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    First Prize Mike's

    3.9 (131 reviews)
    Open • 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

    First Prize Mike's Photos

    Business Info

    FIRST PRIZE MIKE'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - First Prize Mike's

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    Dave C.

    Trying out their dogs. Place gets pack easily as got in at the right time. Come and enjoy since 1947!

    Hand cut fries
    Jerry R.

    Cool old fashioned hot dog spot. Very friendly and welcoming staff. Hot dog with everything; average dog Hamburger: good but skimpy on the meat Fries: the star of the show. Perfect hand cut fries ! Gravy: excellent Nostalgia: top notch Prices: great

    George the local dog.
    Sonya R.

    We went for breakfast. Food was quick, tasty and inexpensive. The servers were super nice. It's a local dive and, if you go with the right attitude, you'll love it. If you go expecting a traditional breakfast place (eg no fancy coffee or tea options) you'll be disappointed. PS LOVED George the local dog.

    Outside
    Winnie C.

    Just had breakfast, and passed by the famous Mike's hot dog, the people there were so friendly, since I wasn't hungry, so I ordered only one hot dog, and they were happy that we came with a big smile. The hot dog were so delicious, finest hot dog as they said!

    Menu
    Melinda R.

    The place was packed when we went inside. The menu is pretty limited. We ordered a large fry and 2 hot dogs. We did not get the meat sauce but was given a sample, which I was good with a little spice kick. The staff was friendly and knowledge. The hot dogs were ok and the fries were hot. I would go back but would choose other places to eat first.

    Hand cut fries? Yes please!!!
    George L.

    I really dig this place. It's an old Schenectady staple and the fact that its been open for over 70 years is impressive. The staff is genuinely friendly, and not that "fake friendly" you get because a modern business is afraid of a bad review. It's kind of refreshing. The environment inside has that old school vibe that takes you back in time, but not too far back. And the food is not only cheap, but actually better than what you would expect from a local greasy spoon. In fact, I specifically get the occasional craving for their hand cut fries, their little double cheeseburger, and the fantastic breakfast they serve. From reading other people's reviews, some people really dislike whatever changes were made to the hotdog meat sauce. Personally, I don't think it merits an overall low score, because it's a single element of a main dish. So it just comes across as unnecessary bashing and makes the reviewer look petty. But then again, I really dislike meat sauces in general. So what do I know? In any case, I'll be regularly enjoying Mike's food (without meat sauce) for as long as they stay open. =)

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Great hot dog sauce! And the fries are perfect!!! Cheap and you won't be disappointed

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Best dogs, steak sandwiches burgers and breakfast served by friendly folks. Come back and you'll feel like family.

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    13 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Best Coney dogs I've found. I live in Michigan now where Coney Island restaurants are as common as a Starbucks, yet none compare to Mikes.

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    15 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Best breakfast deal in town. Get a #6: two large pancakes, eggs, bacon and coffee for only $7.49. Awesome!!!!

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    14 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Old fashion place has not changed in 60+ years. Great dogs. Spicy sauce makes my head sweat. love it.

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Best breakfast sandwiches in town. My office will call in to order 12-15 at a time. Gratis food, great value

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    13 years ago

    wow this place has been open forever! if your looking for a quick grub this is the place to be.

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    11 years ago

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    Page 3 of 4

    Ask the Community - First Prize Mike's

    Review Highlights - First Prize Mike's

    “They have a homemade meat sauce (think chili) that has a little spice to it and is delicious.”

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Michele's Charcoal Pit - 1/3 pound patty with cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and fried onions

    Michele's Charcoal Pit

    4.1(28 reviews)
    14.8 mi
    •$

    There is hardly a food truck I don't like. Why? I love the history behind them. The craziness of…read morethe new rage, from an oldie but goodie, and the committment from the owner to make his/her greateness available at reasonable price and in cool digs. Now, I wouldn't call the New York State Capital lawn cool digs, but seeing as it just a few blocks away and plenty of green grass, park benches, picnic tables, and other seating, how can one resist coming out here for a stroll and a great bite to eat? Not to mention, it is the only place in Albany where you can find 4-5 food trucks to choose from, which makes me feel sad, as that number is low compared to other progressive cities like, San Diego, San Francisco, Austin, Dallas, New York. It also upsets some people that the capitol gets special treatment for placement of food trucks, but let's save that for another day. Michele's looked good. I was simply craving a burger and fries. However, I've learned from my food trucking, that fries can be somewhat of a challenge. Either soggy, dried, or just not right. I hate suffering through that, so instead, I ordered the tots they have. Being a chemist by nature, I don't know what it is with tots, but you can hardly mess them up. They always come out crispy on outside and nice and hot inside. Michele's did not disappoint. I ordered my 0.3lb burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion. The film broke loose and this movie came to a screeching halt when I heard, "We are out of onions." "Ahhhhgg," I thought, as in my opinion a burger just isn't a burger without onions. Before I could complete my sigh of disbelief, the server said, "We can put some fried onions on it, if you want. Will take a little longer." I was ecstatic. Not because I got my onions, albeit in a different form, but the food truck guy did not have to offer this, but he did. Why? I don't know, ask him, but I can guess it is because they have that food truck service mentality of "Let's take care of our special customers." It did take a little longer but was worth it. The cook handed me a freshly cooked cheeseburger with fried onions and tater tots. He even warned me that the tots were piping hot just out of the fryer. Really nice touch. I will definitely be back and try their other menu items which look really good including the clam, even though I am not a big clam fan.

    Great food, good quanity, a aquick and courteous staff. The brisket was so tender and tasty. Also…read morehad the spiced up piggy fries. At the music haven

    Photos
    Michele's Charcoal Pit - Good Truck

    Good Truck

    Michele's Charcoal Pit - 1/3 pound patty with cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and fried onions

    1/3 pound patty with cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and fried onions

    Michele's Charcoal Pit - Cheese burger and tots

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    Cheese burger and tots

    First Prize Mike's - tradamerican - Updated September 2026

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