Quick stop at Mel's during our road trip, and it hit the spot! Comfort food is always a great choice. Our server, Sarah, was friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. The food came out quickly, and everything was delicious. You can't go wrong with Mels chili burger, even if it's messy, it's absolutely worth it! read more

The Original Mels - CHILI MELBURGER - American Near Me - Placerville, California

We order some family favorites and the meals were delicious! I had the bbq burger and spouse had the turkey platter (think thanksgiving on a plate)! The inside reminds me of a 50's dinner with your own personal jukebox on table. Great food, service and fun! read more

The Original Mels - Turkey platter - American Near Me - Placerville, California

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Always good food and great service. My go-to for breakfast. But an excellent choice any time of day! read more

Decent diner food! Service was good and they accomodated our larger group of 8 people well. I appreciated that they let us split the check with a large group as well. Ample parking. read more

The Original Mels - CRISPY CHICKEN PARMESAN SANDWICH - American Near Me - Placerville, California

This is a must stop restaurant when you are in Placerville because it is really cute inside and the customer service is good. I enjoy the memorabilia, taking you down decades while listening to good music. The lighting is really good in here along with all the signs. The lady who served us was extremely nice. There was also a manager on duty, checking in on all the tables at least once which was nice. The food was made fresh to order and tasted great. Highly recommend that you've check this place out. read more

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We made a quick stop to Mel's in Placerville on our way to the Lake Tahoe. Everyone was welcoming and helpful. Kids enjoyed the food and the cars they come in. The kids love looking at all the memorabilia that's around the restaurant. read more

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Classic greasy burger and fry just left the bar across the street now it's time to smash the food. Here is great. The location is great plenty of parking. Customer service was fabulous and the ambience was kickback with good old music. old music. read more

It's been a few years, but we came back on our way to Tahoe. Mallory was our server and she was friendly and efficient. Food was good and quick. I am a French Dip snob, but found that the French Dip here was wonderful! Nice and hot, thinly sliced beef on a soft french roll. read more

We took a trip up to lake tahoe and on the way back we stopped at this mels location. We have been to many mels but THIS location was top tier. Arrived to mels around 8pm and there was absolutely no customers. We were a party of 6 and we got greeted and seated immediately. Our server (excuse the misspelling), pricilla! Was absolutely a m a z i n g. She was friendly, professional, outgoing, and attentive. She made sure we had refills She made sure we had ranch for the fries without even asking! She made sure my partner who doesn't eat red meat knew the gravy contained sausage ! She absolutely went above and beyond for us. Side note. Hot coco!! ACTUALLY TASTED GOOD. Most mels we go to the coco is WATERED DOWN. She even allowed us to receive hot coco REFILLS . The entire time we were there our service and food was something to return to (if we didn't live 2 hours away)!! She also made our desserts. She made the bananas split with a generous amount ! And the presentation 10/10. read more

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The service was great. We were greeted and seated quickly. The waitress was super efficient and friendly. The potato salad was made there and delicious. I usually always make potato salad as the side. The best potato salad I've ever had.‼.......and I'm 79‼ read more

The Original Mels - TUNA MELT ON RYE - American Near Me - Placerville, California

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I used to love this Mel's but the food was not as good this time. I got a bacon and avocado burrito. The menu said that they use thick cut applewood bacon. The burrito came with a few crumbles of bacon, at best. Tortilla was dry. But the side potato's were great. It was a clean restaurant and the server Amanda was the best, she made our lunch worthwhile. read more

This was honestly the worst food I've ever had in my life. And I'm 40 years old -- I wasn't born yesterday, I've tried a lot of places and I know what good food should taste like. The food here was simply terrible. The taste was off, everything felt low quality, and nothing was enjoyable. It's hard to even describe how disappointing it was -- I've never had such a bad meal before. It's honestly shocking to me that food like this is being served. I would not recommend this place at all if you care about what you're eating. A truly awful food experience. read more

This place is pretty consistent on the good food quality. The deserts are some of the best in town. Especially the Sundays. They serve mimosas and other beer choices, tho I don't drink. I appreciate a place that has options for friends from out of town! The waitresses are always nice and attentive, and fast service for the food and drink delivery. They always give my daughter something extra, to make her feel special. read more

The Original Mels - American Near Me - Placerville, California

Mels diner! We came for the milkshakes! Visiting the kids again, patiently awaiting the arrival of my grandson and milkshakes were on my mind. Many many moons ago I worked at a Mel's diner and I know how good the shakes are. Also, the tin with the extra excites me, it's like 2 1/2 milkshakes! The kids shared one and the friendly and efficient waitress split it for them so they didn't get a tin. I felt like had they gotten the tin they would have gotten more, so if your sharing don't have them split it. We also ordered the sampler starter thing. It was good. The food is chain restaurant food. Still good. Go for the shakes! They also have malts. A personal favorite. read more

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One of the worst places I've ever visited. The food was awful -- no flavor, and it definitely didn't taste fresh. I only had a couple of bites of the fried fish steak, and my stomach still hurts. Something was clearly wrong with the food quality. Very disappointing experience. I would never come back. read more

The food came out super fast. Everyone was so nice and friendly. I absolutely love the older diner style theme it is something I haven't seen in awhile since Johnny Rockets. If I were passing by I would definitely come back. read more

the food is typical diner food, my california benedict with hashbrowns was nothing to particularly write home about but it was decently good. i did try some friends' shakes/malts and they were quite yummy. the service was very friendly - our server was extremely helpful and nice! the restaurant is decorated very cutely and has strong diner vibes. i wouldn't personally go out of my way to come here again, but if i was stopping by placerville again, i would stop by. all day breakfast is also a plus!! read more

The Original Mels - california benedict - American Near Me - Placerville, California

Accessible seating is available and the service was good. Stopped by to grab some lunch and it was great. The portions are just enough to fill you up and the food was great. They are very versatile with modifications to the food and I appreciate that. It's a diner, so that alone makes it fun to eat at. The interior is dope and if you've never been to Mel's then check it out. read more

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This "Original Mels" restaurant is right on Main Street in Placerville, CA. It's not THE original but one out of 22 in the chain. This location has been open since 1997. The food is ok. It's all American basic classic diner fare served up in a 1950s themed decor. The decor is replica of the 1950s diner. They even have a jukebox. The seating is booth, table, and counter; all in colorful vinyl covering. There are signed black n white photos from the cast of the American Graffiti movie and Happy Days tv show hanging on the back walls. I drop into this Mels a few times a year. This time I came in a party of 11. They had several larger tables to accommodate us. The waitress even said she could do split checks but we didn't. The place got busy so we didn't see her much after getting our drinks and food. No refills for our table. Darn. But we did all 11 meals relatively at the same time and got. Good kitchen coordination. The menu prices have increased, in the past year, like every place. That's inflation for ya. The prices are on par to the other restaurants in the area. Other folks at the table ordered hamburgers. No complaints. This is what they are known for... burgers n fries and shakes. There are 10 hamburgers, four chicken burgers, and a veggie burger menu options. Mels food tip: hamburger patties are never frozen, all USDA choice Angus. The patty is served on French style buns lightly butter grilled. One person ordered the 5 piece jumbo shrimp n chips that came with fries and coleslaw. $14.99. The shrimp were truly jumbo, not shrimpy shrimp. The batter crust was crisp, golden delicious looking and fried perfectly. Yummy crisp coating, moist jumbo shrimp. I ordered the fried chicken plate. I center though my plate came out last out of the 11 orders, the food was hot. It came with 4 pieces of chicken, cornbread and your choice of two sides. I chose mashed potatoes and a side salad. $17.99. The chicken pieces were two thighs, a wing and a drumstick. It had a dark fried batter coating. Parts of the coating were hard, a bit over fried. The wing and drumstick was not moist, but the thighs were still a bit moist n juicy. I'll pass on this in the future. The potatoes tasted like a box mix, it was thick and solid. It didn't really have a taste even with the gravy on it. The cornbread was delicious. Yum. The green salad was fresh tasting. The blue cheese dressing was delicious, it had lots of hearty chunks of cheese. If you're looking for "basic no frills" diner fare in a kitschy 1950s themed restaurant, come on into Mels in Placerville, CA. It's right on Main Street in Old Town Placerville. read more

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Really surprised by the low ratings. Our experience at Mel's was amazing! From the moment we walked in people were so friendly. We were initially seated by the restroom and when my sister in law asked if we could be moved because were a lil hungover and couldn't deal with the smell they moved us immediately. We got a new table and our waitress checked in on us often. Food came out super fast and it was delicious. Truly it's a no nonsense diner. I loved it and can't wait to be back! read more

The Original Mels - American Near Me - Placerville, California

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I came to Mel's for dessert after a disappointing dinner down the street. It is one of the last places you can eat inexpensively. We shared a sundae for under $10 and it was big enough for 3 people. The staff were super friendly and attentive. The size of the food portions are unlike most places. I can't wait to go back to Hang Town and eat at Mel's again. Super good experience. read more

What more can be said about Mel's it is what it is... an average diner with your regular diner food. My husband liked his burger. Once they drop off your food and bill at the same time you will not see anyone again. read more

We come here for my birthday every year food is GREAT get Oreo milkshake so good nice employees

I love it here. The vibe inside is so vintage themed. It's always clean. The service is always fast, the food is always hot and fun! I love going here for dates with my friends when I'm downtown. read more

My son had the mushroom swiss burger & I had the Mel's burger. It was both delicious & great customer service. The vanilla shake was the cherry on top. read more

Burgers and shakes got the spot after our white water rafting extravaganza! LO enjoyed getting food in a plate shaped like a corvette. The LO had never seen a juke box before. We had a fun time ordering songs through the nuke box and enjoying our lunch together. The service was quick. The bathrooms were clean. Overall, we are glad we visited here! read more

*sigh* My mom loves Mel's. My teenage daughter loves Mel's. Me, meh. Here is why. The woman who greeted us this morning was very nice and energetic. I appreciate that after the morning I've had. The waitress though I think was having a day like mine. Which I understand. So I guess coming here for a "pick-me-up-brunch" was a bad choice. read more

Delicious food and kid-friendly. We came here with our toddler after a camping trip. The servers were friendly and they had plenty of high chairs and booster chairs, plus fun things for kids. The food was fresh and very good. read more

We were seated promptly very good service friendly (mallory our server ) staff !! order came very quickly and was delicious. My eggs were cooked. perfect and I definitely would recommend this place. I'm going back great atmosphere friendly people clean as well. good music.! read more

The Original Mels - Some of the decor, which is awesome it's like a museum ! - American Near Me - Placerville, California

Mallory the server was the worst server that I ever had an endure in my whole entire life. The Apple juice had mold floating around and when we asked for a different apple juice, it was the same thing. She then stated 3 times the charm because we ask for a coke. I let her know that there were things floating around the apple juice and her comment was she didn't she anything. I told her that maybe the machine was probably dirty and she said that they clean it once a week. Once a week, how disgusting is that? At the end, we asked for it to go container and she brought us one with oil stains and it was dirty and ripped. There was also flies flying around. We will never eat there again. read more

Great experience from this restaurant! Wife and I were welcomed right when we entered. Food was solid, not stand out. Vibes were what really brought this review up. We played a few songs from the jukebox on the table and got to see the atmosphere light up. Definitely worth a try if you're visiting! read more

Food was good, got water purred on me though but I think the lady was just really tired she was cool tho it's yummy food

Love Mels. Only place open late in many towns. You could eat here almost every night because they have such a variety. I do miss a few favorites, though: meatloaf, pot roast. Ahhh, the memories from Geary Boulevard. One of the best meals I ever had was at this one going up to Tahoe during Covid. My daughter had her first club sandwich and we split a chocolate shake. I may remember this on my deathbed. Now I live here and can have it anytime. read more

The food is good for a very reasonable price. Has a juke box. Happy days style. Nice friendly staff.

Good brunch destination on Sunday before heading to South Lake Tahoe . Our server was friendly . read more

The Original Mels - Jalapeño Melburger , side of cottage cheese - American Near Me - Placerville, California

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The food is always good here and the service is really good to. It's right off the 50 and u can get right back on it. U get a lot of food for ur buck. Go try it will worth it read more

The Original Mels - Chicken Fried Steak - American Near Me - Placerville, California

My husband and I stopped in here on a whim for a quick bite with our 3 children- we never eat out because we have three little ones so this was a very rare occasion. Unfortunately our 14 month old was making noise loudly- I understand how frustrating it is to listen to that and was already a nervous wreck being that we were inside a restaurant. We were only in there for 15-20 minutes and our waitress came to our table and apologized and said she normally would never do this but a man was complaining that his ears were ringing- we understood what she was implying and I immediately apologized for my baby's behavior, grabbed her and went outside while my husband and little boys finished their food. I can't stop thinking about how this was all handled and am extremely disappointed and saddened that a restaurant would ask a customer to leave- let alone a mother and baby. I was extremely embarrassed and sad and hope that this never happens to another mother again. read more

Perfect place to stop and grab a meal on your way to the Bay Area to or from way back home from Lake Tahoe. The old time music is always charming. The restaurant is clean and staff are friendly and accommodating. We got a nice large corner booth for the 5 of us. The kids always love going to Mel's Diner when we are in the Bay Area. We brought our niece who's never been to one before and she loved it. It's actually one of the best Mel's Diner's we have been to. They have clean bathrooms! It's quiet here and at a charming location. Come check it out when you are pacing Placerville area. read more

The Original Mels - Diner - American Near Me - Placerville, California

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Was on our way to Carson city .We stopped for brunch.It was very busy yet we were seated promptly and our drinks came quickly.Place is bright and cheerful clean.Food order was taken promptly and our server checked in on us despite being very busy.Food prices were fair the food didn't disappoint my son loved his huge burger and hot fries.My burger was also hot and tasty.Will definitely be back read more

Service was amazing. Very attentive and quick.Food was hot and yummy .Waffle was delicious and yummy Chicken fried ststeak was huge hot with good gravy.Place was clean read more