Coney Island Hot Dog Stand

Coney Island Hot Dog Stand Joshua Berman on Flickr (Creative Commons)

It’s no mystery what’s for sale at the Coney Island Hot Dog Stand—one look at the building’s hot-dog shape tells the whole story.

Originally opened in 1966 in Denver, the restaurant, commonly referred to as The Coney Island, was originally part of a proposed chain of businesses that would bring the atmosphere of New York’s famous boardwalk resort to the mountainous climes of Colorado. Unfortunately, the plans for the chain fell through, but The Coney Island remained. By 1970, the novelty eatery was moved to the mountain town of Aspen Park where smaller hot dogs were again served from inside the giant one.

By 1999, business at the stand had dwindled, and a local initiative to save the whimsical building began. The aging kitchen was replaced and the building was refurbished. Unfortunately, the precious real estate the hot dog was taking up was needed for a decidedly non-food-shaped bank building. The Coney Island once again had to hit the road.

This time, it landed in its current home in the town of Bailey. The Coney Island is still a popular eatery among locals and visitors alike, and is a classic throwback to a time of roadside kitsch and novelty architecture.

Know Before You Go

There is plenty of free parking out front, with a store full of touristy stuff right next door. If visiting, you can try going for an Atlas Obscura twofer, with the Sasquatch Outpost less than a mile down the road.