Mel's Drive-In
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Had another great and delicious meal here again. To me this place is a gem ever since the late 80's.
This is the third diner I've eaten at in the past week alone. I ordered breakfast, figuring it's hard to go wrong with that. The eggs were cooked exactly as I requested, the turkey sausage was about what you'd expect, but the potatoes were burnt on the bottom. They really went all out decorating for Valentine's Day, which I appreciated. If that's any indication, I imagine they decorate for other holidays and occasions too. I chose this spot partly because it's hard to find a meeting place in the area with its own parking lot, so that's a plus. It was very busy when I visited.
My wife and I were visiting family in the Bay Area, and before heading to the airport, we decided to stop at Mel's Drive-In on Geary. A few nights earlier, I had eaten at another Mel's and ordered the short rib fries -- they were absolutely delicious. After seeing the photo I took, my wife said she wanted to try them too, so this stop was a must! We went around 12:00 p.m. on a Sunday, and although the place was full, the wait was surprisingly short. The staff was friendly, professional, and kept things moving smoothly. Parking right in front of the restaurant was a nice bonus -- rare in San Francisco! I went with the short rib fries again, and my wife ordered the braised short rib dinner, which comes with creamy mashed potatoes, fresh sautéed vegetables, and a rich demi-glace. The short ribs were very tender, the mash was flavorful, and the fries were just as perfect as the first time -- tender beef, generous portions, and full of flavor. Prices here are on the higher side, but honestly, the quality backs it up. We both left full and happy. We'll definitely be returning to Mel's next time we're in the Bay Area!
Iconic diner in San Francisco, usual go to entrees. Good food, fun vibe, nostalgic setting. Good service by servers, happy to go back and try other classic dishes!
The food was really good. Tuna melt. I liked my impossible burrito. So I would go back again. The service was from I feel like the same people that used to work there for 30 years. Always the old time diner with the american grafitti pictures on the wall.
Here we are again, having Saturday brunch. Both ordering breast burrito. There's something about eggs and hash brown in a pan seared burrito. This thing was temperature hot. Loved the fresh fruit. Pricey for brunch but free parking and great service. We paid in the front and saw scones being sold.
This is a cute, old time diner located near USF. We stopped for breakfast and were unable to eat it all, there was so much food! We had the Bomb Burrito, the Breakfast Sandwich and the Denver Omelette. Service was wonderful and the atmosphere fun! A great local restaurant to visit if you're in the area.
Our basketball team was in town for a tournament and stopped in for lunch on Saturday. The crew worked quickly to set up a tables to seat our large group. Some of us sat at the counter to get that "diner" experience. Menu had something for everyone. We tried the burger and Monte Cristo. Henry was our waiter. He was great, took care of everything we asked for. Diners of all ages had a wonderful time. I could see that younger patrons enjoyed their food served in paper car trays.
Honestly, I'd rate it more like a 3.5. The kids menu is definitely worth it... everything is under $10 and a solid deal. They have a wide selection overall, and the short rib grilled cheese and omelettes are pretty good. That said, there's nothing particularly special about the food. I usually come here with a Groupon, which makes it feel like you're saving more than you actually are (it's really only about $7.50 that you're saving). I will say the service is consistently great. But if you're ordering off the regular menu, it feels overpriced for what you get and pretty average food at higher-than-average prices. My kids love it though, so for now, it's still our go-to spot!
I stopped by Mel's after a long red eye flight. I was in need of some sustenance and classic diner food sounded like it would hit the spot. Service was quick and attentive. I ordered coffee, a chocolate milkshake, a veggie omelette with home fries and GF toast. The omelette was really strange... none of the veggies were mixed into the egg and they were barely cooked. While I appreciated the large and fresh serving of veggies, I expected them to be more incorporated into the omelette - they just kind of fell out as soon as I cut into the omelette. The home fries are apparently famous but I don't really see why. They were kind of hard and seemed like they may have been reheated several times. The GF toast was actually great and I so appreciated having this option. The chocolate milkshake was also great. It was really expensive for what it was ($50 for one person) and I was not very impressed at all. I wouldn't return the next time I'm in the area.
Such a classic place! Food is always good, and large portions. Service was this older fellow that was ON IT, and very busy. Each booth has its own mini juke box you can choose songs from your table. If you've never been, you MUST. Get a milk shake! Cheers!
As the kids say, pretty mid overall BUT service was absolutely fantastic by Henry. Was in the area and my kid wanted pancakes for dinner. He ordered the full stack but Henry kindly pointed out that was perhaps a bit much for him, but would he like the short stack and add bacon/eggs? Yessiree that was perfect for him! Plate looked great and kid was very happy. I wasn't super hungry and was morbidly curious what the short rib nachos were like. The chips aren't typical tortilla chips - looked like they took leftover flour tortillas and fried them up. Not traditional, but they were crispy and fresh albeit a bit greasy. Nacho cheese goo, generous amount of black beans, guac, sour cream. Short ribs were in big chunks scattered on top in a not particularly cohesive manner, a bit too big for nachos. But the short rib meat itself was tasty - beefy and tender, not dry at all. I bet one of the other dishes with short rib in it would be solid. All of it is fairly pricey. Nachos were nearly $19. Wouldn't get them again because of the weird chip situation but maybe something else with short ribs. Not a budget eats place despite the ultra casual vibe. Loved Henry as the waiter though, super friendly and helpful!
Service was fast and friendly, food was ok, my son loved the restaurant he said to give them 5 stars. Little expensive as my husband and i shared a burger, still paid about $67. Our bill should have been no more than $50 total with tip for what we got and sharing. They do deserve more stars as the service and restaurant itself is a great experience.
Haven't came to Mel's Drive-In for a long time. It still has a nostalgic old school diner feeling. It was so cool to see a diner that still has jukebox on the table. The servers were friendly and quick to seat us. We were given our menus and some water. We were given ample amount of time to order our food. We certainly didn't feel rushed at all. Food came out quick, fresh, and delicious. It really hits the spot when you are craving diner foods. Definitely do come and give this place a try. Support your local please. read more
We haven't been to a Mel's in a while & stopped by for convenience & nostalgia. The food & beverages were solid. My tuna melt was tasty, nicely toasted, with the right amount of dressing. I'd rate it as a 4. I had a potato salad substitute. My wife's omelette was a 4. Decent portion, but just an omelette. My son loved his plain beef burger & hash browns. It wasn't a simple order due to his gluten allergies, but they got it right after an initial mix up adding cheese. The staff are great. Nice ambiance. I recommend ordering without too much deviation off the menu. They were busy & seemed a bit harried. But still: Mel's is not cheap. I still think portions on potato salad, Cole slaw, & tuna melt should increase. Total price was $95 without tip. But we added 20% tip. That's about $38/person. Gotta be honest: we can get more & better elsewhere. We won't be visiting much because of this. Only out of convenience. A 2 still overall...yes, on the price factor. The value isn't there. read more
America turns 250 years old this 4th of July which is this week. The party people will be celebrating Americas birthday but also 250 years of San Francisco. Wandering around San Francisco you will see what the new America has built which is prosperity as a country of immigrants from all around the world. One thing I enjoy is diversity but also unity among fellow Americans. There is a love and dislike relationship among Americans towards the United States. It is like bad mouthing and a dislike towards a family member or a lover at times when in the end they will still reunite and still have love for one another. Nothing shows the United States uniting with others like the World Cup soccer. The world shows its appreciation towards American food. Nothing is more American in the world as Burger and fries. There is a place which been serving the American classics like cheese burger and fries in SF for almost 80 years along with milkshakes and it's called Mel's Drive-In. Walking on Geary Boulevard in San Francisco I saw a rare site these days . I saw a big United States flag waving in the sky and the sun shining on it in front of a restaurant. Then I saw over ten American flags in front of the restaurant. It seemed like I went back in time. Inside it's an old school diner with jukeboxes and pictures of George Lucas directing the movie American Graffiti. Mel's Drive-In started 80 years on South Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco. I was in the mood for an American meal and I got Mel's Burger with fries . The burger was tasty and a bit cheesy and the fries were not too salty like some in SF. I got the butterscotch milkshake and it was tasty with a cherry on top. A great place to get a taste of Americana. San Francisco is the city In was born and still "dwell" a place for protest you can hear the screams and see those who "yell " but it's the freedom of speech from the Golden Bridge to the "Freedom Bell" like you have the freedom you get a cheeseburger and a milkshake with the cherry on top at a drive -in named "Mel" Nothing is more American than a milkshake , cheeseburger, and "fries"while watching the flag wave on Geary Boulevard in the sun in clear blue "skies" some in this country who are proud are looked upon as "Americanize"but I look at each other with the lens of unity and freedom with my own "American eyes " read more
4 days ago
23 days ago
Had another great and delicious meal here again. To me this place is a gem ever since the late 80's. read more
8 months ago
This is the third diner I've eaten at in the past week alone. I ordered breakfast, figuring it's hard to go wrong with that. The eggs were cooked exactly as I requested, the turkey sausage was about what you'd expect, but the potatoes were burnt on the bottom. They really went all out decorating for Valentine's Day, which I appreciated. If that's any indication, I imagine they decorate for other holidays and occasions too. I chose this spot partly because it's hard to find a meeting place in the area with its own parking lot, so that's a plus. It was very busy when I visited. read more
My wife and I were visiting family in the Bay Area, and before heading to the airport, we decided to stop at Mel's Drive-In on Geary. A few nights earlier, I had eaten at another Mel's and ordered the short rib fries -- they were absolutely delicious. After seeing the photo I took, my wife said she wanted to try them too, so this stop was a must! We went around 12:00 p.m. on a Sunday, and although the place was full, the wait was surprisingly short. The staff was friendly, professional, and kept things moving smoothly. Parking right in front of the restaurant was a nice bonus -- rare in San Francisco! I went with the short rib fries again, and my wife ordered the braised short rib dinner, which comes with creamy mashed potatoes, fresh sautéed vegetables, and a rich demi-glace. The short ribs were very tender, the mash was flavorful, and the fries were just as perfect as the first time -- tender beef, generous portions, and full of flavor. Prices here are on the higher side, but honestly, the quality backs it up. We both left full and happy. We'll definitely be returning to Mel's next time we're in the Bay Area! read more
The food was really good. Tuna melt. I liked my impossible burrito. So I would go back again. The service was from I feel like the same people that used to work there for 30 years. Always the old time diner with the american grafitti pictures on the wall. read more
Here we are again, having Saturday brunch. Both ordering breast burrito. There's something about eggs and hash brown in a pan seared burrito. This thing was temperature hot. Loved the fresh fruit. Pricey for brunch but free parking and great service. We paid in the front and saw scones being sold. read more
2 months ago
This is a cute, old time diner located near USF. We stopped for breakfast and were unable to eat it all, there was so much food! We had the Bomb Burrito, the Breakfast Sandwich and the Denver Omelette. Service was wonderful and the atmosphere fun! A great local restaurant to visit if you're in the area. read more
Our basketball team was in town for a tournament and stopped in for lunch on Saturday. The crew worked quickly to set up a tables to seat our large group. Some of us sat at the counter to get that "diner" experience. Menu had something for everyone. We tried the burger and Monte Cristo. Henry was our waiter. He was great, took care of everything we asked for. Diners of all ages had a wonderful time. I could see that younger patrons enjoyed their food served in paper car trays. read more
6 months ago
Honestly, I'd rate it more like a 3.5. The kids menu is definitely worth it... everything is under $10 and a solid deal. They have a wide selection overall, and the short rib grilled cheese and omelettes are pretty good. That said, there's nothing particularly special about the food. I usually come here with a Groupon, which makes it feel like you're saving more than you actually are (it's really only about $7.50 that you're saving). I will say the service is consistently great. But if you're ordering off the regular menu, it feels overpriced for what you get and pretty average food at higher-than-average prices. My kids love it though, so for now, it's still our go-to spot! read more
6 months ago
I stopped by Mel's after a long red eye flight. I was in need of some sustenance and classic diner food sounded like it would hit the spot. Service was quick and attentive. I ordered coffee, a chocolate milkshake, a veggie omelette with home fries and GF toast. The omelette was really strange... none of the veggies were mixed into the egg and they were barely cooked. While I appreciated the large and fresh serving of veggies, I expected them to be more incorporated into the omelette - they just kind of fell out as soon as I cut into the omelette. The home fries are apparently famous but I don't really see why. They were kind of hard and seemed like they may have been reheated several times. The GF toast was actually great and I so appreciated having this option. The chocolate milkshake was also great. It was really expensive for what it was ($50 for one person) and I was not very impressed at all. I wouldn't return the next time I'm in the area. read more
5 months ago
Such a classic place! Food is always good, and large portions. Service was this older fellow that was ON IT, and very busy. Each booth has its own mini juke box you can choose songs from your table. If you've never been, you MUST. Get a milk shake! Cheers! read more
1 year ago
As the kids say, pretty mid overall BUT service was absolutely fantastic by Henry. Was in the area and my kid wanted pancakes for dinner. He ordered the full stack but Henry kindly pointed out that was perhaps a bit much for him, but would he like the short stack and add bacon/eggs? Yessiree that was perfect for him! Plate looked great and kid was very happy. I wasn't super hungry and was morbidly curious what the short rib nachos were like. The chips aren't typical tortilla chips - looked like they took leftover flour tortillas and fried them up. Not traditional, but they were crispy and fresh albeit a bit greasy. Nacho cheese goo, generous amount of black beans, guac, sour cream. Short ribs were in big chunks scattered on top in a not particularly cohesive manner, a bit too big for nachos. But the short rib meat itself was tasty - beefy and tender, not dry at all. I bet one of the other dishes with short rib in it would be solid. All of it is fairly pricey. Nachos were nearly $19. Wouldn't get them again because of the weird chip situation but maybe something else with short ribs. Not a budget eats place despite the ultra casual vibe. Loved Henry as the waiter though, super friendly and helpful! read more
4 months ago
Service was fast and friendly, food was ok, my son loved the restaurant he said to give them 5 stars. Little expensive as my husband and i shared a burger, still paid about $67. Our bill should have been no more than $50 total with tip for what we got and sharing. They do deserve more stars as the service and restaurant itself is a great experience. read more
2 months ago
Mel's is the iconic diner. Hadn't been here for quite awhile, but decided to come before going to SI Church for a Candlelight Concert. The vibe is definitely 50s with the vinyl booths and juke boxes at the tables. The staff was definitely friendly and welcoming. I was greeted as I entered and was told to sit anywhere. I was waiting for several others to join me, so I took a larger table in the corner. The waiter brought water right away and set down menus for all of us. After my friends came, the waiter came back to introduce himself and helped us take a group picture. Since I wasn't really hungry, I only ordered a single ground turkey slider. It was actually pretty good and was the size of a saucer. My friends ordered different sandwiches and they seemed to each enjoy them. The amount of fries that came with the sandwiches was very generous and delicious. Most of them ended up taking half a sandwich and some fries home as leftovers! Even though the food was pretty good, I think the prices were pretty high and I'd probably think twice before stopping in again. read more
2 months ago
2 years ago
Had a Kaiser appointment, the only reason I went is so that I can eat at Mel's after my appt!, food makes me happy. I was deciding for an omelette or tuna melt. I ordered the tuna melt & tomato soup. I was under the weather so that combo just struck me as comfort food. Everything was fine, service & all. But 1 thing changed was the potato salad that I ordered w/ my melt. I love their potato salad but looks like it's a different recipe. It was not to my liking. I remember it just being a plain simple recipe, bite sized cubes, mayo & mustard, seasonings etc. Now it's minced potatoes, mayo & such with olives. Maybe it's different among locations but yeah. Not ordering that again. read more
1 year ago
This was a great dinner! I had the Braised Short Ribs, and they were delicious! Fall off the bone, flavorful, great gravy. Came with cheesy mashed potatoes - so good! The sautéed vegetables were excellent. And a reasonable price too for all that. Our server, David was excellent too. The leather booth is so comfortable. Highly recommended! read more
7 months ago
2 years ago
Decided to give this place a second chance after my friend suggested it. We went in around midnight, an hour before closing. Unlike my last experience, we were greeted promptly and professionally. The server quickly brought us menus. We grabbed a large booth, with plenty of room for the two of us to enjoy the retro ambiance. Everything looked clean and organized. We ordered a few snacks to share, such as a mac and cheese, fries, and mashed potatoes. Everything was good. When we asked for mayo, the server promptly brought it. I also got a banana milkshake, which was basically two milkshakes in one. It was a bit chunky, which I liked, but I could imagine other people being upset with that, so I'd be sure to ask for it extra-blended. My friend got a hot chocolate, which she loved. The milkshake was the most expensive item on the bill, around 10 dollars. However, considering the size, it is worth it. All of our food servings were generous in size, despite being "sides". Ultimately, we had an amazing experience and our server was super nice and caring. I wish I knew his name so I could give him a shout-out! read more
3 months ago
2 years ago
Absolutely delicious diner food! We came on New Year's Eve at around 7:30PM and there were plenty of tables available as the restaurant is huge. The server was so kind and patient with us as it took us a while to figure out what we wanted. I got the Penguin shake (marshmallow and chocolate) along with the short rib grilled cheese with sweet potato fries. Everything was amazing. The milkshake was so decadent and I loved that they gave us the cup that it was made in as well with the leftovers that didn't make it into the milkshake cup. The short rib was surprisingly really well made for the price and the sweet potato fries were nice and soft. Love the vibe of a diner always, especially because they have the jukeboxes to change the song playing in the restaurant. Make sure to bring coins! Definitely give this place a try! read more
1 month ago
Not a big fan of "American drive-in" spots, but stopped by to give it a try. Great old school atmosphere, the burgers looked great, but nothing to write home about, little pricy, but at least parking is as easy as it gets. The real gold is in the Apple Pie! Definitely well made, super recommend! read more
10 months ago
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2 years ago
Old school vibey diner. Open until midnight, I ordered the Smashburger and my friend ordered The Famous Melburger. We got an oreo milkshake to share together. It's what you'd expect from a diner burger, very delicious, flavorful and juicy and the cheese is melted to perfection. The fries are good too! They give you mustard on the side. The milkshakes here are SO GOOD. Classic made with real ice cream, thick, with real oreo chunks blended inside!! I have to agree from the menu, they definitely have the best milkshakes "in town". They ended up giving us the cup they blended the milkshake in, so we got extra for free. So good. On the pricier side but worth it for the experience and tasty food. Will be returning. read more
11 months ago
What can I say? Mel's Diner is an old standby for late nights in San Francisco. We should all be familiar with Mel's by now--an old-timey diner with an extensive menu of breakfast options and burgers. This location was clutch after a weekend at Outside Lands. The restaurant was clean, and the staff was friendly. Even though it was late at night and somewhat busy, we still got our food quickly. Everything was delicious. I had the classic burger with a cup of chili, and I couldn't resist getting a milkshake, enjoying the ice cream straight out of the cold tin cup. This place delivered solid eats late at night in a clean environment with friendly service. Thanks, Mel's! Oh and check in on Yelp! for a milkshake coupon! read more
Service was exceptionally friendly, even for 10pm at night (they're open until 11, which makes it one of the few places in SF to get table service after 9pm on a weekday). The diner has a classic 1950's feel, and every part is committed to the bit (but in a way that makes it charming, not tacky). The burgers were good, albeit verrrry greasy (remember the "committed-to-the-bit" above? That includes the greasy spoon). The fries were very plentiful, but they lost their appeal with their heat. Best to eat them quickly! Is this a show-stopping restaurant? Perhaps not, but it's got all the right parts for a family dinner out or a late night made-to-order burger. read more
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More info about Mel's Drive-In
3355 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94118
Laurel Heights, Inner Richmond
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(415) 387-2244
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http://melsdrive-in.com
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