Nathan’s Famous

Reviews

• Tim S.

  star star star star star 8 June 2026

  If you think I'm writing anything other than a 5-star review for the original Nathan's famous on Coney Island, you've got another thing coming because, as my most recent trip to NYC reaffirmed, it was mind-blowing.
  
  We were in Coney Island on what could not have been a more perfect day: 75 degrees and the beach was packed.  We knew we had to do Nathan's.  We got in line and immediately realized we were going nowhere fast.  We waited somewhere between 30-35 minutes to get to the front, stopped by two homeless people in the interim asking for handouts (this is standard practice in Coney and not Nathan's fault so fair enough).
  
  Upon ordering, we got two hot dogs with sauteed onions and sauerkraut, one cheese and chili dog, one order of fries and one order of onion rings.  Upon being seated and beginning our meal, it became clear how head and shoulders above other hot dog joints it is.  The hot dogs are delicious with a nice snap, the sauerkraut and onions are very fresh, the chili and cheese are piping hot, and the fried items are lightly fried and piping hot.
  
  Nathan's famous is Nathan's famous for a reason; though you may wait in a long line due to what seems to be understaffing, the food is consistently delicious and always a necessary stop on a trip to NYC.

• Megs S.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 6 June 2026

  Is it bad to say that I remember it being bigger!? Lol. I do though. I distinctively remember the wiener much larger in length and girth.
  
  Question of the day: Is Nathan's smaller than Sams?
  
  We're talking hot dogs here people.

• Mike S.

  star star star star_border star_border 26 May 2026

  Update: some time the service can be down right annoying. I waited 30 min in a line only to have a new line open and people him rushed and waited 10 seconds. I will say even though toasted lobster roll was a soggy mess, I liked it and will probably get everytime(I love lobster). Shrimp basket is now my go to instead of clam basket. More flavor. Had a dozen large raw clams for $15. Good, but I'd do the small neck next time.
  
  Obviously Nathan's is a staple of Coney Island. But there really is something special when you can see a heard of beach combers ordering and still be serviced within minutes. I love the clam basket. Shrimp are solid, chilli cheese dog on point(although I don't come here anymore for chilli dogs). I've always found a seat with shade, I always enjoy the fried food, and Goodness gracious a large beer is large as fuck. Win.

• Jaci K.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 22 May 2026

  When my friends and I decided to go to Coney Island, I made up my mind that I absolutely HAD to get a hotdog from the original Nathan's. The actually spot is pretty cool and from across the street looks very alluring. It's HUGE and is impossible to miss! It's surrounded with crowds of people who are eager to eat at this token place.
  
  That being said, that's about all Nathan's has going for it. Once you step inside, it's more like being at a theme park. There are about 20 different lines, the cashiers look like they absolutely hate hot dogs and people who eat them, and the prices are absolutely INSANE. The hot dogs were extremely small and for $6 a pop, I was more than dissatisfied. I also ordered a large chili cheese fries to share, and the portion was similar to a McDonald's dollar size. The best part? On the coney island boardwalk they have Nathan hot dog stands with no lines and the same food.
  
  Take pictures , step inside, then step right out to find a better food joint. Don't get caught up in the hype.

• Margaret P.

  star star star star star_border 19 May 2026

  A trip to Coney Island is not complete unless you mosey your way over to Nathan's Famous hot dogs. This place is the OG spot for your hot dog needs!
  
  Nathan's is a global brand for hot dogs nowadays, so when you come here, you'll find swarms of people lining up for their piece of the share!
  
  Our wait on a Sunday wasn't too bad though. We had a bacon cheese dog, and a chili cheese dog. Since Nathan's is sold everywhere now, I didn't get the wow factor perse, but eating a Nathan's hot dog anywhere is always a good time IMO.
  
  Hot dogs will run you about $5, which isn't bad for a touristy spot. They have plenty of outdoor seating, or you can opt to eat it on the boardwalk while enjoying the beautiful landscape.
  
  P.S. This is where they host the annual hot dog eating contest! You'll find a huge mural with the top winners and contestants throughout the years!