02/20/07

Best Burgers

by mourgos

I was early at the AMC Theater so I thought I'd grab a hamburger. A bit pricy, but the burger was perfect to order. A side of mayo, and bottles of ketchup and mustard in old-style bottles. The Big Bopper was singing Chantilly Lace as I chowed down. Rough cut fries, yummy. The service could have been a bit more on the ball, but otherwise, a great place to plop down and eat like your grandma did!

• Pros: Cook fast and delicious.
• Cons: Service was attentive, but average. No parking on Van Ness!

Made famous by "American Graffiti," this '50s-style diner offers a classic American menu and nostalgic decor.

by Contributor

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.

07/18/06

Great Menu

by sfgfan10

With not only great burgers, but a large variety of other foods, this is one of the best burger places around.

• Pros: Large Menu, Great Food

06/30/06

For a late night snack..

by shoegal84

Head on over to the nearest Mel's. I don't know if I'd actually eat here during the daylight, but it sure is tasty after a late night out. I love getting the chili cheese fries and chicken strips. Maybe a sundae too, if I feel up to it!

It's tassty, and it's pretty cheap.

• Pros: Open late!
• Cons: Would I go out of my way to eat here???

01/09/03

Better than Berkeley (not saying much)

by smeeeko

This is my favorite Mel's to eat. I've been fortunate not to have too much trouble with service here and they have gotten my order right every time and so far have cooked my food.. can't say the same about other Mel's I have eaten at in SF.

Every time I've eaten here has been with a group of friends. They've not only gotten the order right but the food was served quick & hot. On the other hand, the follow up isn't as consistant. Water glasses are empty and refills need to be flagged down and requested.

I'm glad you pay up front (cash is best) as waiting for your server to come back can sometimes be painful.

• Pros: food, parking nearby
• Cons: service

12/24/02

Don't go there

by dockat00

Very poor service: server brought the wrong food and when that was corrected, it was prepared incorrectly. Seemed like he didn't even listen to the order. Food Quality mediocre at best and very greasy.

• Pros: open late

12/21/02

lombard mel's is the ONLY good one

by wti

the mel's on Lombard is the ONLY mel's in SF that merits any praise or begins to be worth the high prices... the other two (VanNess & Richmond distro Geary) are HORRIFIC for both service & food... there are much better diners, with more generous portions and much nicer prices in this city!!!... (add 2 to my overall ratings for the Lombard location...)

• Pros: lombard, food, service
• Cons: food, service, prices

11/07/02

Overrated Mel's Smells

by carshop

Mediocre food and service. Good location and slides by on reputation and convenience.

11/02/02

oldtime fun

by monachar

it was like a trip back. service was great, food just right :)

• Pros: good service, nice atmosphere, fun
• Cons: a little pricey

10/24/02

Mmm...grilled cheese at 2am

by rpalgutt

After the bars close at 2, this is a great place to eat your way to hangover prevention.