There could not be a better place to define the term americana! The food is down to earth yummy! And the people working there could not be more friendly! This is the kind of place where you were glad you came. It's been here for a long time and it is just such a gem! It was recently struck by a tree in a violent thunderstorm but thankfully did not sustain too much damage and stayed open the same day. The only thing damaged was the iconic sign on the roof which was fixed by the time I got there. I cannot recommend a place higher than this read more

First Prize Mike's - American Near Me - Schenectady, New York

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You cannot go wrong when you order the hotdogs meat sauce Mustard and bury the onions!

My good friend Michelle yelped for me about first prize Mike's and everything she said is true. Can't wait till Wednesday if I get the Albany run. Looking forward to eggs potatoes and slip a burger in on it Frank from the bronx read more

For a highly-regarded local institution, highly disappointing. For a lunch counter / hash house, I have pretty low standards. Good, fast, and cheap will get you three stars out of the box, and extras like ambiance and something nice like old fashioned "hiya hon" service or an ultra-cool specialty will get you a couple more. At Mike's, on the requisite two visits, we got: fast, and none of the above. I can't call it cheap when my $1.79 three ounce cup of brown crayon water, excuse me, "coffee" isn't refilled once and a hot dog right out of the Oscar Meyer pack with some sides runs the tab up over $10, not including tip (and while my rule is I NEVER stiff a server under any circumstances, because it's a hard, crappy job and no matter how badly you do it you deserve to get your pay up to minimum wage at least, on at least one visit Mike's sorely tempted me to break the rule. Which I did not.) We also tried the burger, which tasted like it was from an expired Costco bulk pack, and the steak, which made me think I need to reconsider Steak Ums as being perhaps higher quality. And the legendary meat sauce? Tastes like Ragu meatball that's been left boiling in the bottom of the pan. And I will say any place with a sign like Mike's, and menacing statues of fries and a hot dog (about to eat themselves?!?) normally is My Kind of Place. But in ambiance I note incidents from separate visits. One was the pay phones (yes, they have working payphones, or at least one works, in phone booths) which would normally be kind of cool, except there was this guy TAKING phone calls at one of the booths and giving you the stink eye if you got too close while he was transacting his business. (And I thought that was just a made-up thing for the Sopranos.) And today, in the middle of the day, I came out to my car after eating to find a guy peering in the windows, who took off running when he noticed me. That's the kind of ambiance I can live without (literally, I hope). I strongly suspect many positive reviews have been fueled by nostalgia as much as anything - I can see the hangout qualities even if I can't feel the love, personally. But I can feel the heartburn. Gack. read more

Let's just take a minute and think about the two statues outside Mike's. A basket of fries, looking like it's smoking a joint (just take a look at that expression and the thumbs up!), but is actually eating one of its own fries. A hot dog, suggestively squeezing ketchup on it's "head" getting ready to eat oneself. Doesn't this statue know what Dirty Harry has to say on the subject of ketchup (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5JIpT4GkyM)? Who crafted these things and does that person cook my hot dogs?! Here's to hoping, because those are some damn fine hot dogs. Mike's does it up right: hot dogs on the griddle, smothered in meat sauce served with onions and a large dollop of spicy brown mustard. I wish the dogs had more snap and maybe a tad less meat sauce. But that's being overly picky. I also really enjoy the fresh cut fries and onion rings. Never ventured into breakfast territory, seems like everything will just taste like hot dog. Awesome statues, tasty dogs and a 50 foot counter. It's classic Schenectady. read more

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Yes - five stars for history, nostalgia and incredibly good prices. This place has been here for 50 years and is a staple on Erie. Service is fast and friendly. It's mainly counter service and food is prepared quickly. I saw a sign that said "chicken gyro" and I went there. It was more like souvlaki - chunks of grilled chicken served in a warm, thick pita with tomato, lettuce, onion and sauce. I held the onion and enjoyed every bite of it. French fries are awesome. They're like the fries that you get at the state fair - just oily enough and fried so that they're slightly crispy outside with a softer starchiness inside. They arrived unsalted - so salt away if you're so inclined. Or not. I'm not big on hot dogs, but I did get to taste the fully loaded one and it was really good. The cheeseburger got a great review, too. Oh...and they do milkshakes. Why not? I had one to go. They do chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee. (Yes. I went to hell in a hand basket. Totally worth it). If you're a vegan or vegetarian, this place isn't for you. However, if you don't like red meat, Mike's has options. Besides the chicken souvlaki, there's a grilled chicken sandwich. Personally, I could have made a meal out of the fries...I was tempted to order a second batch but held back. As stuff comes off the grill or out of the fryer, it's served to you at the counter (or at your table). Hope to get here some day to try the breakfast choices. Also heard that the steak sandwiches are fabulous. Cash only - they have an ATM on premises if you only have plastic available. read more

I'm giving a four star and will be looking to give it a five star after a second visit. Very simple place. We have drove by here a lot and always talked about stopping. Well we finally did. I read other reviews on Mike's. I agree with all the good ones. I'm not so sure about the meat being too spicy(not so good review)We thought everything was fantastic. Priced properly for the proportions you are given. They have breakfast too! Definitely will be trying that as well. Great friendly atmosphere. read more

Mike's is always a good choice for quick, cheap food in Schenectady. The staff here has always been a joy to interact with, and are always conversational. Definitely enjoy being a regular here, and will continue to be one for the foreseeable future. read more

The humble tube steak is elevated to new levels of ecstasy at this cozy little cinder block hot dog stand in Schenectady. Lightly grilled and served in soft bun with mustard, a blanket of meat sauce, and onions makes the charcoal grilled Memorial Day staple pale by comparison. I ordered one, my husband ordered two. By the time I had finished my first succulent bite, his first dog was gone. "I was afraid someone was going to take it from me," was his response. Yes, they are that good. In all fairness, you can order fries, burgers, onion rings, soup, milkshakes and other similar goodies, but if Mike's has been selling award winning hot dogs for 75 years, why would you eat anything else? read more

Terrific hot dogs, with the most amazing sauce! People who don't know, call it chili, but it is not chili. It contains no beans and has a flavor profile all its own. Place sex on top of a yummy tube steak cooked to perfection on their grill, YUM! Top it with cheese, and DOUBLE YUM!!! Hot dogs not your thing? It sucks to be you..... but if you not will make you tasty cheesesteak, burger, or even a gyro! , First Prize Mike's is a terrific breakfast spot summation mark making eggs, omelets, French toast, pancakes, and anything else you can think of that comes off a flat top. Area as if this wasn't enough it was, they have fries, onion rings, a bunch of other stuff you can throw in that oil to come out golden crispy and delicious... But the crowning achievement is there few but delectable dessert options. The rice pudding is very good, but the tapioca is AMAZING! Damnmit!!! Now that I wrote this review, I'm starving... read more

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Don't care. Mikes is what mikes is. Try it here and shut up! But don't order Bacon on your sandwich. It'll double the price. read more

First Prize Mike's - This is what Moles is about on scold Tuesday night. - American Near Me - Schenectady, New York

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My favorite breakfast place to go! Staff is always friendly and always helpful! They are the best!

Review time kids! So I HATE leaving bad reviews, but it's a necessary evil. I hope the owners see this and make some adjustments. I love comfort food,greasy burgers and dogs seared on a flattop griddle while you wait is sooooo awesome! This place is known for their legendary hot dogs and meat sauce. The last few times I've swung in for a dog and iced tea I've noticed something and so has my bride. It's not the service, that's always been good! It's the meat sauce for the hotdogs! It has steadily,over the last few years, become so spicy, it's become inedible. It torches your palette to the point of ruining the rest of your meal! It used to be so good, perfectly balanced,a little spice,a little sweetness.....mmm. Well at least I have the burgers with sautéed onions to lean on !! read more

Super pleasant staff and awesome service! Also: They make the most absolutely, amazingly perfect pancakes!!! read more

Nice to find a place that makes an excellent hot dog! Nicely cooked. I had mine with brown mustard and sauerkraut, my wife had relish and brown mustard. Tasty! We also had an order of perfectly cooked fries and my wife gives top marks to the onion rings. We'll be back! read more

Has this place changed owners? I've been here a few times and thought that the food was quite good for what it was, but after visiting there today, I doubt I'll ever go back. First, the "waitress" was coughing excessively and wiping her nose with the sleeve of her shirt. To make matters worse, she wasn't wearing a mask. Additionally, she dropped her plastic glove on the dirty floor, picked it up, put it back on, and began handling food. At the end, when I motioned for the check, I heard her mutter to the guy on the grill, "Jesus Fu**ing Christ." What I'd give for Elkins again... read more

Hot dogs and NY meat sauce. OK, not great. My fellow diners ordered breakfast which was just fine...but they forgot the potatoes. Old school probably some great memories for some but not for us first timers. And they have a modern POS system but don't take debit cards. Short sighted pet peeve of mine. read more

Food tastes great, I wonder if the long black hair in the meat sauce helps or hurts the flavor. It is what it is.

Great cheap eats! Quick service nice employees. Really enjoy this place. Good lil burgers best with melted cheddar sauce. Hot dogs meat sauce is really good. Tastes like its got some beans in there, delicious. Prices can't be beat. read more

First Prize Mike's - Dog with toasted roll and meat sauce - American Near Me - Schenectady, New York

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Excellent dogs!! Breakfast too!! Everything really. Great food people nice clean place.

Don't get the hot dogs! The gyros are fantastic, though. Hot dogs: bland/rubbery, typical, cold white bread, bland meat sauce. I think the dogs were boiled Cheese dogs come with white American "cheese". Gyros: soft warm pita, perfectly grilled juicy chicken, pretty good white sauce. read more

I go here for the bacon, over easy egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches with homefries. I have yet to find a better breakfast sandwich in Schenectady. Love the old school vibes and fast service. It feels like everyone there knows one another. They take cash only but have an atm available. The place definitly has its clutter and dirty areas. It would be nice if they took the time to clean and touch some things up, then again the locals like it just fine. If you go here on a Saturday or Sunday morning, the place is a mad house - just a heads up. read more

This place is a Schenectady institution! Ice cold Milk shakes hand cut fries awesome onion rings Double cheeseburger with fried onions & meat sauce....Oh Yeah The HOT DOGS...as good as it gets! I have to cut this review short, I am going back to Mikes right now... read more

Ok, so I'll admit, the hot dog and fries statues outside the place are a little weird and potentially creepy. That hot dog has a bizarre look on its face while it's squeezing ketchup onto itself. It's enough to make you think to yourself, "WTF? Do I really want to go here?" Ignoring this, Mike's is pretty damn good. The hot dogs are great. One of my favorite things about Mike's is the fries. They're freshly cut fries and they're very good. Mike's is not amazing, earth-shattering or life-changing. It's that they've apparently mastered the simplicity and consistency of the food that they offer. That's what makes them great, and that's what attracts me to the place for lunch. read more

This place has been open since at least the 60's, so that in of itself is a testament to its high rating. There are many opinions on where to get the best hot dog in the Capital District. I have been to just about everyone, and Mike's gets my vote. The meat sauce is unique...spicier and moister than at most other places. Ordering a hot dog "all the way" includes mustard, onions, and meat sauce. Burgers and steak sandwiches are also excellent. I am not familiar with the breakfast menu. Keep in mind that this is not the place to go if you are looking for health food. I have never had breakfast here, but they start serving eggs, pancakes, home fries, and omelettes early in the morning. Parking is convenient, service is quick. At lunch time it can get busy, but even then you will be in and out within 30 minutes, top. Prices are reasonable. The only shortcoming is that the bathrooms are not very nice. Actually, they are pretty bad. read more

Used t be great ...gone way downhill since they stopped using First prize dogs .... They should cover the sign..... read more

Food is simple! Nothing "fancy" about what they serve which is what I love. Simple menu, fast service, smiling employees, and great prices. Old school setting CASH ONLY! First time coming in a Saturday morning and they're busy! read more

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My dad came here when he was a kid and he brought me here as a kid, and I will bring my kids here. I LOVE Mike's hotdog's, as soon as my husband and I get off our plane we always make this one of our first stops. I've only had the dogs and fries! Why mess which greatness? read more

First Prize Mike's - 4 dogs with everything - American Near Me - Schenectady, New York

I've been trying to find a replacement for hot dogs that are as good as Mike's. Growing up in the area, and having gone to Union for a couple years I was a huge fan. I've lived in a bunch of cities in my life and it seems odd that Schenectady has the best hot dogs I've ever had. Thinking another way, perhaps Schenectady is just the type of place that a great hot dog vendor can thrive. My mom used to let us stop at Mike's on the way home fromthe dentist as a treat, I still remember the taste of a chili dog on freshly cleaned teeth. read more

You just cant beat this place for a quick cheap lunch! It certainly not the cleanest place around but its pretty consistent with the food. Hotdogs all they way are your best route. Hotdog topped with onions, spicy mustard and some mystery meat sauce. Fries are hand cut and can get pretty dark at times..... Onion rings are pretty standard. Cheeseburger and sausage patty sandwich are both good. Shakes are on the thin side but not overly sugared out. They are a CASH ONLY establishment and even though they are super cheap if you are short on funds they do have a atm on premises for your bank fee using pleasure. read more

My dad and I ate here recently during a day trip to Schenectady, and it was great! The hot dogs were delicious. Service was very fast and friendly. Great old school diner ambience. Cute statues out front. Would recommend. read more

Simple place and an Erie Boulevard fixture. The menu is limited, hey, they sell hot dogs. Fries are fresh and awesome, chili digs with onion and mustard are as good as you'll find outside of Plattsburgh (hot dogs everywhere up there). Tempted to do breakfast, prices are reasonable, staff is friendly, courteous and consistent. Not alot of turn over here. Service is quick. It may not be fancy, but that's not why you go and it's part of the charm. read more

Really nice staff. Fun atmosphere. But disappointed with the steak sandwich. Too many peppers and onions and not enough steak and the steak was dry. The cheeseburger wasn't anything special but it wasn't bad. French fries were soggy. I had my hopes up for this place but was disappointed overall. read more

Definitely a hot dog and burger joint to try. We had breakfast. Yelp menu was more extensive.

They will never be on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, but hey... they cut their own fries. Their meat sauce use to be slamming, now it's watery and run down. Great place to stop in at after an evening of drinking. read more

Go to Mike's with a friend. Burgers works, dogs works, o-rings, fries, couple chocholate milks. Have childhood flashback.... Swap those "First Prize" buggers for Sabrett natural casing dogs and you could be a 5. Still one of the best things about Schenectady. Nostalgic as it gets. read more

Stopped here while in the Schenectady area on business. Was here a couple years ago with a large group. Got two hot dogs all the way with the handcut fries and a lemonade. Did not disappoint and the lady running things was funny and perfect for this gem. If your looking for a fancy lunch, go elsewhere. read more

Heard that Mikes may be closing down so I decided to make a visit. I can see why they are closing. Don't believe the hype. This place isn't that great. read more

I stop here from time to time, it's far from fancy, but it's awesome if you want to grab something quick. Staff is always friendly and the food always good. I usually get clam strips or a cheese burger, or the gyro, and all of hem are delicious and who doesn't like fresh cut fries? The place is dated and in need of a touch up, but a great gem in Schenectady. read more

Wish they took credit cards, but they have an ATM. Ordered takeout, hotdogs with the works, fish fry sandwiches, fries & onion rings. The fries were a little under cooked, not crispy, but everything else was great! read more