Mel's Hot Dogs — Restaurant in Tampa

The end of a legend. It was good while it lasted. I had been going to Mel's since the 70's when it opened. Today I went and had the most horrible experience and will never be going back. I ordered my usual snack dog, small fries and a soda. The snack dog has a strong, smoky taste and a leathery texture. The fry portion was small, was greasy and had several small broken bits that were oil soaked. I took one bite of the hot dog and it grossed me out. I asked if the hot dogs had been changed and not really given an answer. I was so grossed out from one bite I couldn't eat any more and requested a refund of the hot dog and fry. By the time I got home I threw up what I had eaten, it was that gross.

I googled and realized Mel's was sold to HD Holding Company, LLC as of September 7, 2023. I just found a Creative Loafing article from yesterday discussing this.

It hasn't even been a month but I knew when biting into that snack dog it was not the same one I had been purchasing for decades. I don't even think it had the same day-glo relish that had been famous. After decades of good memories and good food, the quality has degraded in less than 1 month of the sale. This is truly sad. RIP.

My last memory from Mel's: a receipt for $2.50 for a fountain drink along with a refund for $7.42 (after asking for a copy to be printed). Maybe stretching that print cartridge too for as long as possible. I

Update to the owner response: using the same vendor does not mean that the same products were purchased from that vendor. I have been eating snack dogs over 40 years, and it was wrinkled, chewy, and had a smoky taste so there is no way I am going to believe that is the same product. Owner did not address the fact that the fries were greasy with numerous broken small oily pieces and half the amount. That is not consistent with my experience of almost 50 years. Saying that the staff has not changed has nothing to do with the poor quality of food I received.

Too bad I didn’t take a picture to post on here. I’m curious to know if it was the same product what happened to make it wrinkled and have a smoky taste? And why was it OK to serve broken, oily fries, half the...

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...

I remember my parents taking me here when I was very little after a trip to Busch Gardens. I remember the food being great and everyone being so nice. Many years later... I now take my own kids. Our last visit was today and nothing has changed. The food is amazing and I cannot speak on how sweet and friendly the staff is. The people that work here are seriously a breath of fresh air. This place made me forget about all of the crazy stuff going on in the world, even if it was only while I was there. This place is a gem. Highly recommend!!!

Unfortunately.... I have to update.

I am not sure if this place is under new ownership but it just wasn't the same place (last visit was 5 years ago.). I went here yesterday with my fiance, he has never been and he's been hearing me brag about it. So finally, yesterday, he drove me 40mins in the rain to get some Mel's hot dogs... I was SO excited.

I CANT believe how small the sides are, it's almost insulting. We paid over $3 for a side of Mac and cheese that was not very good and had maybe 6 spoonfuls in total. We got two sides to share... (Mac n cheese and baked beans) each side came in a container that was literally the width of a fingernail. It was embarrassing to bring him here for the price and the quantity of food just do not match anymore. Also, the employees just did not have that same happiness and care that I grew up...