Coney Island Hot Dogs in Baltimore? YES!

A few months ago my dad, who apparently has taken up watching the Food Network in his spare time, emailed excitedly to tell me about a diner in Baltimore he’d seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Could he remember the name? No (but fortunately I can Google.) He could remember how good the food looked and signed off with orders to find the diner and try the burger and dog. An order I promptly forgot about. Until today, when stuck at a light on Eastern and Conkling in Highland Town, I happened to glance to my right and lo and behold there was the diner with an empty parking spot right out front. Ok, I know divine providence when I see it. Clearly the food Gods were giving me a sign. And hey, bonus, it was lunchtime with only a yogurt waiting for me at home. So I swooped into the parking space and raced the 100 degree heat for the a/c inside G & A Restaurant (Dad, G&A Restaurant.)

Cute does not describe this place well. You know the retro-glistening diner chains you see off highway exits? Those are cute but not authentic. If you’re looking for a greasy spoon you’ll just be disappointed if you go there. This place, however, was the real deal. Family owned and operated since 1927, G&A (short for Gregory and Alex Diacumacos) is locally known as the place to get Coney Island dogs and burgers.

Now I’m no diner or Coney hot dog expert, but I know yummy when I taste it and this place was yummy. The hot dog was slathered with mustard, greasy chili and onions guaranteed to give you heart burn. But you won’t care! The fries are fresh cut daily with just the right amount of salt and swimming in thick gravy (which you can get on the side.) The sliders were juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, dripping with grease and gleaming with cheese. They brew their own iced-tea complete with crushed ice and real sugar like your grandma used to make on hot summer days. Perfect.

Carry-out if you must, but really you should dine in. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is comfortable and laid-back and the a/c is cool. This place is a definite Baltimore do. Do it early though. They’re only open Monday through Saturday, 7 am - 7 pm.