This is getting completely off-topic, but here you go.
Lafayette has a more old-school atmosphere, with tile walls and turquoise paint, servers and cooks yelling back and forth, and communal seating. It feels like Detroit.
American feels like a modern roadside diner that tries to look retro. It's brighter and "cleaner". There's nothing wrong with that, nothing at all. I just prefer the atmosphere at Lafayette.
Lafayette uses pork dogs from Eastern Market, National chili, and Spanish onions (which results in a slightly sweeter taste).
American uses Dearborn hot dogs and the original Keros family chili recipe.
Lafayette is no longer owned by the Keros family, FYI. It was a family rivalry for years, but now it's simply a restaurant rivalry.
Here is one of my favorite pictures from Lafayette. They try to get the food out as fast as possible, so this is how the waiters carry everything:
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