Old vs New: Brooklyn’s Best Iconic Foods
Old School: Nathan’s
This Coney Island stalwart has been serving frankfurters the same way since 1916. The extra-long all-beef dogs snap nicely when you bite into them, have an appealing sweet and smoky flavor, and bear up perfectly to gobs of spicy, deli-style mustard, piles of sauerkraut, or (gasp!) Heinz ketchup. Although many (many) franchises have followed, nothing beats a visit to the original location on Surf Avenue. Yes, the area has seen better days, and you might end up guarding your sand-kissed dog from one-eyed seagulls or roving drunks, but somehow, that only adds to the appeal.
1310 Surf Ave., (718) 946-2202