Forgot to take a picture but this place is legit. I've gotten the classic Philly cheese steak twice and was happy both times. Get the spicy peppers with it and thank me later. The steak fries are so delicious. They are perfectly seasoned and I could eat a thousand of them. I love the old diner style decor and all the servers are super nice. Definitely go here. read more

I ordered the Mel's Burger because I like to judge a place by its namesake--it's usually a good indicator of how the rest of the menu holds up. I paired it with onion rings and ranch, because if a restaurant can't nail fried onion rings, that's a red flag for me. The burger is a 1/3-pound patty and was actually a bit bigger than I expected, which was a nice surprise. It came cooked medium-rare, exactly how I like it. Juicy, flavorful, and topped with crisp lettuce and tomato. The only small note is that it could've used a little more burger sauce, but honestly, that's minor because everything else was on point. The bun was toasted yet still soft--perfect balance. The onion rings were excellent: crunchy, lightly salty, and clearly fried right. And the ranch? Legit restaurant ranch--not that Hidden Valley bottled stuff. Washed it all down with an unsweetened iced tea, which hit the spot. Overall, a really solid meal and a great example of why sticking with the house burger can pay off. Would definitely order this again. Next time I'm definitely gonna try a cheesesteak or the San Francisco burger, which has bacon avocado on grilled sourdough. Thanks for reading! read more

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This Mel's is a perfect set up for a quick stop or a to-go order. They have the whole menu set up like a to-go spot but still give the original Mel's sit down vibes. The waitress that took my order was so kind and helpful, it was refreshing. I will be making this my stopping point more often. read more

From the moment you walk in, you feel like you're in the 50's. They have a jukebox and all the shakes you could even think to order. We didn't have one of those though. Maybe next time. We love coming to Mel's because their food is fantastic! It's grilled the perfection and they are so nice when you come up to order. My husband and I wound up coming in like 30 minutes before closing and they were just delightful in greeting us and making us feel welcomed even though we were in there so late. They even offered to stay open later for us to dine in. We didn't want to do that to them so we opted for takeaway. We both had their San Francisco sandwich with a fried egg (I got sweet potato fries and the hubby got tater tots). It was exactly what we needed after a long day of driving. That food was comforting beyond reason and we were two happy campers when we got back to the truck and enjoyed our meal. It's hands down my favorite sandwich, but we are going back again sometime to get those shakes! read more

The Original Mels - Burgers Near Me - Dunnigan, California

OMG does this place need help! SLOW service, not enough staff. Staff was pleasant, helpful, but disorganized. You order at the counter, drinks are self serve, and food comes to you. Unoccupied tables were not cleared/bussed, orders took forever to be made and even longer to be delivered, sitting on the line for 5-10 minutes getting cold. Cheesesteak sandwich was ok, but not screaming hot and curly fries, usually my favorite go-to, were tasteless. Food was returned as inedible by one customer. They appear to do an OK take out business, but dine in was disappointing. Oldies music was a high point! Not too loud, too... hooray! read more

This place was so good! It was fun for the kids with the table side jukebox's, robot servers and it had lots of great decor to look at. The staff was Friendly and food was delicious. We had Philly cheese steak sandwich, chicken sandwich, kids breakfast, steak and eggs and the meatball sub! We left nothing on the plates! Thanks again! read more

The Original Mels - Jukebox - Burgers Near Me - Dunnigan, California

Everything, I'm trying to replenish protein. I'm trying to eat a good food. I'm literally at a truckstop in my opinion is truly the only actual restaurant in Dunningan, California is Mel's, food is awesome read more

The Original Mels - My awesome lunch today, on a holiday weekend great restaurant definitely five stars!!!! - Burgers Near Me - Dunnigan, California

Food is fantastic! There milk shakes and great, you should try the strawberry cheese cake!!! Our waitress was awesome. Very friendly, great smile. The place was super clean. I love all the old pictures on the wall. The only people working were her and the cook, who did an awesome job on our steak! Our food was ready within about 10-15 minutes and it was brought to our table hot & fresh. That woman never stopped moving, cleaning, stocking & generally running around the store making sure everything was perfect. With all that she still came by our table multiple times to check if we needed anything. She even talked us into dessert. To the cook, thank you for taking pride in you work, you food was delicious To our waitress, Ronda, thank you for your warm smile and making us feel like family. read more

Mel's Diner and The Cheese Steak Shop have been open for about three weeks now. Every time I've gone in, I've been met with smiles and a happy greeting. I've had a few burgers, a chicken sandwich, and one of the cheese steaks. This Mel's is not like the regular sit-down and order Mel's. You order at the counter at this Mel's Diner, and then the server brings out your food when it's ready. The drinks are self-service, except for the sports drinks. The burgers are pretty decent; so far, they have been cooked to perfection. The chicken sandwich is probably one of the best I've had in a long time The fires and tots are good. Make sure you get some ranch dressing for your fires. You won't regret it. As for the cheesesteak, I have only tried the Pizza Steak. Different but good. It tasted just like a pizza sandwich. The Club Sandwich was fresh and big enough for a second meal. I want to try more of their cheesesteaks and maybe a milkshake soon. Till Next Time :) read more

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Visited this establishment for the first time today and didn't really pay attention to the details of the dining area. I placed an order for the 10 oz ribeye breakfast with over easy eggs medium rare steak and subbed broccoli for the potatoes. As soon as I turned around to find a place to sit I realized the HUGE mistake I had just made. Every single booth in the entire restaurant was dirty and had heaps of dishes and trash on top. I scrounged around and found a table that I had to wipe down with napkins and water and took a seat. My order took about 15 minutes to come out and when it did, one glance and I noticed everything about it was wrong. I took it up to the register and mentioned it to the cashier (Faith). Faith showed 0 signs of emotion, no apologies, no empathy, not a single care in the world. Her reaction immediately changed my mind and instead of having it remade I asked for a refund. She then went to the back and struggled for 10-15 mins to be able to produce a receipt showing that the transaction was voided and the ticket amount had been refunded back to my card. Dirty restaurant, horrible customer service, and even worse food. 1/5 stars don't waste your time here read more

The Original Mels - There were hardly any places to sit because they were all dirty like this - Burgers Near Me - Dunnigan, California

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This is the "express cheese burger" under their Express Menu. This area is surrounded by drive thru, there's a Taco Bell, Starbucks, Wendy's, and BK and then there's this overpriced gem. Since I was in a hurry, I ordered off the express menu, advertised as being fast. Maybe it is if you're the only one here by unfortunately for me, I arrived after a group of 5-6 so the cook prioritized those regular meals, not on the express menu first so I got my meal an express 25 minutes later. For the price, I could have received more beef patty elsewhere. If you're in a hurry, you'll end up losing money waiting on them here. 2 stars for the curly fries and ranch. read more

The Original Mels - Express Cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Dunnigan, California

We both had a BLT w/ totes and they both were delicious. The cook and waiters were so nice and quick but to quick. I enjoyed learning about the pictures on the wall and the movies Im going to watch. Thank you read more

The food is delicious and is served in a timely manner. The employees are great! I have become a regular - sometimes 1-3 times a week! I am glad to have a restaurant that offers, breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as desserts! Original Mel Diner here in Dunnigan is great! Jackie read more

Friendly service. Great decor. Everything was neat and clean. Lots of parking. Hardly any customers when we visited and got our sandwiches to go. Food was solidly tasty. read more

There I was, in the middle of what seemed like nowhere - Dunnigan, CA. One might stop on road trip. Two low tier motels, gas station, and a Mel's Diner! Never eaten at one but sure love history. Chose the Dbl Cheeseburger with Tater Tots to share. Glad I asked about burger size as I only ordered a dbl after gal told me the patties were just 2oz each. I loved that it wasn't the oversized burger too many places serve now. Maybe that's part of the plan... classic portions from the 50-60's era?! Loved the bun, which was toasted nicely and looked like it had an egg wash or something that made it almost translucent... really light but not at all soggy. Cheese melted beautifully and the burger was so Easy To Hold and Eat. We both thoroughly enjoyed the Pink Lemonade too; not sugary and Very Refreshing. Tots excellent and I saved 1/2 which were just fine nuked a bit the next morning. Prices a throwback to 50's also, low in comparison to anywhere I've eaten in a couple years. Highly recommended read more

The Original Mels - Dunnigan CA - Burgers Near Me - Dunnigan, California

Super clean, excellent food, friendly staff I'll be sure to come back. It looks like stepping back in time with all the fun things hanging around. read more

The Original Mels - Burgers Near Me - Dunnigan, California

Great hospitality, the breakfast was good. Super clean fast service. Looks like a great place for burgers and shakes will def have to try read more

The Original Mels - Inside dinning - Burgers Near Me - Dunnigan, California

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Stopped in for a quick dinner. Great food and service. Clean and fast. Delicious chocolate Malt topped the visit

Went in for breakfast and let me say the portion size was good but kinda pricey! Service is good, place is nice and clean. Looks like you've walked back in time to the 50's. read more

On the 5 in Dunnigan, next to the Pilot truck stop. I agree with the other good review. I got the steak and eggs and Mel's potatoes... perfectly cooked, god priceless, clean place, I've eaten in worse places on the road, this is a pleasant surprise. The cook obviously knows his craft. Good dad price next door at the truck stop is a bonus. read more

Great food, great service. The staff are friendly and helpful. Tried many items on the menu, so far everything is good.

I highly recommend this establishment!! We meet family and friends here weekly and we are always greeted by a friendly crew. The have always provided great friendly customer service. We have tried several different meals from their menu and have never been disappointed. The manager is always friendly and helpful and comes to our table to check on us and makes sure we are happy with our meals and service. I wish all establishments were as friendly as they are here. A++. read more

Delicious food and wonderful service. Classic Mel's atmosphere as well, love the 50s design.

My family has been about 3 times now 2 times for dinner one time for breakfast. Everyone loves it. it's the perfect distance for our family's from north and south to meet and the atmosphere is so inviting. staff is very friendly and the robot that drives around with the food is pretty cool too. Their menu is not the same as the original Mel's in Sacramento but they have other options with the cheese steak shop. Added pictures of their menu they offer at this location excited to go tomorrow for dinner. read more

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Very nice quaint diner with very hospitable staff , I chose chicken salad and equally nourishing . Good vibe in this restaurant and it was exceptionally clean . read more

Food was mediocre. Cashier was nice and friendly. Probably won't stop again. The cheese steaks were blah and not cheap.

I was there the weekend of the grand opening for breakfast then again a couple weeks later. Awesome atmosphere, great staff, love the oldies music playing. Food was so scrumptious. If my parents were still alive they would've LOVED this place!!! I'll be going back anytime I drive down I-5! read more

Great spot to stop for a bite to eat on the road. We stopped in for breakfast while driving through and the staff was super friendly, food came out quickly, and was very good. Quicker than your standard sit down restaurant (you order at the counter here) but better quality food and service than fast food. read more

Came into this establishment and gave it a try? Here we go ordered the South Philly Cheesesteak king size , Damn what a disgrace too the name the bread was soggy & the meat was tasteless? Pease get it right I'm a trucker and I've been too Philly and Nowhere near the same way and taste so please fix that Sandwich read more

So impressed with this place. Have eaten here several times and it has consistent friendly and welcoming service, fresh, high quality food and large servings. I am very hard to please but I highly recommend this establishment. read more

Mel's Diner is great by it's self, add in the The Cheese Steak Shop makes it just awesome . Friendly Staff and good service, best cheese steak ive had in years. Classic Diner food , that will leave you full and happy you eat there. read more