Mel's Drive-In

Doesn't Recommend

unzipped

Joined 4 years ago

Not so great anymore.... Mel's used to be a great spot to grab a burger--not so much these days. Burgers and sandwiches are lackluster and boring; most dishes have a distinctly assembly-line feel and the sides (fries, onion rings) are greasy and limp. Salads generally composed of about 1/2 fresh lettuce and 1/2 wilted and browning. Prices are a bit high for the quality of the food.

On the plus side, the service is fast and efficient. Overall, an OK place if nothing else is open--just don't expect to be thrilled with the food.

Recommends

foodielover

Joined 9 years ago

Little kids like this place. This West Coast chain is a nice place to bring little kids. They get to have their meals served in paper convertible cars. Their malts and shakes (one of a few places to make coffee shakes, and now they have espresso malts/shakes) are really good, topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. The Caesar salad was soggy and practically 1/3 of the bowl was full of croutons, not lettuce. The dressing was too tangy for a Caesar. The vegetable soup of the day was good, spicy from the peppers. The jalapeno pepper grilled chicken was good. If you like cheeseburgers, they're pretty good here. The fries are ok. Tried the fried onion blossom in the past and it was horrible. Full of nauseating oil, practically inedible. The booths are fun and you can play old time music for 25 cents a play. This restaurant has been here for a long time now and the booths are wearing thin with tiny rips in the seats. Still a fun place to bring children.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Made famous by "American Graffiti," this '50s-style diner offers a classic American menu and nostalgic decor.. In Short
Modeled after the original Mel's featured in "American Graffiti," this vintage '50s coffee shop is decorated with old-time movie stills and tabletop jukeboxes that pulse with yesteryear's greatest hits. The menu offers classic diner eats, from standard burger options to all-day breakfasts, featuring the Hangover Five Alarm Three-Egg omelette with cheddar and chili, and the Elvis Scramble with chorizo, peppers and Monterey Jack.

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justineelise

Joined 8 years ago

Huge Salads, Comfort food. I love Mel's. They have a huge variety of food. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served all day. The food comes in huge portions and the price is more than reasonable. I love their giant ceasar salads and the appetizer plate with chicken strips, onion rings, and mozeralla sticks. It's a meal in itself. And with this location you can eat outside. It's great for families and adults who want to sing to the juke box.

Doesn't Recommend

sfgrump

Joined 7 years ago

Burgers are over-rated. Save your time and money, go somewhere else. The waitstaff was friendly, but the food left me desiring something better. What a shame.

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jjwolfman

Joined 8 years ago

S.F. Burgers!. The "Sunset" burger at Mel's on Geary, cooked a perfect "RARE" everytime, is consistantly, the BEST burger I've had on the West Coast!!!!!!!!!!!!

What more can I say!!!???? I needs nothing more! JJ

Doesn't Recommend

dwilly

Joined 10 years ago

Only a tourist would eat here. I dont know how this place survives in a city with such great food. I guess the only draw is the late night service, but with a little effort you can find much better late night food in hidden diners around town.

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syppn_on_syssrp

Joined 10 years ago

Right across from the Morpheus Theater!. Mouth-watering chocolate shakes - ask about the "Trenton Special." By the way, the bacon bit fixins will keep you coming back for more. However, I don't like the spacious tables - too crowded for the two of you. Would be more intimate with slightly more space. The crowd can be a bit dodgy at times.

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WELOVETOEAT94122

Joined 11 years ago

Yum on Apple Pie. If you want that old fashion shake with comfy food, then Mel's is the place for you. We have had the shepard's pie, meatloaf dinner and sandwhiches there a few times. It definitley is not the place for anyone on a diet. Their apple pie is absoultely terrific...nice juicy sweet apples with a little firmness and a flaky crust with a huge heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream to cool it down. The mixture of cinnamon and sugar in the pie is just the right combination. Also, since they have a parking lot, it makes parking a breeze. Sometimes, the service can be a hit or miss, but overall, highly recommend it.

Recommends

CWhitaker

Joined 11 years ago

oldies music and good eats. Basic good American fare, ambiance & service good, open 24hours and if you like

oldies music, this is your place.