Nicky Ds Coney Island Royal Oak Menu

My friend Dave has a theory: every great city has a diner that looks unremarkable from the outside but hides a menu worth crossing town for. Last Saturday, he dragged me to Nicky D's Coney Island in Royal Oak to prove it. I walked in expecting a quick chili dog and walked out already planning my next visit.

That’s the thing about Nicky D's. It’s not just a coney island. It’s a full-blown Greek-American diner that happens to serve some of the best coney dogs in Metro Detroit. The menu is long, a little chaotic, and absolutely worth your time.

The Coney Dogs: Why They’re the Heart of the Menu

Let’s start with the obvious. A coney dog here is a natural-casing hot dog topped with a beanless chili, yellow mustard, and diced onions. The chili is the star: thick, slightly spicy, and not too greasy. You can order it with or without onions, but come on.

They also do a loose hamburger, which is basically the same chili but over a ground beef patty. And the chili cheese fries? They’re a messy, glorious pile that you’ll regret sharing. I know I did.

If you’re a coney purist, you’ll appreciate that the chili recipe hasn’t changed in years. It’s the kind of thing that tastes like tradition. And yes, you can get a coney with no bun if you’re watching carbs. But why would you?

Breakfast All Day: A Royal Oak Blessing

Here’s a secret that regulars know: Nicky D's serves breakfast from open to close. That means you can get a Greek omelet at 8 p.m. if the mood strikes. The omelets are fluffy, stuffed with feta, spinach, and tomatoes. The hash browns are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—exactly how they should be.

If you’re a pancakes person, you won’t be disappointed. They’re thick but not heavy, and the syrup comes warm. And yes, you can get corned beef hash. It’s the kind that’s made in-house, not scooped from a can.

French toast comes on thick-cut challah, dusted with powdered sugar. The waffles are Belgian-style, with deep pockets for butter and syrup. Pro tip: ask for a side of strawberries. They’re fresh, not frozen.

NICKY D’S CONEY ISLAND - Updated June 2026 - 15445 W 7 Mile Rd, Detroit

Beyond Coney: Greek and American Comforts

The menu stretches far beyond hot dogs. There’s a whole section for gyros, souvlaki, and Greek salads. The gyro meat is shaved thin and piled high on a warm pita. The tzatziki is cool and garlicky—perfect against the salty meat.

If you’re not in a Greek mood, they’ve got burgers, club sandwiches, and a patty melt that could rival any fancy bistro. The spinach pie is a sleeper hit. It’s flaky, buttery, and way better than it needs to be for a coney island.

Don’t skip the soups. The chicken lemon rice soup is tangy and thick, the way Greek diners do it. The chili is also available by the bowl. Both are worth a spoon.

The Salads and the Secret Dressing

You might not think of a coney island for salad. But Nicky D's makes a Greek salad that’s legit. It’s loaded with feta, olives, pepperoncini, and cucumbers. The dressing is the real draw: a creamy, herb-packed vinaigrette that regulars buy by the bottle.

The antipasto salad is another winner. It’s basically a chef’s salad with salami, cheese, and a hard-boiled egg. Order it with the Greek dressing on the side. You’ll thank me later.

Menu at Nicky D’s Coney Island restaurant, Sterling Heights, Van Dyke Ave

The Sides and Sweets: Don’t Sleep on Them

You might think sides are an afterthought. You’d be wrong. The onion rings are beer-battered and thick. The French fries are hand-cut, which makes a difference. And the chili is good enough to eat with a spoon.

For dessert, there’s rice pudding, baklava, and milkshakes. The baklava is sticky and nutty, the way it should be. The milkshakes are old-school, made with real ice cream. Save room. Or don’t. I won’t judge.

Practical Stuff: Hours, Vibe, and What to Order

Nicky D's opens early and closes late. The vibe is pure diner: vinyl booths, counter seating, and servers who call you “hon.” It’s casual, fast, and unpretentious. You can pay with card, but bring cash for tips.

If it’s your first time, order a coney dog, a Greek omelet, and split a gyro. That’s the trifecta. If you’re a regular, you already have your order. And if you’re just passing through Royal Oak, do yourself a favor and stop.

The menu at Nicky D's isn’t trying to be trendy. It’s trying to feed you well, and it succeeds. That’s the real story here. Not bad for a place that looks like it’s been there forever.