Curtis’ Coney Island Famous Weiners since 1918 – Cumberland, MD

Dear readers - as Mod B says, she can't be everywhere (though she'd like to) so when someone gives a Retro Roadtip and then actually takes the time to add photos and some words, it is the BEST THING! This way, cool vintage places can be visited immediately by all of us instead of waiting for me to arrive!

Retro Roadmap Reporters Joe Butrim and Anna Butrim discovered Curtis' in Cumberland MD while on a Route 40 Road trip recently, and once I saw their great photos I knew we had to get this place on the Retro Roadmap ASAP. Thanks, Butrims! It Takes A Ville! 

Curtis' Coney Island Famous Weiners - Cumberland, MD

A Retro Roadmap Report by Joe Butrim and Anna Butrim

Joe and I arrived in Cumberland, Maryland Saturday morning, on February 27th, 2016 around 9:30 AM. It was still early for lunch but we were excited to check out Curtis' Coney Island Weiners since they opened at 9AM. We lucked out and got a parking spot right down the street.

As soon as we got out of the car I was overwhelmed with the beautiful architecture of Cumberland. For such a beautiful town the streets were all but empty to our surprise. We ventured down the street and saw a beautiful old sign that read "Curtis' Coney Island Weiners since 1918." We decided to grab some photos before heading inside.

Upon entering through the old glass front door we noticed that the grill was already sizzling with hot dogs and classic rock and roll was in the air. With arms full of tattoos and sporting an AC/DC tshirt, Gino the owner greeted us with a smile and a loud "Good Morning! Grab a seat and I'll be over to take your order."

There were two rooms. One of the rooms had most of the original decor, and there was another room which appeared to be a little more modern. Of course we wanted to sit in the older section right across from the grill in one of those old wooden booths. (Mod Betty chimes in - good call! :-))

After being on the road for almost three hours, I had to use the ladies room right away and proceeded to the back, while Joe chose our booth and had a seat. Upon my return, Joe told me that he had already ordered our food and drinks. Four with everything (mustard, chili, and onions), an iced tea, and a Pepsi. Within a couple minutes, Gino* was at our booth with our order.

*Mod Betty aside: Gino Giatras, the owner, is the grandson of the original owner George Giatras, who launched 2 restaurants in 1918 - Curtis' Famous Weiners and Coney Island Famous Weiners within a few blocks of each other. The family consolidated both businesses at the current location in 2000.

Another Mod Betty aside, since I have you here!  For those not familiar, Coney Island style weiners are named that because of the chili type meat sauce that is put on them along with onions. This preparation is attributed mainly to Greek immigrant groups, as is the reference to this type of restaurant as a Coney Island. There are regional differences that you can read about here and here - enjoy!

Joe had ordered me an iced tea because he knows I do not drink soda. The tea was sweetened and I prefer unsweetened. Unfortunately, sweetened was all that was available. Gino wanted to make sure we had everything we wanted. When he heard Joe mention that I don't usually drink sweet tea, Gino said, "You really don't want this sweetened tea do you?" I insisted that it would be OK, but Gino insisted "I can brew you some if you want. It's no trouble" Again I said that the sweetened tea would be fine and that he didn't have to go through all that trouble, but Gino would not have me settling for what Joe had ordered. He went behind the counter, grabbed a few tea bags, and steeped them in some hot water, and iced it up just for me. How awesome was that?!!! (Mod Betty thinks that is pretty awesome :-))

We had the whole place to ourselves which allowed Gino to come over and talk to us for a quite a while before the next customers came in. He showed us all of his family's pictures and memorabilia that covered the walls, and talked about the history of Curtis'. We loved it there so much that we didn't want to leave, and we told Gino that we would be stopping back for milkshakes on our return home.

We got back to Cumberland about 4:30 in the afternoon, and whaddya know, JUST IN TIME FOR DINNER!. The place had a pretty good crowd, but we managed to find a seat and ordered burgers this time and a couple of shakes. Joe said the vanilla shake was one of the best he's ever had! I think he was making funny sounds while drinking it too. :) When we were finished eating we had to grab a few more photos before leaving. Gino even let Joe come behind the counter and pose with him for a picture while holding the french fry basket.

I also got a few shots sitting on the old retro stools at the counter.

It was one of the best retro visits we've had, and we will definitely be venturing back to Cumberland to see Gino and Curtis' Coney Island again ... and again.