The Oldest Lunch Counter In Nebraska, Coney Island Lunch Room, Will Take You On A Trip Down Memory Lane
By Delana Lefevers|Published November 05, 2018
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
When a restaurant is full of personality and outstanding food, it tends to stick around. This retro-style lunch counter has been going strong in Grand Island for more than 85 years now, and it’s been a favorite ever since it opened.
Coney Island Lunch Room opened in Grand Island in 1933. Ever since the beginning, it's served some of life's simple pleasures: savory hot dogs, salty fries, and rich shakes.
If you want to stop in for lunch, arrive early and be prepared for a little wait if it's busy. This place is tiny; the seating consists of one row of booths along the wall and one row of stools at the counter.
But even if you have to wait for a seat, you won't mind once you get a taste of the food. The old-fashioned diner experience is fun and kitschy in the best way.
Look around for some interesting decor, including the original menu from 1933. It hasn't really changed much in 85 years aside from the expected price increases.
Coney Island's specialty is, of course, its coneys. The dogs have just the right amount of snap when you bite into them, and the toppings all perfectly complement the hot dogs and fresh buns.
Don't pass up the fries - they're good enough to be a meal all on their own! There are other treats on the menu, as well: burgers, grilled cheese, and ham and cheese sandwiches are also available for lunch, as is a daily lunch special. Stop by for breakfast to have some bacon or sausage, eggs, and toast.
The shakes and malts get equally high marks from visitors. They're thick, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. They're the ideal accompaniment to the savory, salty lunch you'll enjoy here. If you're not a fan of ice cream, try a piece of pie instead!
Coney Island Lunch Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Visit their Facebook page for information on specials and events.
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