James Coney Island

When in Houston we love JCI, and stop here every time! And since my wife and mother in law, have to pee every 30 minutes!!!
This makes for a perfect stop, for us

I have always loved James Coney Island since I was a child and still do, but it seems like a corporate identity is changing an easy concept. The menu is getting crazy and the prices are going up. I would prefer to be served in the old school box than a plate. Overall besides my gripe, the food and the service are still great.

I hadn’t been to JCI for a few years but it was a kid’s pre-​birthday party lunch so the family stopped by there and even though I got a non-​hotdog lunch (Chipotle Chicken), it was pretty good, though small for the price which was higher than average fast food. I am giving them 4 stars for being clean and for the great service however. On several occasions the employees came and asked how everything was and whether we needed anything.

Hot dogs were mushy and disgusting. There was no flavor. Don’t waste your money! Defiantly will not be returning.

Poor quality and high prices. I recommend that you avoid this restaurant. The food was unappetizing. Corn dogs, all hot dogs (like Chicago Style), fries, and tots were bad. Even the fountain soda was terrible.

A local favorite that could be found throughout the Houston area. Love the new additions to the menu as well as the original hot dogs. This place is clean and has very friendly staff. By far the best place to get a chili cheese dog in town.

Wow, I just had the WORST experience I’ve ever had in my life with JCI! We were the only car in the drive thru and there was NO ONE inside, but there were 5 employees (including the manager) in the kitchen, standing around doing nothing. It took forever to get the 2 plain hot dogs we ordered! No one even came to the window to acknowledge us until our food was ready 7 minutes later. Then the manager in duty gave me a lame excuse that it took so long because they were filling all the other orders (from the 0 customers in the drive thru and the 0 customers inside). I gave it 1 star because I like the food and the chain, and it won’t allow less than 1 anyway. I hope the franchisee will take care of this immediately. I really like this place, but the service was piss poor tonight. I’d fire the manager for sure!

James Coney Island never fails wen you are wanting a great burger or a fantastic hot dog. I always get the chilli cheese dogs with chili cheese tots. They are always quick to make it on spot. The past couple of times I went there, the whole staff was very polite and accommodating. I would drive out of my way for a taste of heaven like this. I do warn you, James coney has always been known to be a bit on the pricey side. There isn’t really anything «cheap» per say!

Dave, the manager at the Katy/​Mason Rd. location is awesome. He went above and beyond to help me out with the most random Father’s Day gift of all time. My dad LOVES JCI and has to have it every time he’s anywhere near Houston. His cravings for it drive my mom crazy the rest of the time, so we talked to Dave and he made a package for him with 2 dozen dogs, buns, chili, cheese– the works. He even threw in a hat and T-​shirt for him! Not only did he put the package together, he even offered to ship it on dry ice, or MEET ME HALF WAY between San Antonio and Katy to get it to me. Luckily a friend was traveling from there to here, so it worked out perfectly without either of us having to go the extra mile. Best customer service ever. He obviously takes a lot of pride in his job and his company, which is rare these days. Cheers to Dave– my dad was so stoked! THANK YOU!!!

Every now and then I get a craving for a couple of James Coney hot dogs and a side of tater tots. There is just something about the steamed bun, minced onions, chili and mustard with a splash of hot sauce (no cheese) that I really like. If hot dogs aren’t your thing they have a lot of new items on the menu, burgers, salads and a tamale plate. The ice tea is fresh brew and very good here.
The outside of the restaurant has recently been remodeled, looks very nice. They are going to be remolding the interior as well in a few months.
As far as customer service goes, at a management level its great. When we were there this past time the manager went from table to table checking on all the guest, good job!
A few of the employees however could use some additional training. I had to repeat my order 3 times to the guy at the counter before he could get it right. Then when I get to the register to pay, the girl tells me she cant find the order. Umm… I just ordered 2 minutes ago, 10 feet away. They were friendly but clueless.

Went from a normal fast food place to… an attempt to be trendy? Food seems to be of the same quality. Menu is a bit weird now and the kitchen being up front made a bit of chaos when trying to order. Not bad, but ill go to sonic for a hotdog next time.

I am so disappointed in my meal from JCI. I’ve been eating at various locations around Houston since I was a kid — so nearly 30 years (good lord). They have always tasted exactly the same no matter which location I go to. So we’re away from Texas for almost five years and I am super excited to pick up lunch at this location a little while ago. I order a #1 and am offered the Hungryman Special for $ 0.80 more. All beef hot dogs, large fries, and a large drink instead of the regular hot dogs, med fries, and med drink. Since I was to be sharing this meal with my mom I thought that would be a good way to go.
Maybe it’s because it is different from what I’ve been eating my entire life, but these hot dogs SUCKED. The chili was different (why would you use different chili?) and there was shredded cheese instead of their squirt cheese (why use different cheese?). I know I sound crazy for complaining about hot dogs, but when something has been the same literally every other time you’ve eaten at a chain… Come on.
Maybe they do use different chili regularly on those mega hot dogs, I don’t know. But I will never try them again. Sticking to my regular order, and hopefully things will be all good.

Before you step foot in this place, make sure you text «HOTDOG» to 444 888 for a free cheese coney.
I decided to let this business have my dollars after reading online that they will give you 2 kids meals with the purchase of 1 adult combo on Wednesdays. Just to verify the information, I called the store, and they ensured me that was the case, so I packed up 2 kiddos and made my way there.
I make it to the counter and verify, once again, if the 2 for 1 kid deal was accurate, and they say it is not. It is 1 for 1 kids meal deal. I showed them my call log, and told them that they actually did tell me to come in and that 2 for 1 was accurate. Long story short, it is 1 for 1, and that is just the way it is! The staff was really apologetic about the mix up, and was very professional the entire time I dined in. It is still a good deal. The kids meals come with a free ice cream cup as well, so the kiddos will be happy and full.
The person taking the orders recommended trying their burger, so I got that combo. I must say I was pleasantly surprised with the flavor of the meat. Also, all the toppings were really fresh. All in all, it is a chain restaurant, so there is nothing truly thrilling about this place. If you wish to get a break from the norm, then definitely give them a shout. Just remember, 1 kids meal with 1 adult combo purchase on Wednesday… no matter what they tell you!

I have lived in Katy for almost three years and for those three years, I have driven past James Coney Island without going in, long story short I will keep on driving past and will get our hot dogs from sonic.
I took the kids there for lunch and the hot dogs were mediocre, which is disappointing given that this is what they are supposed to be known for. I ordered a shake and it was bad as well. Maybe my expectations are too high for a fast food joint.
On the positive side, their staff are nice and the kids like the ice cream after lunch. Were it not for the staff being so nice, I would have given it a one.

We went here a couple months ago, and the food was disgusting. They used fake cheese, and the chili was this gross runny stuff that looked like diarrhea. JCI used to be good, but its clear those days are gone.

Great food and great value. As Steve states the Chicago dogs are the best you will get this far from the windy city. They remind me of my many trips to Portillo’s when I lived up there. One note though for those who understand these things, we are talking North Side dogs, not the bland and boring king you get South of the river. You know the ones that reflect the sad excuse for a baseball team that they call the Sox :-)
Anyway back on track, JCI is the place to go to get your dog fix. Friendly staff that tend to your every need.
One final comment. I am sitting in this restaurant with my kids as I write this.

James Coney Island: Houston’s mark on the hotdog.
Let me start off by saying that even though I’m not a Houstonian, I’ve been coming to James Coney Island ever since I can remember. In fact, besides the annual trip as a kid to see the Astros at the dome, some of my fondest memories are of visiting the various James Coney Island locations throughout the greater Houston area.
Perhaps then it’s no surprise that whenever I’m in the area, it’s hard not to get a craving for one of their famous chili-​cheese coneys. The Mason Road is by far my favorite location not only because of its proximity to I-​10, but because their food is consistently good, the bathrooms are clean, and it’s never too busy for a quick bite to eat.
As I eluded to, I’m a big fan of the chili-​cheese dogs here and I highly recommend them «all the way» (which includes chili sauce, mustard, diced onions, and the artificial cheese that gives it its oh so unique flavor). JCI has been serving them this way ever for decades. They are the signature item on the menu and no visit there for the first timer is complete without trying one.
The other thing I really enjoy is the Chicago-​style hotdog. After a few trips to Chicago, I can say they’ve got this thing down to a «T» with the bright green relish, Vienna beef dog, sport peppers, celery salt and other condiments that make this hotdog unique to the windy city. Again, another interesting and delicious item that you can’t really find anywhere else.
Besides the food, one of the other reasons I really like JCI is that it’s got quirky traditions that have been maintained over the years. They are the only place I’ve ever seen that sells Delaware Punch. They’re also one of the few fast food restaurants that serves food on an actual ceramic plate, and when you’re done, employees will bus your table. What other fast food restaurant takes pride in those sort of things? For those reasons James Coney Island is, and will continue to be, a great Houston tradition and a place I’ll continue eating at whenever I’m in town.