Last week, while mom and I were driving down to Dade City, FL to the veterinarian's office we drove past this cute old time looking place to eat in Brooksville, FL. I hadn't been to that town since I was about 12 years old and we drove over from Orlando, FL to go to Roger's Christmas House & Village (which is now closed/out of business.) Mom told me that she had heard good thing about the Coney Island Drive-Inn. She even thought she might have seen it on the Travel Channel, Food Network, or such. It wasn't really possible for us to stop on the way home to eat there. Both of our Furbabies were tired and feeling yucky from all the shots plus it is illegal to leave pets, children, and such in a vehicle in the State of Florida.
Well, at around 3pm I thought it would be cool if Dan and I took a drive. This would give us a chance to enjoy the sunshine, have a late lunch, and give us a break from all the Ecuador planning and selling.
It was a nice relaxing drive through what we refer to as "Old Florida" back roads. When you pull up in the driveway it is a little bit of old charm mixed with the feeling that it is a tourist trap.
Inside the Coney Island Drive-Inn
Inside Menu
They were pretty busy when we arrived. We attempted to sit inside and there was just no way that was going to happen. Plus, they close at 6pm on Sunday and we wanted be able to sit and eat so we went outside and found an available picnic table. Thank goodness the outside cleared out since they allow smoking outside in that area. We do hate the smell of smoke, especially while we are trying to eat. I'm wondering how this is in Ecuador!
Outside order window
Outside Menu
Outside window, again
Dan, chilling at the Coney Island Drive-Inn
I had the Chili Cheese Foot Long Hot Dog. Dan had the Coney Sauce with minced Onions Foot Long Hot Dog. Then we shared a Chili Cheese Fry and a 32 oz Root Beer.
Our Food Tray
Our Food Tray, again
We thought it would be nice to bring mom some food since she has to work tonight and she wasn't able to go with us. We ordered her a Foot Long Hot Dog with Mustard & Sweet Relish. Plus, a side of Cole Slaw and a 32oz Fresh Squeezed Lemonade. In the end, everything cost less than $20.
What did we think of the food you ask....
We were disappointed in the quality of the food. They use cheap hot dogs, sour harsh minced onions, Hormel Chili, Liquid Tasteless Cheeses, and Frozen Fries. The "Coney Sauce" had no flavor and the Hot Dogs had No Snap to them, they were mushy, and white on the inside. Having been to the Northeast many times this was No Coney Island Hot Dog or food for that matter. In addition, Dan was born in Illinois and he lived in Chicago for a number of years and he was not impressed, at all. The place was run down and needed some attention. The door to the kitchen was beyond paint chips and dirty. Unpainted plywood was covering the ceiling. The staff needs to learn to pick chairs up and not make god awful sounds dragging them around. We both really wanted to love this place and just didn't. Dan and I do not plan to ever go back, We will have to see what mom thinks after she eat hers for dinner tonight.
Mom's Foot Long, Cole Slaw, and Lemonade
This is the place that took over Roger's Christmas House & Village.
Congratulations on an interesting blog. My wife and I are dreaming of a fun adventure in South America so we will follow along with your journey. Good luck and keep sharing your tips and insights. Thank you!
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