Amazing Chicago dog! I think the basket was a bit disproportionate if you want more hot dog and less fries, I'd opt for the 1/4 lb version and maybe share the basket of fries with someone because I was more than satisfied with them and still threw half away. Super busy, vibrant restaurant with very energetic workers. The food is awesome, better than others I have eaten in the area, and if you love them, you can even get a souvenir shirt of your voyage to this Tampa staple that locals have loved for decades! I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great Hotdog! They even serve Italian beef sandwiches, doughnuts and more! It really felt like good old American food with a lot of history, kind of like a family environment

I was visiting the area and stumbled into this place. It looked like my kinda spot, so I tried it out. The food was great, and I loved the atmosphere. It's clear the locals are proud of this eatery. It seems like the kinda place teens go to hang out. And parents can't wait to take their kids to reflect on their younger days and bond over it.

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.

I was here yesterday with my son and nephew, it’s walk up order and seat yourself joint, very clean inside friendly staff and the food is absolutely delicious!! My Chicago style dog was chi licious lol and the fries were good too. Now my son and nephew ordered the fried chicken sandwich and WOW it was so crispy and delicious!!! Even the kids were like Omgahh!! Lol Oh and I’m an ice lover they have GOOD crushed ice but it’s not in the lobby you have to ask them for the good ice at the counter. But IYKYK lol sorry no pic of the chicken sandwich but if you read my reviews you know I know where the good ish is and I won’t lie to you about my opinion my palate is A 1!!!!! Not too pricey great for large groups and families. The only negative was the seat I chose was under a vent and it was dripping a little bit. I just scooted over lol no biggie!! Great job guys keep up the good work!!

I was properly greeted at the front door and treated like you really want to be by the entire staff. A Chicago dog, fries and 2 sweet teas later and I'm writing this review thinking that Mel and his staff set the bar damn high here on East Busch Blvd in Tampa, Florida!! Well done Mel, well done!! The food was prepared quickly and was spot on!!! (Trouble)

There’s a reason this place is a Tampa institution. Everything we ordered was tasty and made fresh right in front of us super fast! The hot dogs have a great bite to them, fries were crispy, and all the dog toppings were on point. Our order was taken by the manager, Jessica who is a joy to interact with. If you’re looking for a great hot dog in Tampa, check out Mel’s.

Absolutely one of the best Hot Dog places around!! I've been coming here since I was literally in diapers (30+ years). I've brought friends and family and have yet to come across any dissatisfied customers. I hope this place is here forever so everyone can come experience the welcoming atmosphere and great eats!!

UPDATE: Increased to 5 stars from previous. As expected, I returned and tried a sandwich. The Angus burger was delicious, and the fries are (still) phenomenal! Original: I am not a hot dog person, but I do like trying well-established places that are not big chains. I came here with my husband and a friend, both of whom love hot dogs. Do not take my preference discourage a visit because I am picky when it comes to hot dogs. The few times I do eat hot dogs, they are all beef or otherwise kosher. In that regard, Mel's was good. The relish is such a vibrant green, like lime jello or grass, but it is good. My friend had the slaw dog and Mel's special and said they were both really good but the special was better. My husband enjoyed his chili dog. The fries were also great! I love fries, so I was happy eating them. I'm sure we will be back at some point in the future, and I can try one of the other sandwiches. TL,DR: Would I recommend? Yes, even if you don't like hot dogs (they have other menu items). Would I return? Yes.

Enjoyed trying Mel's after spending the day at Busch Gardens. My husband and I both got the chilli dog basket. The bun, fries and toppings were fresh and delicious (the bun was so fresh and soft it really is what I remember most). I'm not a huge fan of boiled hot dogs which made the hot dog a little bit tougher to chew. I also did try the Cole slaw, was basic creamy dressing without much flavor; wouldn't really recommend for the extra cost. This will definitely be a place we stop at Busch Gardens to try different types of hot dog toppings.

A great place for a quick meal before or after a day at Bush Garden Amusement park. Located just east of the gate. The restaurant is has a 1950's style decor. There is a large menu of specialty hot dogs on the menu. These dogs are Chicago style. A basket is available with fries for just about $10. The dog was served fresh and hot as was the fries. The order of fries was huge and can easily be shared by 2 customers.

I definitely enjoyed this place! It really reminded me of Chicago, they had the famous hot dog photo! The food reminded me of how Chicago Italian Beefs and Sauages are! If you’re missing the Chicago was of doing things, I believe that this is the perfect place to get a taste of home! As far as flavor goes, it was wonderful! Make this your family fun spot and enjoy some great food!

A nostalgia explosion! Very fun place to get hotdogs and more. Tasty food that is not too pricey.

While we were remodeling our new nails salon right across Mel’s Hotdogs, we ate here regularly. Man oh man, hot diggity! This place is the diggity bomb. We loved it and so they the crew remodeling the salon it! Thank you Mr. Mel and Jessica!

The best hot dogs around for 50 years now! I've been coming here for 25 years and each time, it's been a good experience. The employees are friendly and helpful, the prices are reasonable and the hot dogs are outstanding! If you're feeling hungry, make sure to upgrade your dog to a 1/4 lb Mighty Mel - the small upcharge is worth it and it'll fill you up when paired with the fresh, hot fries.

Mel retired last week, and the love and work he put into his beloved Mels lives on with his original staff who are determined to continue the fabulous tradition of a fun place to have a delicious fresh hotdog and fries in a warm and friendly 1950's parlor vibe atmosphere.

Bratwurst always are delicious. We are always Happy to see when Jessica is working . It was crowded but the employees work quickly. Good quality ingredients.

Great hot dog joint, food to go or eat in. Good prices for a meal combo. around 12 bucks. Staff are super friendly and place looks very clean. Would definitely visit here again

Amazing hot dog store. Delicious hot dogs with excellent fries. The staff are delightful and helpful. The decor just adds to the experience. Why would you go to a chain when fantastic independent stores like this exist. Perfect for a post-Busch meal.

Mel's is a great old Florida hotdog and hamburger joint that does a pretty good Chicago style hotdog. Mel's been around for decades and although Mel has recently sold the restaurant, the food hasn't changed. If you're in the area near Busch Gardens, stop in and treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind experience.

Good food and quick service. Love coming to Mel’s and getting extra cheese on everything! Can’t go wrong with a chili cheese dog and cheese fries.

The perfect classic hot dog experience in an adorable old fashioned diner setting. The day we were there Mel was there too! He was wearing these adorable hot dog print shorts and happily handing out cake pops in celebration of the restaurant’s 50th anniversary! Seeing him there and interacting with customers after all these years was so cool. I get in a hot dog mood when very once in a while and this hit the spot 🥰

1st time for us and will definitely be visiting again. Great experience. Chili cheese fries are amazing as was the other food we ordered.

Not bad, but prices are a bit high for a “fancy” hot dog, fries and a drink. Had the Fire Dog, but needs more flavor in my opinion. Tried the nacho cheese sauce, but tastes like something out of a can. Staff was friendly.

Hot dogs were surprisingly delicious. The mini donuts are a must try!! Staff was really friendly. Atmosphere was great, even some outdoor seating available

What a great place to eat. Great hotdogs and fries. The cinnamon and sugar donuts are hot and fresh and made when you are ready for them. The staff is gracious and kind. Thank you.

An outstanding experience! Enjoyed the walk-up order counter, where I was greeted with a welcome to Mel's. Waited at a table until my name was called and thoroughly enjoyed my chili dog & fries. Will definitely be visiting again.

1st time visitor, made it a point to do so once we heard this long time institution would soon be undergoing a change of hands. Between myself and my wife, we got a Fire Dog, Chili Dog, cheeseburger, fries and onion rings. The fire dog is a spicy number, kicked with cayenne in the beef sausage and small but mighty sport peppers, kissed with sweetness from grilled onions and red peppers. My ONLY complaint was chewy, slightly toothsome bread without much flavor. The answer to that, my wife ordered the fire dog itself on the regular hot dog bun, it was DELISH. The chili is really good, reminds me of my home state of NC a little❤️, rich in flavor but not overpowering. The hot dog itself was meaty and perfectly salty but would benefit from a hard sear or fry to really bring out that skin snap. That cheeseburger... y'all, NEVER getting a cheeseburger from anywhere else! That flamed grilled flavor is front and center, the patty was juicy and was set off with a colorful mix of condiments, that cartoon green relish💚, ketchup, mustard, mayo and chopped onions and pickles with THEE most perfectly toasted bun, a slept on kaiser roll was king in the time of brioche saturation. Lastly, the fries and onion rings were on point, contrasting between salted crisp/fluffy potato goodness and crunchy, sweet onion joy! It was clear walking in that the neighborhood loves this place and I pray it continues to serve the same high quality, delicious food, can't wait to go back! Mel, you really did something great here, thank you for it the right way, it shows! Enjoy your retirement!

Kinda thought it was over-rated. Dogs are good but small. The cheeseburger was nothing special, not bad, not great, though the french fries are a plus. Place was clean. Service was good. Atmosphere ok. If near-by, stop and get some food, but to make a trip just to try them out...maybe not.