I had lunch there Sunday the 19th. I had the two pork chops eggs and hashbrowns and it was really good. The pork chops come thick which I like eggs. It took a little while to get my meat meal because the porkchops take a while to cook. But the service was good interior and the interior is much like with you. All and all it was a pleasant experience and I recommend anybody to breakfast or lunch. It has very affordable value to waitresses are pretty. So please when you're in the valley down on a little bit on the West side please stop by. read more

Awesome place to come to and have a dose of old style diners. I come here periodically and haven't been dissatisfied. Will be back for sure. read more

Mel's Diner - Cool throwback place to relive the 70s. - Diners Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This is a great place to eat. The show Alice was filmed here, I believe everything remains the same except the wait staff (darn it). With that said, the wait staff were amazing and very friendly. The food was delicious and obvious that it was home made. I would say if you are looking for a home cooked meal with a bit of nostalgia, this is a great place to have breakfast or lunch. read more

Mel's Diner - Sausage, eggs, bisquit and grave. Cheeseburger with fries. - Diners Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great food great atmosphere. Check it off my bucket list service was great. Spent a long time goal for me to go there. I used to watch it when I was a child. read more

I had intended to come here in the 70s when the sitcom was popular, but never made it. I had forgotten about this little gem until I Yelped restaurants in this area of town. The iconic sign brings back memories of "Alice". I stepped back in time as I walked through the door. The walls are adorned with autographed photos of the stars that made this place famous. The diner is showing its age. Some of the linoleum tile is lifting and the restrooms are out dated. The wait staff is friendly. I ordered biscuits and gravy, sausage patties, and scrambled eggs. The breakfast was average the service was good. Except for the nostalgia of eating here, there's nothing special. I would try the all you can eat fish fry on Wednesday or Friday if I happen to be in the area again, but I wouldn't make a special trip. read more

Mel's Diner - Iconic sign - Diners Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This place has been on my bucket list for a long time. I grew up watching the Alice TV Show and sort of forgot Mel's Diner really is in Phoenix. I didn't expect great culinary wonders here after all it's MEL'S DINER but the food REALLY was better than I expected. I looked at the menu and it was pretty basic so I thought grilled cheese or hamburger and went with hamburger. To my surprise they gave us cups of chicken noodle soup. The soup was home made and had fresh carrots and celery in it and the noodles were surprisingly fresh and not gooey. My hamburger ($5.99) was 7 oz. of fresh hand packed meat. I did need to add salt and pepper to it but it was very juicy and tasted very fresh. It was better than I thought it would be. The fries were just your average frozen fries just a tad better than Burger King. For $5.99 I think they deserve an AOK plus a Childhood Memory was fulfilled. read more

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I loved it the place is truly an antique the food was surprisingly Excellent I ordered the chopped steak and eggs and hash browns

Food was delicious and the servers were really sweet best to see the old memorabilia from the show

There's a little Mexican waitress here who is rude to me every time I come in. The first few times I put it to a bad day. But the third time, I left. The manager/owner(?) Followed me into the parking lot and became very loud and vocal wanting to know what was wrong. I told her she was rude and he wanted an example. I gave him an example but he disagreed. So I ask, "What is she your girlfriend?!". "She is!". So the dude who runs or owns this business (I mostly see him standing around) has a chick who is rude to customers and he's so whooped he's letting it drive away customers. Cool. The rest of the girls are really sweet and nice, the foods great. But I won't be coming back because this fool is love blind and won't control his staff. read more

Great diner! Loved the ambience. The waiters were very friendly. It's a diner with basic diner food that has flavor. The coffee was pretty good, it didn't have the burnt coffee flavor most diners have! Definitely recommend read more

Consistently good service and food. Atmosphere A+. Been going there for years and always happy.

It seems I've lived here forever and I do remember the show and it's premise to Phoenix but had never been here till recently. The food was good, large portions, the service was great, the waitress are very friendly and as for the store, it's a step back in time, it actually reminds me of small town diners USA. I'd go again. read more

Great food & friendly waitstaff. I was hoping there was more memorabilia from the tv show Alice but that was a long time ago. I would definitely eat there again, excellent breakfast. read more

I came here because I was in the area and when researching where to eat, came across it. "Alice" was one of my favorite shows when I was younger so it seemed like a no brained. I expected the interior to be that of the one on the TV show... turns out only the sign was used. Still for a place supposed to be a 60s diner, it didn't try too hard. Music was not oldies and waitresses wore black t-shirts and jeans. Honestly it just really looked rundown, dirty, tired, and like they were using the "Alice" connection as an excuse not to do updates. Positive side: waitstaff, despite looking like they worked in a biker bar not a diner, were super friendly and efficient. Food was good - not great, but oh well. Large portions... I couldn't finish my fries there were so many. read more

It's ok. Was busy fir breakfast so we got just one cup of coffee. She never came back with it. Food was ok nothing to brag about

If you have ever seen the show Alice here you go. Awesome friendly service great specials and very good food.

Staff was friendly and the food came fast. The flavor was good and they have good home made salsa. When you step in it feels like you walked in to a diner you see in the movies. read more

Nice little spot for breakfast or brunch . You guys remind me so much of the diners from back home in chicago. Awesome good foodoverall and great customer service read more

I've been coming for years. The breakfast and lunch are always delicious and the service is always great. Very nostalgic being it's like stepping back into time. Definitely worth a trip out to. Try the Denver omelet or biscuits and gravy. read more

Not sure if new chef or wat but 3 times in a row for tasteless crappy food. And then the waitress sees my full plate asking for a check and not one penny deducted. Smh read more

Visited during spring BB from the Midwest. Had a great time with friends and our waitress was amazing. Marianna and the other staff were all excellent. Food was good and we enjoyed the nostalgia of this restaurant from the Alice show. read more

It's a cute place with some nostalgia for us mature folks who used to watch Alice back in the day, but in the long run it's not all that great of a diner. The coffee, like in the TV version of Mel's is terrible. The rest of the food is OK, but nothing special. Service was off (they forgot to give me flatware). And it's in a sketchy neighborhood in the older part of Phoenix. I won't return on future visits to Phoenix. read more

I've lived in the Phoenix area for a long time. Never been to Mel's Diner. I'm old enough to have an awareness of "Alice," the television show that gives the spot its ongoing notoriety, but I've never actually watched the show. Well, "kiss my grits," as a character on the show used to say, Mel's is worth a visit. Located in an industrial area near where I-10 and I-17 connect, Mel's is inconvenient for nearly everyone in the Valley. Consider it an adventure. Binge watch a little Alice before going and then be on your way. As you approach, you'll see a well worn sign with remnants of the neon that illuminated it back in the day. The interior is nicer than the exterior would imply, full of reminders of the history of the diner. Coffee mugs line the walls of the entire dining room. And yes, there is a lunch counter. The staff is friendly. The food? Not great on this day. Pancakes were far from light and fluffy and and we had a problem getting our bacon out of the kitchen. Slow refilling coffee. None of it really mattered though. We were on a breakfast adventure. While we probably won't make Mel's a regular breakfast spot, we will definitely add it to the list of places to bring out of town visitors. Mel's Diner is all about Alice, not the cuisine, but the Arizona skillet was good. Salsa was hot and spicy, a good thing. read more

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This place is older but very clean and apparently a famous show was filmed here called Alice all the way until 1985 it is still a greasy spoon next to the hwy The food looks good some guys have plates of fish on Friday it looks crispy service was good like I said very clean felt good read more

I can't believe I've been in-out-around-about Phoenix-Tempe-Scottsdale for more than twenty years, let alone the fact that Mel's has been here all this time and I only just learned of it via a friend who takes photos of vintage signs. "There's a new girl in town...and she's feel in' gooood!" The premise of the 1976-1985 tv sitcom "Alice" (played by Linda Lavin) is that she's on her cross-country way to L.A. but her car breaks down in Phoenix. She gets a job at "Mel's Diner"..."and if things work out, she's gonna staaaay aaaawhile. bum bum bum bum baaaaa." Intro theme song: http://bit.ly/1uSfKb3 (just in case you want it to get stuck in your head too.) The diner inside is not as seen in the show, but the sign is still there and there's local history behind it. There are framed newspaper clippings and the menu acknowledges the show's three waitresses: Alice, Vera, Flo and the owner: Mel. Besides the history, you've got present day diner goodness. Fresh coffee, omelets, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy and did you try the grits!? Unlike the show's Flo, there was no loudmouthed, beehived-redhead shouting out those three words at us but I still had a flashback: In the '80s, iron-on t-shirts/jerseys were all the rage. My mother wouldn't let me get Flo's "KISS MY GRITS." Do I digress? I don't! Regress, maybe. A reason this place speaks '50s diner is that it has those "space age" tabletops that were popular in kitchens during that era. I sat at a kitchen table like that, wearing my second choice "I was the kind of kid your parents didn't want you to hang out with" iron-on jersey and scarfing down my food like all good kids who had to "hurry up and eat so you can go watch tv!" Now, at a retro-tabletop window-seat booth in Phoenix, all of my little worlds collide when I come to Mel's. Side note and further collision: we'd seen Linda Lavin perform at Chicago's Goodman theatre awhile back with a truly all-star cast: http://www.goodmantheatre.org/season/0405/finishing-the-picture/ Enough of memory lane! (Though if you feel like continuing, note that "Mel's Diner" is located just shy to the west of Phoenix's historic F.Q. Story Neighborhood District.) Ding! What about counter seating? It's always been full at the counter when we've arrived, but I do intend to hop up there and watch the food come hot off the line. I may have to bring my own little bell though. I don't remember a bell at modern-Mel's. (Now, I'm digressing.) Ding! Dingbat! Birdbrain! Oh wow, I'm remembering more...that's what Mel used to call Vera. Bum bum bum bum baaaaa. read more

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I stopped in Phoenix to have lunch with a friend and he brought me here to Mel's. He told me Mel's Diner was used for the exterior shots of the '76 to '85 TV sitcom, Alice. APPEARANCE: Mel's has seen better days. The food was still good, but.... let's just say the place is looking and feeling a bit tired. I went to wash my hands and the restrooms were... basic restrooms, older like the restaurant. The soap dispenser was empty so I stepped in the woman's to get some soap. Also when I sat down back at the booth I bottomed out on the springs and the boards supporting them underneath. 2 stars. SERVICE: It felt like a small local "diner" where they are very friendly and everyone knows everyone. They're always smiling and happy to take care of most any request. 4 stars. FOOD: I ordered the pork loin sandwich and my friend had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Both my friend and our server told me the sandwich I ordered was really big and boy they weren't kidding! Check out my photos, it could have used 2 buns! After having a cup of chicken soup, fries and that sandwich, I'd have to say the food is pretty good, yes diner food, but still pretty good none-the-less. On the plus side, the prices are EXTREMELY reasonable! 3.5 stars. OVERALL: The food is good, the service is very good and the prices are LOW. But the building and decor is old and out dated. I suppose that's how they keep the prices down............ I bet if anyone tells the owner they should remodel, they'll just say "Kiss My Grits!" ;-) read more

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It was so neat visiting Mel's, the inspiration for the diner used in the old TV series "Alice." The food was wholesome and tasty. Definitely very good and ranking a notch or so below some of my very favorite diners, so above average though not quite in a league of its own. The chicken fried steak and eggs breakfast was worth ordering as was the clubhouse sandwich. The vanilla milkshake was exceptionally good tasting creamy and sweet without being hyper-sweet as most other places make their shakes. If in the downtown Phoenix area Mel's Diner is absolutely worth a visit. read more

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I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the food at the iconic Mel's Diner! I had low expectations and thought it would be "greasy spoon"-worthy quality; pleasantly happy that I was wrong! My friends agreed The prices are low, good coffee, and wonderful service. We plan to come back and try some of their other menu items. Definite place for breakfast. Also, if someone in your party has trouble with stairs, there is a ramp on the side for wheelchair accessibility. read more

We are from the midwest and had been craving a tenderloin sandwich. This place is what was recommended and they did not disappoint! Sooo good! Staff was friendly and they were following all covid guidelines. Can't wait to go back! read more

What a rude waitress! Was waiting for 10 mins but she was " busy " socializing w other waitress. Them started to get forks and put bread toast together instead of take my order! Nope! I am paying my money to someone else picker for a good service. Sorry for the owner and his loosing customers! read more

Driving past Mel's Diner, I told my boyfriend, "We have to eat breakfast here before we leave town!" For those of us who remember back that far, the TV series "Alice" was set in Mel's Diner in Phoenix. Only now, the new "Flo" wears jeans & a t-shirt and has a tattoo and an eyebrow ring. The food was what you would expect...it's just a hole in the wall diner after all! Actually the breakfast was pretty good, and the prices are pretty cheap compared to a lot of breakfast places. The bacon was tastier than at most cafes. Funky interior, about the sort of garage sale decor items you see at a lot of places like this one. Though there was a cool old mirror in the bathroom, set just about waist height so you can check out how your pants fit after you ate a big breakfast. Lots of regulars seem to come in and the people watching is somewhat fascinating. read more

Mel's Diner - Mel's Diner Sign - Diners Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Definitely a 5-Star Experience! We we're a bit hesitant after reading some of the reviews and the 3.5 star average. HOWEVER, we are so glad we ignored those and took a chance. What a great experience! The waitresses were SUPER friendly and attentive! Always checking our drinks and asking if we needed anything else. Shout out to Rebecca (sp?) She was terrific and the only one whose name we found out....the rest were great, too, though. Now, to the food! My husband and I split one of the Daily Specials - Banana Waffle, 2 eggs and sausage. WOW!!! Talk about your PERFECTLY made Belgian waffle....Light, cooked to perfection and flavorful...sweet, but not too sweet...just right....with perfectly ripe bananas, whipped cream and syrup!!! YUMMMMMM!!!! Eggs poached perfectly! AND THE SAUSAGE LINKS! We ate at 5 & Diner the day before and their links were good, but Mel's were better!!! Seriously...didn't think that was possible, because the ones at 5 & Diner were very good, but these topped 'em... If you're looking for an upscale, hip Snooze experience, this ain't it... This is your down home, blue collar joint dishing out classic diner hits with a smile and a great attitude. Thanks Mel's Diner Peeps. Y'all are THE BEST!!! And made our rough storage unit move-out day so much better. God bless you all and continued prosperity. read more

Super nostalgic diner with classic breakfast options. #andnowahaiku Remember Alice?/ Come on down to Mel's Diner/And see for yourself! read more

I grew up in the Phoenix area and watch Alice. After moving away and then moving back to AZ I got summons for jury duty. As I was going downtown to find the courts I saw Mel's Diner. It was closed. Next thing I summons again and saw that Mel's was now open. On my way back home I stop in for breakfast. Saw a lot of items about the show. It was neat seeing it. The inside is not like the show but it brought me back to my childhood. Food and service was good but they could use a sponge and bucket and do a little cleaning. Other than that it was good. read more

My daughter and I ate lunch at Mel's today and it was a very pleasant experience! First of all, diners are a dying breed and this one has such a cozy feel that I almost fear that this one will fall victim to the chain restaurant. But, I hope not because I look forward to going back soon! Mel's is a Phoenix landmark, filming location of the television series Alice in the 70's and 80's. I'm positive that nearly all the decor is original and I find that very charming. The food was fast and hit the spot! It helped that Queen sang background vocals Our waitress was very sweet and attentive. And the bathroom was nice and clean. My ONLY issue was that the fork on my table was a little dirty. But, since I didn't use mine and my daughter didn't use hers, I didn't complain but only made mention of it to the gal that took care of my bill. I'll be in again, Mel's, thank you! read more

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Not your average diner and completely nostalgic so why not stop! There is a secret menu which I'm not completely sure what's on it but if you talk with a regular you'll soon find out. I went with a friend who ordered off the "secret menu", banana pancakes which looked yummy! I on the other hand ordered a single pancake and it was pretty good. I ordered eggs and bacon, nothing was greasy which is refreshing especially for eating at a diner. There are daily specials which are priced well. I definitely will go back if in the area. read more

First visit last week, ordered a well done burger- there really shouldn't be any confusion when the word "well done" is thrown around in the beef arena. It means just that- well done. Alas, my burger doneness was medium. This week, $17.42 later on a 30 minute work lunch. Biscuit and gravy breakfast (cation: different than "Southern Breakfast but more on that later). Second attempts are the best way to judge something- I wanted to have something extravagant to say buuuuuuut bummed again. The gravy isn't sausage gravy though it's been around forever so there must be something to it- I was like, "Ya alright. Gimme"! meh. There exists in the world Cream of Chicken, Cream of Mushroom etc (you get the gist)- anyhoo, Mel's Diner offers an interesting Cream of Flour and you can definitely call it gravy. The biscuit is delightfully average and 100% different than other biscuits I've had but I dont think I can say it's good? I ate it so whatever- again, 30 minute work lunch- zero room for error. Unfortunately, I was the shmuck who didnt understand structure, language, and pricing on this particular part of the menu- that's on me but if a menu isn't clear on what constitutes an up-charge, I think that responsibility must fall on the person taking the order as a customer isn't to be trusted to ask the right questions #ignoranceIsBliss. I def went into this meal kinda jaded. The worker bees were delightful and I can definitely conclude that everyone should go to this place at least once for history and a cool story but pretty sure the only return customers are locals in this "deadish" part of metro Phoenix. Don't quote me. read more

Mel's Diner - Diners Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

So I always drive by this icon place had a hr to kill so popped in for breakfast. Wait staff nice. Order some food no it looked like I was at a elementary school cafeteria food. On a white plate. Just blah when you go to Denny's and ihop them jazz your food. We eat with our eyes this place was dull no hello your at mels nope just a plain food on a plate. Was not happy no type of good old home cook meal. More like Boy Scouts of America. Well lesson learned. I don't. See why people go there ? read more

Loving this place it is real. They filmed here food is outstanding. Love all the history of this place worth checking out. read more

Mel's Diner - Diners Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Honestly, I didn't go for the food because I wasn't even hungry. I happened to be in the nether regions and dropped in to take a gander at the historic spot. Well, Mel's may be old but it's still sexy - so fresh and so clean-clean in the dining area and the character really shines through. I felt as if I had walked into a vintage single wide trailer-esque model with an additional wing built on. Classy. Diners are last (and least) on my list when it comes to meals so I wasn't expecting much. But for what I got - I'm impressed. Just ten $1 federal reserve notes got me two fluffy pancakes, omelette, and home fries. Definitely a belly full, if you like beginning your morning this way. Next time, though, I'll go straight for the home fries. Yum! With salsa...Home run! read more