Look for the red wiener-mobile parked on the north side of the highway near Busch Gardens to find this 1950s-style diner that specializes in dogs and fries—perfect bites after a long day of riding roller coasters. Venture inside to find walls dotted with photos from fans and a hot-diggity menu that's heaven for tube-steak fans, with traditional dogs as well as those with a bit more pizzazz. Consider trying the Reuben-style bowwow on a poppy-seed bun or the Mighty Mel, a quarter-pounder decked out with relish, mustard, and pickles.

Just a stone’s throw from the entrance of Busch Gardens stands Mel’s Hot Dogs –- the place for classic Chicago-style wieners since 1973. Musician Mel Lohn founded his now-iconic hot dog haven after moving to Tampa from Chicago and longing for the hot dogs he loved back home. He opened his restaurant at the corner of Busch Boulevard and 42nd street and nearly 50 years later at the same location continues pleasing Tampans, visiting Chicagoans, and folks from all over with his “real Chicago-style hot dogs.” Hours for indoor dining at Mel's Hot Dogs are currently restricted but catering and takeout are in full operation.

The most beloved hot dogs in Tampa have quite an origin story: The restaurant was conceived when a Chicago native touring Florida with his Rock n’ Roll band led a frustrated search for hot dogs. Seizing the opportunity, Mel opened a hot dog place right next to Busch Gardens, much to the delight of everyone who doesn’t want to pay overpriced amusement park prices for food. Using Vienna beef and offering sandwiches, burgers, and sides as well as their staple food, this is one of the best cheap eats in Tampa.

Serving hungry Tampa locals since 1973, Mel's takes the simple concept of a hot dog and makes it as good as you could imagine. These dogs aren't the bland approximations you find at some fast food places. Instead, they're all-beef and come on poppy-seed buns, loaded with goodies like sauerkraut, onions, relish, pickles and hot peppers.

Mel’s Hot Dogs is a family-run business that has been around since 1973. Located right next to Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay’s own amusement park, Mel’s Hot Dogs is a perfect place to sit and relax after a long day at the park, or grab for takeout for the ride home. These Chicago-style hot dogs are to die for.

Since 1973, Mel’s Hotdogs has been serving up one of America’s favorite foods in the best ways imaginable. If you’re planning a trip to Busch Gardens, you’re in luck. Mel’s is located near the park, so be sure to stop by and enjoy one of their unique franks loaded up with all your favorite toppings.

For nearly 50 years, Mel’s has served the people of Tampa its signature hot dogs for an affordable price. Mel’s special and Chicago-style dogs cost $5.25, cheese and chili dogs set you back $5.95, slaw dogs run $6.25 and bagel dogs are $7.70, not to mention the fries, baked beans and onion rings.

By Busch Gardens, you will find the local’s favorite hot dog stand, Mel’s Hot Dogs. This place has been serving up these summer classics since the 1970s and has developed a wonderful reputation. For under $10, you can order a hot dog with a variety of toppings, a side of fries, and a soda.

July 22 is National Hot Dog Day, and at Mel’s Hot Dogs on Busch Boulevard, they will be celebrating all year. A staple of Tampa since 1973, Mel’s was founded by a Chicago native in desperate search of a Chicago-style hot dog. Finding none, he decided to make his own.

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (217 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, American- Address: 4136 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33617-5936- Read more on Tripadvisor