If you're looking for classic diner food, this is your place! The menu consists of the favorite comfort food you expect to see. All day breakfast, burgers, milkshakes, etc. I had the Denver omelette with a chocolate banana milkshake. It "hit the spot" as expected. The service was good. The restaurant was clean. Couldn't ask for more. The location was conveniently adjacent to my hotel. There is a big bus/trolley center just outside. Great location. read more

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Went for breakfast and dinner... First experience was dinner. I think we all had burgers and they were fine, but really lacking flavor. The "tallow fries" were just frozen, French-fried potatoes. Nothing special. I think the burgers were $26.00 each. Most of us had soft drinks and I didn't catch the price of an iced tea or pop. Since there were 5 of us, the bill was pretty steep for what we had. Next experience was breakfast. We basically had bacon and eggs with potatoes and sourdough toast. The eggs were perfectly cooked, but the potatoes. Just cubed, skin-on potatoes. No flavor, not crispy. The eggs were served on large slices of cooked potato. I've never seen that one. Again, the potato was just cooked through, not crispy or peeled. Not sure what the point was. The toast was served dry and no matter what I did, I couldn't get the attention of the waiter to come back so we could get some butter. Breakfast for the 3 of us was $100.00. Not really worth it. I will say the place was clean and the server was at our table very quickly. I just wish he came back to check on us and/or offer refills. Nothing great, but not awful. Easy and convenient. read more

It's completely my fault that I skipped breakfast. I stoped by for a quick meal before continuing my long commute down Van Ness and beyond. I don't typically eat at Mel's. - Eggs Florentine: arrived without spinach (2-3 leaves don't count) - the muffin was completely burnt on the bottom; I had difficulty cutting it even with a steak knife - I wanted a water refill; since no one came to refill it for at least 10 minutes I left the table and addressed one of the servers. He just looked at me and said "I am not your server" - Loud commercials are playing in the background and it is really distracting Now I know why I never eat at Mel's diner read more

Mel's Kitchen - Eggs Florentine with 3-4 leaves of spinach - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a San Francisco diner, staple with quick service lots of variety. I got the Caesar salad with salmon. I would say the Caesar salad was quite drenched in dressing, so maybe get it on the side if you're not into that and the salmon unfortunately was cooked as if they put a hamburger press on it and very well done. I probably sick to something more like the breakfast or burgers and fries next time the place itself was clean inviting, and the staff were very attentive. read more

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It is hit or miss over the years coming here. Occasionally, I'll get a very kind and accommodating server. Other times, like today, I got skipped over several times & had to practically beg and plead just for basic service while the table of 3 next to me was getting serviced left and right. Due to this, I won't be going back, especially since the food is incredibly pricy, the rewards program is hard to navigate and overall, the food is a 3/5 or 4/5. I miss the old days when the service was much better. Every customer should be treated the same with respect. I was there before the party of 3 yet the server went to their table first. Very disappointing. read more

I had a wonderful experience here given it is alike a diner. I came late night around 11pm. The staff were so kind and accommodating. The drinks and the food were delicious. We had breakfast for dinner, steak, and a slider with fries. The vibes are somewhat rustic but very modern, which gives it that clean feel. I will be back. read more

Mel's Kitchen - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Came here 09/13/25 at around 3 pm. Inside was quite nice and spacious. Since it's not dinner time, there were plenty of seats. Friendly staff. Ordered a clam chowder bowl w bread bowl ($13.95). Very creamy clam chowder. The bread wasn't sour enough but overall a good pick. -0.5 The chicken Caesar avocado wrap ($~19) was quite disappointing. The fries were good but ... The dressing was overwhelming and the chicken was slighly dry. And the most important avocado was nowhere to be seen? They either mixed into the sauce or it was chopped into super tiny slices because.... yeah. I couldn't find it. -1.5 Overall, it was an OK place to sit down and dine. Very spacious and a corner spot w pleanty of sunlight. But... it didn't wow me. read more

Mel's Kitchen - Clam Chowder Sourdough Bowl - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Terrible service. Sat there for 20 minutes without being asked what my order is. The next time I came, I ordered food for pickup 30 minutes in advance, yet I still had to wait for them to prepare my food when I came to pick it up. Would not recommend this place based on service alone. read more

I came for a snack, fries and onion rings combo with a iris coffee. I wasn't expecting anything amazing just something to hold me over until dinner. I wasn't expecting anything blown away! They made perfectly crispy delicious French fries, seriously one of the best I've had in a long time! And onion rings were so good, I think it's Vidalia onions . My iris coffee kept me warm, service was great! Those fries could be on a fancy restaurant's menu for double the price! read more

Mel's Kitchen - Onion ring Fries combo- Seriously one of the best fries! - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Food was very good here as well as the service. The servers are attentive and quick to serve. Arrived and checked in to our hotel early. Got hungry and decided to check out this 50s diner. It was a franchise for Mels drive in. I've been to Mels before but this one felt more cozy and homey. I ordered the mel burger since I was craving a burger and my boyfriend ordered the chicken steak dinner. The food was tasty. No complaints at all. Shakes are very good too. We got the penguin shake and split it. Definitely a good meal to unwind for the day! Will be back! read more

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Had to come back for the French dip again! I guess you can say I'm a-dip-ted haha I also ordered their Santa Fe salad because I have to be a little bit healthy ....i guess. Salad was delicious and fresh that I didn't even need dressing for it. The service was slower than usual that day but they're forgiven because the manager gave me a slice of chocolate cake for the wait! Still 5 stars in my book! read more

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Service was slow but staff was courteous. Burger was ok with decent flavor but over-cooked for my liking. Restaurant was clean. read more

Mel's Kitchen - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Very convenient to the hotel I stayed which helped with each morning for breakfast! It is on a busy street so I think if you are staying within walking distance it's a perfect spot. The staff was very friendly and greeted you when you came in and also wished you a good night at the end of your meal. The history of this place is amazing and I encourage you to read about them. The coffee was amazing and strong! I looked forward to drinking it each morning. The food was great also. They have a manageable menu with the diner must-haves that made each meal great for us. French toast and pancakes were so good. Their turkey bacon was nicely cooked too. They also have milkshakes and alcohol. My husband likee their club sandwich and it was a good portion. Their apple pie was so good, you tasted all of the ingredients. Your one stop shop! When I visit again, this place is my go to. You do have to deal with homeless sleeping on the street which is very inviting fortunate but that was only one day so we didn't sit by the window. It's a clean location and very nice decor like a diner should be. Prices are reasonable. Looking forward to coming back. read more

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the worst dining experience, etc. that I can really remember in my long life. I've been going there for four years. I'm a screenwriter. Everyone knows me; you can see me on television. There was an employee in the bathroom for 20 minutes - what he was doing I don't know. I asked someone who identified himself as the managerI If I could perhaps use the handicap bathroom or another bathroom as I've been waiting for 20 minutes .He said if you don't like it, you can leave. Shocked, I'm like you're telling me I can leave because I just need to use the bathroom. I just spent over $30 on a hamburger and a Coke plus you're out of fries. Is something going on here at this diner cause things have been funny for the last two years I asked him. I wasn't yelling at him. I wasn't complaining. I'm inquiring like what's going on here. He said you're asking too many questions you have to go and then he said he would call the police if I didn't go. I'm like what is happening here?!I I mean I'm almost laughing cause it's just also so unreal. I've never had to leave a restaurant in my entire life. He said I'm paying your bill and I'm calling the police. Wtf! Because I ask what happened to this restaurant in the last couple years, that even the nurses across the street won't come here anymore cause they said nobody waits on them. I'm simply inquiring did something happen and I just want to use a bathroom. So I left and immediately called corporate and I put a formal complaint in and they said they're following up. This guy should be fired.... definitely!!! Avoid this place at all costs, no pun intended. read more

A no-frills diner that hits the spot in terms of breakfast, but wasn't much to write home about otherwise. It's convenient, especially for those staying at the attached hotel, but there's better out there of course. We still went twice in our week stay, appreciating the quick service, mimosas, and ease of access when we had plans coming up. read more

Mel's Kitchen - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The best corned beef hash I have had to date. But to be honest I have only been to 4 or 5 spots that didn't just open a can and say presto corned beef. With that said its the best on a short list but dang it was sooooo good. My o ly real.grip is portion size and thats just me. 6/5 on flavor. The waiter was good and the place was nice and cozy on the inside. The location across the street from the hospital is a definite plus. read more

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Ordered the Smash burger and fries. The burger was rather small (and didn't seem smashed ‍) but was really good. We were never offered a refill on our water :/ and it was very slow for a Saturday night. Ambiance was cute though and they have a full bar. read more

It's a very convenient restaurant because of its location and business hours. The place is very clean, and service is fairly effective. However, nothing about their food is particularly special or unique. For instance, last time I ate there the potatoes weren't fully cooked and very unappetizing. That's been my only real "bad experience". I've walked in for breakfast three times so far. read more

Mel's Kitchen - Breakfast sausage and eggs. - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Good spot to grab dinner before a show. We were a block away from the great American music hall and decided to check this out for dinner. No crazy thrills but easy American diner food serving breakfast and other classics. Tried the albacore tuna sandwich and it was tasty! Crispy bread, melty cheese and yummy tuna filling. On the pricier side but makes sense being in SF. Service was easy, nice and clean inside especially their bathrooms. Good experience overall for a very casual dinner out. read more

Mel's Kitchen - *Albacore Tuna Sandwich - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Stopped by this spot for breakfast and had a good experience. The place has a really nice vibe and the ambiance is great. The staff was friendly and polite, which made the visit even better. The food was tasty -- nothing over the top, but well prepared and it definitely hit the spot. Overall, it was a positive experience and a solid choice if you're looking for a nice breakfast in the area. (Little bit expensive) read more

Mel's Kitchen - Buttermilk Pancakes - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great place !! My server Mario was great!! Made great recommendations! And kept my cup full made my dining experience way better!! Waiter gave amazing service!!! Will be back again!!very clean and relaxing !! read more

Way overpriced for average frozen crap luckily I was smart and left. How this place stays in business is BEYOND me. Too bad Tommy's doesn't open til 1pm on Saturday which is ridiculous too. read more

The service was very friendly from the moment we walked in. The ambiance was quiet for a Thursday morning. The food was fantastic and the coffee was great! My only dig would be that my wife's biscuits and gravy and my plate came out like warm instead of hot. I had salsa which would cool my food down, but no excuse for her. Other than that, I highly recommend this place. read more

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I went to Mel's on Van Ness and Geary, and it was a terrible experience. I ordered steak and eggs for breakfast. I ordered the steak Medium Rare (it was rare). The scrambled eggs and hash browns were stone cold , as was the hash browns. NEVER AGAIN! read more

Food was as expected and advertised. My server was attentive and welcoming didn't even judge me ordering a double at 11am lol. Javier was a lovely server. read more

Mel's Kitchen - Double shot casamigos - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The food was delicious especially their hamburger and reasonable price. Totally recommend

Good place to get all your standard American fare as well as the local favorites (chowder in a sourdough bowl). Food was good, service was attentive. Seems like the drinks would be good too but we didn't get a chance to try. Basically the go-to restaurant if you're staying at the hotel. Although there is a good restaurant across the street as well (but it opens late). No complaints and would recommend. read more

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I should have written this review sooner. My mom and I went to see a movie next door on 8/15/25. Afterwards we went to Mel's. I remember the place was closing in about 90 mins or so. I hadn't been inside that space for probably 10 years. The last time was before it got redone. All we ordered was the fries and onion rings plate. It was delicious. The onion rings were perfect. Just like you'd expect onion rings to taste. The best part was our host/server. She's the reason I'm writing this review. I should have gotten her name. She is the kindest and sweetest woman. When I ordered just the one thing I asked if that was ok and she said "of course." She was so genuinely patient and welcoming. She told us to take our time and she didn't rush us at all. She warmed my heart. I will definitely go back! Thank you Mel's Kitchen! read more

Mel's Kitchen - Great onion rings! - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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If you're staying at the Marriott Courtyard Downtown on Van Ness and Geary stop in to Mel's for breakfast, lunch or dinner. After a long flight it was a welcome sight. The delicious burger rivals any burger. read more

Mel's Kitchen - Mel's Kitchen - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Mel's has several restaurants. Each of my reviews about Mail is tied to a particular location. I had lunch here with my kids who were in town on vacation. Mid afternoon I don't know if that contributed or not. I ordered a chocolate malt. it was just something off about it. Much too sweet as if they added sugar to it. I don't know if the multi added was old or an offbrand, but it was terrible. Weirdly, I want biscuits and gravy. Mine came out as the kids were finishing theirs. it was terrible. How do you screw up something as simple as biscuits and gravy? For $12 at that. It tasted like it had sugar in it. I ate about half of it and drank about half the bolt and couldn't take any more. I usually don't let those things slide, but since I was with the kids, I wasn't going to raise a ruckus. Terrible experience. read more

It was okay, coffee was a little cold service was a little slowbut it is super clean and the staff is super friendly.

Stopped by at night and the food was pretty good! Nothing too special, but pretty decent. The chicken sandwich wasn't too crispy, but the flavor was nice and the fries were good. My spouses chicken Caesar salad was okay. She wasn't a big fan of the dressing. Service was quick and the place was quiet. Overall, nothing special, but definitely serviceable for a quicker meal. read more

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Convenient dive spot connected to the hotel. Came in clutch for a decent breakfast. Fresh squeezed OJ. Not too busy. Food came out quick and hot. I love biscuits and gravy but used to the southern hefty biscuits that are sometimes too much. These were thin and had a crisp to the outside that was different but delicious. Very affordable and friendly staff. Seems like it's infrequently visited by other patrons outside of the hotel. read more

Mel's Kitchen - *Red Eye Country Biscuits & Gravy w/ Sausage - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great customer service they were quick and on top of seating and serving us. Food was just okay for me, I didn't like the mushrooms. Maybe just preference. Pancakes were good. read more

Mel's Kitchen - Spinach omelet - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

I really like this place because it tastes the way diner food should taste, everything properly flavored, no Californication of a diner, which I was always appreciative. How many things can you put matcha in? read more

We decided to give Mel's a try as it was connected to our hotel. Service was excellent (thank you, Delma V.) but the food was just average. We had the Elvis Scramble and the Country Fresh Eggs. It was convenient, however ... read more

Mel's Kitchen - Elvis Scramnle - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Place spelled like piss and the omelet looked undone 0/10 would not recommend. This place was so bad and the servers were so mean acting like they didn't understand what I was saying. read more

Wonderful place! Gggrrreat atmosphere! Ricardo is an AWESOME server! Thanks SOOO much! xoxo The Clarences read more

I had the most bland and untasty fried chicken.I've ever had in my life. Absolutely no taste at all.What a waste of money

I'd rate Mel's Kitchen 3.5 stars. Three stars if you're basing it on just the food and four stars if you're in it for the cinematic history and early rock 'n' roll vibes. More on the cinema angle below. First the food and the rest of the experience. On my first visit, I thought the turkey burger was pretty good. And the hostess was even better. She highly recommended the burger and had the kind of dry sense of humor of the old-school waitresses from diners in days gone by. We were across the street from a hospital so I feel good about my healthy choice. LOL Second trip, I had a very efficient waiter. It was busy and he got from table to table very quickly. I ordered the waffle combo with turkey sausage and scrambled eggs for $17.50. It was yummy - the waffle was actually very good, crispy and light, if not spectacular. The eggs were average, as was the turkey sausage. But no hate. It's nice to get a good breakfast in a nostalgic joint. The coffee was good enough, too bad about the prepackaged creamer. Milk that doesn't go through that heat treatment just tastes so much better. The good thing about a diner menu like this is that there's something for everyone, kids included. And because it San Francisco, there's some relatively healthy options. Now let's talk about some history - classic American movies and rock 'n' roll - a lot of people write about the photos and nostalgia for a reason. Mel'sis completely tied in with the diner vibe of American Graffiti and the early rock 'n roll era and the walls hold plenty of stills from the 1973 breakout film by George Lucas. Why? Because Lucas shot the film at the actual carhop, Mel's Diner, located not far down the road on South Van Ness. If you don't know what a carhop is, I think it would be fun for you to look up! Anyway, Mel's became a chain grown by Mel's son. The lead actor, Ron Howard, became a huge TV star in Happy Days, the TV show based on the film, and then he went on to become an extremely talented director. Mel's Kitchen's relationship to the original is that it is part of the chain which was sold to the Fosters company. that's the history and that is how a good but not amazing diner gets a four-star review. read more