Mel's Hot Dogs

Reviews

• MH

  mike h

  3 days ago
  3.0
  This restaurant is a historical place . I remember 48 years ago my family took me here each time we went to bush gardens, my father went to high school with the founding owner. He even tried to get him to expand his location but the owner refused to expand thinking it would hurt the quality everyone had learned to love so much over the years. It is very sad to hear the buisness was sold and is being run into the ground now along with higher prices and smaller amounts of food. The problem the new owner has is that most of the original people under the previous owner like management no longer work there anymore hence no one can show them what they need to bring it back to were it was. If they dont correct it soon , all the people will eventually come through there during the busiest time of the year and they wont be able to get out of the black hole of damage that will be fast come next year. Message to the new owner and management: contact the previous management as far back as you can go and get them to agree to come in and train your new management before it is too late. I really would like to see this historical landmark of a buisness succeed instead of just the property itself otherwise im sure bush gardens may be interested in purchasing the land for parking lot expansion. As a customer that dined for many decades I would be willing to show your management the quality of food the way it should be all the way down to the way you slice the pickles and ect . Every single thing wrong is a nail in the end of everything. The product can only get you part of the way only.
• CD

  Cody Deedrick

  5 days ago
  1.0
  Went to Mels with my girlfriend after church. She had mentioned it in passing and I thought it would be cute to try. Man was I wrong. $7 for a mediocre hot dog is absurd. It wasn't flavorful, it was rather small, and the only good part of the experience was the onion rings. The diner itself is cute and friendly but the prices are astronomical and not worth it. I could have spent the same amount of money at the store and gotten 8 hot dogs that taste the same instead of 1. The only other gripe was the tip request at the counter. If you pay with a card, they ask for a tip through the scan device. I tip for good service and great meals, not for you taking an order I have to pick up and carry. I'm from Illinois, I've had plenty of Chicago dogs. This place insulted them.
• KS

  Kelly Shank

  5 days ago
  5.0
  My husband and I have been coming here for a few years and we love their food. it's always fresh and amazing. today I came in for lunch and realized after we left that I left my debit card behind and the kind people here found it and held on to it for me. Great food and employees! Love Mels!!
• CC

  Christine Case

  Jul 2, 2026
  5.0
  I love Mel's diner it reminds me of back home CHICAGO every time I go there so thank you to the entire Mel's Hot Dog Team pleasant atmosphere people friendly clean establishment amazing workers and Thanks Mel for bringing your business to Florida great childhood memory you guys ROCK
• KL

  King Li

  Jun 27, 2026
  1.0
  I have lived in Tampa since 1986, but never walked thru these doors until this evening. 1st time. First impressions mean a lot to me considering my career is hospitality & dining! For context, I am aware the original owner sold this business recently. I have visiting family that were hungry for hot dogs & Portillo's is their favorite spot. It was me that said, "Let's try Mel's". It was closer to us plus none of us had ever been. As soon as I walk in, there is soo much noise of drunk people from Busch Gardens that I had to wait outside while my brother ordered. The sloth-like line of people waiting to just order food was absurd. During my 20 minutes of sitting outside I saw about 3 different homeless people enter & then leave the building empty handed. We finally get our hot dogs & fires. Was the food good?? ...yeah, it's alright, but it is NOT worth $9.00 each dog good!! I thought since this is a quality vienna beef hot dog, it would have some snap!! No snap! No natural casings either. Oh well, I expected too much. I have had the real thing up north, this was just okay. I'm sure the new owner will respond in some way that says I was at fault, but my experience was a total letdown.