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Warrengwhiz Jul 10, 2006 03:56 PM

Chow Mein-On-A-Bun at Nathan's in Coney Island

I noticed yesterday that one of my childhood favorites, the chow mein sandwich, is still served at the original Nathan's in Coney Island, currently priced at $2.99. Has anyone tried it recently? The chow mein is also sold by the bowl for $3.49. I wonder where it comes from?

  1. o
    obob96 Dec 5, 2006 02:01 PM

    Wherever the chow mein came from--Who was brave enough back then even to consider such a question?--its natural (and some said protective) complement was, for us, another Nathan's speciality, the pineapple drink: acid yellow, full chemical aroma, and magical shards resembling actual fruit afloat in the cup. But those franks, those fries, that cold watermelon.

    1. z
      zacfi Dec 5, 2006 01:45 AM

      I remember those, but I don't think I ever had one. My sister always liked the lobster roll. I always just ate dogs and fries back in the 60s. I still do, as do my kids.

      Do they still also have a clam bar? As many times as I've been there recently I haven't noticed.

      1 Reply
      1. re: zacfi
        meatme Dec 5, 2006 03:35 AM

        Yes.

      2. i
        IrinaD Dec 4, 2006 06:14 PM

        The lobster sandwich is my favorite Nathan's item, well worth the $5.99. I have never been able to bring myself to order the chow mein on a bun.

        1. w
          Warrengwhiz Jul 11, 2006 01:31 PM

          Yes, frog legs are still on the menu at the Nathan's in Coney Island, $6.99 for a standard portion and $8.99 for a larger one. There is also a frog leg platter at $7.99. Two other longtime favorites that remain are the lobster sandwich, now $5.99, and the soft-shell crab sandwich, also $5.99.

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            inane Jul 10, 2006 09:17 PM

            I had the chow mein sandwich about 2 years ago on a (faux) nostalgia (I'm not old enough for this to be authentic nostalgia) trip to Coney Island.

            Yuck. Your childhood can keep it.

            1. m
              MoxieBoy Jul 10, 2006 07:30 PM

              Remember CHOW CHOW CUP on Coney Island Ave where Big Daddy's was (at Btwn Aves X and Y)? They had chow mein in a fried noodle cup you ate after the chow mein was finished. Did Nathan's ever have a similar cup?

              Also, a fave of my mother's during the mid '60 was Nathan's frog legs. I had them but was not thrilled as she was. Do you know of any fast food places still serving them?

              1 Reply
              1. re: MoxieBoy
                s
                scooter Jul 11, 2006 03:00 AM

                I believe frogs legs are still up on the board at the Coney Island Nathan's.

              2. k
                kernel Jul 10, 2006 06:20 PM

                My wife insisted on trying it last year when we were there to also relive a childhood memory-although I strongly urged her not to at the ridiculous price they're getting for this. She did enjoy it but I still don't get it. By the way do you remember the roast pork sandwich they sold? I miss the delicious clam BROTH they used to sell-I'm going back, but I paid a dime for it.

                2 Replies
                1. re: kernel
                  Scagnetti Jul 10, 2006 09:26 PM

                  I remember the roast pork sandwiches but do you remember the orange drinks that they sold in real glasses next to the hot dog grill?

                  1. re: Scagnetti
                    k
                    kernel Jul 11, 2006 02:42 AM

                    Yes and before the outdoor seating was put in, there was a separate free-standing vending area which sold hot butttered corn, watermelon and custard. The best hot dogs in those days,however, were ON the boardwalk at Hebrew National. I can still hear the guy screaming "a doggy, a doggy!"

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