Stopped by one day to give this place a try. It's a very small spot, but the staff was friendly and welcoming. I ordered the country chicken fried steak. It was okay overall, but I felt like it could've used a little more seasoning. The bacon was also a bit too crispy for my taste. One thing to keep in mind is that they don't accept cards--they only take cash, Zelle, or Venmo. Overall, the experience was okay, but the friendly service was definitely appreciated. read more

See all

Wow! Holy cow! That was possibly the best breakfast I've ever had in my life. I came in for regular pancakes, sausage, eggs, etc. But they had chile Verde special, which the girl said they only do once a month. So I tried it out. Omg. It was like being at my aunts house. My mom was a good cook, but when it comes to straight Mexican, my aunt was always better: tamales, chilaquiles, enchilada, etc. So I was surprised because this part of town is Vietnam town, so I hadn't been to much Mexican stuff around here. SO GLAD I found this place. My other favorite diner in the world is Bite of Wyoming in San Jose, another hole in the wall style place, much more hole in the wall than Mel's, but I think Mel's blows them out of the water, at least on the Chile verde. Now I've got to come back and try the American stuff like pancakes and normal diner stuff. But holy cow, I will definitely be coming back every first Saturday of the month or whatever for this chile verde. The feel of Mel's is old school diner. Cozy, quiet, couple of nice quotes on the wall. The people are really nice and friendly. The coffee was REALLY good. I just had a regular decaf. ​Nothing fancy. I like the benches too. They're the nice cushy ones with the old, green faux leather. Not too deep or tall so you don't feel like your legs are hanging off the end, but you still have good back support. It's pricier than like denny's or whatever, but it's not a chain and the food was worth many multiples of what you can get at a cheaper place. I would say the price is on par with any mom and pop diner, like Bite, which I mentioned before. ​ The chile verde was like $19 + coffee, one extra egg, etc, so overall I had an amazing breakfast for like $28+ tip, so overall, well worth it and I'll definitely come back. read more

Always Delish! Whether we order to go or dine in. The quality of the food we receive is always, always- yummy! I'm go to's are the corned beef hash and eggs & the chili cheese omelette . You choose bread, biscuits & gravy (it's white gravy) or cinnamon roll ( weekends only ) . My husband always choose the cinnamon roll, I usually go with the soughdough bread , it's dense and delish ! My husband usually goes for the steak and eggs or Omelette w/ ham and cheese. My boys love the pancakes. They only have breakfast and lunch, so don't expect dinner ! read more

. The food's ok. - Too much cheese. Unhealthy diabetes, chronic inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attack. - Felt gross eating it. - They don't have a website (shown on G Maps), so can't order online. Can call though. - Carb overload. + The Works has a decent amount of protein and a variety of ingredients. - We asked for well done. The meat was still undercooked. - $1-3 upcharge since the menu photos. They should expunge the old pics misleading $16 entrees when it's actually almost $20 a pop. - A lil exorbitant. - Cramped area near the cashier. No room to stand. Make way for the bus cart (AKA bussing cart). - Bar seating too close to the staff workspace. + Efficient service. + Good amount of indoor seating. . Large but crowded parking. + Conveniently right by the 405. read more

Food was very good didn't get pictures of all the plates we ordered but the food was good. Food came out super fast and the service was excellent, they kept checking in on us and were very attentive. The interior was very homey and comforting overall a pleasant experience! read more

Mel's Diner - Menu - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

1. The steak and eggs were cooked perfectly the way I ordered it! The portions are good! 2. The spot has chill casual vibes! The interior is cozy! 3. The staff were friendly and attentive! Our food was ready in less than 15 mins! 4. There is an indoor and outdoor seating area! there are a lot of tables and booths! 5. Parking lot is huge! Note: This spot only accept cash and Venmo! Photo: NY Steak & Eggs and Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs read more

See all

Our first time here today and wow the food was cooked perfectly to how we love breakfast! The country style potatoes were crispy but also fluffy, the sausage was perfectly cooked and we loved the chili on top of the cheese filled omelette. It's cash only but they do accept Venmo or Zelle. We'll definitely be coming back! read more

See all

Way overpriced. Waitress has been working there too long, needs to retire, she is very rude and gets flustered if it gets too busy. Food was cold. $12 for Hash Browns and an Iced Tea Not going back. read more

Pay no attention to the wokesters from Huntington Beach and Irvine who are concerned with their health. They should stick to Mothers Market. You don't go to a diner to count calories. But for those of us looking for great old-school coffee shop/diner vibe, Mel's Diner hit the spot. Went there because of the recent article in the O.C. Register for Breakfast spots and it mentioned Biscuits and Gravy. I love me some Biscuits and Gravy and they did not disappoint. Service was quick and friendly. I look forward to returning to try their other offerings. read more

We came here for a work conference but were able to also visit a friend. We were brought to this restaurant for breakfast and was not disappointed. The service is outstanding and the food impeccable. I ordered a vegetarian omelette with their version of hash-browns. Your plate is literally filled with yumminess. We also tried the famous cinnamon rolls and luckily we did as we got the last one. If you have diabetes, don't get this. It's super sweet and decadent. I can see how they sell out quickly. Sadly no pics were taken as we sampled up the roll pretty quick. My coffee was continuously refilled. For an unassuming restaurant in a strip mall, they pack a punch! read more

See all

Always fresh and delicious! Great breakfast spot. Friendly service, quick and easy. Our top favorites: Hamburger, waffles, turkey melt, French dip and their amazing cinnamon rolls. 10/10 definitely recommend! read more

I would say this is my favorite diner in Fountain Valley. It's a no fuss, traditional, American diner, specializing in breakfast and lunch. It's fairly small on the inside, but it is very homey and the sort of place that you'd want to stay a while. Our server was very polite and everything that we ordered arrived very fast. It's important to know they don't accept credit card, only cash or Venmo. It's in a small shopping center, so there is plenty of free parking right out front. I had read many reviews about their award-winning Chicken Fried Steak so had to order that for myself for my first visit. I will say that the steak was fantastic and it had a great sear on it. I would definitely say it's one of the better Chicken Fried Steaks I've had in a long time and would highly recommend ordering it. Pricing is also very fair so I would recommend to anyone in or visiting the Fountain Valley area. read more

Mel's Diner - Mel's Diner - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

See all

Mel's Diner popped up when my girlfriend was looking for breakfast, and it was our first time here. I'll say this right away--it was delicious. We ordered a mushroom & bacon omelet, cinnamon roll (instead of toast), potatoes, and a 4-stack of pancakes. I've honestly never been to a place that lets you swap toast for a cinnamon roll, and that alone won me over. The roll was soft, warm, and absolutely delicious. The omelet was fluffy and flavorful, and the potatoes were my favorite part--so good that I ended up ordering an extra side. The pancakes were classic, fluffy, and hit the spot. You can tell this place has been around for a long time--in a good way. Even the old-school cash register gave it character, which I really liked. Just a heads-up: it's cash only (or Venmo), so come prepared. Overall: great food, comforting diner vibes, and a spot we'll definitely be coming back to again. read more

See all

Update on the biscuits and gravy. This time it was a nice soft biscuit. The gravy is decent but not homemade. I would get it again.

Come back for coffee, breakfast Order a coffee, cinnamon roll , biscuits & gravy Faster service here The cinnamon roll and the biscuit wasn't completely the both baked still aren't not fully baked. (the dough is still wet and sticky, like raw dough) Seems like rushed to serving. We just left after paid! read more

See all

Had a nice calm breakfast here Holly took care of me and all the food was very good. Coffee is very hot as well and will definitely be back! read more

Mel's Diner - Chicken fried steak eggs over med English muffin - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

Breakfast, bacon and eggs, should not cost $18+ , and that's before adding in a beverage. Yes, we know, we all know, how everything is more expensive etc... but not this much. The food, average. Wasn't great, wasn't bad. But its breakfast, hard to mess that up. Eggs, asked for Over Medium, they were barely Over Easy. Hash browns were barely cooked , top side, brown, but the rest , not really cooked. Warm, but not cooked all the way. They were busy, not slammed, so maybe that's why the hash browns were barely cooked. And the bacon, like every other restaurant like this, they have a big pan , of already cooked bacon, that they warm up, by throwing on the grill for your order. Probably cooked hours before. I get it, you cant be cooking bacon , sausage etc to order when busy, but shouldn't be hours before. Toast, was ok. So $20 for an average breakfast, when you add in coffee or a juice. This shouldn't be more than $12-$15 total. read more

We love this place so much that we are here every weekend and we know the staff on a first name basis as if they are our extended family. Ms.Holly, Ms.Pam , Don Ignacio , Melanie, Melissa to name a few.... Hats off to the chef and sous chefs that make this incredible yummy food. I have been brining my friends and family to this lovely place and introduction them to this family oriented diner! We will be coming here for many more weekends to come. Blessings to all of you read more

Mel's Diner - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

My mother in law rarely eats breakfast and surprised us by telling us she felt like Denny's. We've been to Mel's without her and we told her we should support a local business and came by after she found out how close it was. It's been around since 1988 and I like the old sun-worn sign out front. Lots of locals eat here and it's clear they have a good relationship with the community. Lunch and breakfast is served all day so you can order anything on the menu, they are also open 7am 6 days a week and are perfect for early risers. The country fries are like giant hashbrowns and are great! We all ordered them as a side. They also garnish their dishes with a little sprig of parsley and I like little touches like that. Ham and cheese omelette: mother in law enjoyed this, two colors of cheese and ham diced neatly. Corned beef hash: the corned beef has more of a freeform shape and it gave it a home cooked feel. Tasted good and not too salty. Turkey avocado and cheese sandwich: I asked for the bread toasted and wish it was toasted slightly longer. Everything was freshly prepared, the avocado was still nice and green. read more

See all

Love Mels excellent food! Excellent staff and just a great place to hang out on a Saturday or Sunday morning and have awesome food and awesome people! read more

Conveniently located next to the Tesla superchargers. Mom and pop shop that has your typical breakfast fares. My goto is the chicken fried steak. Beware of the salsa it is super spicy!! Customer service ia the best! read more

Mel's Diner - Country Fried Steak 8/10 - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

DELICIOUS! Absolutely hit the spot, not a fast food meal. A real legit breakfast, that taste like I was at my mom's kitchen table 35 years ago!! read more

Food and service are fantastic! The freshly made cinnamon rolls, Saturdays and Sundays only, are to die for. Indoor and outdoor seating. Definitely coffee shop vibes. Our go to diner. read more

Absolutely love this place, their award winning country fried steak and eggs is as advertised, award winning worthy. I also had the club and steak sandwiches on separate occasions, always good here and I love their service as well. read more

Mel's Diner - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

Been coming here for long time. I've never been disappointed in my food. It's always great. The people there are very nice and its perfect size. It's nice and pleasant to eat there. read more

Mel's Diner - Today's special gourmet omelette - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

See all

The best biscuits and gravy in Orange County!! Awesome food and service is super friendly!! Old school diner, so cute. Holly is the best read more

Mel's Diner - Biscuits and gravy - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

We were very pleased with the tasty, well-cooked food. Service was great and Manager Pam was helpful and gracious to patrons. We gladly recommend Mel's Diner in Fountain Valley. read more

The food here was awesome, I got the chicken fried steak with country fries and it was cooked to perfection. The ambiance is your typical diner. The one downside was that service was pretty slow, where we waited a long time to see our waitress if we needed anything. 8/10, I would recommend this place. read more

Solid breakfast place with generous portions and great staff. Only drawback is they only take cash or Venmo, no credit cards. read more

Mel's Diner - 2 eggs with bacon. - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

Bomb breakfast and yummy soup. Got the ham and cheese melt and the cup of soup and was very yum service was great.

Can't go wrong with Mel's Diner... Our new Go-To weekend breakfast place! I don't have to ask for a coffee refill-- Ever! You can't go wrong with any specials. But you have to get here early if you want the to-die for cinnamon rolls. Always jumping on weekends but always worth the wait! Enjoy! read more

See all

The food and service were great! The ambiance we loved it was a homey feel haha. The diner accepts cash and venmo. We will definitely go back read more

See all

Support your local diner- this is one of the greats. Delicious food, great coffee, and fast service. Also a cheers to the very kind staff. Just what I needed passing through the area for work. Thanks so much Mel's! read more

Mel's Diner - One of the great weekday breakfast specials - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

The service was GREAT!!!! Very comforting!!!! Alyssa is AWESOME! Her personality is everything!

Food was delicious!! First time stopping by but it won't be the last! Love old diners! Food was delicious and the service was amazing read more

Mel's Diner - The lumberjack & French toast special - Diners Near Me - Fountain Valley, California

Solid food I think it was the I on the menu. Biscuits & gravy eggs. We ordered and the food was out in 5-7 mins. Our waitress was handling the whole restaurant she was on point. My son ordered the pancakes the small stake was big enough for both of us. Drinks always full food solid definitely a diner I will go back to. read more

We've been wanting to check out Mel's Diner for a while. Took my daughters there for a Mommy and Me breakfast on a Saturday morning. We may have misses the early morning rush as there were a lot of people hanging outside. We were seated right away. Very homey feel and staff was great! Our food came out quickly and was delicious. I had let our server know that we were going to order to go for hubby & my son & she came back when we were almost done to get that order. Coffee and drinks were checked in on & filled. I will definitely be back with whole family. read more

See all

Great local diner, food was great, service was friendly, and environment is just like any ol' bustling diner. I was surprised by the low cost meals, when comparing all the newer local businesses prices, which only added to the satisfaction of eating an amazing non-overpriced meal. I tried their award-winning chicken fried steak which was great, they also cooked by over-and-easy eggs perfectly. The only "downside" is cash/venmo only but it's a diner and I don't expect to be paying with card. Definitely not worth knocking the review down for that though. read more

Cinnamon rolls and food is amazing. Been back last 2 Sunday's before church. Last Sunday we did get a sausage link that was a little underdone and cold but over all this place is amazing. read more

Not what we were expecting. The food was not good at all. It's OK if you live close by, but don't make the trip if you're from out of town. I was hoping to like this place, but no. read more