Mel's Hot Dogs

Happy to be the 3,000th review for this wonderful hot dog joint! Came here after a busch gardens trip in search of a great chicago dog and Mel’s didn’t disappoint. Got it “dragged through the garden”, very delicious! A new favorite has been found.

Mel is no longer there but NOTHING has changed. Props to the new owners for not attempting to fix what isn’t broken. Still the same great dog and fries that we’ve been eating since the 1980’s! And the same friendly workers…especially the woman who has been there for years and is always so positive and friendly! (Can’t remember her name but you know who I’m talking about if you go there often)

This is one of the more popular hot dog joints in Tampa. There’s a nice old fashioned atmosphere at this place, and offers some interesting novelties; including the hot dog car outside. The service was friendly & made our food in a timely manner. However, I wouldn’t consider the Chili Dog to be outstanding; it was just fine for what it is. The amount of fries given to you are generous; and the seasoning tastes good too. Overall, would recommend Mel’s after a trip to Busch Gardens.

This place looks like something out of a movie, with a very cute and nice interior. The service was very fast. The hotdogs were good but not excellent. The tomatoes were cut into blocks and kept falling off the hotdog. The onions were cut into very large chunks and had a strong taste that overpowered the other ingredients in the hotdog.

This was our first time here. Long story short, like many others that live here in Tampa, we passed by & never stopped. Always intended to -) My other half has wanted to try Mel's for 43 years & guess what ? Today was our lucky day. Mel's is classic Americana and great atmosphere inside. Every kind of dog you may want. Great selection & simply DELICIOUS 😋 We tried the Rodeo Dog. The staff & manager were excellent. So friendly & welcoming. We both say " thank you for the delicious French Fries" . Treat yourself to a great hot dog at MEL'S.P.S We will definitely be back soon -))) Update* We were here again today & once again ❤️ loved every bite of Mel's Dog's -)))

Heaven on a bun! If I could give Mel’s 6 stars I would! A Tampa tradition. If you are in the area it is a must try. The staff is super friendly and the restaurant decor is diner themed. We had the Chicago Dog, Mel’s Dog, Cheese and Bacon Dog, Italian Sausage, Fried Chicken Sandwich and fries. So good! Will be back soon! 🌭

This place reminded me of an old 50's dinner. It's pretty cool inside. The hot dog and hamburger, in my opinion, was a little bland. The fries had a good crunch, though. Whenever I make it back through, I'd like to give it another try.

I was born and raised in Tampa, I even spent most of my adult life in the area. I’ve always known Mel’s was in my nearby, however, it still took me four decades to step foot in the door. On 12/24/23, I finally did it. Walking through the front door confirmed my suspicions, Mel’s was a well preserved nostalgic blast from the 70’s past; I smiled from ear to ear as the folks behind the counter welcomed me in. The menu was rather larger, but after a few minutes, I landed on the Chicago style dog with fries and a Coke. WOW! The dog was unbelievably good. The seeded bun was soft, warm and fresh and the frank had that snap when you bite into it. The fries were also fresh and perfectly golden brown and salted. I finished the Chicago dog in the blink of an eye; I had to try something else on the menu. So, I ordered the Mel’s Special which was also very enjoyable. I’ll continue to beat myself up for not visiting Mel’s sooner in life, oh how I’ve missed out. I look forward to visiting again soon to explore more of the menu!

Mel's Hot Dogs 4136 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33617 @melshotdogs Make sure to come by whenever you are in the Tampa area to enjoy some delicious hot dogs served by the best staff around. Enjoy the best Chicago-style dogs in the Tampa Bay Area . Hot Dogs, Burgers, Onion Rings, Milshakess, you name it, they got it.

We've drove past this place numerous times and decided to try it. The inside is a fun diner theme, clean tables with a large menu. Good flavors and the buns were super fluffy. Only downside is the pricing is crazy for hotdogs! We got the "large" hot dog - one Chicago style and other Mel's way. This was just a regular sized hotdog for $7-8 each and fries were an additional cost. Overall tasted just like Portillos which you can get a cheaper price at...but glad we tried it.

Have passed by it near do many times, decided today was the day I was gonna try Mel's. There is an extensive menu with just about every hot dog sandwich under the sun, including vegan choices. Not in the mood for a dog? There is a wide variety of other hot sandwiches to choose from burgers to Reubens. They also offer beer by the bottle and ice cream The staff is super friendly and patient, which is a good thing as you read through the menu selections. I was actually surprised by how clean and neat inside of restaurant was, with naugahyde, booths and steel chrome tables. There was a member of staff in the dining room straightening chairs, wiping tables and refilling condiments the entire time I was there. Hot dogs start at $5, the chili dog was $6.50, plus an additional $6 to make it a combo-large fry and drink. While it wasn't the best dog I've ever eaten, it definitely was mighty tasty. Be careful because every sandwich comes on a poppy seed bun and an order of large fries is enough for two people...at least. One more thing, as I was leaving, the lady that took my order thanked me for stopping by name! Oh yeah, definitely a plus!

First time back after Mel's getting a new owner. They've added ice cream and beer to their menu. So many dog choices! I got the Mel's special: sauerkraut, relish, and a pickle. It was delish. Mel's has always been a cute diner. Fun photos and decor plus there's the hotdog mobile outside.

Great place for chicago dogs! Inside looks like an old timey diner & menu prices are very affordable. After finding this place we never get food inside Bush Gardens anymore we always make time to go here.

What fun this place is. Bright, clean, and so cute inside, we got takeout while visiting Tampa on the recommendation of a local. My husband got Italian sausage with peppers and onions and loved it. He also had a side of chili. It made him sweat, but wasn't terribly spicy. He just sweats when having anything remotely seasoned! I had a fried chicken sandwich on a steamed Kaiser roll with coleslaw. There wasn't a thing about my meal that I didn't love! Finally, we shared fries. I told my husband that I felt like I was a child at the lunch counter in Woolworth's again. The fries were so delicious and were the ultimate comfort food. The employees were so helpful and patient, and the service was quick and our food was served with a smile. We will definitely be back!

With new owners, we wanted to try out Mel's because it's always been a favorite since our kiddies were young! The atmosphere is the same. I was especially happy to see that and to still be able to look at all the fun pics on the walls. Parking is...well, you get used to the small lot, but the parking next door is perfect and there's never been a problem - unless you get a newbie that tries to turn around! ‍ The service at the counter was wonderful - better than ever! We saw 3 different women that went out of their way to say Welcome! My husband got the Mel's Special dog that is like the Chicago dog with sauerkraut and it was absolutely delicious! I got the brat with sauerkraut and mustard. I have to say that the brat has always been my favorite, but it was put on a roll that they use for the Italian beef and it swallowed the brat. I was disappointed, but the brat flavor was there, so I just ripped off all the excess bread. Next time I'll make sure to ask for it on a dog bun! Overall, our experience was great and although we were too full to order ice cream (6 flavors!) I will have to stop by to just grab dessert soon!

My hotdog was amazing, my friend had Italian beef she liked it fry's were just ok, atmosphere was classic 70's inside seating.

Mel's Hot Dogs was so good. I prefer them over Portillos. I got a Beef: Au Jus and Giardiniera (hot) on side and added Mozzarella. They did not skimp on how much beef they give you! Husband and I shared a Chi dog too. I like that the chop their tomatoes. The fries were crispy and you get a lot with the large order. Highly recommend stopping in.

A Tampa staple and I can see why. Great service. Ladies at the front counter were very friendly. Food was great. As expected. Fresh and tasty hot dog, fries were equally delish. Ambiance is like a vintage diner, quite cute.

Again another great visit. Got the firedog. Steamed bun nice and soft hotdog had great flavor and crunch. The topping had just the right amount of spice and heat. Got their onion rings which are always great. Nice thick breading full of flavor

Was disappointed that the hot dog wasn't the juicy plump dog I'm used to. I ordered a chili dog to go and the paper was all that was used n it got more chili than I did. They've cut down on that too. Just disappointed. I'm a lifelong customer and hope the new owners do better next time! One of the cooks saw my reaction and offered me a do over which I was very happy with! This is much better! The dining room was full as usual but not too crazy. The cooks and servers were friendly and helpful.

Finally made it here after wanting to stop here the 4 years I've been in Tampa. I've always heard about this place and today my opportunity emerged. So I ordered two Mel's specials with relish, mustard and ketchup on the poppy seed buns. I asked for mine to be cooked a little longer and the employee placed them on the grill a few minutes. I must say that they were really good and I'd definitely recommend this place and I will also return to dine here again. The customer service was great with both employees being very friendly. They are good size and the steamed buns were fresh and very delicious. Only reason I only gave a 4 star rating was the price. One dog itself was $5.25 but as long as I'm not paying any more than that I'll continue to dine here.

Food was decent but 3 dogs 2 fries 2 drinks $33 that's way out of like! Not sure we will be back at those prices!

Yummy everything. Chilli dog, Rueben dog, and of course a Chicago dog! The onion rings were great, and the coleslaw too!

Review #900 goes to Mel's! If you're looking to have a "weinerful" day, look no further than this Tampa classic. I stopped by here for the first time tonight and I left completely satisfied. I have been talking about stopping by this weiner joint for such a long time and tonight I finally came. Fun fact (as I noticed in other's reviews) - you can order any of their hot dogs on a pickle instead of a bun. That's right...a weiner and a pickle = keto/gluten free friendly! INDULGE! I ordered the Mel's Special Hot Dog with a pickle bun and I could barely fit this thing in my mouth. It was HUGE! Exceptionally salty, but it really hit the spot. No guilt and I'd go for it again. Quite slippery though with that pickle as the base. Next time I'll mix it up a bit and maybe try the bacon and cheddar. Casing is everything and they sell Vienna Beef dogs here. Crispy and flavorful. Whatever kind of weiner you are looking for, you can find it on their menu. Everything from small and lite (yes, they have diet dogs) to hefty and loaded (look at the Mighty Mel!), there's something for everybody! Adorable decor that is much like an old fashioned diner. Plenty of places to sit and very clean as well. Counter service with super friendly staff. Prices are really reasonable. GREAT place to stop before/after heading to Busch Gardens. Free wifi and a great place to bring the whole family. I'll be back for more!

Great hot dogs, and creatives ones at that. Service is quick and food was ready in less than 10 minutes. Tampa classic that I would highly recommend!

Service 5/5: love the staff! They are so fun and friendly! It was my first time here and they were so kind and helpful. They also made an announcement for my friend who came with me for her birthday! Atmosphere 5/5: Vintage hot dog place! It was a fun vibe! Food 4/5: I got the classic Mel's hot dog! It was great! relish was bright green, which I was a little concerned about, but it tasted fine! The bun is really good and so fluffy. The hot dog was a great juicy hot dog! They also loaded up on the french fries! So get a meal! Highly recommend if you want a good hotdog!

Don't say Chicago hot dog wasn't even close to Chicago hot dog. Service was terrible had to wait 15 minutes for food. Place was not crowded. Fries were ok

Hot fries and a great dog !!!! The place is awesome old 50s style fries and chillier awesome. They also have beer and wine very clean and very friendly and the prices are great.

If possible I would not give this even 1 star! $5.75 for a SMALL hotdog which I don't even think are pure beef hotdogs! Basically the same hotdog you get at racetrack and pay $4.00 for 2 of them! Why ANYONE would go back to this place is beyond me! When I saw the price was $5.75 I was expecting a pure beef Large HOTDOG, probably a footlong what I got was a POS hotdog, who in their right mind would go back to this place and be robbed. Here is a suggestion go down the street there is a racetrack gas station for what I paid for 2 crappy little hotdogs at MELS I could have gotten 6 hotdogs of the same quality at the gas station! I am surprised they do any business at all. If you want a gas station Dog for a High price Mels is the place for you!

I'm not usually a huge hot dog fan but you roll one of those puppies around in a garden and I tell you HWHAT.. (throw a salad on my weenie and call it a Chicago dog, I'm here for it) Here you place your order at the counter where the staff is beyond friendly, the menu is very largely printed on the wall where you order. It's a cute little retro space with more room than it seems from the outside, I visited mid-afternoon during a lull but imagine it gets quite busy in there at times. The Chicago dog was a good one, the bun was perfectly steamed and covered in poppy seeds Fries are made to order and fresh (they have bottles of malt vinegar at the condiment station), coleslaw was super good and creamy, and the giant dill pickles were juicy as H E Double hockey sticks Located about 3 mins down the street from Busch gardens / adventure island

Lived in Tampa all my life and never once been to Mel's! So today was the day! Parking in the main lot is limited but there is overflow parking right across the street, just follow the signs. Be prepared to wait in line and boy is it humid in there. Was actually pretty surprised at how crowded it was given it's the 4th of July and I figured a lot of people were grilling lol. Had the hubs secure a booth while I stood in line and placed our order. So you stand in line and place your order. They take your name and you can have a seat because it's gonna be a small wait. When your order is ready they will call your name on the speaker. You head back to the front pickup area to get your food. Utensils, napkins and condiments are located off to the side as well as the drink refill station. The closer you get in line to the front counter the hotter it is, so recommend finding a seat in the back of this place if you don't want to sweat. They also have seating outside in the back but wow it's too dang hot outside too. Hubs and I both got the Chicago Dog and shared the chili cheese fries. Overall 3 stars, which isn't a bad thing. The dogs and fries were good. Buns soft and fresh ingredients.

The food, the service, and the ambiance of the place are great. The best part is the hot doughnuts deep in sugar and cinnamon or powdered sugar. Great place for families to spend time together.

This place is a Tampa landmark. Honestly, it's pretty iconic. I have NO idea why I had such a craving for hot dogs but hubby indulged with this Chicago-style, Tampa staple The hotdog was good. The fries were hot literally all the way through the meal... That was magical Seriously! I'm glad we only got one meal and another dog. The fries were MORE than enough to share. It was a nice date night Mel says, "In Chicago, that's against the law, to put ketchup on a hot dog...." Well, you'll need to arrest me, then.

Best hotdogs in Tampa the chili cheese fries are on fire I would recommend those for lunch or dinner

I had a cheese and bacon hotdog, my husband had the chilli dog and we were not impressed. We are hot dog lovers and I make homemade chili dogs all the time. When I saw what I ordered I immediately wanted to leave, but I said what the hay I already paid for it. Not good, the cheese was hardening, and the dog was tasteless. The chili was not good at all. The bun was amazing, everything else thumbs down. Customer service was so,so. Also, the dog was very small. I probably should have gotten the ice cream, everybody was tearing it up, but I don't trust it. Was hoping for better, very disappointing.

So we absolutely did enjoy eating here I hate even say it but my only negative side was the ordering process could be a little bit complicated because they only had two people working so he had to keep walking away to help the lady making the hotdogs. Which I understand being short staffed but when I asked them they said that what the owner wants so I said okay that makes sense. We ordered two hot dog kids meals and a char broiled chicken sandwich and for me I got the rueben hotdog. The hotdogs were so good juicy with a nice bite to it the Reuben style was awesome I loved every bite! The charbroiled chicken was not very broiled at all but the flavor was still good.

Mel's is STILL the King of Hot Dogs in the Tampa Bay Area. Sadly, B&M baked beans are no longer part of the baskets, but everything these serve is still delicious. My favorite is the chili cheese dog with cheddar, onions and mustard. Mmmmmmmm

I love this place and wish it were not so far from my home so I can visit daily. They have a vast selection of hot dogs and other sandwiches so you mix and match your your heart's desire and never eat the same meal. Love it!

Love to go. It's a treat . Great food and service. Clean . Wonderful. Same owner for years. Hot dogs-great selection of you want. Fries are also hot.

Amazing place, great food super atmosphere wonderful people they must visit location when you're in Tampa

Who in their right mind is paying $15 for a hot dog combo? The menu is also inaccurate, they tried to charge me $25 for a hot dog basket Are they some special type of hot dogs? Heck no.

I've seen the Mel's sign for years and finally made my way to check it out. I can't believe I've been missing out all this time. I always love when I get the chance to have a taste of home. As a Chicagoan I loved the Chicago dog here. The staff was very friendly and the restaurant was very clean. I can't wait to go back to try out more items on the menu.

When in the mood for a good hot dog served many ways this is an excellent choice. The customers always seem in a good mood when I visit this popular Tampa eatery.

Just went for the first Tim since I'd left Tamoa in the 80s and it is even better, I think, although I'm not sure how you can top GREAT, which it always has been. :-) Funny thing is I moved to Chicago from here and I found out that it really is the real deal. The go head to head with the beat places up there. I left Chicago after 15 years there and visited frequently though ~2014 but just this week was reminded how good a Chicago dog and, my favorite, an Italian beef combo (I like it dipped with hot peppers!) is. Check them out! Convenient in and out with plenty of parking when I went, which was on beautiful Monday around noon this week.

Mel's has been here for 50 years so we can honestly say it is a Tampa gem. Nothing fancy here so if eating a hotdog and fries from a paper tray lined with wax paper is not your thing then so be it. You will, however, miss out on a great meal. This time I had the corn dog with fries. Perfectly cooked and even better once in my belly. There are so many options for your hotdog such as Chicago style, plain, ... they even have a vegan hotdog. The toppings are fresh and yummy. The relish is a beautiful green color, onions are fresh as are all the toppings. Inside the dining area there are tons of pictures that chronicle the time that Mel's has been around as well as pictures of customers sporting their Mel's gear all over the world. The staff was great and very friendly. The dining area was spotless, and I mean spotless. Ever heard the term, "time to lean, time to clean"? Well they ensure that everything is clean. Will miss this place when/if Mel finds a buyer.

Tampa legend does not disappoint. Best dogs around, fast and fun dining experience. Chicago dog was perfect!

The hot dogs were great. Don't get the Chicken Sandwich. The food took some time to come out and the guy at the register was struggling. Clean restaurant, and a great stop for dinner after spending the day at Busch Gardens.

After driving past Mel's probably thousands of times, my daughter and I stopped for lunch last Saturday. I got the original Mel's and she got the Chicago style. We also had fries and a pickle. The food was very flavorful and filling yet not too heavy. The atmosphere is casual and meticulously clean. It was cool seeing all the pictures on the walls detailing the history of famous people who visited Mel's or places Mel visited. There seemed to be a lot of regulars. Mel's is an icon in Tampa and this was the first time I went. Will definitely go back.

I've been to Portillo's and Mel's for a Chicago Dog. Go to Mel's, it's so much better. We also tried their corn dog . It was one of the tastiest corn dogs I've ever had- perfect seasoning and ratio of batter to dog. Staff was friendly. Service was quick. Loved the 50's style restaurant with all the photos. Location is right next to Busch Gardens. Show your local business support and give them a try. There's a reason it's been a Tampa staple for almost HALF A CENTURY.

My all time favorite hot dog joint! This place does hot dogs the BEST. I love that they have Vienna dogs, they have the snap i always look for when biting into a hot dog. The service is always great the cashiers are so friendly and very helpful every time. Mel's have pre made hot dog choices like Chicago dogs, slaw dogs, etc to choose from, but they also give you the option to pick your own toppings. I have to say their coleslaw has to be some of the best I've had. They also give you an option to put your hot dog in a pickle which is great for people looking for keto friendly options! Definitely a tampa staple and a place you have to stop at!

Mele has been my favorite hot dog restaurant in Florida for the past 45 years. Consistent since the early 80s. Fantastic every time. Used to work next door so came her a lot. Glad to see new owners want to keep things as they have been. We went last week and got our usual chili cheese dog baskets. For the first time ever, something was off. Dogs were kind of tough. Chili was very watered down and lacked the flavor. Hoping it was just a bad day and not a new direction. I'll die if they went to different product. Can't stand Portillos. I'm from Jersey.

Lived in Florida for a while now....never been here, seen it on Channel 13 news once. I've always wanted to try it...but didn't want to be disappointed.... MY HUGE MISTAKE!! I had the Chili dog and Chicago dog...buns are steamed with poppy seeds...these are legit hot dogs with adequate toppings and the taste of the dog....was actually a hot dog and not some nitrate filled store bought dog. I wished I had come here sooner. Better then Portillos in my opinion and not as expensive. SO SO SO DANG GOOD! I was really impressed with the chili dog, chili was not some water downed meat sauce. It was thick and hearty. Cheese and onions made that perfect touch!! Would totally recommend going here and I will be again soon!! The decor is cool and the place is very clean. My order was to go but I'd love to sit and have a meal there!!

This was so good! I don't eat mammals and it is extremely difficult to find a good hot dog that has the right texture. I had to leave my last 2 bites because I was so full but debated between finishing it because it was so good and feeling too stuffed. My partner had a corn dog that she liked as well.

Real old-school steamed hotdog with steamed buns just like they used to do in every town. Hard to find these days. Definitely give these guys a shot. It seems like a historical plate. It's been around for a long time. I will go every time I go to Busch Gardens it's close.

Best hotdogs in Florida hands-down. World class establishment uses real Vienna beef hotdogs and the only place in Florida that actually has a snap when you bite into it. Chicago style dogs with imported condiments and real poppyseed hotdog buns that are fresh. If you are traveling to Busch Gardens or in the area do not miss Mel's hotdogs.

You know they been doing something right, they've been open 50 years. I would have given 5 stars if they had crinkle fries.

After going to Mel's for the past 33 years and enjoying it more and more as the years moved on, I like many Mel's super fans were a bit concerned when the business sold. Was it going to remain the same? Would they make changes? The normal concerns when any long standing business is sold. I knew we wouldn't be seeing Mel's smile and always entertaining conversation, but that's understandable. We decided after not being there since the sale to try a Sunday night dinner. The Hot dogs seemed off. Maybe that was just me being skeptical, but they just didn't taste the same. They were good, but just seemed off. The Diet Coke had always been my favorite for some reason, but not anymore, it was weak. I told them it tasted weird, and didn't get a response from the cashier ( new guy). It seems as though the turned down the syrup. They changed the large chili cheese fry into the small, but still charge for the large. We went up and told them that they must've made a mistake, but they told me that is the new large chili cheese fry. They offered to give me more fries which I declined. That's the most concerning thing. If they're going to try and pull one over on you, on such an inconsequential thing, what else have they changed? why not just charge more for the large chili cheese fry if it was that big of a deal. Don't continue to charge the same price and give less food. The one thing I was happy to see is none of the normal, long-term employees were working on a Sunday night.