The Story Behind the Spelling of New Bedford Restaurant ‘Yor Dogg Mil’

After more than fifty years of serving up beloved comfort food to New Bedford locals, the legendary “Yor Dogg Mil” will shut its doors on December 28th.

Known for its hearty marinated steak sandwiches, kale soup, and mouthwatering cacoila, this SouthCoast favorite has become a community fixture across generations. As owner Phyl Morgado prepares to retire, she reflected with us on the history of Yor Dogg Mil and its lasting impact on New Bedford.

The Explanation Behind the Spelling of “Yor Dogg Mil”?

The unique spelling of "Yor Dogg Mil" has been a memorable part of its charm. Morgado explained that this quirky name was coined by her late uncle, John Faria, the original owner of the restaurant.  Back in 1971 the restaurant was located near New Bedford's mill district, but later moved to its current location in 1975..

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“We started in the South End, then near the mills, and mostly what they sold was hamburgers and hot dogs.  They spelled it wrong on purpose because that was an eye catcher and got people talking.”

His deliberate misspelling aimed to attract attention, and it succeeded probably better than expected, sparking curiosity among the locals and embedding itself in New Bedford’s culinary lore.

Why Yor Dogg Mil Won't Be Sold

As retirement approaches, Phyl told us she was not able to sell the Yor Dogg Mil business. The reason?  The high cost of upgrading the restaurant, combined with not owning the building, would make passing it on financially unfeasible.  She says the biggest issue is that her business has been grandfathered in and a new business would have to spend a lot of money to bring it up to code.

“No, I'm not going to sell it.  It became very expensive because I don't own the building.”

“If I'm going to sell it, it has to come with new codes and everything.”

Phyl’s decision means that Yor Dogg Mil’s legacy will remain uniquely tied to her family’s vision, marking the end of an era that has brought warmth and comfort to the foodies of New Bedford.

What has been the Most Popular Items Over the Years?

Focused on traditional comfort food with American and Portuguese influences, Yor Dogg Mil has several iconic menu items that have won fans over decades. The marinated steak sandwich, seasoned and generously portioned, is a standout favorite. The cacoila sandwiches have also become a defining feature of the menu, the kale soup, perfect for New England winters, and nobody could never replace the picture-perfect French fries.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Phyl said that she’s looking forward to slowing down and spending time with her husband. While the restaurant will be closing, the memories, stories, and flavors of Yor Dogg Mil will remain in the hearts of those it has touched.