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Mel's Blueplate Express

4.6 (72 reviews)
Open 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Mel's Blueplate Express Photos

MEL'S BLUEPLATE EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Mel's Blueplate Express

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Well I deleted the burger picture by accident but it was huge! We both could not finish it! Here's the inside.
bec s.

After reading such good reviews here we tried it. My husband took one bite out of the cheeseburger and said "this is really good!" I thought the same. Loved the crinkle fries too. We were skeptical about eating in a gas station but turned out great. The ladies working super nice too. We went at 1:30. No crowd then.

This food here is delicious and tastes home cooked. It's inside of a gas station so it's kind of interesting to be able to eat in the gas station itself. You can get drinks and other things from the cooler and shelves while you wait and it is worth the wait. We had the fried seafood basket and it was really good! Come here if you want a homestyle meal at a reasonable price!

Drinks
Rachel Macie H.

A DIY Local Spot hidden inside a gas station you just know that screams what's good and let me say it totally was in just that way! So coming here in the evening I was kinda bummed because they were out of almost every thing I asked for but it wasn't their fault as this place gets slammed by the locals to the point of where the people working know them by name which just shows at that point how much of a locals spot this really is. With that said I went with the patty melt as they had it and I was just all for it at that point and let me say that was a good idea as this really was one one of the best patty melts I've ever had as the bread was perfectly crispy the meat was tasty the cheese was gooey the onions were scrumptious and that special sauce was the kicker to tie the whole thing together as it was just a really good burger like if I lived here I'm sure I'd be back to get that every so often! My fries were extra crispy just the way I like them they were also out of those onion rings but the fries definitely made up for it being seasoned and extra crispy! It's also a convenience store inside so they have all kinda Random things to buy so I got a Gatorade as well just because that sounded good and yeah let's just say this was a good choice to come here! Overall super yummy small little spot that's packing lots of good stuff into a gas station so do yourself a favor and come here to fill your tank you'll be happy you did!

5-23-2025 menu
Sarah H.

5:23:2025 - A day in Galveston and I found the best hidden local spot on the island. I drove past twice before realizing it's inside the gas station. Ordered the Turkey burger, they press their own patties, this was a thick patty. let me tell you this is the juiciest most flavorful and delicious turkey burger I've had to date. There are tables on the inside, Dine in or take it to go. Order food and do any other shopping necessary (grab a drink) inside the gas station then take your ticket to the cashier to pay. Cups of ice are $0.50. The staff is very friendly and hustling, she was doing a wonderful job of interacting with the regular customers and keeping up with the busy lunch rush. Even following up to check in and see how we were doing. My order was prepared exactly as I requested. She treated everyone with kindness, very informative with the menu items and accommodating. Several locals were in and out just doing their business sat. The parking lot is small but there are spots on the side. Check this place out when you're on the island. Call ahead and order for little to no wait.

Mac and cheese, fries, cheeseburger with grilled pineapple and fried egg added
Heather M.

Amazing! I love any burger joint that has awesome add-on options and Mel's sure has them! It's so damn good. The mac and cheese is simple and delicious, and the seasoning on the fries is great. It was all ready right when I walked in to pick it up. Perfect timing. The staff is super sweet! It always makes me feel even better about supporting local when you see how genuinely appreciative the workers are. They're in the Valero gas station and prove once again that gas stations in Texas are not to be missed. Go give them a try!

Buffalo chicken ranch sandwich!
Mary Alice E.

We love this place!! Easy in and out. A few tables you eat in! The friendly staff makes all the adjustments you ask for. I ordered a buffalo ranch chicken sandwich and it was over the top good!

Cheese burger and onion rings
Rachel F.

This place was so great! The burger and onion rings were done so well and my husband loved his shrimp po boy! Love me a good hole in the wall gas station find and this one did not disappoint.

Cheese burger
Stephanie W.

Have you ever eaten inside a gas station that wasn't buccees? Yea, neither had I but I will certainly be going back!! Mel's is hands down the absolute best burger on the island!! The patties are handmade so they're nice and thick and full of flavor, topped with sliced white onion, pickles, tomato, lettuce, mustard & mayo (chefs kiss!). Perfection! The onion rings sell out all the time so if you want them, call ahead and ask. They're hand-battered and sooooo good! Now the fries. Oh the fries. When they're seasoned they're divine!... but sometimes they don't season them so check the bag before you sit down to devour them.

Kevin E.

Took a gamble with another gas station restaurant. It paid off again. The staff was very friendly and genuinely greeted their customers. While waiting on the food, you can hear them asking about people's day, how their vacation was, the sort of things that show people their patronage is appreciated. The food was very well made. The burgers were hand formed and the squash was hand cut too. The gas station has some opportunities on cleanliness but I'm not going to judge the restaurant on that. With Cafe Michael Burger gone, I can honestly say this is the best burger on this side of the island.

Double cheeseburger with fries

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1 month ago

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23 days ago

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4 months ago

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3 months ago

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8 months ago

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1 year ago

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5 months ago

Friendly service. Good food. Always pleasant times at Mel's. Burgers, chicken, shrimp, pork chops, fries, onion rings

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2 years ago

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6 months ago

The best burger on the island! Don't make any plans for afterwards, nap will be needed.

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5 months ago

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4 months ago

The staff was so friendly and helpful. Everything was hot and delicious. The onion rings were perfection.

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4 months ago

Vibes? Immaculate!! Decor? Non existent. Service?1hundred (got called hunny ) Food? High key needed more salt.

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10 months ago

It's in a gas station, but omg it was great! I would definitely recommend it to everyone that visits

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1 year ago

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11 months ago

Great food and friendly service. Don't let the fact that it's also a gas station fool you. Great food!

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3 years ago

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11 months ago

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2 years ago

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11 months ago

The best little hidden gem the food is so delicious and always fresh! The staff are the sweetest and great customer service

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2 years ago

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6 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

We love Mel's! They have the Best burgers on the island! And always great service by Becky and Belinda!

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Ask the Community - Mel's Blueplate Express

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March 2025 visit This restaurant is located next to the…read moreGalveston Channel, Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, and the cruise terminal. Free parking for the restaurant. Pay attention to parking lot signs at the cruise terminal next door. There is a tall flight of stairs leading to the entrance of the large room with TVs at the bar. Instead of waiting for a table during the busy lunch crowd, opted to sit at the bar instead. Friendly busy staff serving entrees.....made for a short wait for my 3 delicious fresh fish tacos. Definitely will visit again.

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Mel's Blueplate Express - seafood - Updated May 2026

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