Great Lakes Coney Island…with Joey, George and the Gang

Have you ever come across a place that you enjoy so much that you just have to share it with the world? I have and it’s a place like no other that welcomes its guests with open arms, loud hellos of your name and plenty of smiles; all just because you’re there. As all my family, friends and followers know by now I moved to metro Detroit at the beginning of the year – it has been hard I won’t lie, living away from home more days than I get to spend home. However, I have found a place that makes me feel right at home and I look forward to going there daily. One day I was out driving around aimlessly looking for something to eat for lunch, I spotted a Subway in a strip plaza and thought I’d just have that for the day. As I got out of my car and started towards the door something at the end of the plaza caught my eye and beaconed me to it, Great Lakes Coney Island. The minute I walked in I was greeted by no less than three employees, in a very welcoming tone, the loudest being of that of Joey, co-owner and chef of the place. The place was buzzing with energy from customers and employees

alike. That day I ordered coneys to-go because it was the special and I knew they wouldn’t take long, I hate eating alone. In a flash I was handed my bag, I also got a side of slaw to secretly add to them once back to my office. There was just something about this little hidden gem that called me back a few days later, and then one day I went to lunch with a colleague who said he knew of this great little coney island …I knew instantly that he was talking about Great Lakes. We sat at the counter (there are four stools) and was treated to the best lunchtime entertainment and food ever, since that day I’ve eaten there every day, always sitting at the counter. I first need to explain the charm of coney island restaurants in the Detroit area for all my followers elsewhere. Coney Islands do sell hot dogs, Detroit style with a sauce, mustard and onions on a steamed bun; however, they are much more than that – they are known for their breakfasts, Greek salads, gyros or stuffed pitas and chicken lemon rice soup – items you will find at most if not all coney islands. I’ve been to many of the coney chains in Detroit, such as Leo’s and Kerby’s, while their food is good – the food at Great Lakes stands out because of the love that is poured onto it. Joey is the most loving of all the Great Lakes employees he makes each customer feel at home and treats them to a show of shenanigans, humor, bird calls, commercials and love, not just for his guests but for the food he prepares to make their experience truly memorable. George, his brother is right beside him, however George is the quiet and more reserved brother and is usually concentrating on filling the never-ending orders for diners, take out and delivery. The brothers put their heart and soul into this family owned business and the end results are remarkable. I send many of our vendors and visitors to Great Lakes and they all have come back praising the food and the atmosphere. My favorite dish is the Hot Chicken Pasta, tri-colored rotini covered in the best grilled chicken in Michigan, feta cheese, shredded cheddar tomatoes, onions and Greek dressing – with a side of fresh grilled pita, Ahhh heaven! They make all their salad dressings in-house and Joey has worked for years perfecting his barbeque sauce which I use instead of ketchup on my fries and when I order a chicken pita it is smothered in it too. I highly recommend the patty melt, the Southwestern Pita (with BBQ sauce), the Stacked Ham, the fresh carved Gyro, the enormous omelets. The salads are huge and loaded in toppings and any of the homemade soups from the goulash to the chicken noodle are simply delicious. The wait staff is remarkable as well, the minute I sit down a coke is waiting for me, refilled the second I drink three sips. So, A HUGE shout out to – Marie, Cathy, Joan, Heather and Taylor the servers that do more than just serve the guests quickly but work tirelessly to seat the guests, take the to-go orders and cash out the guests…all with smiles. In Ohio I had found my lunch hour home at Dave’s Park Avery and I miss Julie and the gang a lot, but it’s been a blessing to find somewhere to once again call home for one hour of my day with Joey and the gang at Great Lakes. I highly recommend a visit to the best kept secret in Farmington Hills, Michigan – where you’ll feel the love the minute you walk through the doors till the last bite of homemade goodness is eaten and you’re already thinking about the next day. I’m slowly working my way through their menu and I’m excited to be able to do it with Joey, George and everyone else that makes Great Lakes Coney Island the best breakfast or lunch spot northwest of Detroit and in my opinion all of Michigan. The food is authentic, and the service is impeccable! Please do yourself a favor and if you’re ever in the Grand River Avenue and 10 Mile Road area, stop at this hidden gem in a small plaza for a truly happy experience, a place I love to call home…and everybody knows your name…and tell them Dave sent you.

Great Lakes Coney Island is located at 38425 Grand River Avenue in Farmington Hills and is open Monday through Friday 7am – 4pm, Saturdays 7am – 3pm and closed on Sunday.