Coney Island Drive Inn

Great dogs, nostalgia and music. Very locals feel. I want to try everything! Good crowd too

Brooksville is one of those quaint small towns you often think about as settings in Hallmark movies. Located just east of Spring Hill and Weeki Wachi Springs, Brooksville has become a unique tourist attraction for its unique art scene, local take of Hernando County's mermaid lore, and small town charm.Along with the aforementioned, Brooksville has an array of unique businesses, which includes restaurants. One of them is Coney Island Drive Inn. This restaurant is recognized as bringing Coney Island hot dogs to the area, albeit probably the state of Florida. Since its inception, it has been an iconic restaurant, and I have to say, they live up to their history.Coney Island Drive-Inn (which I will simply shorthand to Coney Island for the remainder of the review) is located on the westside of East Jefferson St. in Historic Brooksville, neighboring another iconic restaurant/business in the town, Gators Dockside.Upon parking in their gravel stone parking area, you're greeted with the "roadside attraction" feel of visiting Coney Island during its iconic heyday. As a matter of fact, it is said, and even written among town and Elvis news, that while filming a movie back in the 1960s, Elvis Presley went to Coney Island to eat their famous hot dogs.Anyways, back to the review. The restaurant is technically not a drive-inn anymore, but a sit-down area with both an indoor and outdoor area. Since I was walking the length of the Mermaid Trail in Brooksville, I opted for indoor seating to enjoy some air conditioning.To some, the decor will be iconic while others will call it tacky, but think of how roadside attractions were decorated during the 1960s, especially along Historic Route 66 within Arizona. That is what you'll get stepping into Coney Island.As for me, I ordered their special called Norm's Big Dog, a footlong hot dog with chili, onions, slaw, cheese, and onion rings. I also had chili fries and a drink, too. I have to say, the flavor is a big explosion but that was a lot of food and I couldn't finish it. Since I was walking, I decided not to box it which is sad, but I had to get back to the car and had a little less than half of the trail to blaze.The prices for the food were also good. Six dollars for the foot long was not bad at all. Overall, it was worth the stop along the Brooksville Mermaid Trail.On a sidenote: the restrooms were clean, but the place is so popular, getting seating is kind of hard. I actually shared my table with an older gentleman who walked with crutches.Ultimately, Coney Island is a place I suggest everyone try at least once if you are in the area. Definitely better than any other footlong hot dog I ever had here in Florida, and that is saying something for me as Long Doggers has been perfect scores across the board and that is their iconic foodpiece.As for me, I will definitely go back, but for now, I want to explore the other restaurants in Historic Brooksville. Maybe if I am hankering a fish sandwich or hot dog, I will come in.________SPECIAL NOTE: Coney Island Drive-Inn is one of the locations in the HIstoric Brooksville Mermaid Trail. Check out the town's official website via the tourism section to learn more about the tour. Did you find the mermaid that resides here?

This is very unique and strange. They indicate that they are New York style Coney Island amusement park hot dog stand. The hot dog they carry has variety of combinations. One thing for sure they have influence of Florida style hot dog. The Gator Dog. This hot dog has 80 percent gator meat in it. I got one of it and it is delicious. Other hot dogs include chili dog, coney sauce dog, Reuben dog, crispy corn dog, sausage dog and more. Other than that, there are New York and Chicago dog. Those dog seem longer. Other than dog, they also carry hamburger, chicken wings, sandwiches. The price is very affordable, there are lot family came here with kid. The ambience is very nice. I have the rum runner as frozen drink and is great for thirst. My wife have the fried corn very similar to New Orleans French market.

Definitely worth stopping by. Drive over an hour to try. Love the nostalgia & kitschy vibe. Food was tasty, especially the fried corn & cyclone taters.

Well, I haven't been here in three years, but not much has changed. I had a long dog with pickles and onions and relish. That was about $3.25 and I had french fries poutine which I've had before oh dear Lord even though I hadn't had it in three years it was perfect just like the last time if you don't know what it is go there and try it or Google it They even have ground meat hotdogs again. You'll have to go there to find out what that is. They even serve Chicago style hotdogs. My dinner cost less than dinner at McDonald's would've been.

So I've been wanting to get here since moving to the area. Tonight I finally did!! I see no reason to do it again. Ever. Cool place to visit and see, but the food is underwhelming, at best. The hotdogs look great, but are some the cheapest lowest quality hotdogs you can buy. Super disappointingThe chopped meat sandwich was almost disgusting. The meat is indistinguishable, but probably beef, I guess. It gets its flavor from the greasy steamed onions (McDonalds style) and condiments. If you're looking for an old fashion indigestion inducing mistake of a dining experience, this is your place!! They do all that right.

Winner!! This place was awesome. The moment you walk in the whole staff welcomes you! Very energetic. The exterior and interior were very cool. We were looking for a nice local spot for a quick bite and found this gem. I got the footlong chili cheese dog and my wife got the regular size chili cheese with onions. Both were fantastic. So good we got 2 more foot-longs to take with us. They placed all ingredients in separate containers so the it would not be a mess transporting them. Service was fast and very friendly. The coolest thing is this place was visited by Elvis Presley when he was in the area shooting a movie. So cool especially if you are an Elvis fan. Loved this place and will be back!! Good food... good mood!

I ordered the Coney Sauce (Chili) & Onion Hot Diggity Dog with a side of Cheese fries and my god were they amazing!Something so simple yet hits the spot every time. First time going there & if I'm ever back in the area again definitely going for round two! Staff very friendly and nice! The sweet girl who took my order at the (outside) ordering window has contagiously sweet & energetic energy & overall a sweet woman! 11/10 recommend The ambiance of the place has a classic feel to it. I would find myself just admiring everything around me.

Tho solace reminds me of a roadside restaurant from the 60's. Lots of memorabilia on the walls to look at. Food is very good. Had the long corn dog with cheese fries and ate every last crumb. Fries were crispy and done to perfection with just the right amount of salt. It was a busy Saturday so it was a little loud but the food made it bearable. Anyway, there are lots of menu options to choose from so you will have no problem finding something that speaks to you. The turnaround time from order to your food being ready is pretty fast even when they are very busy.

You can never go wrong with anything here. My kids love this place . Its quite a ride from where we live but well worth it .