George's Coney Island

Historic diners are a classic piece of Americana and Worcester in central Massachusetts has many of them. The city was a hub for the manufacturing of train-car style diners with the Worcester Lunch Car Company being in operation from 1906 to 1957. Another popular style of diner during this time was the Coney Island restaurant, and George’s Coney Island in the city has been serving hot dogs for over a century since 1918.

The first Coney Island-style diner opened in Jackson, Michigan, in 1914, and they still remain common throughout the Midwest with many of them having been established by immigrants from southeast Europe. It’s named after Coney Island in New York, which many immigrants visited after arriving at Ellis Island. George’s Coney Island in Worcester was established by George and Catherine Tsagarelis and has been serving hot dogs for generations, every day except Tuesdays. In 1938, the restaurant was renovated in an Art Deco style, and the iconic neon sign was inspired by a photo someone took of George holding a hot dog and has remained ever since, as a tribute to his legacy. 

A visit to George’s really does feel like a trip back in time. The Art Deco interior has been immaculately preserved, complete with a restored jukebox, historic photos lining the walls, and even the wooden booths are still etched with names, messages, and graffiti people left behind decades ago. The menu is small yet varied, offering different kinds of burgers, sandwiches, and sides, but without a doubt, their signature item is the Coney Island hot dog complete with chili sauce, mustard, relish, ketchup, and diced onions. Like most restaurants, they have daily specials, and it’s very difficult to have only one of their signature hot dogs. If you’re a fan of classic diners, old-fashioned hot dogs, and good food with old-school vibes, George’s Coney Island is definitely for you.