Dew Drop Inn Restaurant

American restaurant · Mobile

Dew Drop Inn Restaurant

American restaurant · Mobile

1

1808 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36607

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Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null
Dew Drop Inn Restaurant by null

Highlights

Iconic diner serving famous hot dogs, chili burgers, onion rings  

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1808 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36607 Get directions

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$10–20 · Menu

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1808 Old Shell Rd, Mobile, AL 36607 Get directions

+1 251 473 7872
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$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 30, 2025

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Mobile’s oldest restaurant, dating to 1924, still draws crowds for chili‑topped hot dogs, onion rings, and gumbo. Celebrated by local media and tourism officials, it’s a midday time capsule that tastes like the city’s history.

https://www.mobile.org/blog/post/have-it-your-way-at-mobiles-oldest-restaurant-dew-drop-inn/
Best Restaurants in Mobile (2025)
View Postcard for Dew Drop Inn Restaurant

Lee Lastovica

Google
Just a great vibe here. You can definitely feel the history. The hot dog is a must as that is what they are known for, but other menu items are solid as well. I will always get an order of onion rings. The hamburger reminds of school cafeteria, but in a good way. Service is friendly and prompt.

Derick Black

Google
Best place to get your hot tongs. Especially an upside down dog of where the weenies on top, and all the Goody stuff is, underneath that way, it doesn't spill off the hot, tall, the when's are actually boiled in beer. Some of the best food that you can ever find located near mobile and firmly on old shell road.

Kelley H

Google
A Mobile Classic, my grandparents used to go out on dates here back in the 50’s. Dew Drop just celebrated 100 years. Truly such a cute diner- the food has always been spectacular! I ordered the Double cheeseburger which comes with chili on it- so good! And I got a half order of onion rings and fries- because who doesn’t love a little bit of both?!? Their soup of the day was Shrimp and Corn soup and it was really good- the flavors were on point. The staff are always speedy and friendly. You’re able to get in and out pretty quickly- but note majority of the time they are pretty packed so you may have to wait for a table a time or two. Parking is kinda all over the place but overall it’s worth it !

Keleen Carlson

Google
Historic old place with decor to prove it. Great service even tho busy, delicious food. Had cheeseburger they are famous for with chili. The chili is more like sloppy joe and an amazing addition! Steak style fries were crispy outside and soft inside and delicious. Local art adorns the walls for a unique experience unlike anywhere else and most are for sale! Definitely would recommend.

Melody

Google
They have the best hot dogs. The dry chili is awesome. Great onion rings and the atmosphere is relaxing

Jason Stringfellow

Google
It's always a great place for lunch. It is an old mobile institution, the Dew Drop dog is awesome, and the daily lunch specials are old southern recipes that make your stomach happy and put a smile on your face . It's even been in a movie titled "A Map of Tiny Perfect Things ", and that is exactly what Dew Drop is, a tiny perfect thing.

Dan S

Google
It's always great. I always get the Dew Drop Hotdog and onion rings or their crispy fries. Best dogs in town!

Lisa Oldham

Google
Loved the DDI! I had read about this oldest restaurant in Mobile & have wanted to try it. We opted for the daily special, the hamburger steak with gravy. He had Mac&cheese & turnip greens, I had lima beans & mashed potatoes. All delish! We couldn't eat it all! We will be back - next time to try the famous hot dogs!
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Juliet H.

Yelp
It's the wood paneled booths for me! The local say it's the oldest restaurant in Mobile, and something about Jimmy Buffet eating burgers here often?! You'll have to do your own digging to on that, but I do know that DDI is a nice slice of Mobile history with their iconic red weenies (that are life changing somehow when eaten after being wrapped in foil and stored in a cooler on a hot day?! I don't make the local gossip-- I just report it.), cheeseburgers, and the oldest of old time diner vibes. I can vouch for the cheeseburger and onion rings being quite tasty, and the hubs loved his pork chop also. The locals have it, and are stopping in faithfully to keep this charming spot in business. Cheers!
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Hollie P.

Yelp
The service was great. My daughter and I came in for lunch this is a very charming and old restaurant like a page out of the past. I had a shrimp po-boy and fries, the shrimp was big and plump and the fries were ok just needed a little seasoning. My daughter had a chicken finger sandwich with onion rings , she got ranch for her sandwich it was very good, but the onion rings were great we loved them. This would be the perfect place for a family outing great history and experience in Mobile.
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David G.

Yelp
Comfort southern food at it's Apex! Turnip greens, corn and crab soup, sweet potato casserole and chicken and dumplings. All outstanding! I had grilled whitefish and it was cooked perfectly. Mobile has so many hidden treasures, and this one is right up with the best. Fantastic service as well, in combination with that old diner feel. I'll be back for sure. This joint is definitely not just a hot dog spot, it's some of the best southern diner food you'll find anywhere.
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C M H.

Yelp
Walking in this building seems to carry you back in time. This is the oldest restaurant in town. It's a quaint little dinner that almost feels like home. I love the touch of the ads on the table tops. The service was fast and friendly. There are hooks for coats and the bathroom is surprisingly roomy. The Dew Drop Inn Hot Dog is surprisingly very good. The chili is surprisingly not runny and has a great flavor. I was worried the condiments may have been too much but all the flavors came together so nicely. The onions rings are delicious. They are kinda crispy and soft at the same time.
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Eddie P.

Yelp
I visited one of my favorite restaurants from over 30 years ago today, the iconic Dew Drop Inn. The Dew Drop Inn is probably the most recognized restaurant in Mobile by Mobilians. It is history! It hasn't changed in decades, and for good reason. It is still family owned and operated. Of course not all employees are family, but you know what I mean. The Dew Drop Inn is known for excellent Southern style home cooked meals, and of course it's hot dogs. They have a daily special, which consists of a meat and two sides, with your choice of bread. You can have toast, corn bread or hush puppies. I had the special today, which was a fried pork cutlet. I had turnip greens and sliced tomatoes for my sides, and corn bread. Yum! The service was excellent. My server was Brian. He took great care of me. I wanted to take a picture of my cleaned plate, but Brian was so efficient he removed my plate before I got my phone out. The Dew Drop Inn is like going back in time, only better. It is an old style diner, which maintains the old styles, nothing fancy here. Check out my picture of the salt and pepper shakers made from Coke bottles. You will see all walls of life in The Dew Drop Inn. You will have your young people, wealthy people, politicians, lawyers, doctors, business people, blue collar hard working folks, and all races. This is where it's better than history. Everyone gets along and eats together at The Dew Drop Inn. Over thirsty years ago I was a regular patron here. I was a street cop and the owner, Powell, took great care of our officers. So did his staff. We ate there for years and got to know Powell and his staff very well. Kim and Amy were two of my favorite servers, and happened to be sisters. I thoroughly enjoyed today's meal, and won't wait as long as for my next visit back here. I was happy to see some traditions continue, as I was leaving, I met some of Mobile's finest walking in. I had a few moments of conversation before exiting with a big smile on my face and lots of memories. Highly, highly recommend The Dew Drop Inn.
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Steve C.

Yelp
First visit to this oldest restaurant in Mobile. The place hasn't been updated for decades, and that's part of the charm (a bit nostalgic). Place was packed for midday lunch. We ordered the jalapeño popper stuffed with crab meat for an appetizer, yet they came with the meal. Both of us did not care for the flavor of these, only had one each and would not order them again. I had the Dew Drop Inn hotdog, overall pretty good dog - definitely could've used a whole pickle spear versus a single pickle chip. Also ordered a side of fries and onion rings, which come out a huge platter. Both tasted fine. My wife ordered their famous cheeseburger, which arrived to the table looking pretty pathetic; she confirmed that it was not at all a good burger. To sum it up, the food here is basic bar food at fair prices, served quick in an old dining room. The place does have its charm, but I found the food quality to be simply average.
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Kelley H.

Yelp
A Mobile Classic, my grandparents used to go out on dates here back in the 50's. Dew Drop just celebrated 100 years. Truly such a cute diner- the food has always been spectacular! I ordered the Double cheeseburger which comes with chili on it- so good! And I got a half order of onion rings and fries- because who doesn't love a little bit of both?!? Their soup of the day was Shrimp and Corn soup and it was really good- the flavors were on point. The staff are always speedy and friendly. You're able to get in and out pretty quickly- but note majority of the time they are pretty packed so you may have to wait for a table a time or two. Parking is kinda all over the place but overall it's worth it !
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Jeremy T.

Yelp
I stop in here the other day just to get a couple hotdogs for my family that came to town. I went in and not one person said a word to me. I went to the conter to place a order lady there did not say a word to me. I waited 15mins to not have word said to me. So I just left. Don't know if I would come back after that.
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Lance B.

Yelp
Decent food, questionable service and can be very loud during peak times. If I eat here again, I will order it to go. A bit nostalgic since Jimmy Buffett used to hang out here.
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Lori K.

Yelp
I love eating locally and the Dew Drop Inn is just the place. As the oldest restaurant in Mobile they are doing something right. Of course I had to get their famous hot dog. It did not disappoint. A bright red dog with chili, kraut, mustard, ketchup and pickles hit the spot. The staff was as friendly as could be. So next time you're in Mobile drop in at the Dew Drop Inn. They are sure to please your palate.
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Kimberly E.

Yelp
I love the atmosphere of this place-so nostalgic especially with it being 100 years old! Our server was super nice and patient. If you get anything there it has to be the onion rings-they're amazing!
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Andrea L.

Yelp
A wonderful icon in Mobile. Their hot dogs are loaded and delicious as they have been for years. If you want to experience old town Mobile this is the place.
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Aaron C.

Yelp
can't gogs wrongs there...neven...EVER!?! people are nice, foods GraanD & neighbors are soo cool
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Lucy H.

Yelp
The chili-cheeseburger and onion rings are yummy! Staff is so nice and accommodating. Quick service. Love old school Coke in a bottle. Been coming here since childhood

Ivy C.

Yelp
A great Mobile experience. Powell puts out the best dogs and onion rings in L A! A must do when in the area.
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Rob O.

Yelp
Cheeseburger in Paradise! This is place that Jimmy Buffett was thinking of when he wrote the song. Seriously! I had a double with chili, cheese, BLT and Onion and a half and half order of fries and onion rings. It lived up to every expectation! It's busy, but the servers are attentive and efficient. There is much more to the menu than the cheese burger, and since I just live across the bay I'll be back soon to check out the extensive menu.
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John C.

Yelp
The first thing that I thought when I pulled up to the Dew Drop Inn was that this place is an Institution. The wood sign says it all "Mobile's Oldest Restaurant." The parking lot was busy even in the mid-afternoon. We stepped inside to review the menu and place our to-go order. We were here for one thing, the famous Dew Drop In Hot dogs, but that didn't stop us from trying other items on the menu. We ordered onion rings and an order of the crab-stuffed jalapenos. The order was ready quickly and we took our food out to the parking to enjoy the beautiful December weather. The hot dogs were delicious! Lots of toppings (chili, kraut, mustard, ketchup, and a pickle slice) and they all melded well together especially with the bites that included the dill pickle. Onion rings were very good too, crispy fried coating. The crab-stuffed jalapenos were unique and great dipped in some ranch (what isn't?). The highlight may have been the very friendly servers inside who took great care of us as first timers!
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Francisco X. P.

Yelp
GREAT BURGERS and Fries. Allegedly Jimmy Buffet was inspired to write Cheese Burger in Paradise here. Enjoy! Fins and Bubbles up
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Gary C I.

Yelp
I've been a Mobilian for years and can't remember eating here. I had Hamburger steak while wifey hadfried pork steak. Both very good. Perhaps the best part of the meal was the fried onion rings. Perfectly battered and fried to perfection!!! Looking forward to a return trip.
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May B.

Yelp
What a dog!!! Best hot dog sandwich I ever had. Others in my party loved the hamburger too! Lots of history here and best to get their right before the lunch crowd! Very busy, but great quick service. Highly recommend for lunch
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Doug B.

Yelp
What can be said about the Dew Drop that hasn't been said before. World famous hot dogs and cheeseburgers with that special chili. I have always come back when life took me across the country and am happy to be back home so that I can have their delicious food at will. Thank you Powell Hamlin for not changing nothing! (Still miss Mr. Wiggins but nothing we can do about that)
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Martin L.

Yelp
Go ahead and take a step back in time. World famous hot dogs, onion rings and a cold root beer. A must see if visiting Mobile.
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Richard B.

Yelp
Surprised I didn't review earlier. It's my favorite place for lunch. They're known for their hotdogs but I always order the turkey sandwich. It roasted in house and delicious. Some of the best onion rings in the state. You might also opt for the grilled fish sandwich
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James L.

Yelp
Have eaten here several times on way to Florida. Hot dog good. Rice and gravy fair. Onion rings good. Wife's chili cheeseburger terrible. Service was great
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Karen G.

Yelp
This place looks like a dump, but man, the chili cheeseburgers and onion rings are something else. It's a Mobile classic and I've been coming here since I was a kid.
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Kevin M.

Yelp
This rating is meant to be current but it's because I took several Dew Drop hotdogs out of my freezer and put them in the oven for a while and just finished them and I must say, they are still delicious! Thanks, Dew Drop!
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Lori L.

Yelp
My son n I stopped by for a call in order. 1 shrimp loaf n 1 oyster loaf 2 sm drinks. Needless to say they were on hot dog buns, seafood wasn't seasoned, nothing on it, very few shrimp n oysters, for a whopping $30 bucks. RIDICULES!!! Never again
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Michael B.

Yelp
Grabbed a quick lunch on a weekday. Friendly safe service and the cook on the fish was very good. That said pretty bland fish and I actually ordered a shrimp sandwich.
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J. C.

Yelp
I love this place! It's a Mobile tradition and institution, and they have maintained quality customer service and great food for a really long time. This is comfort food at its best. Try the onion rings and hotdogs. Their oysters are also great.
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Reg D.

Yelp
Since 1952 I enjoyed the food at the Dew Drop. Now... I or so sure. Had lunch there today one Hot Dog all the way. It was very good. Half and half the onions were not like the have been. And a Hamburger... I couldn't recommend it. Iv always liked this place....
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Crystal O.

Yelp
A Mobile must. My father in law went to college here 50 years ago- the Dew Drop Inn is the oldest restaurant here, home of the "cheeseburger in paradise" and brought the hotdog sandwich to Alabama! We ordered a couple cheeseburger (come topped with their chili!) Fries- steak fries! And onion rings, you could smell those outside before you entered- oh goodness. The look of ecstasy while biting into the cheeseburger was good for a few chuckles. Everything was a good greasy-deliciousness we expected! Jammed packed with guests- obviously a local favorite between a full restaurant and line out the door for take out and the fact it's been here forever! A must of you are ever in town- oh, and great prices too!!
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C G.

Yelp
One of Mobile's dining treasures. We always stop by Dew Drop Inn when in town. The atmosphere, service and food are terrific. Great for families.
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David C.

Yelp
Came here expecting something tasty considering all the reviews and word of mouth. Apparently I've been spoiled by seasoning from other foods I've eaten because this was disappointing. Tried both the hot dog and hamburger to be fair but was left shaking my head and hoping for more. The price for both was inordinately high for the portion...especially considering hot dogs aren't scarce. BTW...the chili is akin to the predigested version from a can. So nothing special there even though the menu makes it sound like you're in for a real treat. Ok ok ok...so it's a local historical landmark and how dare I be so critical? Maybe that's why I am. Because afterall that's what they and others keep bragging about and encouraging people to try. I'm no chef but I know what I like and my taste in food isn't just dependent upon my palate. I appreciate it when a cook/chef is skilled in the use of at least salt but also other seasoning and flavor profiles. The server was at least personable and friendly... can't blame her for the lack luster offerings.
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Lacey D.

Yelp
There are no 1/2 stars, but if there were Dew Drop would get 3 and 1/2 stars. The atmosphere was what I expected. A "greasy spoon" that was full the entire time we were there (but that turned tables over quickly). The waitress was friendly and efficient. My husband and I shared a hot dog with no sauerkraut, a hamburger, an oyster loaf and a side of jalapeño cheese curds. The hot dog and hamburger were delicious. I really like the chili. However, the hot dog bun was dry and spongy and the hamburger patty was very thin (I would suggest getting the double patty). The oysters were cornmeal fried, and came hot and fresh. We needed to add salt, but they were pretty good. However they were served on the same hot dog bun, and the bun was too dry to eat so we just ate the oysters. The cheese curds were the star. So so good. The overall bill was too high for the amount/quality of the food. I would not suggest going back, however I would not say no if requested by someone else.
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Franklin P.

Yelp
Co worker made the treck across town to bring back our standard at work order: a hotdog, and burger per person and onion rings for the group. As always, wonderful. It's the Dew Drop. There is nothing else to say, if you know you know, if not you are missing out. Only compliant is I don't live or work closer.

John L.

Yelp
Always awesome and consistent ! God Bless the Hamlin family with the tragic accident claiming Robin Hamlin! Our prayers are with the family!
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Julio G.

Yelp
Really, what can you say about the Dew Drop except it is a Mobile classic. I get my dogs upside down
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Scott S.

Yelp
nobody said it was going to be good for your health. These cyclamate loaded red weenies taste better than they look. They are on the lower end of the food chain and made from parts. Chili is more meat sauce than chili. Weenie never met a rabbi and the chili has never been to Texas. No beans, no filler all meat chili perfectly accentuates the dog. It looks messier than it actually is and they've been making them that way since the war. The big one. It's the kind of chili dog you can eat with one hand in three bites while riding a bicycle. The second one goes down as easy as the first. The third one will kill you later on. The buildings got character as they say. They are famous for their Alabama chili sauce.

James F.

Yelp
Oldest restaurant in Mobile, and if you haven't stopped in here yet, do so! It is definitely worth stopping in anytime. The seafood player was amazing, and the fresh catfished looked delicious. Excellent food and excellent service!
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David C.

Yelp
Claims to be the oldest restaurant in the state. If the food has always been this good, that's no surprise. Decided to drop in for a couple of their legendary hot dogs for lunch. No disappointments here! The dogs were loaded with all the good stuff! To be honest, I could have eaten more than two, just because they're so good. Ambience is great- decor from days long gone, but everything is kept very clean. Many more temptations on the menu I need to try, so I'll be back!
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Damian C.

Yelp
A Mobile original. I grew up on the chilli dogs and they are still as good as I remembered. Utililized the curb side service multiple times due to the pandemic. Always fast friendly and accurate service. Let's support our local institutions.

Mike E.

Yelp
Came to the dew drop for lunch and We were not surprised at all. Service and food were spot on!!!! Delicious and relaxing as always. Keep this wonderful tradition of consistently great food going.

Amanda B.

Yelp
Best hot dogs and cheeseburgers in town! Old fashioned spot, a legendary place! Ice cold beers and bottled cokes!
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Stephen S.

Yelp
A Mobile institution, good old-fashioned Southern cooking. My favorite here is the fried pork chops, which are perfectly fabulous. The rutabagas are addictive; all of the vegetables are just like your Grandma used to make. The famous hot dogs are good, but not the best in town; what makes them good is the chili topping. The cheeseburger is really stellar, however. The onion rings are incredible! The ancient dining space is cramped and noisy. Parking can be a chore. Some of the charm of the place is in the inconvenience and quirkiness. But the Who's Who of Mobile eats here, from all backgrounds and vocations. The prices are reasonable. Worth a trip!
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Schuyler L.

Yelp
A haiku for all the poetry fans: Boy are these dogs pink! Their motto: "Don't Change Nothin'!" They didn't change nothin'
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Allison B.

Yelp
If you haven't tried the oldest restaurant in Mobile, what are you waiting for?! This little gem has delicious chili cheeseburgers and daily lunch specials. Folks rave about the dogs, but I'm not really down with the whole red weiner game. Their chili burger is awesome, though. Homemade chili that cannot be beat. Their crabmeat stuffed jalapeños are a must have too! The nostalgia takes me back to my childhood, when my grandmother used to take us here.

Brandon P.

Yelp
Literally a wayyyy overpriced diner with food that is below subpar. Will not be going here again. Chilli is basically mush, hotdog is the 10 for a 1$ red ones from Publix. Save yourself a lot of money and just go elsewhere.
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Katie M.

Yelp
The service was excellent. The food was average. It was a fun little place to stop at with a history of being open a very long time.

Meg M.

Yelp
The only reason I am not giving a 5 star is because of the extremely rude young lady at the cash register. The food is awesome and it is one of my favorite places to eat with family and friends. Our waitress was wonderful. My family has been going to the Dew Drop since it opened, which consist of my great grandparents, grandparents, my parents, my 4 brothers and sisters and now my children and grandchildren, not to mention my large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.That is 6 generations of Dew Drop lovers. However, I have never been treated rudely at the Dew Drop for over 50 years until yesterday. When I was paying our bill the girl at the register mumbled something and I did not hear her, so I placed my check and card down and she rudely said something like...I said to wait a minute. Then I slid the tip basket over slightly, so I could sign the long receipt and she aggressively moved it back. I said, "I just moved it over so I could sign the receipt." Then she said, " I don't like people touching my stuff." Other hostile words were said after that altercation. It was the worst experience I have ever had there, but I will go back. I love The Dew Drop. I hope the young lady behind the register was just having a bad day and does not treat anyone else that way.