Quick, simple menu. Delicious comfort food. This place is a family reward that everyone looks forward to.

A lovely place to pick up a bite to eat. I had a hot dog here with the kids recently, and had a good experience. There's seating at tables or at the long serving counter that gives a great view of the bustle on Erie Blvd and the the trees. Also looks like this might be a great breakfast place.

This place still has it going on after all these years my favorite place to grab a dog.

Delicious food, if you love a good coney dog you will not be disappointed! Great service too, incredibly friendly staff. Great location easy to get in and out. I'll be back dozens more times!

Awesome breakfast, found out you can use these syrups for sausage dips

When I get my order to go, I can smell it all through the drive home. This isn't fast food dogs or convenience store hot dogs, this is fresh from the grill, with a rich meat sauce and grilled onions that will make your mouth water.

I haven't been here in over 15 years and it hasn't changed a bit. That's a good thing! My mother used to take me here as a kid and I started to feel nostalgic as soon as I sat at the counter. The hot dogs are still great and you can't beat their fries. It felt good to be back!!

Such great people that work there. So nice and accommodating. Their meat sauce hands down the best. And they note take cards.

The most awesome thing was the service. We were promptly greeted and the food came quick after we ordered. The server was great and she asked if everything was good several times. The food was pretty good. It was a good value for the price.

Always meant to try this place every time I had driven by. I finally did and I'm glad to have done so. Quick service and good food and better prices. What more could you want? Limited menu of plain old burgers, dogs, sausage and shaved steak. Fries and onions rings complete the menu for lunch/dinner/late night. Breakfast menu is also simple and inexpensive. Totally wish I had come sooner, but I will be back often.

Love it. Sit at the counter if you want to watch the food cooked, or just to talk. Love the fries! Real potatoes ! You can get breakfast anytime. Great friendly staff! It hasn't changed over the years, great food and atmosphere.

There are not many great spots like this left. Even though it is not shiny and new, it is a nice, clean place and is locally owned, with friendly staff, and the food served is excellent! We get breakfast here, every day we are in town. Their steak and cheese is as good as any we have had, too! Haven't sampled the entire menu but I suspect everything they serve is excellent! 👍👍

Excellent food, great service, great price, I come here daily for breakfast before work. Late night munchies/ dinner, it’s that old school diner setting which I love, has that nostalgia of an old soul. I appreciate the older days where things were simple. Fresh food made with care. It’s an atmosphere and experience everyone should get a taste of!

Interior Needs serious updating , that being said, the food is always good, and cooked how you like it, the staff are always friendly. I enjoy the grilled chicken sandwich and onion rings. Other than it really needs updating, it's great place to eat

This place makes one of the best bacon egg and cheese sandwiches I have ever had. The bacon is so tasty and I love the aftertaste as well. Everybody there has a positive attitude and they are very friendly people. I will even drive 20 mins out of my way just for a breakfast sandwich there too. Delicious

Been around forever. I did not get their world famous hotdogs but had a delicious bacon egg and cheese on a hard roll two times during my visit. Glad they were able to survive the pandemic. They did not disappoint on 11/27/2024. Just bummed out they were out of t-shirts

I had another place in mind for my layover but they were closed today and I stopped here instead. Wow! I’m blown away at the quality of food for the cost. Great burger, really good dog (sauce has a hint of spice but not much) and hand cut fries exactly like expected a little crispy and delicious!! I can’t wait for my next layover at Amtrak so I can eat here again! Classic American diner wins again!

Fell in love with this place after moving here. The meat sauce is spectacular and the fries and gravy are great. Paired well with a handmade strawberry milkshake. Highly recommend trying this place out.

5 stars. Took my dad there like his mom took him. He said it has not changed in 60 years. It was a fantastic grease spoon

We used Mike's food truck for a graduation party. It was a big hit, and we couldn't be happier. The set up was prefect; the menu simple but so good. The servers were pleasant and helpful. Schenectadians in the crowd loved it. If you're looking for a good idea for your party, this is it.

Feels like I went back in time 🤩 amazing food, great service, and unbeatable prices. $20 lunch for 2 in 2023?! Sign me up!!! Reminded me of Ray Crock when he discovered McDonalds.

Best home fries ever been coming here for 10 years always a pleasure and great food all around!

Our family has been coming here on and off for several years and it’s always a great experience! Today was no different,in fact we will be coming back more frequently! So friendly,accommodating and the food is absolutely delicious and affordable in this crazy economy.

This place is probably the best hole in the wall in Schenectady. While there are other decent dogs available none of the other places come close to competing with Mike's meat sauce.

This is a must stop. Great old diner. We came for breakfast after the Electric City 10k nearby. 5 of us sat at the counter, everything was delish. Awesome service from Tressa. So many great things on the menu! We all want to come back for lunch!

Awesome place for breakfast. Has that old diner feel and great food to boot. Very welcoming and friendly staff, waitress sat down at our table to take our order. Stayed at the casino hotel 10 minute walk away. Can’t beat the breakfast there. Will be back for sure.

Great food excellent service,One of the best restaurant's for breakfast I have ever been to,everything is cooked fresh before your eyes some of the best bacon and sausage links I have ever tried, real quality meats, big portions makes my day when I have to work in Schenectady

We've been eating here for over 30 years, this is the BEST hot dog place I'm Schenectady.

We stopped in for lunch today and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and delicious food! Jen was so nice to our kids and the main man behind the counter was so accommodating to our kids when he heard them questioning menu items or when our son didn’t like the hotdogs (he only likes 1 brand cooked 1 way so we should have known!). The kindness and service was amazing. 5 minutes & 2 Mickey pancakes later and the day was saved. We will definitely be back!!

Nice place in Schenectady that’s been around for quite awhile. This is the place to go for a basic hot dog and fries. Staff are nice and friendly. Quirky, old school place. Excellent.

Great experience. Staff are personable and make sure everything is good. Might spot a few crazy out the window but that's the fun of Schenectady! It's a staple in the community and hope it's around for decades to come.

First time here and had the steak sandwich... Excellent! Been told the dogs are good too...going to try those next time.

Hot dogs are so good. Add the meat sauce. So good

Good people, good eats. What’s not to love? Cheers. -Z

This place looks like it could be the star of Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins & Doves", so of course the food will be good. Made on a grill right in front of you. Quick friendly service, great food. Has to be, they been open for over 70 years.

Simple, delicious food. You won't find any fuss or pretense here, just reliably great food and the nicest staff. Come down and see why they've been around for over 50 years!

First Prize Mike’s is a historic American diner in Schenectady that’s been around since 1947, and it shows in the best way. The hot dogs are really tasty, classic and done right. Old-school, comfortable diner vibe with a relaxed atmosphere. Excellent service and friendly staff make it an easy place to enjoy a meal. 🌭

Was in a rush this morning to grab food on the way into work these guys pumped out breakfast that was absolutely fantastic nothing tasted like grease everything was cooked well with zero aftertaste. Eggs were so good you needed nothing on them. Ham was nicely browned but not burnt and nice and moist and not a dry hockey puck... Pancakes were spot on with not being burnt or overcooked and dry they were nice and fluffy and moist. phenomenal job guys. thank you very much for the Fantastic breakfast this morning

They have by far the best hot dogs burgers and breakfast. Old fashioned with real phone booth inside. Service is impeccable. Love it.

Emrose Shaiman

This place is such a vibe!!! Great food, service & a homey old-school feel!! Got the lamb gyro w onion rings, hot dogs all the way, poached eggs & toast, chicken noodle soup & French toast w fresh blueberries!! ALLL AMAZING!!! This guy can throw down fr!! Thank you First Prize Mike's!!

Richard Schatzel

Old fashioned fun place to eat. Service was great, food was excellent and the atmosphere was like you were visiting a friend's place.

Lesley A.

Wow! Yummm! Had soft scrambled eggs, pancakes and bacon. Eggs were done to perfection which somehow is usually not done. Bacon was exactly as I like it - crispy. One staff person wasn’t entirely welcoming (bad day??) but the person who served me and another staff were amazing. Definitely coming back!

Ren Wisby

I was super impressed. Not with the building, condition, dining area, but the place is semi renown in the area. You can tell theyve been doin their thamg the way they do it for a long time. Kikass wait staff, typa place that gets You excited about something as unexciting as Hot dogs. Ill defly go back.

Joel Bergeron

Have driven by many times, finally stopped in. This is an old school diner with a simple menu. Good portions, fair prices, friendly service. Had breakfast and will definitely come back to try the lunch menu. Thank you!

Shane Barker

Is it the best hotdog place in the area? Nah. Is it legendary and a iconic stop in Schenectady? Absolutely! The meat sauce has a bit more spice than you may be used to--it's definitely unique and has a texture more similar to refried beans. Different enough that sometimes you just need a dog from Mike's 🤷🏻‍♂️. Anyway, cheapest breakfast in town and always willing to throw something on the grill for you. Summary: it's been there forever for a reason!

Jessica Marlow

Epitome of a classic hot dog joint. Simple good food. We got there at a slow time so our party of 6 was able to sit right away but right after we ordered it got very busy. Service may have been slow for some but the server was extremely friendly and working hard. Meat sauce was good. Onion rings great. Everything was hot and fresh. Large French fry order was huge!

Jillian Leblanc

We have wanted to stop in here for so long and today was finally did. We walked in and were greeted by the sweetest woman! She made us feel like family. The food was incredible - prices were even better! We got the mikes dogs and cheese burger with curly fries and we ate every crumb. The staff was so friendly and thanked us more than once for coming in. There’s no place like this place! We cannot wait to come back.

John Barriga

First Prize Mike's is not your typical fancy dining spot with elaborate tables and silverware, but what it lacks in upscale ambiance, it more than makes up for in serving the best hot dogs in New York. Their hot dogs are a must-try, especially when ordered with their incredible secret sauce, and don't forget to pair them with their delicious fries topped with the same sauce. Despite its humble setting, this place exudes friendliness - from the welcoming servers to the hardworking cook who flawlessly manages a busy kitchen while still greeting guests with a warm smile. The outstanding food truly sets First Prize Mike's apart, making it a unique find within a 100-mile radius. If you're a hot dog enthusiast, don't miss out on the experience at Prize Mike's - you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Patrick Madden

I love places like this. The staff were super friendly and made the experience 5-star. The food is nothing spectacular, but it’s a fresh as can be, served fast and with a smile, just the way you like it, and at a great price. Admittedly, the hotdogs were not all that great (pretty sure I could grill a better one myself at home) but the cheeseburger, fresh fries, and milkshake made up for it. A simple, hearty, and tasty meal for under $15 - where else are you going to find that these days?

Good food, super nice staff, awesome retro look.

Great hot dogs at rock bottom prices

Service is great. The personell are very friendly. Food is really good.

Great place for a quick lunch, burgers, dogs, french fries, and more. Little expensive.

No frills, simple, old school kind of spot. Makes for a great quick lunch. I really enjoyed the hot dog with meat sauce and onion rings. Service was good. Priced reasonably.

The food and service are good. I’m thinking not many people dine in the dining area has seen better days for sure. The stools are a little wobbly but a good place for a dog and some onion rings none the less.

This is the kind of place you go to for the environment. I only got hot dogs, and they were okay, good options for toppings but the dogs themselves were not great. It was skinless dogs and definitely not all beef. With that said the meat sauce was on point, not too tangy. Also a bit pricey, 7.50 for two hot dogs.

Given that it was Saturday morning, Mike's was packed. The diner is tiny. It seemed like the whole town was there for breakfast. It was a little hard to get the attention of the servers but when you did everything worked out. I ordered some hot dogs and fries which were great. The only advice I would give is not to come during rush hour.

A Schenectady must-have at any time of day. The french fries are homemade and fried crispy as well.

Wait staff was excellent. Food was quick to order. Hot dog was a 3 out of 5, personally. But, loved the burger. Should of got two! Would come back if I was in the area.

Good food and great workers also... Price is great for the food you order!

The hot dog all the way was great if you don’t mind your hot dog a tad spicy. The milkshakes are smooth but also thick. The service was quick but could have been nicer, but wasn’t rude or unpleasant. It feels, and is, a classic joint with a simple menu, quick service, and good prices considering what you are getting.

Dan Nitzsche

One of those unique places you stumble on when traveling. It is a little hole in theme wall place that you will easily miss if you blink. The service was excellent from the moment I walked in the door. The food was delicious. Everything cooked in front of you in a diner setting from a by gone era. Definitely worth checking out.

Scooter Racing

Great hot dogs and diner-food dive. Fun and friendly staff, attentive. We'll be back! Excellent meat sauce too!

Robert Fernandez

A real throwback in time. Long, long counter. Worn tables. This is the dive bar capital of hot dog joints. Hand cut French Fries are the star here.

Ryan Mazierski

First Prize Mike's is defiantly a restaurant that is worth trying. Their hotdogs with mustard, onions, and meat sauce are very good. They have been in business since 1947 and it is a well known spot in Schenectady. Service is very fast and friendly. Good meals can be had here at affordable prices. The restaurant serves fresh coffee, but only has a vending machine for soda or water. You can eat in or takeout. If in the area stop by for some food at a well known local spot.

Joseph Stacey

Authentic local experience you can't find elsewhere. Counter or table seating. Takeout available. Prices are very reasonable and excellent milkshakes. The fries are delicious with skin on. Don't forget a hotdog! Oh, and they do breakfast and everything is made fresh right in front of you.

I've been wanting to stop in for one of Mike's famous hot dogs. Today was the day! Parking was easy and service was excellent. Friendly, quick.... but...be sure to go with cash. My disappointment is partially because I'm used to frequent stops at the other famous hot dog joints in the area. I wasn't impressed with the meat sauce which was a little on the gray side and lacking flavor. And... spicy brown mustard is not everyone's favorite on a dog. All in all... the food was good. Just not what I expected. Sorry:(

Wasn't long ago that I really loved this place, but it's not what it was even 10 years ago. I only really go for breakfast, but as prices have gone up (significantly), quality has gone down. Bacon, for example, is now paper thin. All plates and utensils are now paper and plastic, and I'm sorry, but I expect my coffee to at least be in a mug. The atmosphere is still classic, minus the staff bickering. Really bummed about the lack of quality/pride in what they do because I swore by Mikes.

Place has great food. 45 bucks for 3 breakfast burittos is absolute insanity. Won't be going back with those prices. I get places gotta stay open and pay people, but that's madness.

The service is absolutely deplorable. Their servers besides one older lady are very rude and talk to you as if you’re a problem. A simple request such as a little extra cheese sauce sent this server in a tizzy and tried charging an extra dollar… place has gone down hill. It’s says a lot when the cooks are the most polite people in the joint.

alissia haig

Had breakfast. Food was solid. Corned beef hash was definitely from the can, which was admittedly a bit disappointing. Eggs were cooked perfectly. Potatoes were delicious. Heavily buttered rye toast was scrumptious. My daughter's French toast was excellent. Waffles with strawberries and whipped cream also very good. Our service was great. Overall a solid and delicious breakfast. Low stars only because the place is desperately in need of a *very* deep cleaning. Also the dog who greeted us and seemed to be the unofficial mascot was sweet, but not appropriate. We are dog people. But still, having a dog constantly butting into your space while you are trying to eat is uncalled for. Like I said, we are dog people, but this was annoying. Many people would agree, a dog putting their head on your lap while you are trying to eat is unsanitary, especially since the dog seemed to have full run of the place. Overall, I see the draw to this place. Just needs a deep cleaning, and the dog should probably stay home.

Linda Bahr

My hot dog was not even close to being hot. When I opened my to go container, it looked like meat vomit on a bun. I guess this is NY style chili?? I think it would have been ok yummy if the actual hot dog had been temperature hot. I did not think the woman who took my order was very pleasant at all. I was also disappointed to see her slide my generous gratuity into her side pocket, indicating to me that she would not be sharing with the cook who was doing all the work. This was not the experlence I was hoping for so I will try it again. I have my fingers crossed because I do like a good chili dog.

Stephen Tatasciore

It's a Mom and Pop shop which is awesome! Cash only! They serve a pretty good hot dog, not the best I've had but certainly not the worst. It was on the spicy side which I enjoyed. I would have given them 4 stars but the hot dogs are over priced at $2.40 each, that's way too much for a simple hot dog with everything as seen in the photo. Would I go back? Yes I might if I was in the area again, however, I don't think I'd go out of my way.

We went there to meet up with some friends that we hadn't seen in a long time. This place is very tiny but that wasn't a problem. Was very friendly they definitely weren't a problem. This is the month of January and it was cold outside it was also cold inside, so cold that my feet were frozen and I had to wear my jacket. They forgot part of my order and the food was really not that great very tasteless and how you can make eggs tasteless I don't know. I couldn't wait to get out of there and get in my car to warm up. I think this place could be much more than it is.

Stopped in for a quick bite. Got cold dogs and were surprised with new prices. Employees seemed to not care. If this is how Mike's is now I won't being coming back after coming here since I was 7...

Very much a greasy spoon. Dust and grime on walls and ceiling fans. Was on town on business and wanted to try something local for lunch. Two hot dogs and a shake were about $12. Tasted good, but place just felt dirty.

Consistently disappointing. Either you get the person who leaves to buy scratch offs every 5 minutes or you get the dismissive , apathetic silent person who makes you order everything 1 by 1 taking 30 seconds to type into the computer and chit chat / argue with their coworker. Misrable vibe . Uncooked hot dogs. Tiny plate with meat sauce and French fries spilling out onto the counter when presented to me . I’m sorry but I hate this place and need to write this review to remind myself never to go back. I wish the Newest lunch was still open til 7, day superior in every way and always will be .

Tried a hot dog all the way. Meat sauce catsup mustard onions. Below average. Three dollars and thirty four cents. That's all I'm saying.

Walked in tonight and was told only dogs and burgers recived pretty much a bun with some what of hamburger meat on it, listed to phone ring the whole time i was there while the 2 behind counter saying whoever calling are idiots that they were just gunna let it keep ringing, last time comeing here because I remember comeing as kid and still stopped in sorry but place has gone down hill

I have been coming here since I was a kid and I used to love this place but over the past few years it has gone very down hill. The staff is very dismissive and acts like they do not want to be here, there is always something missing from your order or they give you something completely incorrect. There is one counter girl who is never wearing gloves when she is handling the food and is constantly on her phone or making rude or inappropriate jokes. After my most recent experience I will not be coming back. I had food missing from my order and when I asked about it the same girl was very rude about it. When I received my drink there was something floating in it. When I received my food she had dropped it off after touching it with her bare hands and actually had to wipe her hands off because of the food on them. I am never one to send food back at a restaurant but my hot dog and burger were literally crunchy. To her credit the waitress did remove it from the bill and offer to replace the food which I did appreciate but it wasn’t worth it for me at that point. I hate that I’m leaving this review, especially since this was a place I used to love coming to but there are so many unhealthy practices here I’m genuinely surprised they haven’t been shut down by the health department yet.

Pauline Dion

Chair backs are broken on counter seating, place was real hot like no air conditioner was on. Warm milk that tasted sour , so they added ice without talking to me but it was still nasty. Guy wouldn't let her open a new milk for us which I thought was bad service especially due to giving us warm milk that was nasty. Feels like a hey are just letting you he place run down before they close the doors type feeling. It's very sad they won't invest any money to repair anything. Waitress was kind as usual.

Incompetent customer service. I called to ask for pricing because that's what normal people do if an online menu is not present. I got transferred from one person to another to receive pricing. She tells me the total. I say okay, I'll like to place an order then. This woman goes on to say to herself I'm assuming "so what was the point of asking for pricing." Now we're awkwardly on the phone because before you pay for something or place an order you may want to know the price of it. Which the first woman for whatever reason did not know which is why I got transferred in the first place... Common sense is not common anymore. Please find someone else to work the phones, complete turn off and a lost of a customer.

Everyone says it hasn’t changed in 50 years. They’re right. It also hasn’t been cleaned in 50 years. It is one of the dirtiest restaurants I’ve ever seen. I don’t know why the health department hasn’t closed it down. I had a hot dog I could have made at home and some french fries that were cooked in ancient dirty grease. If you think this is a great place your standards are really low. Gross.

I went in around 7:15pm tonight to get 2 hotdogs and a sausage sandwich and the cashier is very rude and short, the cook was nice but the female Cashier made decide that I won’t not come back again, I regret even tipping a dollar

After seeing the $3.49 price of a single hot dog, we decided not to eat at Mike's. On the way out the door, the waitress was mocking us. I've been going to Mike's all of my life but I will never again walk through those doors.

Hot dogs were cold didn't even looked cooked some of the fries were cooked and some were not and girl behind the counter was rude and No Mask. Won't be back. Went in for breakfast on 9/11 asked for crispy bacon it wasn't and sausage was still raw on the inside so now that breakfast is know better then dinner. I will stick with Peter Pause. Well even though I said I wasn't going to try it again when in their the guy cooking is more worried about orders to go and slow she put my fries and onion rings in front of me my burger wasn't even on the grill my hot dogs weren't even attempted so am I supposed to eat hot dogs and hot burgers and cold fries. When does a restaurant give you food at separate times

Waitress changed the total on my credit card receipt after I left to increase her tip (it was already 37% before she increased it). Absolutely unacceptable. Will not be returning. My family and I have been going there for generations. Not anymore.

Poor food filthy conditions it's just not the same place never would I ever go there again

looks like a bomb went off in there, a bomb which makes your food horrible and cheap and also makes your furniture 60 years old, apparently.

Gronos 1

Always tell myself I'm never going back here . Went today . Sat down ordered coffee and 2 hot dogs . Waited for 20 minutes while 4 other people who ordered after me got their food. Wait another 5 minutes . No hot dogs . I tell them to forget it my lunch break is over I need to leave . I hate this place so much