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Arbetter's Hot Dogs
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
57 reviews for Arbetter's Hot Dogs
Review Highlights
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"The gold here is the corndogs and chili cheese fries." In 9 reviews -
"Make sure you say you love Larry Bird for a free refill." In 3 reviews -
"...owned place that has been around Miami since before the..." In 9 reviews
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57 reviews in English
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Review from Chris C.
2/15/2012
Classic restaurant. It's a must go.
I'll be quick and to the point, the same way the staff is.
Eat the dog with the hot relish. Even if you don't like relish...put some on there. Trust me, no regrets. -
Review from Kool K.
Miami, FL
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was craving for a hot dog and contemplated the drive up to Dogma when I called a friend to join me. I didn't want to eat alone. He commented that Dogma was too far and suggested I try Arbetter's. He said they were Irish and like the Celtics. As long as it's not the Red sox I'd be ok!
I decided to expand my world and give them a shot. I'm glad I did and will return. The dog was simple and the fries were greasy. If you're expecting a gourmet hot dog don't come here. This reminds me of a road side stand ( which it essentially is) with fast food. I thought the dog would be better. It was the generic hot dog that we buy in Publix. Nothing special except that it's a taste that I've enjoyed growing up. It's far from the best hot dog I've ever had, buts it wasn't a bad. I'll return to fill my craving.
It's not Dogma, but it filled the void....
Go Yankees! -
Review from Anne G.
11/29/2011
I love a place that I can get corn dogs any time of day! I came by here last week after not having been by and years and its still good. I didn't have any cheese fries this visit, but oh how I wish I did! This place is CHEAP, and I mean CHEAP not inexpensive lol! After 6pm hot dogs are $1.25 and all other hot dogs are $1.50.
The service was fast and friendly, however, when you can tell that all the employees are stoned out of their mind, its a little bothersome. And I don't mean maybe they're stoned? No, they were straight up blazed out of their minds. That alone would almost knock down more stars, they should seriously drug test their employees.
I will come back though, because the hot dogs and fries are good food. Especially when you want to avoid rush hour traffic. -
Review from Robert P.
4/26/2012
The Orginal OG, as oldschool as your grandmother, but alot tastier. Are there better hot dogs elsewhere? Probably.........but none of them have a better name. Arbetter is the the father of Miami hot dogs, bow down bitches. Why you ask? Cause your daddy said so.
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Review from Lourdes D.
Miami, FL
3/26/2012
Classic place, has been around for years and hasn't changed a bit. Aside from being a dog place their cheese fries is where its at! The dogs are fresh and the bread is nicely steamed. My only gripe with them is the quality of the dog; should serve a better dog since it is the main item.
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Review from Lorely B.
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Food = 4 for guilty junk food pleasures
Ambiance = um, one
This place is just plain dirty, but boy do they make a mean corn dog and chili cheese fries!!!!! Believe it or not, I had never been here. And I was craving a hot dog, so I made my way to Arbetter's. You walk in and it has not been remodeled since the 70s, obviously. But, hey for a $2 corn dog, what more do you want??
The corn dog was tasty, sweet outside and juicy hot dog inside. You can't go wrong with that! The chili cheese fries were greasy, someone-put-me-back-on-p90x-before-i-become-a-plav ix-patient, oozy gooey goodness!!!!! So worth it... I didn't even feel bad after - that's a first for me, lol.
Worth it as long as you don't look down at the dirty floor or behind the counter! -
Review from Cecile S.
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm sorry to say but I really wasn't impressed with this place at all. The cheese fries were pretty tasty but I definitely would have preferred shredded cheese to that nacho cheese whiz. The hotdog I ordered really didn't taste good. I would have liked to see more variety. Like themed hotdogs with original toppings. I won't be coming back here even though the price was really reasonable the quality wasn't.
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Review from Mercy S.
Miami, FL
1/6/2012
Born and raised in Westchester and this place is pure nostalgia for me. When you want a plain old hot dog, fries and a Coke, this place is it. Nothing fancy, as it should be. It's a hot dog stand by the side of the road across from what used to be Tropical Skating Rink (sigh). You can have Los Perros and any other fly-by-night, trendy hot dog place, but I'm keeping this and the memories associated with it. From coming here after skating to quick lunch runs during high school to bringing my own kids here, I'm glad that not everything from my childhood is gone!
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Review from Jorge M.
i like their hot dogs with mustard and sauerkraut or chili an onions. Their Cheese Fries are real good. They take Cash Only. No Credit Cards.
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Review from Charles J.
Buena Park, CA
8/7/2011
I passed by this joint numerous times, each time promising myself I'd get a taste someday. Now I'm kicking myself in the ass for not coming here sooner. The hotdogs are dirt cheap, and pretty tasty too although its certainly not the best I've had.
The gold here is the corndogs and chili cheese fries. Oh my goodness. Where do I begin? If someone told me that these corndogs were hand made by God Himself I would believe them. I've had my fair share of corndogs in my lifetime, but none as delicious as these. The magic is in their batter, beautifully crunchy and moist, perfect amount of sweetness married with savory. I no longer reside in Miami, but I have seriously pondered going back just for these damn corndogs. -
Review from Brett H.
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
My friend from work thought I would really enjoy this place so we decided to go for lunch. Its not a big place and one that typically most people would drive right by. We pulled in and it was packed so it seemed very popular.
The menu is small and simple. The only thing you can pretty much order is hot dogs, with or without chili and fries, with or without chili. Cheese can be added to both. That's it. I got a couple of chili hot dogs and split the chili cheese fries. It was goooood!!!!!!!
Its such a simple place but what makes it amazing is the chili. Its a great place to go to for lunch. The guys there are great and really fast. A must for any local. -
Review from J G.
Miami, FL
3/18/2012
Yum! I got a corn dog and cheese fries, it was delicious. We also ordered chili cheese fries, it was good too, but I prefer just the cheese fries with ketchup. The chili is good, it's spicy which I like. The boys that work there are nice, fast, and are a delight to order from. The food is greasy, but it's a classic hot dog joint. Yummy! Only complaint - they don't accept debit, only cash. But they have an ATM inside.
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Review from Stephanie R.
Miami, FL
I have been going here for years and have nothing negative to say. The menu is very simplistic with an obvious American food theme. Besides hotdogs there are chili-dogs, fries, and cheese fries. You can also decorate your dog with a variety of ingredients to your pleasing. As for drinks there are the usual sodas.
As far as customer service I've also always found this to be very positive. I've noticed that it is mainly guys who work here as I have rarely seen any females...which isn't always a bad thing if looking for eye candy with your meal! Their service is very friendly and if you need anything at all they are very prompt with that. Also, if you say, "I love Larry Bird", you will get a free refill. Overall, I have found exceptional customer service when eating here.
Whether you have the option of eating there or taking your food to go, you will always be pleased by the food as it is a locally owned business which promises tasty meals. You definitely do not have to dress up as the environment is very casual and laid-back; just be sure to bring cash as they only accept this. Besides this, take a drive down Bird Road, reminisce on old Miami, and enjoy an Arbetter hotdog! -
Review from Eduardo P.
Oakland, CA
1/7/2011
I had quit eating hot dogs since I was about 10 until I came into Arbetters. I must have eaten here about 4 times in that first week I came here.
A Miami staple, right next to Sports Grill, Nunzios, Frankie's Pizza and Joe's Stone Crab. Seriously, it's that good. -
Review from Faby P.
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have never met a chili dog I didn't like, until I met Arbetter's. I went to Arbetter's with high hopes. My husband has been here several times and loves the place. Being that this place has been here since the crust I figured it must be good. Boy was my fat little heart crushed when I took a bite out of my chili cheese dog. Biting into that thing took me back to 6th grade and walking to Farm Stores with my BFF for a chili and cheese dog from there. It tasted exactly the same. Bland, flavorless, generic. The fries... oh the fries.... I thought the fries would save the day. Sadly, no they didn't. They were greasy and covered in the same artificial cheese from the dog. My husband inhaled his 2 onion and chili dogs like it was his last meal on earth. I felt like I was eating in front of a stranger. I gave it my best and took 3 tiny testing bites and just couldn't do it. The calories were just not worth it.
Maybe I have been royally spoiled by Los Perros - that pineapple, the papitas, the quail eggs, the symphony of mayos. This place just did not do it for me. Sorry Arbetter's, I know the people love you but you just didn't do it for me. -
Review from Y P.
Miami, FL
Updated - 10/15/2010
I can truly say that this place has two great items going for it, the corndogs (probably best of my life) and the cheesefries (i can probably say the same about the chili cheese fries even though I'm not a fan of that combination in the first place). Anyway, the hot dogs here are not bad. But I can easily make them at home. The sausages are boiled and you can basically get them plain, with tangy relish (yum), chili and onions, saurkraut, etc. The service is as good as a hot dog joint can have and the ambiance is pretty fun seeing as this place is a Miami staple.
The corndog and cheesefries themselves merit this place the four stars but if you're in the mood for all american hot dogs, then this place is not a bad choice.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2010
There's not much to say about this small place. Its probably about the size of one and a half of my… Read more »
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Review from Freddy G.
Miami, FL
12/19/2009
Not sure why this place is still around and why people speak so highly of it. IMO $2 for a tiny 5-6 inch hot dog that is not even that good, is way too much money.
Skip it.
2 stars. I've had better. -
Review from Alex S.
Baltimore, MD
9/2/2008
Good, but slooooooow
There are a couple tables inside but it seemed like you'd easily get annoyed with the lines wrapping around you in such a small place. There were about 10 people in line in front of me and it took 20 mins for me to get 2 hot dogs ($4.88) to go in the middle of the afternoon.
Cash only. -
Review from Mandy h.
12/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
I heard many people lovetheir hot dogs and I decided to give it a try...
Hot dogs were okay not really that spectacular but the chilli cheese fries are really good.
The only down size is their parking lot.
Very small and watch out for the ditch... If not you will scratch the bottom of your car just like I did...
Tips: Cash Only -
Review from Donald T.
Updated - 4/30/2009 3 photos
After going to Dogma Grill, Franktitude, Blue Marlin Fish House and Hall of Fame Hot Dogs, I have changed my opinion about Arbetter's.
The boiled dogs are third-rate. They're not BAAD, but they are at best, mediocre. The rolls could not be cheaper (Mellita brand). I give it two stars because it's cheap, and as another review wrote, "It's still there." (I was first there 35 years ago) I will say though, that if it were in my immediate neighborhood I would stop by in preference to McWendyKing. It's just not worth much of a detour, and if you do not live in the neighborhood, you would not be likely to be shopping or anything around there.Listed in: Hot Dogs in Greater Miami
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/20/2008
Arbetter is probably the last remaining old-style hot dog stand in the greater Miami area. They… Read more »
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Review from Alexandra M.
Miami, FL
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
High expectations always equal disappointment. My fiance was RAVING about the best hot dogs in Miami, and when we finally went I didn't really find them any different from the ones I make at home. The cheese fries were pretty good, but would have been better if we ordered chili with them. Don't get me wrong, it's a cute place, and it's definitely rich in Miami's history. It's a feel-good, family-owned place that has been around Miami since before the Cubans. Yes, before the Cubans. It's that old. I wouldn't say they're the BEST hot dogs in Miami, though.
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Review from Nick K.
Miami, FL
5/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
GREAT hot dogs. My dad has been bringing me here since I was little. Definitely the best hot dogs in town. Try the chili cheese fries too!
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Review from Gus M.
Arbetter's is a good place for a quick lunch.
The hot dogs are boiled, and they are okay tasting for the most part. The hot dogs on the menu are All-Around Hot Dog (mustard, onion and relish), Kraut Dog (sauerkraut and mustard), Tangy Hot Relish and Chili Onion. My favorite dog is not on the menu, the MOC (mustard, onion and chili). You can ask them to put whatever you want from their ingredients on the dog and basically create your own dog.
Where they really shine is the chili cheese fries. They are always crispy and hot, with delicious beanless chili and nuclear melted cheese. If you go for one thing, try the chili cheese fries, and skip the hot dog. With a hot dog, chili cheese fries and a soda, you end up paying around 6 or 7 bucks, about the same as a fast food joint. For some reason, their Coke tastes great, too. Make sure you say you love Larry Bird for a free refill.
People complain about the young kids and their slow service, but you just have to get in there and be aggressive. I, honestly, have never had a problem with the service, or waited longer than 5-10 minutes for my food. -
Review from Sebastian E.
Miami, FL
10/19/2009
Hot Dogs. Period.
This yellow building sitting on the north side on Bird road can hardly be missed. They really should have a giant hot dog on the roof, as some of the early fifties buildings that shaped themselves after the food they serve. They have been around long enough, to qualify...
Even though the ingredients are the same that you can cut at home, there is something special about an Arbetter hot dog. Add some chilli if you like and if you are in for the artery clogging experience, try the chilli cheese fries... -
Review from Mark B.
Miami, FL
9/23/2011
Not sure what all the rave reviews are for, it is cheap food. If you want to make these at homeyYou can go to public and buy their generic/store brand hot dogs, buns and probably the chilling too.
The health inspectors need to stop by once in a while too... -
Review from Lis M.
Miami, FL
6/26/2010
This place has been in the heart of Westchester for what appears to be generations.
It's simple enough; chili, dogs, and fries served from a bright yellow shack with any condiment you can think of.
My favorite are the chili cheese fries, which I believe are the best i've had in all of Miami.
Really tasty,clean and dirt cheap. -
Review from Maria D.
Miami, FL
9/4/2011
Just had best onion-relish-mustard hot dog & cheese chili fries @ S. Fla. institution. Been here all my life & driven by this place countless times. Finally experienced it. Atmosphere is so unpretentious, menu is basic, food is fresh, service is quick. Definitely recommend to my friends & will be back.
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Review from Keno C.
6/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nostalgia has been put to bed a long time ago at this old-time hangout. The fries are good, but the main product here (should be!) is hot dogs; and they're boiled... 'nough said! The place needs a visit from health inspectors and the buns are inferior to that ol' bread that Eddie Murphy talked about; the welfare sandwiches that his dad use to make (remember the stand-up comedy RAW? ok, never mind.) Do yourself a favor and keep it moving when you see this spot.
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Review from Len D.
Miami, FL
6/24/2009
Eh... nothing special. The place stands out if you constantly drive on Bird road. It always caught my eye, so I had to try it at least once. The corn dogs were over fried and some of the ones I ordered had black parts. The hot dogs were not that great. I've made better from the grocery store.
The prices aren't bad, but if your pretty much just a hot dog place you better stand out especially since there really isn't much hot dog places in Miami. I've yet to try Franktitude at the Dolphin Mall. If I tried Franktitude and it was better I would probably give this place 1 star. -
Review from Claudia J.
Miami, FL
Simple concept, great ingredients! Staff is super duper friendly!! Lunch is busy, weekends are busy!! last time went for lunch, not many people eating. We had ordered two orders of french fries, the staff even asked if they were ok or if they were a bit over fried. To my taste, they were a bit over fried... it just tastes like bitter... so of course they did a new batch of fries for us. Now THAT's customer service!! Keep up the good job Arbetter!! You have the best Hot Dogs in Miami!!
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Review from Elias D.
Miami, FL
7/28/2011
Chilli dog!! The best I have ever had. I can't get tired of this place.
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Review from Carol C.
Miami, FL
3/22/2011
Everyone that thinks this place isn't worth it can go...well, you get it. This place is a Miami Classic because well, there aren't many places like this spot left. It's a mainstay, which is a rarity. I'm Hispanic and love my heritage but it's nice to go to a place that has "gringo" heritage, that has roots to old Miami, and that was around when it wasn't the Westchester we know now; back when kids that went to Killian wore cowboy hats. While parking can be a pain, it would be heartbreaking if they were to move as lots of you are suggesting here. Old Mr. Arbetter moved around so much back in the day and finally found a home; let's have some respect for such a great, nearly untouched, passage in time.
Their location and food is simple in nature. Nothing is gourmet but it's all delicious. I love that you can have your hot dogs both in a classic fashion and/or covered by their unbelievable chili sauce. The fries are great, especially doused in cheese, and when you tell them you love Larry Byrd, they'll give you a free refill on your drink. Do they even have a cash register? It's magnificent. Old articles adorn the wall, old signs display food options and the tables are simple. It's all so distinct, real, genuine...
There have been some mentions about the kids working behind the counter. I remember there was a time where I thought they were annoying but then I stopped to think about it. This place is probably a first job for these kids, a place where they learn responsibility, and that's something so solid for a kid. Just like Arbetter's honest foundation keeps them grounded in tradition and simplicity, I think it does the same for some of those snot-nose kids. Go by, see for yourself. I dare you to go back in time and submit yourself simpler, yummy grub. -
Review from Michael S.
Coral Gables, FL
3/30/2009 1 Check-in Here
The only good thing about Arbetter's is that it still exists.
The dogs and fries are better at Dogma and they serve beer.
Good place to take your son (or daughter) after a little league game. -
Review from Jamie L.
12/19/2009
I just don't get where this place's "Legendary" status comes from. These 'Dogs are "Meh" on a GOOD day. The were lacking any discernable flavor... and were even kind of mushy.
I guess I'm used to the quality of Sabrett's for my Street Dogs (All Hail the Dirty Water Dogs of NYC) but this place most definitely underwhelmed me. I didn't even finish my dog.
Bun was stale and crumbly anyway.
I guess maybe they were better 30 years ago?
Also: Are hot dogs supposed to be reaaaaaaaallllly close to WHITE in color?
Yeah, I didn't think so. -
Review from John Paul G.
Miami Beach, FL
4/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
Don't understand at all why this place is "legendary." I guess in Miami if you've been around longer than 10 to 15 years you get that title issued by default. Somehow this place holds itself (or otherwise is portrayed as) Miami's answer to Nathan's on Coney, Gray's Papaya on W. 72nd & Broadway or to What's Up Dog in San Francisco. It is not, by any measure, even in the same league as any of the above places.
In any case, this place is old, tiny and putting in your order feels like you're bothering the fellas on the otherside of the counter.
The little nitrite sticks themselves? Well, when I break down and get a hot dog (which isn't that often) I would hate to do so with the dogs at Arbetter's.
One redeeming thing this place generally has is their french fries.
Two-stars only because (a) it's a hot dog joint after all and (b) it's not an outright terrible dog, just not one that is in any way worthy of praise or hype. -
Review from Tony E.
Miami, FL
5/1/2007 1 Check-in Here
I concur with the previous guy. Best hot dogs around (here).
My only complaint is that they are a cash-only establishment. I almost never carry cash. I'm a debit card person. =(
My favorite/deadliest combination is a chili dog + corn dog + cheesy fries + Sprite.
X__X -
Review from Cindy Y.
Miami, FL
6/10/2010
I found an article in the Miami Herald and my family and I decided to go there for lunch today. It's worth going to at least once, but I found the hot dogs to be... well, average.
The parking lot was packed (and a small one at that; some people had to park on the empty lot across the street), and the place isn't that big. You'd have to squeeze around people to navigate around, but you can tell that the place has been around for quite some time.
I got myself a tangy hot relish hot dog (so did the 'rents) and my sister got a chili dog (both around $2). I didn't try hers (maybe it's the signature item of the store, I don't know), but mine was... eh. It wasn't bad, but it's hot dog that I could've made at home. The relish was good, but it's not something that I'd drive out of my way for (which in this case, I did). The hot dog was average sized. We also got fries to go with it (about $2 as well). They were steak fries, and they were decent, but nothing special. Then again, I haven't had fries in forever either, so it tasted really good to me.
Overall, if I were around the area, I'd probably stop by if it wasn't packed. But in the meantime, I'll make my own plain ol' hot dogs at home, saving money while at it. -
Review from Barney C.
Miami, FL
4/29/2010
If you don't like chili, I could see why you'd give this place two stars, but the chili is perfect- homemade, spicy, oily, but not too much, yum.
The dogs aren't spicy (I don't think Hebrew National is spicy but many do, that's my reference) and I think they are veal or veal-esque. If you favor this type, I don't know anywhere else to get them.
The chili cheese fries are the perfect way to end an Atkins run. -
Review from luis s.
Miami, FL
2/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I remember coming to Arbetters as a kid. I used to always order a chilli cheese dog. Arebetter has been around for a very long time. Seriously my parents used to eat here. A few years ago I would have given Arbetters 5 stars solely on exclusive hotdogdom. That is until a little place call Los Perros opened up and literally revolutionized out hot dog eating tradition.
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Review from Loxiee F.
Miami-Dade, FL
12/29/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I heard stories and stories about this place and decided to check it out. I have to admit the corn dogs are off the chain and so are the cheese fries but can't get any better than their one and only CHEESE hotdogs.
