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With the surprising closing of Spangas Coney Island after 23 years serving metro-Detroit, and a recent Detroit Free Press article about the decline of the Coney Island and the rise of the Hani (chicken sandwich) I was a bit depressed, so  I took the suggestion and decided to to try Athens Coney Island on Woodward in Royal Oak and was excited because it had been a long time since I ate at Athens.

As with most Coney Island restaurants Athens has a considerable menu, but is known for its classic Coney’s.  I ordered ordered 1 Coney and a side of chili cheese fries, I also took 1 Coney to go, to snack on later (a good move).  On the table were Woebers All -American mustard, Red Gold ketchup and Frank's Red Hot Cayenne Pepper Sauce.


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The Coney
Spicy...the first word that comes to mind when tasting this Coney, I think the spice came from the fresh chopped onion or possibly pepper in the chili.  The bun was steamed with mustard squeezed on the bun before the hot dog is added.  The hot dog was a skinless bun length and to be frank and it is obvious there has been some thought put into kind of hot dog used because it is definitely a dog made for a Coney .  A generous portion of thicker style Detroit Coney chili is was on top almost a mix of Detroit and Flint chili, I prefer it to be a bit thinner but it was good nonetheless.  In summation one of the better Coney's in metro-Detroit and a true complement to Spangas.
Coney Score 4.6/5 

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The Chili Cheese Fries
Classic, a large portion of thinly cut crispy fries, the right amount of chili and melted American cheese.  If you want to try the classic combination and feel full afterwards this is it.  The only knock on these fries is the chili and very slight only because of personal tastes the chili was a bit thick and too spicy but another blogger may give these fries a 5.0
Chili Cheese Fry Score 4.6/5.0

Overall
Athens is the quintessential metro-Detroit Coney Island and has that old school diner feel. To me it has always been a close second to Spangas, but now that Spangas has closed Athens is at the top.  It's menu has many other deserving items but the flagpole item, the Coney island hot dog sets a standard as do the chili cheese fries. If you are from out of town and want a true Detroit food experience eat at Athens and if you live in metro-Detroit you know what I mean.
Overall 9.2/10