Tampa’s beloved hot dog joint spices up after-work hours with a one-of-a-kind promotion

TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) — Tampa has no shortage of happy hours, but how many places let you wash down a chili dog with a free beer, or better yet, finish it off with a scoop of ice cream?

Mel’s Hot Dogs, a Tampa staple for more than 50 years, just launched a new happy hour, offering customers a free beer or a free scoop of ice cream with the purchase of any hot dog basket. The deal runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., giving fans of encased meats and post-work indulgence a little something extra to look forward to.

With 15 different hot dogs on the menu—including the signature Mighty Mel, the classic chili dog, the bagel dog, and the crowd-favorite Rodeo Dog (stacked with diced onion rings, bacon, barbecue sauce, and cheddar cheese)—Mel’s keeps things interesting for both loyalists and newcomers alike.

A Tampa Institution With a New Twist

Mel’s Hot Dogs has been a Busch Boulevard fixture since 1973, when founder Mel Lohn, a musician from Chicago, couldn’t find a proper hot dog in Tampa and decided to fix the problem himself. His solution? A no-frills joint serving up true Chicago-style dogs, complete with Vienna beef franks, poppy seed buns, and all the classic fixings.

In 2023, after half a century of running the show, Lohn passed the torch to longtime customers Pam Szabo and her brothers, ensuring that Mel’s stayed in the hands of locals who understood its legacy. The new owners have been careful to preserve what makes the spot special while introducing a few updates, like a wider selection of bottled beers, seltzers, and now, an ice cream counter.

Happy Hour, But Make It Mel’s

The introduction of a beer-and-ice-cream happy hour fits right in with Mel’s charm. After all, where else can you grab a Chicago dog, crack open a cold one for free, and then top it off with a sweet treat, all in the same meal?

And for those with a bigger appetite, Mel’s recently introduced a “Party Pack” that serves 12 (or one ambitious eater). Priced at $95.99, it includes a dozen hot dogs, a quart of beans, a quart of coleslaw, chips, and a dozen cookies.

So, whether you’re looking to cool off with an ice cream cone or kick back with a complimentary beer, Mel’s is making sure your next happy hour is anything but ordinary.

Mel’s Hot Dogs is located at 4136 E. Busch Blvd., just outside Busch Gardens. They’re open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.