I may be biased toward's Mel's diner because we share a name but I really like this place! The look and feel inside is amazing and very aesthetically pleasing for photos! I've been a couple times and ordered in as well. It truly feels like your stepping into something out of a movie. The staff are generally quite friendly. I only eat halal so I can't attest to the non-halal options. But I've tried their waffles, milkshakes, and ultimate skillet. My favourite being the latter. Everything I've tried has been pretty tasty! I recommend. Once I ordered in the ultimate skillet though and it was not as good. It was mushed up and the flavouring wasn't as great. They also did not include toast. I'd say eating in is the way to go! read more

Best milkshakes in town and their fluffy gluten free pancakes are to die for! Staff are amazing and the music is usually great as well! They can add a high chair at the end of a booth or a booster on the booth seat itself! Crayons and colouring sheets for kids while we wait was a bonus! read more

My boyfriend and I are regulars at this location; we've been visiting Mel's for nearly 4 years! The service is fantastic every time, we've never had a bad server or experience. The hash browns are always hot and crispy; as well, the coffee is always freshly brewed and flavourful. This particular visit, I had the Canadian Bacon Eggs Benny, very yummy! My boyfriend had the Mel's Favorite with French Toast. Both were made very fresh. Will definitely be back! read more

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I came to Kitchener to meet a friend visiting from out of the country but where to go and what was nearby. Mel's Diner - perfect! Friendly attentive waitress and OMG crazy good burgers and rings. I did find the price was on the rich side. Two burgers with rings, a Pepsi and a milk with tip just shy of $60. Not looking the the cost the overall experience was a good one. For sure the cost would keep it from being a regular haunt if I were local. read more

Mel's Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kitchener, Ontario

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Good breakfast at a decent price. Their breakfast potatoes are tasty and the coffee does the job it's intended to do! The amount of food is borderline heavy. Not sure what sausages they serve; those could have been better. I like the old school charm of the diner, and the servers wearing dresses to suit the style. read more

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We are in the midst of the Covid-19 quarantine. This afternoon my husband, daughter and I were in the mood for milkshakes. We ordered them from Mel's because their's are always great. They came within 15 minutes and were delicious as usual, but the really lovely surprise was the how the cups and bags were decorated by the staff! The extra, personal touch really made us smile. (And don't we all need to smile these days!). Thank you Mel's Diner!! read more

Mel's Diner - a paper bag with a drawing on it - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kitchener, Ontario

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Small portions. Nice decor. Not a diner because of small portions. Do not feel I got my money worth

The Legend is Back! After a tragic fire destroyed the original Mel's Diner by the University of Waterloo, the new location is now open at Westmount and Ottawa. A number of my favourite Mel's dishes are back, including The Skillet and The Hungry Mel for breakfast (I changed my order many times before I made my final selection)... The food tastes great (like it did before), and the service was fast (even as the "Open" sign was switched on at 6 am on Opening Day) both of which made Mel's a destination for young and old. The new location is fabulous and really manages to capture the look and feel of the previous location, as well as the nostalgic nature of the diner concept, right down to the old-fashioned jukebox at the end of the restaurant (former patrons of the Campus Court Mel's Diner will note the return of James Dean and Marlon Brando in posters on the back wall). We've missed you, Mel's Diner, you were there back in the day when I went to University and we would have all-night study sessions, when I was working all night until the break of dawn for start-up companies, and even later as I met with friends for breakfast before heading out for the day. As Mel's Diner starts its new chapter, it is good to see that the old traditions still continue... By the way, there is a breakfast special (2 eggs, bacon or sausage, homefries and toast for $3.99 before 11 am and $4.99 after 11 am) that's not on the menu, it's a great deal! read more

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Came with a group of 20. They were very nice and were very attentive to our group. Delicious strawberry milkshakes - if you split with a friend, they serve them in 2 separate mini glasses (adorable!) Very decent quality all day breakfast (large portions). Their burgers are huge. Overall had a great time here. read more

After reading the reviews, I was disappointed with my recent take out order. I had ordered 2 club sandwiches, very dry without butter or mayo and seemed like the sandwich was just thrown together then stabbed with toothpicks. Frys were luke warm and soggy and they forgot my order of onion ring read more

The quality of the food seems to have been decreasing over time. With so many new restaurants opening in the near area, the diner is less and less attractive. I do believe that they're over charging for the amount of food served, will probably still come back sometimes for the eggs Benedict, but probably will not be trying anything else on the menu. read more

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It was nice watching the sun rise above the trees while I sipped on my coffee. It made me think about how my parents must have done so in a diner like this back in the 50's. I was served by a very attentive and pleasant waitress named Sherry who tended to me with a great personality that would have fit in back in the day just right! The food is good, coffee medium strength and they give you a Dubble Bubble (classic) gum with the bill which is always a nice touch in a diner. All and all, I'd recommend those who are looking either for a blast from the past or to see what things were in a simpler time (apart from wanting great food of course). read more

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I went there an ordered a hot hamburger what's fries gravy on the fries. This experience was absolutely terrible the food was awful the portion size was pathetic. One single little hamburger patty on the bread but you couldn't have been more than about 4 oz Patty they said it was bigger I seen it on my plate was pathetic. Canned gravy like Jell-O pudding barely any french fries and they were frozen french fries at best. Unfortunately the price wasn't small like the portion. I will never go there again. What a waste of money. read more

They have the best diner food here ! Cute themed 50s place that they've translated even onto their patio. Definitely a must try in KW !

This is an absolutely awesome place to eat. The feeling is nostalgic the food is amazing oh, and the staff is wonderful

Woke up at 4pm and realize that you need breakfast? No problem, Mel's Diner serves all day breakfast for cheap! Get a mound full of food for ~$10, yum and that's exactly what I did. Eggs, bacon, rye bread, jam, cottage cheese, chili cheese fries, milkshakes, they have the full assortment of breakfast items and your traditional diner fare. Check in on Yelp using the Yelp app and get 10% off! The service was quick and efficient. The server was a bit confused about the 10% off Yelp app deal, but was happy to give us the discount. The air conditioning was blasting and I could feel the goosebumps on my arms and legs, but it doesn't matter. I'd come back again and especially if I woke up at 4pm and find myself famished. read more

Haven't been to the Mel's that burnt down, but went to this one a couple of days ago and it was quite nice :) I got the veggie skillet. The only improvement I would recommend is having Tabasco sauce available at the table. That stuff goes really well with home fries. read more

Good prices and good quality diner food. Kids had hot dog and fries which was pretty big and looked decent. I had Ange's fave sandwich and fries which was pretty good. I'll be back. read more

My first ever visit to Mel's diner today and the visit was better than expected. We were in time for breakfast so we both got the breakfast special for about $5 each which comes with eggs,hash browns, toast and bacon/sausage or ham. Nothing to special about it, but their apple cinnamon waffle is to die for, had a major waffle craving and it fixed me right up ! read more

Mel's Diner - Apple cinnamon waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kitchener, Ontario

Just ate supper at Mel's. This is the second time I've been there. I ordered a burger, fries, and a chocolate shake. The food was delivered very quickly. The burger was thick and juicy and very delicious! The fries were crisp and yummy! And what can I say, I just love chocolate shakes and I sure wasn't disappointed! All the wait staff were very friendly. The decor is very sixties as well as the music. Mel's is good! read more

Service as slow, only one person on even though it was dead. Atmosphere was quiet and relaxing, food was ok for cheap price. Especially if your looking to cure hangover. $4 breakfast entices me every time. read more

Mel's Diner - Inside of restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kitchener, Ontario

Honestly can't say much of a review as I didn't even make it into the restaurant... restaurant was empty and the waiter told us we had to be on the waitlist to get in. She was referring to the sticky note in front of her in which had no names on it. It was 8:30 and they closed at nine, wanted to split a milkshake with my friend. Guess the waitress didn't want to serve us as they closed at 9 pm andI guess the waitress just lied to get out of work earlier. Don't bother coming to the Kitchener location, they are lying assholes. read more

Sorry - I was hoping for a nice breakfast but I would rate it average at best. Hard to screw up bacon and eggs but really just very plain. For me, a place that can dress up home fries (peppers, onions, seasoning) gets my vote - not here, Just blah. My wife and kids opted for the traditional - not legendary by any stretch. I tried the Huevos rancheros and frankly - it was subpar and about 9 bucks. I am in search of a great breakfast in the area and so far I prefer to stay at home. Used to live in Ancaster - The Egg and I has this place beat hands down. Breakfast for 4 with coffee, iced tea and two juices was 50 bucks including tip. Too many other options - unlikely I will ever go back. JY read more

Great food and great service. Staff are friendly and fast, amazing little diner atmosphere. Food has always been delicious!

This was my second time dining at Mel's. My wife and I tried breakfast at the University location a few weeks back. I was iffy to give it another try when a co-worker suggested we meet at this location for lunch because we had such a horrible experience with both the food and service in Waterloo. Night and day...The service was exceptional and the food seemed to be prepared with a lot more care. We had a young lady serve us, I asked her name before we left but I can't for the life of me remember it (mid 20s, tall, blonde hair?). She had such a kind warm vibe about her, and was so personable with us, along with all the other customers sitting around us. Our coffee was always full, our food arrived in great time, and we were offered peanut butter, hot sauce, and whatever else we needed before we dug in! Everything was hot and fresh. I'm glad I ended up at this location because I would have never thought to try it again after our first experience. I'm assuming both restaurants are just run by different owners/managers? I didn't ask. Regardless, when I arrived home from work this evening I told my wife about our waitress and experience today over lunch and we'll definitely be returning to try breakfast again at the Kitchener location. PS - Also wanted to comment on the great music and decor inside, it was a really nice, feel-good atmosphere to be in. read more

Great spot with good food and fantastic service. We come here way too often because it is honestly too hard to find an old school diner with good service, short wait times for weekend breakfast, and can cook an egg. We've tried a couple other places in town, and have found a better breakfast but at the compromise of atmosphere, wait times and service. By this point the hostess knows our party size and that we prefer a booth before I even open my mouth. Only a matter of time before they know us by name! I always get the Hungry Mel from the all-day breakfast menu. My wife has experimented with the lunch menu but wasn't blown away so she always orders the Big Mel which is the smaller version of my order. The french toast is great here and they poach eggs the proper way. They also make a good strawberry milkshake. My only recommendation is to put some more Johnny Cash on the jukebox! read more

Been here over the last 5 years. In the last few months I've been here 3+ times. This time (today) we were disappointed. Coffee was quite weak, what sounds trivial I know, but this is a BREAKFAST place. Food was not the same either, smaller plates, fatty bacon (one slice had more fat than anything), wrong style of eggs. The prices are the same as before, but this time when we got the bill it felt like more- probably because the overall experience wasn't as good as usual. I will go back again to see if it's any better but not anytime soon. read more

Had the chance to eat here just when their new menu was starting. Delicious turkey burger -- made fresh, very tasty, not dry at all. My brother had the beef burger, looked delicious! Excellent service, friendly staff who keep an eye without hovering. Will definitely return...the breakfast menu also looks good. read more

Friendly staff and nicely-sized portions of good food. We were seated quickly, and our breakfast came promptly as well. My mom and my brother have Celiac disease, and they were very knowledgable on gluten and cross contamination. Although there wasn't too many options that had zero chance of cross contamination, they had a large selection for those who are gluten free but don't have a serious allergy. My mom and brother do have to stay strictly gluten free, and they both were still able to get satisfying meals, and both did not get sick afterward. read more

Nice trip back in the 50's décor is very nice , all day breakfast ,huge portions service was fantastic. I had the club sandwich served with seasoned fries and creamy coleslaw ( the best that I have come across in a long time). They also have the Godfather challenge , 3 pounder burger served with fries. I will go back for sure . read more

I went to this place twice in a two week period. The service was very friendly, however that is where the positive ends. Each time I received my food i was very disappointed. It looked like the food was just tossed on the plate with no care, my bread for my beef dip came so soggy it fell apart before i could dip it. I didn't eat my food and no one asked why when they took a full plate away. My wife and kids were also very disappointed. It is very clear whoever is preparing the food does not care at all about there job. read more

Overall we were disappointed. The service, location and cleanliness are excellent. The breakfast menu seemed over priced for Kitchener. There was no indication anywhere that there was a breakfast special. I had to indicate my opinion of the prices to be told of the $4 breakfast special. Compared to the four other $4 breakfasts that we enjoy in Kitchener, this one excelled in only one area - toast. Coffee is a very important part of my breakfast and both my wife and I clearly ranked this coffee as the worst. It was hot and not burnt, but had absolutely no body and very little flavour. The eggs and bacon were average but there was absolutely nothing to make the breakfast a little special like the competition (no stewed apples, beans and orange slices or free coffee). read more

Great price, great food, good service. I had the Eggs Manhattan. The steak was cooked very good and the Hollandaise sauce was delicious.

I've been to Mel's a few times now and the food is always good quality and for a fair price. The vibe of the restaurant is an old school diner right down to the waitresses outfits and the decorations. The staff were friendly. I've had breakfast both times and was definitely impressed by the portion size. French toast was especially good. read more

It was nasty! I sat at the bar, wanting to get food to go. After waiting about 10mins for someone to take my order, I ordered a shake.. the girl who was making my shake attempted to scoop the ice cream, it then fell into the freezer and she picked it up with her nails! I can never go back into Mels read more

Went to Mel's Diner based on the Yelp rating...started off with pickle spears and while they were tasty they came without the sauce that was noted on the menu. Service was friendly but we had to ask for cutlery and the main meal was mediocre at best. The food was cold and bland...the roast beef sandwich au jus...the jus tasted like someone opened a can of beef broth. Perhaps our expectations were high considering the reviews we read but we were extremely disappointed. read more

The blueberry pancakes were incredible (and enormous). The service was great.. friendly, attentive- all the things that make a great meal out. My one disappointment was the scrambled eggs being overcooked but I'd definitely come back. read more

Poutine was good as an appetizer and very filling. I could have eaten this only as my meal. I ordered the Ruben sandwich with side salad. Salad was fine, but the sandwich was not good. The meat was very greasy, there was not enough sauerkraut and they don't use thousand island dressing. I asked for the dressing and they gave it to me on the side. It was not very good either; too thick and not accurate in Flavour. My fiancé got the burger, which was ok--- but too greasy also, in my opinion. The double stacked burger is huge---- even for him. Maybe it can be shared among two persons. read more

Great service .great food and wonderful prices.at Mel's diner your welcome with a smile. .and you get a good amount of food for the little the price.very great place. read more

Mel's Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Kitchener, Ontario

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Ordered one of their burgers with fries, gravy and coke. The patty was huuuuge, and very juicy. The bun holding it togetheter fell apart which is something they should look into. Loved the fries and gravy, had me wishing I should've ordered a poutine. Next time! Good experience would come back again. read more