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    Mel's Diner

    3.8 (228 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 1:45 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Mel's Diner Photos

    Business Info

    MEL'S DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for working

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    Recommended Reviews - Mel's Diner

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    Liza G.

    Stopped here for breakfast on our way back home to CA. My husband asked me if I remembered Mel's Diner from TV. Finding out how close it was to our Airbnb, we had to stop. I am pleased to say, this is solid, fresh diner food. We both got breakfast. I opted for the veggie omelette with home fries and a plain biscuit. Everything was fresh and delicious. I highly recommend the biscuit. I ate it so fast, I forgot to take a picture until it was almost gone. Iconic place. So worth the stop. Cute decor and big portions.

    Kristina M.

    I've been wanting to try this place ever since I saw it. I never knew it was actually I'm Phoenix. I loved the show growing up. As most pointed out its more nostalgic on the outside. Not so much on the inside. It was still cool. Food was good. I didn't get any pictures of the food unfortunately. We were too were hungry to remember. Portions were big. Friendly service from everyone. Prices were normal. Nothing outrageous. We'll definitely be back.

    Menu
    Edgar D.

    The is a classic American style Diner. Everything you'd expect it to be it is. Nothing more and nothing less. This would be considered a local Dive to most, however there is Television history attached to this diner. The tv show Alice. The show aired from 1976-1985. The show followed Alice a N.Y. transplant with dreams of becoming an entertainer in Los Angeles. But gets sidetracked in Phoenix, and takes a job at Mel's Diner. It was a great show with funny characters. It was perfect for its time. Anywho, back to the actual Diner. The staff is super friendly and long standing. Thank you to Kadence for being my server and wonderful conversation. You can tell that Mano (the owner) treats them right. You'll find Lots of regulars within the hours of operation. Which are limited to 7am-1:30pm daily. That being said you never know who you might see filming their experience at the diner. Lots of Vloggers and tv historians are to be expected from time to time. The food is hearty, satisfying and tasty. The coffee is made to perfection. Nothing fancy or high end ingredients are needed. The food and ambiance is perfect.

    Today, 03/02/25, Breakfast Specials.
    Valerie M.

    First visit. YuMMmmm. A pretty straight forward, vintage diner. Simple layout, decor, menu, darn near everything here. Located very close to the Arizona State Fair & Exposition. Apparently the Mel's Diner show was filmed on location right here. There are plenty of good menu options and what we've had so far receives two thumbs up and high praises as we discuss our meal along the drive across town. On this occasion we both went with the Double Cheeseburger. I chose onion rings and my friend had the French fries. Both of us opted to pass on the soup. No regrets with that decision because honestly we could only get through half of our Hamburger. And the burger was fantastic! Thick, juicy, cooked to order, cheese melting, pickle, lettuce, tomato, and onion for topping were placed on the side and the French fries were the perfect accompaniment. Our server was pretty, sweet, and efficient. Third visit. Different server, new or less familiar with placing order on their little contraption which seemed to cause her some challenges when I asked for half & half along my burger for the side -half fries, half onion rings. After sensing this was possibly a problem I said O-rings was fine. What's on the menu? Ranges from breakfast, with the usual suspects of eggs and such but I did notice corned beef hash AND pork chops too. List of lunch options include chicken, pork tenderloin, Reuben, BBQ pulled pork, the classic tuna, blt, grilled cheese, ham & cheese, club sandwiches, open face sliced beef or pork tenderloin, along with chicken breast, 2 types of Greek, and Chef salads. And it continues with appetizers, Mel's Special Plates, the (BEST) Handmade Burgers & More, lunch sides and finally the beverages. The ONLY thing I don't see on the menu is a shake or malt option. Well heck, I just found out from the server that they actually don't have any dessert options. Well no worries there cuz I don't think I could eat much more.

    Brian B.

    Finally made it to Mel's Diner! They have been here a long time, I have driven by for 20 years as a resident and even more as a visitor. The food is classic diner food that hits the spot. The servers were friendly and understanding of our kids. Pretty chill spot, not too loud for table conversations. We split a farmers omelette and had a biscuit with gravy. The gravy could use some sausage, otherwise it's pretty good. The omelette was meaty, just the way we like it!

    Chorizo with three eggs any style with a side of beans.
    Michelle D.

    I had a BLT and my husband had the three eggs any style with chorizo and a side of beans. He was so ecstatic! Food was fantastic, service was amazing and I think this place is really underrated from the outside. If we ever are in Phoenix, we will definitely return!

    Amber Z.

    It has been a while since I stopped in, and this time around, I brought company who was just as excited as I was. We both ordered the all-you-can-eat fried cod with fries and coleslaw. Freshly prepared and fairly priced, we got our money's worth. Services are always top-notch, and the staff is readily available, whether it be to answer questions about the menu or to top off your beverage. The atmosphere is always fun and relaxing while also being nostalgic.

    Finally made it here for lunch.
    Matt G.

    As a Gen-Xer, I grew up watching the TV show Alice with my parents. The funny thing is, I've lived in Arizona for almost 17 years and it never dawned on me that Mel's Diner was in Phoenix until I saw a random new clipping about it. Of course, I had to check it out. I went there late morning to avoid the early morning breakfast rush. A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I pulled into the parking lot and saw the Mel's Diner sign. I knew they closed at 2 pm, so I figured that 11 am would be plenty of time. They were moderately busy when I got there, but there was still plenty of seating. I was greeted immediately and asked if I'd like a table. I opted to sit at the counter since it was just me. If you're expecting to see waitresses in uniforms like the TV show, you'll be disappointed. I didn't expect this since this isn't a commercialized tourist attraction where the staff dresses up. Other than the menus, I didn't see any other memorabilia. I like that the charm of this diner isn't tainted in that regard. I ordered the Reuben sandwich with fries simply because I've been craving a Reuben for a while. I was tempted to order one of the burgers. My order came with a cup of soup. Chicken Noodle and Hamburger Macaroni were the choices. I'm anti-chicken noodle soup due to childhood trauma, so my choice was easy. :) The soup was flavorful and delicious. My sandwich arrived shortly after finishing my soup. The sandwich was piping hot and the grilled Rye bread was crispy and not soggy! The sandwich was awesome. I will admit that I would have liked it a little more if it had some Thousand Island dressing on it. The fries had very little salt on them, which was fine with me. I thought that they were good. They weren't the battered trash that a lot of places serve these days. The service here was fantastic. The waitresses were very attentive and my iced tea never went empty. You can tell that they enjoy working with each other as the playful humor among coworkers was present. I've read other reviews that cite that the TV show was filmed here. That is incorrect. The exterior shots were used for the show. The show itself was filmed in studios in California. If you like the nostalgia and feel of old diners, this is a place to check out. It's tie to TV history as well as the good food that makes Mel's Diner worth checking out. I do plan on returning so I can try their burgers, jumbo shrimp, omelets, chicken fried steak, and pancakes. Hahaha!

    Outside! Fans of the show should recognize this?
    Edward M.

    Well, as a Gen Xer who grew up with the show, Alice and being married TO an Alice we HAD to stop here for lunch!!! LOL As much as it was a nostalgic stop for us, it was also a great stop for lunch, food-wise! I ordered a bacon cheeseburger with fries and Alice ordered the gyro sandwich with fries. Both were outstanding! The burger was huge, almost a half pound, so it is very shareable. The fries were good and in my favorite style but I wouldn't describe them as great. I'd probably try one of the other sides, if we went again. They also give you a cup of soup with your meal! I tried the charro bean, which was super tasty! Alice wanted the vegetable, but unfortunately we were there very early for lunch and it wasn't ready (she didn't want the bean soup!) ;-) Alice really enjoyed the gyro but had the same opinion of the fries. As usual, my final focus is on the service which was outstanding! We were served by a a super pleasant lady (Marianna). She was not only super nice but her skills as a waitress were top notch. Just the right amount of attention to make sure my coffee and our waters were never empty. My only disappointment was the waitresses were not wearing the classic pink uniforms with the crazy large handkerchiefs on the lapel! LOL

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    1 year ago

    Great service, tasty food & super friendly staff! The menu gives plenty of options to choose from to accommodate your appetite!

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    2 years ago

    Haven't been here yet I grew up with this show with my grandmother one day I'm gonna have to stop in

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    2 years ago

    Good old school style diner. Good value good food good service. Seats need new padding :)

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    Food is decent. The service is good. And it looks as authentic as one would anticipate, as well.

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    Page 2 of 6

    Ask the Community - Mel's Diner

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    FUTURO - Chia: chia, agua de coco, lime. So refreshing!

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    FUTURO - Calabaza: roasted kabocha squash cake topped w/caramel apple. Romanian culture treats with a love for French pastry. Beautiful and tasty!

    Calabaza: roasted kabocha squash cake topped w/caramel apple. Romanian culture treats with a love for French pastry. Beautiful and tasty!

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    Irish cream iced latte

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    Mel's Diner - diners - Updated May 2026

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