When my parents were looking for a breakfast/brunch spot after a mass together in San Lorenzo.. I remembered that Mel's was by our house and I had never been! It was BUSY on a Sunday around noon, but we were able to be seated right away. We were able to sit at a booth facing Hesperian because I love being by big windows. We were comfortable there for 3 adults and a kid. I saw table seating towards the back and bartop seating looking at the kitchen and the hustle-and-bustle of the servers. I LOVE the old-timey atmosphere. There were jukeboxes on the table, however we didn't engage. The staff was nice and friendly (thank you, Kathleen) and I kept repeating to myself "I can't believe we haven't been here!" Between the 4 of us we ordered the seafood combo, clam chowder, grilled cheese, eggs benedict, a milkshake, and a kid's cheeseburger (which, by the way came in a cardboard car! it was SO cool and my son LOVED IT!). Everything was good and straightforward, and just enough for everyone. Classic diner vibe. Will be back! read more

We go there a lot! Extremely nice and helpful waitresses! Their fries forever tasted the best ever! They changed vendor, different oil! Not great anymore! Also, their fried shrimps cooked hard!! Same, new vendor!!! Sad! Clam chowder was better than before! I love their salads, and ranch dressing is still really good! The water is fresh tasting, coffee is really good! Today is May 21, 2026! I am trying to write a new review for last night! Not my previous review!!! Yes, I LOVED THEIR FRIES, they were the best!!! NOW, THEY ARE THE WORSE EVER, not real fries! Coated with something, WEIRD, will not be ordering them again! PLEASE GO BACK TO SERVING REAL FRIES PLEASE, AND WITH THE GREAT OIL YOU WERE USING BEFORE!!! Are you under new management??? Your fish and shrimps were cooked just right, before! Now, don't know why sooo overcooked, different oil as well!!! Salad still good, corn bread delicious! Your burgers still very good! Waitress is great, fun and polite! We come in about once a week! But maybe we should find an alternative coffee shop! Sad, love the music as well! PLEASE PLEASE FIX YOUR PROBLEMS SO MANY CUSTOMERS YOU HAVE LOST WILL COME BACK BY READING NICE REVIEWS, THANKS, AND RE DO THE OLD REAL FRIES, with the great oil that made them taste awesome, not cheap imitation!!!! read more

We always have an amazing experience at this diner, and it's all thanks to our incredible servers! Our normal servers Martha and Eukay were off, so we meet Kathleen today. Kathleen greeted us with a smile and very attentive without being overbearing. Great food is important, but great service makes all the difference. read more

My bf headed out to Mel's for their classic cheeseburger and fries and wow it def hit my hunger on point! Burger was charbroiled perfectly! We absolutely gotta thank the chef lady who prepared it and our beautiful waitress- sry I forgot her name but we dined Tues 5/4/26 at around 4:00 pm read more

The Original Mels - San Leandro - Original Mel's Cheeseburger with fries and pickle spear. -Made with a lot of Love - Diners Near Me - San Leandro, California

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This place fills up fast. Be prepared to wait before getting seated. We were here for breakfast and it did not disappoint. Food came out quickly and staff was always checking on us. I would say this is good for groups as well as individuals (they have counter seating). I would go again. Parking is weird because it's either next to the restaurant or spread out (we parked further out). Watch out for potholes the further out you park. read more

The Original Mels - San Leandro - Two and two - Diners Near Me - San Leandro, California

Mels is very well-known throughout the East Bay, and this was our first time at the San Leandro location. So adorable and fun for our large group while in the area. They have ample seating and truly still have the old-school diner feels with counter seating, the coin-driven table jukebox, and the cutest little kiddo meal container I've seen yet..a classic, car-themed container. We had a few kiddos that picked their favorite color ahead of time for their personal car container (see pic, adorable), and the adult orders were a variety of: burgers, a tuna melt, and a Cobb salad. The menu is extremely large and truly has a little something for everyone and every age. The kiddo menu also comes with coloring games and crayons. And, beer/wine is available to order. All-star picks: the Oreo cookie milkshake and curly fries..that's where my nostalgia goes! The service is quick, pricing is fair, and ambiance is lively with photos of late actors/actresses, old photos of the location, and pop culture adorning the walls. Love the vibe. The standout burger was the Big Bopper with cheese, bacon, onion rings, BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato. My tuna melt was solid, and the kiddos loved their chicken tenders, burgers, and sweet potato fries. The kiddo meal also comes with an Oreo cookie pack, ending the meal with quite a smile :)) I think you def can't go wrong with a brekky at Mel's or a good ol' burger, fries, and a crisp pop. Extra points for the car! read more

The Original Mels - San Leandro - Kiddo meal mobile - Diners Near Me - San Leandro, California

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- food is delicious, portion is enough for a 180lb person - shake is with real fruit and icecream Service was amazing Decor is lovely 5/5 read more

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I had another great experience at the original Mel's Diner in San Leandro, CA! This place consistently serves delicious food, and the staff, including the waiters and waitresses, are truly amazing. The diner has a charming vintage feel, filled with memorabilia that takes you back in time. During my last visit, I did notice that the edges of my sunny-side-up eggs were a bit burnt, which has happened before. However, when I mentioned it, they were quick to address my concern and took care of it without hesitation. It's reassuring to know that they value customer feedback and are happy to accommodate. If there were a ten-star rating, Mel's would deserve every single one! Despite the minor issue, the wonderful service and nostalgic atmosphere keep me coming back for more. Highly recommend this gem! read more

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We stopped by here without checking yelp as we are early for a medical appt. We have one hour left and I was surprised for the fast service. Their chicken fried steak was really good. They have the best waffle too. I really love the ambiance. read more

The Original Mels - San Leandro - CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK & TWO EGGS - Diners Near Me - San Leandro, California

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After a long 6 Hour drive what you're looking for is a classic Diner meal and that's what you get at the original Mel's Great fried shrimp, chicken tenders delicious shakes and a BLTA. Coffee was amazing too. Jessica our waitress was great and very accommodating. I love the classic Diner look, booths great pictures on the wall and a jukebox at your table. If you're in San Leandro, you've got a visit this one. read more

The Original Mels - San Leandro - Chicken tenderloin basket - Diners Near Me - San Leandro, California

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1st timer this place isn't that good. I ordered their chicken sandwich and it lacked flavor, super underwhelming and seemed undercooked. All you could taste is the ranch. I don't think I'd come again unless it was last resort. You pay at the cashier in front. read more

Fast service delivered depends on the day you go and the specific time but food was good and it was nice to be back but I miss them opening at 6:00am I read more

Its Mediocre Mon again! I met my Sis at Mels for lunch on a Sun bc it was centrally located for both of us. They offer all day big breakfasts, burgers and salads. I had the chorizo & eggs w/ tortillas and fruit. Unfortunately, the chorizo & eggs didn't have much flavor. The canned salsa didn't help. My sister said her Belgian waffles w/ a side of bacon were OK. Regarding the ambiance, there are a lot of options for tables, depending how large your party is. Its very casual here. The service was adequate: Nothing special like the food. I'd prolly go elsewhere when I meet my Sis again. The food and service are OK at Mels, but I'd like to try something unique next time. read more

The Original Mels - San Leandro - Chorizo & eggs (big portion, not much taste) - Diners Near Me - San Leandro, California

I'd like to start by saying I USED TO love coming to Mel's with my son. Key words in that last sentence USED TO. We loved the food and the service. At one time I had friends that worked there and things were great. We were there regularly. At least once a week if not more. Since I started using the Mel's app to get rewards in December of 2021 I have spent $6,791.44 in that location according to the rewards history right in the Mel's app. That tells you how often I was there. But since the new Manager Rigo or Rico or whatever the hell his name is took over the place has gone down hill fast. I stopped going for a while after two of my friends quit working there due to unfair treatment by management. While most of the staff who are long time employees that are still there are nice some of the newer staff suck. I'm not saying all the new staff suck just Rigo and Israel. My son has always ordered from the kids menu even though he is over 12 because he doesn't eat that much and it has never been a problem until today. Even I was allowed to order off the kids menu in the past because I also don't each much. Especially in the morning. The portions on many of the regular menu items are just too big and it is wasteful and my son and I are not fat asses. Also the prices have shot way up. It's absolutely ridiculous to charge someone $4.00 for a single glass of soda. Anyway let's get to today I decided to give Mel's another shot this evening because we hadn't been there in a while and I really wanted a French dip. Today Israel refused to let my son order from the kids menu. When I told him that we had done it MANY MANY times, he still refused to let my son order from the kids menu. He said he was just following the rules. On that I call bull shit because we have had him once or twice in the past and he let my son order from the kids menu before. So I don't know what the problem today was. Then my son's food arrived was wrong. So it had to be remade. When it was remade my son only ate about little more than half of it and said it tasted weird. My French dip was ok but the Au jus tasted like it was watered down. But by this point I was already so irritated that I didn't want to say anything I just wanted to eat my food and leave. When I got the check I noticed that I was charged twice for my son's meal. Which made me even more irritated and I forgot to use my $20 reward which I realized after I already paid. But I will give Isreal a little credit because he did adjust it. But I kinda felt like he left it on intentionally hoping I wouldn't notice. Anyway after today I will never go back to this location even though I still have that $20 reward. If I could give some else that reward I would. I know that Mel's is not going to care if I never come back because there are plenty of other customers that will go there but it is unlikely that very many of them go as I often as my son and I went and spend the kind of money I spent there. But I will NEVER be going back or spending another dime in that restaurant. Rigo and Israel can F&$% all the way off. Rant Over read more

Vanessa was our server and she was so accommodating and nice. She made sure we had everything we needed. We had burgers and they were excellent. The chili burger was terrific. Fries and pickle to top it off. Mel's has an extensive menu. Something for everyone. The restaurant was clean including the restrooms. I want to return for breakfast . The menu looked good. Definitely worth the trip. read more

This is the second time I've been to Mel's and I've noticed they've seated the Black people facing the window and all of the non-Black people closely inside of the restaurant. This is also the second time I was served by the Hispanic lady with the bleached blonde and orange hair. She is the oldest server in there and that is not to be offensive. I'm just trying to describe to you which one she is so you can understand to stare clear of her. She took my order for drinks except She didn't really take it and then ignored our table for about 10 minutes while taking other orders on the other side I went up to pay for the drinks to leave and then found out she hadn't even put my order in, but I paid anyway just because I am a dignified person, but I didn't let them know that I will be making a complaint. As I was leaving the Black people coming in, she found them exactly where I was leaving from so again this is my experience Take it or leave it I will not be going back. read more

Great options here! Friendly staff. Very spacious- plenty of seating. Parking lot in the back. Quick service, great food! Great price. Pay at the counter. read more

As diners go, this is a good one. Always clean inside, friendly wait staff and a cozy, retro feel. Mel's pays homage to the 50's and 60's with the decor and juke box table set. Food is good enough for us to make this a regular spot for us. With great service comes hot food, right off the grill. No wait time. All the right condiments and we're all set. He it comes now! read more

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I've been going here for last 10 years never had a bad meal and when I do a review, I always do it if it's good as well came in today ordered my breakfast. The sausages were like lukewarm so I asked if they could just warm them up for me 10 minutes later they come back a new set of sausage burnt to a crisp. I couldn't hardly cut it into it. I can't order them again. I'm almost finished with my breakfast by now so I paid for my breakfast went up to the manager. He was nice. Told him what happened show picture I took at the sausages. He said he was sorry that was it. No offer no refund nothing read more

The Original Mels - San Leandro - Here there are - Diners Near Me - San Leandro, California

It is a cute diner with the vibe from 50s and on with the different decorations and signs scattered everywhere you look. We came here for a quick breakfast. Plenty of parking and we came on a Saturday morning and were seated right away. I ordered the Eggs Benedict with Ham and my partner ordered a steak and coffee. It is a diner, with diner prices and diner food quality. Your order can either come with hashbrowns or potatoes which were both pretty good. Eggs Benedict - nothing crazy, the eggs were a little over cooked Steak - very dry Coffee - not sure if it was the actual coffee itself or the creamer we added but it was on the sour side. Overall if you want fast, ok breakfast this is the place to go. Lastly - staff was very friendly, but there were a couple of moments where our staff member was busy and we were left to wait. read more

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This is my go-to place at work. The burgers are made of quality beef. I often get the seafood platter. Oyuki, one of the servers, is so friendly.The people who work here are really nice. That is a great way to pass the middle of my day. read more

Food was wonderful. I asked for medium rare and the food was perfectly cooked. On top of that, my server Christian H. was excellent. From making sure my seats were clean to ensuring I had everything I needed to provide the best experience for me, I have 0 complaints. Will be returning to this location. read more

The food and services wee both exceptional. I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a good place to have breakfast! read more

The Original Mels - San Leandro - Diners Near Me - San Leandro, California

I'm always here and it's a decent bite to eat. I have enjoyed most things here but don't get the pancakes imo they could be better but they are not the worst either so have them at your own risk. You will find some of the best staff here. Friendly and will come and check on you multiple times usually. Inside is the classic Mel's hasn't changed. Maybe an update or 2 but still looks original and if you want they still have jukeboxes for music but on the table to use. read more

Great atmosphere the restaurant is an old school look and food is great lots of options. Great customer service.

Good food, good price and excellent server. Thank you Christian H. We so appreciated your attention to detail.

They should at least wash the ingredients before cooking, with this situation, we realize they don't wash the ingredients, that's why they didn't notice the food had mold read more

The Original Mels - San Leandro - We found mold in the onions , the response was "I will let the kitchen knows" this place is the worst restaurant I've been - Diners Near Me - San Leandro, California

I've gone before to Mel's and it was okay, but recently they switched chefs and it's made a world of difference. The food was truly exceptional! Well worth every cent, a special shout out to our server Kathleen who took care of my wife and I throughout our meal. Honestly, I can't recommend it enough, truly delicious diner food, new chefs made a world of difference. Stop by soon! read more

We eat at this Mel's from time to time and the service has always been stellar. Today was no exception. Miguel was our server and was super friendly, professional, and even had a great sense of humor. The food is good enough, about what you'd expect from a Mel's and we enjoy the 1950's diner decor. But the service is what makes this Mel's shine, especially when you compare it with say the Denny's in Hayward which we also eat at periodically but the service there is hit and miss. Hats off to the great staff at Mel's in San Leandro. read more

Came after the Saturday morning crowd. Pretty blonde with braces sat us and Andra was our waitress ans is great. Kids ordered from the kids menu which was grilled cheese, cheese quesadilla and cheeseburger. The food was fresh and satisfying. Since it was warm outside we were craving a root beer float. read more

Just ate here and the vibes inside is nice, gets you to just sit and talk. I suggest staying off ur phone and just enjoy the conversation with whoever you eat here with. Breakfast was nice I got 2 Eggs 2 bacon and a waffle. The waffle was soft and fluffy and food was good. The service was nice as well very kind server read more

The pancakes were light and fluffy super delicious! The atmosphere was perfect and the service was amazing! read more

The Original Mels - San Leandro - Chocolate chip pancakes w/ side of eggs - Diners Near Me - San Leandro, California

Heard some poor comments about management and employees. Do they even have a clue to what a Mel's represents to car enthusiasts. Do they even know the word. (Enthu.....). Wrong people working there, they treat it like some taquaria . Sad sad. This place is almost last of its kind , and if I had the money I would buy it and run those people OuT !! Hot Rodder read more

Typical diner food with reasonable prices. Nothing special to write home about, it's decent diner food. I used to come here in my broke college era, it tasted better back then. I went with steak and eggs breakfast. Steak was over cooked. The Mel potatoes were soggy. The eggs over medium with whole wheat toast is something I can make from home, but nice that I didn't have to. My friend got the eggs Benedict, she said that the flavor was ok, not the best and not the worst. The service was ok, at one point we could find our server for the check. read more

Love this place! Great menu, great service, and the music on the little jukeboxes at the the tables is wonderful. I highly recommend the ribeye steak and eggs with Mel's potatoes and a couple of mimosas. Perfect. The ribeye is perfectly cooked and better than I've had at many more expensive places. read more

First time giving this place a try. Had the chorizo skillet. The decor, the food, the service. It was perfect

Had a great meal at Mels. The food was good and the fries were amazing. Plenty of options to choose between. There were 11 family members dining together. The best part of the meal was the outstanding service we received from Kathleen. She went out of her way to make sure we all got everything the way we wanted and always with a smile on her face. She made us feel ;so welcome.You can tell that she loves her job and making sure her diners have a wonderful experience. I would go back just to have her as my waitress. read more

1 waiter 1 manager 1 buss girl 1 chef Order arrived more than 1 hour Poor service should hire more people read more

Got the cheeseburger and the club sandwich with a side of garlic fries. Delicious! The burger was juicy, the sandwich was fresh, and the fries were crispy and super tasty! Our waitress (Cathy?) made our visit feel especially special! She was so sweet, so attentive, and always had a smile on her face. A role model server by all standards! She will be the reason we decide to come back instead of ordering online. She's fantastic! read more

At first I was a little weary about going here but once I had munchie craving I couldn't help myself lol! They are open late night have breakfast a dinner & lunch, my fave is the club sandwich YUMMY!! read more