Coney Island Diner, Mansfield’s Oldest Restaurant

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Tonya Prater, Owner

A 2018 Ohio Travel Leadership Academy graduate, Certified Travel Ambassador, published author, and founder of the "Day Trips in Ohio" private Facebook group, Tonya is a former full-time RVer and aspiring van camper who balances her time between traveling with her husband's job, cherishing moments with her grandkids, and plotting her next road trip.

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After a recent conversation with my husband, I’ve decided to amend my extensive Ohio Bucket list to include 13 restaurants I’ve never eaten at before. I’m often asked for recommendations of places to eat in our hometown, and ashamedly, I can offer very little beyond my favorite pizza place or the typical chain restaurants. My husband and I have made a pact to visit a new restaurant in our town every couple weeks, so next time someone asks, I’ll be prepared to give them a tried-and-true recommendation of the best places to eat in Mansfield, Ohio.

I couldn’t think of a better place to begin than Mansfield’s oldest restaurant, Coney Island Diner, located on the historic Main Street in the heart of the Carrousel District.  The simple, nostalgic downtown eatery is famous for its Coney’s and Pea Salad.

I’m not a fan of hot dogs, so while my husband and son ate hot dogs with onions, mustard, and a special Coney sauce, my daughter and I opted for fried delicacies like golden fries, steaming fried mushrooms and delicious cheese sticks dipped in Ranch dressing.

If it hadn’t been so cold outside, we’d have opted for a Root Beer Float made with premium Hershey’s ice cream. We’ll stop back in the summer for that special treat.

This downtown diner has been serving customers since 1936, closing briefly as it underwent renovations in 2012 to repair extensive damage caused by a water sprinkler break.

You’ll find good food, good service, and good prices at this hometown diner decorated with memorabilia from the area. My teens can’t wait to go back.  If you find yourself in Mansfield and are looking for an unusual place to eat, you should stop in at the Coney Island Diner.

Who wants a Coney?

Location:

98 North Main Street
Mansfield, Ohio 44902
Phone: 419-526-2669
Website: www.coneyislanddiner.net/

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Saturday 6:30AM to 7:00PM
Closed on Sunday

Mansfield Area Attractions:

The Richland Carrousel
The Historic Ohio State Reformatory
Biblewalk
Kingwood Center
The Blockhouse in South Park
Oak Hill Cottage
Mansfield Memorial Museum
Gorman Nature Center
Fowler Woods State Park
Malabar Farm State Park
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum