As time has passed, many of these businesses have given way to a plethora of thrift stores, bars, and restaurants. The bars have probably always been there, but the fact remains that Independence Street has seen better days. Many of the buildings could use either a razing or a cleaning up, and some of the vacant storefronts (specifically the former balloon and birthday party outlet) could really use some repair.
Regardless, the Coney Island Lunch still remains. It has been a long standing business for 95 years, owned by the same family and still cranking out the same menu- hamburgers and hot dogs.
When you walk into the Coney Island Lunch, you are instantly transported back to a time that has long since passed. The long lunch counter is still there, the extremely high ceiling and salmon-colored walls a harkening back to either the 1930s or 1940s. They must still make that color paint, but I haven't seen it anywhere else. Right now, being that it is December, this restaurant boasts one of the largest Christmas trees in town. I also have to mention the sign. This lighted, neon beauty has become a symbol of Shamokin itself. There is a mural that has been painted on the side of one of the Independence Street Buildings that includes many of the symbols of the city, and the Coney Island Lunch sign is front and center.
It makes me nostalgic for a time I never have known myself. You can imagine the old coal miners coming in, grabbing their lunch, and heading back for an afternoon full of hard work.
That being said, the building does show its age a bit. The counter is haphazardly taped together in at least one spot (where I happened to eat today), and they could use some new chairs. A few months ago, I sat at a table with my friend Eric, and my chair legs were definitely uneven. Here's the thing about the age of the place though- I wouldn't want them to renovate it. It is too unique for this day to do such a thing.
The prices are not old fashioned, though. I had two chili dogs and a bottle of water today, and the total came to $8.70. I brought eight bucks with me, figuring it would maybe around $5 or $6 for what I wanted. I figured that the bottle of water would be a buck and maybe the chili dogs would be $2.50 each. Note: the prices at the Coney Island are not easily seen. I looked around and couldn't find a menu. If you don't know what the prices are, you're out of luck as far as I can tell.
I was out of luck, running 70 cents short. I explained this to the very kind woman behind the counter, and told her that I would run out to my car for some more cash, at which point she told me, "don't' worry about it buddy, I'll put it in for you."
You're not going to get that kind of treatment in many places today, that's for sure. Everytime I have been in Coney Island Lunch, I have been treated well by its employees. This particular lady is going to get a gift card for her kindness.
The Coney Island serves old fashioned glass bottle soda made by the nearby Catawissa Bottling Company. It is a good fit for this place, though the sugar probably isn't the best for you. I guess health isn't really a consideration when you are talking about a hamburger and hot dog joint. Oh, and one interesting thing about the bottles? They are small, because they're about the same size people used to drink. You really get a view of how portion size has gone out of control over the years when you take a look at one of these bottles.
As for the food, it is good enough. I can't say that either the hamburgers or hot dogs blow me out of the water, but they taste fine for what they are. I will say that they get a little bit of a downgrade from me because of how expensive they are. The hot dogs I had today had a fair beefy, salty taste, with a nice crisp skin (I asked for mine well done), with the chili giving a decent smoky flavor, but not sweet at all like others I have tasted. The hamburgers are hamburgers (or cheeseburgers if that is your preference)- they are better than the kind you get at McDonald's, but you can make the same thing at home if you want.
I highly recommend this place for the atmosphere, and the food's okay too.
Coney Island Lunch
218 E Independence St, Shamokin, PA 17872
(570) 648-9249
