It may not look like much, but Mel's is a great choice for an old-fashioned hamburger with gooey cheese and incredible onion rings.

Three stars for enduring. The place looks forlorn. It's old. The poles supporting the awning are rusted. It's not nice to look at. The folks there are nice. Looks pretty clean inside. I expected a typical soft serve experience and that is what I got. Though from the reviews I thought I was going together an especially good burger, and it was (as another reviewer said) on the low side of mediocre. Fresh. Yes. Flavor... meh. They didn't have slushies. I wanted one. Not always in the mood for dairy. The ice tea was bland. I ordered a peach hand pie as I'd been driving all day and believe something sugary is a good reward. (I am admittedly self deluding). I thought it said "homemade" somewhere and I looked forward to whatever Arkansas grandma made these in her spare time to delight patrons and passers by. I posted pictures, I shall call "hand pie requiem." "Food" like this shouldn't exist anymore. It was designed in some food lab 50 years ago, and is made in some dumpster fire of a factory somewhere. It tasted more like black licorice than peach pie. It was so disgusting I pitched it after two bites. For decency's sake. Take these off the menu. read more

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Very inexpensive, ice cream cone was good quality and a good size for a small. Cheese burger was fresh and had a good flavor. Workers were friendly and food came out quick Outdoor seating. It's a drive in read more

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Great soft ice cream. Phone grandparents used to own an ice cream stand and I grew up with soft ice cream, but this is decent stuff here. I'm excited to find them. read more

Rude service. Bland food. Super disappointed. Must be the best option in this town because of all the high ratings. It is walk up, and run down. read more

Best burgers and milkshakes in town I came here as a child. It's very nostalgic for me.

CASH ONLY CASH ONLY No going inside. Walk up and drive through only. Very small parking lot. I ordered a jumbo cheese burger and onion rings. I'm not a light eater but also not a heavy eater I tell you this to tell you this the jumbo is basically a regular size but the meat is thin so I wish I had ordered a double, but good flavor and burger. The onion rings where also good. I will try more things later. I added a pic of the menu. read more

Mel's Dairy Bar - CASH ONLY (NO CARDS) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Malvern, Arkansas

Everyone's Hometown Favorite!!!!!! Great Southern customer service! Reminds you of how good it is to be home! Lots of memories!

Everything is always wonderful. I've never ordered anything that I wasn't fully impressed by.

Great home town spot with One of Arkansas best hamburgers. Great variety of food as well.

They have a very old school vibe w the best milkshakes & ice cream cones in town! I recommend trying their "swirl cones" the kids will especially love them! read more

Mel's Dairy Bar - Pizza stick - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Malvern, Arkansas

I put in a pick up order and when I arrived it was ready. I got home and the food was so delicious!! I've ate here since the late 1980s and the food continues to be delicious! I had a jumbo cheeseburger, Cajun curly fries, and a vanilla shake all for $13.35 Not bad considering the food is fresher and tastes better than fast food restaurants in town. read more

Only does cash, join the 21st century, very mediocre food and ice cream. I guess that's what you get in Malvern, AR

Best food in Malvern. Great people and great service. Would definitely recommend anyone to try it out.

My coworker said they had the best burgers in Malvern... they weren't lying. The cashier was also very nice.

I've been going to Mel's since I was a kid. Still the best burgers in town. Great fried pies and ice cream. It's all pretty much stayed the same since the original owners sold it. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. Remember to bring cash, no cards accepted. read more

Like the ok'd fashioned quick dairy bar and you'll like Mel's. A standard in the community it's always voted a best in the area.

Best burger and pink lemonade in town! Fast easy service. Never had a bad experience!

I would say the people and service is medicore. Stating that they only take cash no credit or debit cards. And that they charge per item which in some ways having a combo would be alot smarter to have. Their best food items would have to be their Cheeseburger and cajun curly or regular fries, then the best desert would be ice cream of course. EXPOSED: I wouldn't recommend ordering the fish dinner because it taste very earthy like a fresh catch. I know most people might like fresh but I don't want to taste sea !! I was skeptical because Mel's fish dinner is not catfish fillet it is definitely catfish nuggets. So it's kind of a rip off seeing as they charged the price of actual catfish to some pretty good sized catfish nuggets. read more

Mels is the best! Love their coke slushes!! Good burgers and fast food too. Its been here forever - a true Malvern institution.

The absolute best burgers around! Looks a little run-down. It's small. Parking is a pain at times but, WHO CARES! There's just something about this place that feels right. Love it. read more

Parking was a pain. Got to the window only to discover they only accept cash. Yet another small business that is out of touch with the world around them. read more

Love the food, service kind of long, but due to a lot of customers it would be. Definitely recommend everyone eat they. Kind of pricey, but great tasting. Workers don't smile to often, but working over hot steam at fast paces, I understand. Been there done that. But this dairy bar is definitely the place to dine. read more

NASTY is the word.Got a Jumbo burger, soggy bread, stringy dark green wilted lettuce, small sliced mushy tomato, and some funky tasting pickles, on a skinny unflavored piece of meat, with smashed hamburger bun ? Worse burger I have had in a long time. Diffidently won't be a return visit, or a positive recommendation. McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's would have been better even on their worse days. read more

yes, it is definitely a malvern institution. looks olde and run down, but the food is good for fast food.

Great food great people. My main issue is the hours. They close earlier than most places so if you work afternoons/early evenings you won't be able to stop by for a later dinner. The burgers there are amazing. I miss this restaurant as I moved away but now when back in town to visit family a few times a year I make this a priority visit. read more