Coney Island Grill

Last week I was off to St. Petersburg Florida in order to support Mr. Nelson on his solo exhibition. Florida for me on prior occasions had been visits to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and some other adjoining areas. Cities that are akin to airports with a constant stream of people moving in and out seasonally. I had never imagined that besides being a state known for its retirees and constantly televised celebrity infused parties...there was this lush, drowsy tropical 'outside'.

Right off the waters of the Gulf Coast and
skin deep
with dense vegetation,
stories of
alligators
and all
American neighbourhoods.

On our last afternoon in St. Pete we had brunch at the Coney Island Grill. This little diner goes all the way back to 1926 and is perhaps one of the oldest in the state. Unlike most diners with tremendous menus, the Coney Island Grill has a very short menu promptly visible over a refrigerator from the 1940's. Comprising mostly of hot dogs, chilli dogs, some sandwiches and the most delicious strawberry and chocolate milkshakes. One note of interest that was pointed along to us by our waitress Sherrie (pictured above with her fellow worker Pete- no not the one slurping on the chocolate milkshake like his life depended on it but the other slightly more dapper fellow with the tattoos), was a little window located in a corner of the diner that was meant for African Americans who could also desire the diner's delights. They were allowed to order through this little opening. I took a photograph and it is visible towards the end of the other photos.


250 9th St N,
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Tel: 727 822 4493