I hadn't been to Mel's in many years, so I swung by for a late lunch/ early dinner. Not much has changed about the place. I ordered a double cheeseburger with cheese and mustard, a small fry, a small onion ring, a 32-ounce iced tea, and blackberry cobbler for desert. The total was $17 and change (before the tip). I took my food home, and everything was still warm. The burger (a double) was smaller than I remembered. I had to check to make sure there were actually two patties, but they were both there. The white-bread bun was stuck to the meat and cheese, and tore apart when I tried to open it. The burger was small, but it did have good flavor and was not greasy at all. The fries were mostly stuck together in a big clump. They tasted like they might have been sitting around for a while. The onion rings tasted just like the ones you get at Burger King, only larger. Same thickness, flavor, texture... identical. The blackberry cobbler might have been the star of the show. It was small, but very good. I don't get deserts very often, but I enjoyed this one. The blackberries were flavorful but not full of seeds. It was served warm, also. Considering that I got desert and a 32 ounce drink, $17 was a pretty good deal I guess. I'd really like that double cheeseburger to be a little meatier, though. I added updated pictures of the menu, since the one I saw online was 10 years old! read more

Has to get in one more visit before I leave Indiana. The service was still quick, pleasant and courteous. And this time, it wasn't raining. Ordered the Breaded Tenderloin and onion rings which both was delicious, no changes from my previous visit. Consistent This time I also got the Oreo malt shake. It was delicious and lots of Oreo...nice surprise that quite a few of the pieces were big and not just fine. read more

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Old-School Charm & Classic Comfort Food! We absolutely loved our visit to Mel's Drive-In Diner! From the moment we pulled up, the old-school vibe hit us in the best way -- neon signs, retro booths, and that classic diner energy you just can't fake. Everyone there was extremely friendly and made us feel right at home. The menu is full of Westside classics, and everything we ordered hit the spot. My husband and I both got the double cheeseburgers, which were juicy, cheesy, and perfectly cooked -- just like a diner burger should be. The kids had kids' meals with cheeseburgers that were huge (definitely not your typical tiny kids' portions -- they were thrilled!). We also had to try the chili cheese dogs, which were messy in the best way and packed with flavor. And the malts -- wow. We went full nostalgic with a chocolate and a strawberry malt, and they were perfectly thick, creamy, and sweet. Total throwback in the best way possible. If you're craving a fun, family-friendly spot with great food, friendly faces, and a blast-from-the-past atmosphere, Mel's is the place! We'll definitely be back. read more

Mel's Drive-in - Diners Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Been eating Mels since the mid-80s and it's always delicious. I moved to Texas in 2000, but come back to visit family and have to eat here! Prices are cheap and service is great. Best pork tenderloin for your 3 dollars and 76 cents! Also you can never go wrong with the burgers. DO NOT TURN YOUR NOSE UP TO THIS MARS HILL INSTITUTION! read more

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Party of 10. Everyone was satisfied. A bit noisy. That was ok had a sport influx.

The service was very quick, the food was hot and the order was correct. Those are the good things. The pork tenderloin was extremely thin and greasy tasting. I suppose it being so thin allowed it to be cooked in record time. Sorry, just not feeling the love other reviewers had. For a $12 lunch, I can go elsewhere and eat inside. read more

Stopped in here today for a quick lunch and got the BLT and unsweetened diced tea which was quickly served by a friendly young lady and it was very good I will certainly come to this place again when in this part of town read more

They open at 10:30 am but today at 10:25 am they were already open based on their "open" signs. Nothing fancy here, just a good old fashioned drive up diner, with service in your vehicle, just like the good ole days. There is no tray on the window deal anymore just a to go sack so you can be on your way when done. There is no signage other than a message sign if northbound on Kentucky Ave but that sign was blank southbound just so you are aware. Didn't really matter to me since I've had this place bookmarked since Ken's review in 2020. Today I finally got to try them on my way home from a medical appointment downtown. I ordered the Cheeseburger dressed, with fries and a root beer soft drink. The total price was $6.86! Unbelievable that you can still feed yourself for that little amount of money these days. The cheeseburger was great. It was charred a tad on the edges just like you would get if you were grilling it in your own backyard. I was pleasantly surprised the burger was that good. And it was way better than that other fast food joint that "chargrills" their burgers. As Ken notes, they do take credit cards and there is no up charge for using said card. Service was very prompt and the food came out almost immediately and that burger was well cooked as in no pink in the middle. I almost used the picnic tables provided over by the big shade trees but I got lazy and just ate in my van. I repeat myself, to eat for way less than ten bucks and it being good food is a rare and unique find these days. read more

Mel's Drive-in - Cheeseburger, dressed. - Diners Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

A true local place. Car hops come right out to take your order so be ready. The menu is on the outside of the diner. Felt like I was back in the 50's. Happy Days but without the kids.Nothing to look at but still pretty cool. We had a double cheeseburger, grilled ham & cheese and a large chocolate malt for $11.50. What!!! Love these little places. So simple but so satisfying. read more

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Great prices for food and quick service. Great place grab food and visit mars hills. Drive up and eat in your car

Very friendly service. Haven't actually eaten the food but wanted to update the prices. read more

Mel's Drive-in - Mel's prices 7/25 - Diners Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

What Mug n Bun used to be. Absolutely amazing food for extremely reasonable pricing. I typically order a cheeseburger and a chili dog when I go! This is a drive in with some tables in back so most people sit in their cars to eat. Fast, friendly service. I go here typically every other week. read more

Best cheeseburgers around. Food always fresh and good quality. Fried mushrooms are my favorite.

Mexiburgers, foot long coney dogs, breaded mushrooms , blackberry cobbler, milkshakes and so much more. You will love it.

Delicious. Cheap. Fast. Perfect. Shakes, jalapeño howlers, tenderloins, blts are all delicious. read more

Service was just really interesting especially how my food was not cooked correctly and one of the lights were broken could be much better r

Don't let the outside of this place detour you! They have the best coney dog and cheeseburger this side of Texas! Also, get a side of those cheese nuggets, they are pepper jack cheese! My daughter says the cheeseburgers are bussin! The milkshakes are some of the best! We always get the Oreo Shake and peanut butter shake! Yummy! You can call ahead to place your order but they are very fast if you opt to order when you arrive! Very very reasonably priced! read more

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The coney dog was messy which makes doubly good! Love the sauce! The car hop was very attentive even though very busy,checking on us frequently with a smile. Good drive-in food & good service! read more

Decided to give them a try this morning. Loaded fries, pickles, mozz sticks, and drinks were all super good. I'd try different sandwiches and cobbler next time, but they were still good too! The location is where I took away a star. There was a guy screaming and cursing at himself while he was running around toward the back of the building and then stood right behind and stared at us while we were there. Definitely not the restaurant's fault, but wanted others to be aware! Definitely made me feel uneasy. read more

Mel's Drive-in - Mozz sticks--small - Diners Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I loved this little drive up restaurant! It's not in an area I've ever been in before but I was looking for blackberry cobbler and they had it! It was served with ice cream and so good. I also wanted a tenderloin sandwich and it was great too. My husband tried the fried cheese balls and also so yummy! Service was so fast and easy. We stayed in our car after we got our food to eat, but I believe they had some tables to sit at too. Affordable as well. read more

Mel's Drive-in - Blackberry cobbler with ice cream - Diners Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Tried for the first time today, and I was pleasantly surprised. Pricing was great, server was quick and food came out fast! Food was amazing, can't be the price and taste this place provides. 10/10 read more

I have been eating at Mel's since 1969, great food and so happy they are still in business 2024!! Stay with us as long as you can. Marge G. read more

Yes for our first time there the people and atmosphere was friendly but the food was soggy undercooked and wasn't friend to perfection at all I'll never go back to there at all wasn't satisfied for our first time and there was missing food as well also and spending over 50 dollars read more

'Surprisingly good tasting food served at your car window with prices that compete with fast food joints' is my quick summary. I have driven by this local drive-in hundreds of times, but I had never stopped in before. It sits across a steep "up and down" railroad crossing that you don't want to take very quickly and then is along a frontage road that isn't in the best condition. Let's face it: Mars Hill doesn't get much support from the city, so I'm usually surprised when I DON'T hit a pot hole. Pulling in to their lot, you may want to pick a spot at the overhanging roof that allows you to read the menu. The place looks in need of some maintenance, so it doesn't make a great first impression. But what I noticed late in the lunch hour was that there were cars sitting there in the January cold with folks eating their meals. And there was a steady stream of cars rotating in and out for their meals "to go". In less than a minute of my arrival, a pleasant woman greeted me at my driver side window and asked what I would like. I ordered the Tenderloin with Fries and an Oreo Shake (small). The Tenderloin (I chose breaded) is small for Hoosier standards, but for just $.80 more, you get a second one ($3.50 for both!) I passed on the second, but was impressed. In just a few minutes, the waitress brought a small tray to hang on my window complete with napkins and condiments (salt, pepper, catsup, and yellow mustard) along with my meal. I haven't had a dining experience like that since I was a kid! And though I've read a lot of reviews that refer to this as a "greasy spoon" or with a derogatory cliche, the food wasn't greasy or oily. It may have been fried, but I've had far worse and paid higher prices. This is simply good (and affordable) food that is served quickly. And they take credit cards too! I didn't drive around the building, so it appeared to me that there wasn't any inside dining, but they do have picnic tables tucked away on the back of the lot that could be used in warmer months. This was a nostalgic experience for me and I would gladly recommend stopping here for anyone who wants to remember what fast food was like before the drive-thru was invented. It doesn't have roller skates or lots of neon here, but I did get a good meal and great service. When I was finished dining, I simply put my basket and trash back on the tray on my window and the waitress (she covered every customer) immediately came over and removed it so I could get on my way. Review #3607 read more

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Victoria was a great waitress. They come to your car to take your order and deliver. Service is fast and they got everything right. If you pull their FB page up, youll find their updated menu/pricing. The only things you wont see is a LONG list of shake flavors and about 8 extra items they've added. (I shouldve taken a pic but I do recall fried pickles being 1 of the items) Everything is so affordable. A medium shake was 2.40, BLT 3.30, small fry 1.45, fish 3.00 So, onto the food. Chicken tenders were really really good. Moist and hot. Lightly breaded. Buffalo sauce wasnt too salty or over powering. Classic Ranch. Victoria mentioned that they also have a south west ranch which is just a bit spicy, bbq, and honey mustard. The fries were delicious. They had a dusting of seasoning and made how I prefer them, lighty crispy but soft. The only critism I have is those thinly sliced tomatoes on the blt were just way to thin and sparse to notice so they couldve at least added some more and unfortunately the fish was dry. Very crispy .. just kinda tasted like freezer burn and crumbly fish. However, I still love this place. They have a lot of great options that Ive never had any issues with. Thier burgers are so good! The convenience, low prices, service, and great food will definitely keep me coming back. Just maybe not for the fish. read more

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Easily the most underrated spot in Indianapolis. Only reason I discovered it was cuz my girlfriend used to live around there. Very unassuming on the outside, to the point where it looks abandoned, but the food is great. Always skeptical when a double cheeseburger only cost $3, but man was I proven wrong. Burgers are genuine drive in burgers. Great buns, good quality beef and wrapped in that iconic paper when they serve it. The sides are awesome too. Fried pickles and onion rings are wonderful. It's a bit out of the way, but if you're in the area it's worth checking out read more

Great lunch spot. The food and service here is better than almost any fast food joint and the price is probably half of most.

Great food and service! Owners super friendly family owned business. Coney sauce is homemade and taste great

Friendly service, old fashioned establishment. Got the pork tenderloin and a corn dog and it was delicious. Root beer was tasty as well. Highly recommend! read more

Always good service and food! It's the same as it has been for years. It's one of the few restaurants that you know when you go, it's same quality as before! read more

Mel's is the quintessential "Drive- In." If you're looking for an old fashion smash burger or Chocolate malt, this is your go-to spot. Great food and very friendly service. read more

OMG! Rarely can you find cheap prices with a great taste. Definitely my new hometown favorite read more

Mel's Drive-in - Double Cheese Burger +Cheese Fries - Diners Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

There food is great with a fairly big menu and at a great price. Most of the servers there are very nice and attentive. It's a drive in so they bring the food to your car. You can also walk up and eat at picnic tables. read more

Good cheap food that taste great nice servers food comes out very fast never made a mistake

i was staying at a hotel and drove past this little drive in. there was quite a few cars so i decided to give it a try. i like to try different little joints when traveling. i read the reviews and though i would try the cheeseburger. sweet young lady took my order in the lot and it was prepared and provided fairly promptly. the hamburger was made correctly but it was a cold patty. not bad flavor but similar to a fast food joint. i wish that it had been newly made. i used to live in indiana so i thought i would try the tenderloin sandwich and got that one too. well made, hot and flavorful but it was a frozen patty from a box. Tasted fine but.... i added a very large drink to the order and it was still around 10 bucks you can't beat that. next time i'm in town i'd get it again. read more

Great food great price, hole in the wall type of location but the burgers are awesome, the fries are good and the price is great read more

Mel's Drive-in - Fries - Diners Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Just a very cheap drive in with extremely mediocre food. Avoid at all costs!!! Take your money and buy a crappy roller grill item from Speedway. read more

This little drive in is so cute! It is definitely an experience to be had. I went on a pretty busy night during typical dinner hours. The service was really quick and the carhop was polite. She made recommendations and was understanding to the fact that it was my first visit. My order was pretty big and under $20. Pretty similar to a fast food chain, if not cheaper for better quality food. The cheese curds are soooo good. I like mine dipped in ranch because ranch is always the answer. They have sides that are not usually seen on the typical fast food restaurant menu. That is exciting because fries can get boring. There aren't a lot of other food options around so it's nice that this one is so close to the surrounding neighborhoods. Supporting a small local business is wonderful. read more

Doesn't look like much but it has some of the best food for bein a older place to eat at

Great milkshake Solid cheeseburger Coney dog... not so good. I'll definitely be back. Super authentic/classic. Price is right. read more