Mel's Drive-In

This is a historic mid-century diner with "Googie" architecture that was built in 1949. It was originally called "Ben Frank's". It was a hangout for Marilyn Monroe, and has held parties for Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lana Del Rey, and many other stars. Al Pacino pops in here too. So does influencer Chiara Ferragni. It's in the heart of the Sunset Strip. Vibe is super casual, fun, a bit touristy and low key. I used to eat here all the time for breakfast (excellent avocado toast) but haven't been in a couple of years. Tonight I was really craving one of their famous milkshakes so I walked over and what a pleasant surprise! The menu has changed and they have all these new milkshakes, sandwiches and other items. I tried the "Grant's" milkshake which is made with Nutella and banana. The server was so sweet and said it was her favorite. I swear they must have used 1/4 of a tub of Nutella in the shake! Next level delicious. It was creamy with fresh banana and a cherry on top. I had to use the spoon from the shake container to scoop out all the extra Nutella. And the shakes are enormous. You really need to have two people to share one because you basically get a giant metal soda fountain cup that fills 2 milkshake glasses! It would be so cute to come here with a date because you could share one shake with two straws like in the old movies. I also tried their new and improved grilled cheese sandwich, which has three different kinds of melted cheese in it. It comes with a side (you can even get tomato soup) and I ordered it with french fries (just the regular kind). Again, what a surprise! The grilled cheese was perfectly grilled, the melange of three cheeses was bubbly and delicious, and may I also add that the french fries had fresh parsley on top! They have really improved things. Sure I've read a few bad reviews, and over the years I had my share of over-poached eggs here, but I must say that this was a wonderful evening meal all by myself in a comfy padded vinyl booth. I thoroughly enjoy the retro 1950s kitsch, the new high tech jukeboxes at every table, the neon lights and the authentic mid-century architecture every time I go in this place. Plus they have tons of free parking. I usually bring a jacket in the morning or at night because for some reason it's always freezing inside, and it is very bright. But this is such a legendary diner. I remember going here late night over 20 years ago and seeing Anna Nicole Smith walk in with a bottle of champagne and sit at a booth by the window. She sat there 5 minutes, sighed, made a face and walked out. You always see some characters here because it's on the Sunset Strip. They have lots of security in front, which is a good thing. They're very polite and will even open the door for you. The servers and staff are extremely helpful, offer lots of refills and are attentive. They have a nice outside terrace that's a super place to sit on sunny days and watch the parade of loud exotic cars which pass by on Sunset Boulevard. It's especially good on Sundays when Sunset Plaza is full of exotic cars. Sometimes they have classic car meets here and it's so fun. You'll see all kinds of 1950s, 60s and 70s cars parked in front. If you feel like the prices at Mel's are too high, just go on Groupon and you can get great deals for meals with parties of 2 or more. Buy one before you get your check and show them the Groupon. They also have a Mel's rewards program. Scan the QR code in the restaurant and sign up before you pay the bill, then show them the member number or telephone number you used to sign up with. Right now you can get a free ice cream the first time, and points. Definitely a great place to go for breakfast as well. And a really wonderful place to take friends from out of town because it's a very nostalgic 1950s Hollywood experience.

Free parking lot in the back. Did not have an issue finding a spot on a Tuesday evening. Smash burger was good! Better than I anticipated, actually. Service was a bit slow, but overall good.

Late night eats. After the clubs is Mel's. Easy night getting in, ordering and getting outsHad to try the meatloaf. Not bad. Taste is there except the meatloaf kept falling out of the sando. I think the sando should have been melty like grilled except I don't know how the lettuce would have held up. Had a side of cole slaw which was good - crunch and not too much of that mayonnaise or vinegar.Place is clean, server was doing a great job of suggesting those milkshakes!Didn't have quarters on me to try out the jukebox.Valley parking in the lot only. We found parking across the way on the street . Easy.I'll need to come Back for the those spiked milkshakes :)

A 2 because the staff was nice. I ordered short stack big mistake got to work started to enjoy and realized the middle isn't cooked! Nor does the pancake have any taste or flavor that wasn't a good choice.... Pretty sad because I never get a hot breakfast as a mom and teacher yogurt is my go to, today I had extra time and wasted $20....

For such a classic well known spot, I was expecting a lot more. The service was really lacking. We sat at one table and didn't get service so we moved to another table in front of the servers, and still didn't get greeted for another 10 min. The food was lackluster, however the milkshake and soup were phenomenal. It was pretty busy for it being almost midnight. My food order was incorrect but it was so late I just ate what they gave me. Maybe something to try again on another day and see if everything is a little better!

Service was great. Food was delicious. The grilled cheese and tomato soup was Devine... never had such an amazingly wonderful tasting meal. Their strawberry shake was also heavenly. Ambiance was classic old diner vibe. A must do if you're in the area.

I'm so glad I found this place . After a long night at Halloween horror nights we were hungry and needed to eat something before we got on the road . Mel's drive in was on the way so we figured we would stop here . Walking in I love how this place is seat yourself . We found a booth and sat down . I love how this place is 50 themed and you can see some of the celebrities which have visited this place Racheal Ray for example . Almost immediately we were greeted provided with waters, and our waitress took our order shortly after . Onto the food . The burger was really good and I love that sprouts are included on the black bean burger. The twisted fries were super good as well and I couldn't stop eating them . Overall this place exceeded my expecations from the amazing service to the amazing food . I plan to pay this place a visit whenever I am in the area .

Burgers and the milkshakes were great! They were able to add banana to my black and white milkshake!

Great place to hang with your friends, even at short notice. Friendly atmosphere and helpful staff. The food is consistently decent.

Came here for dinner on Sunday night and walked in and sat ourselves. Booths are very cute but they have the bar and non booth tables available as well. Our waitress was very kind and extremely laid back: I loved it. The menu has a good chunk of each thing: burgers and sandwiches mainly with desserts, drinks including alcohol, hotdogs, and more. We ordered and while we waited for our food we queued a song from the jukebox. Only costs a quarter and to move the panels there is a gear near the top you move left and right to see each panel. Once you find a song you type in your number selection and it will send it to the main jukebox and you will hear it throughout the restaurant!The food came out hot and delicious; wasn't a very long wait for it either. Garlic fries were delicious with true Parmesan flakes on top and well seasoned. The sunset burger was a little salt lacking, however, I really appreciated they put the extra toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, on top so you can choose to add or not. Reuben was delicious and good portions for each plate that we both had to take boxes home. We came here because of the show with Guy diners, drive ins, dives, and it didn't disappoint!!