions. Each establishment prepares their own secret Coney sauce.

“People always seem happy when they are eating them (hot dogs),� Regas said as he turned to thank a few customers walking out the door, “it is something that they have grown up on.�

Delux Coney Island has been in the community for 85 years, a fact that has not escaped Regas, who marks the third owner in a chain of Greek tradition.

“We try to help out the community; help out people who are down and out. We also give buckets of Coney sauce to charities,� said Regas.

Regas's charity has rubbed off on some of his customers, “The other day a guy came in an put $20 on the counter and said to help some people out who might need it,� he said.

The lunch rush hits and as the line stretches nearly out the door; patrons find their seats to enjoy a break, filled with Coney dogs and good conversation.

“We have been coming here for quite a few years, everyone is nice and the food never changes,� said Joe and Violet as they sit in an open booth to enjoy their lunch.

Within walking distance, on First and Superior East, the Original Coney Island stands comfortably. The establishment has been a Duluth fixture since 1921 and although times have changed, the hot dog remains the same. Since its inception, Original Coney Island has been offering customers he same Coney sauce as it did 87 years ago.

The real story behind the shop is not its timeless Coney dog or the fact that you can catch an early morning breakfast and cup of fresh coffee; it is the “Cheers� like atmosphere.

“You usually see the same people in here, it has a small town café feel,� said regular Tim Celing.

14-year-employee Betty Tenkanem approached Celing, like she would an old friend, to take his order.
"A coffee and hot dog with…� Celing started.
“With mustard, onion, relish and ketchup," Tenkanem finished without missing a beat.

Celing nodded as he took his coffee and retired to the corner of the bar to read the paper.

With an array of pens and paper spread out in front of him, Tom sits at his regular booth working on a project as if he is in his office.

“I come here for the good portions and coffee at a nice price. I eat, drink and get some work done. It's a nice place.�

Tom looks down, makes a note and looks back up, “I have been to a lot of the Duluth's restaurants, but I like the atmosphere here.�

A group of regulars have found their usual seats and ordered some coffee and Coney dogs. Conversation turns to the day’s events as a few others file in and take a seat.

As for the Cast of Original Coney Island, its business as usual gathered around the bar.

Restaurant regulars are not the only ones raving about Original Coney Island. By participating in community events like Side Walk Days and Grandmas Marathon- two tourist favorites- Original Coney Island attracts people from as far as Europe and Alaska. Stepping through the door they get a piece of Duluth history and a good-old-fashion hot dog.

If you decide to dine at Delux Coney Island or the Original, either door you walk through, you are guaranteed a timeless Coney dog and a taste of Duluth's past.