Mel's Drive-In

Phenomenal atmosphere and service from Julio at this Mel's. The food and drink were great and the staff ensured everyone was satisfied and smiling. Great leadership and hospitality all around.

Stopped in for a quick bite (and truthfully just to change my toddler). No changing table in the restroom.Ordered a Reuben and it was just okay. Service was the biggest pain point. Took over 10 minutes to get an order in. Never got any water and by the time someone stopped by I was ready to go. It's faster to walk up and pay than ask for the check to be brought to you. It looked like maybe only 1-2 servers in the whole place, but a little sad it takes so long get any kind of service. It seemed other tables that got lbreakfast, burgers, or shakes looked good so maybe recommend that. Otherwise, this is a place you can skip unless you want a diner with slow service and meh food.

I'll cut to the chase... I love Mel's.It's got a fun retro vibe... not just because of the decor, but because the service is personal and friendly. The food is just what you'd expect from an old-fashioned diners (burgers, patty melts, fried chicken, meat loaf, French dip sandwiches, fries, and REAL MALTS. But they also have some updates, like a Quinoa/kale Salad, Goat Cheese And Turkey Slider, and Grilled Fresh Atlantic Salmon.The food is usually very good, though sometimes uneven. I've gotten soggy fries, and a "hot" sandwich that was cold by the time it arrived. In each case, our server quickly replaced the item.The prices are pretty reasonable, considering that it's in San Francisco and gets a lot of tourists. Despite the occasional lapses, I'll go back to Mel's every time I'm in the area. Where else can you get a good malt?

I love this small Mel's Diner, all booth seating and large blow up black & white photos on the wall of George Lucas directing "American Graffiti" where Mel's is prominently featured.If you're in the mood for hearty American diner fare, this is your spot: Chicken pot pie, meatloaf, hamburgers and thick shakes. It's a little pricey (always has been) but it's quality food made right.Unfortunately, service was way off at this location: They were extremely polite but slow outta the gate bringing water and taking our order. Then our entrees came after a substantial wait with fries barely warm, the pesto turkey sandwich, very soggy and gravy congealing on my son's main, short ribs and mashers.They rushed an extra plate of nuclear hot fries to our table. Now that's what I'm talking about- hot and delicious. Everything was pretty tasty though my sandwich was falling apart in my hands and would've been better hot.I'd forgotten how much I like this location, more intimate and diner-cozy than Geary. I'd go again - and hope they have their eye on the tables and not just third party delivery orders going out the door.

Went with my friend for the vibes. A super cute restaurant-- I love the booth seating & jukeboxes on the center counters. Service was actually great. They were attentive and quick, although the food took a tiny bit long to come out.I probably should've gotten something else, but their reuben was just okay. It had essentially no sauerkraut or other sauce but it was a good portion. I subbed for sweet potato fries which were solid.I'd go again and try something else.

Can't pass up stopping at Mel's. The food and staff are amazing. Super fast service and the place has great vibes. Anytime you visit SF take a stop at Mel's. Plenty of parking in the lot.Pro tip: The shakes and breakfast are amazing

Used to be great, darn it. Patty Melt barely had any sautéed onions. Skimpy on the cheese, cold fries. Meals at Mel's used to be generous and well prepared. And the prices aren't cheap. No excuse. Sad to see a local favorite going down hill. Service was excellent, happy to say.

It was such a pleasure having breakfast at Mel's Drive-In. The old diner and jukebox vibe was just what I needed. And just like the good all days (if I was alive), you can put a quarter in and pick a song to play. Of course, we had to choose Benny and the Jets by Elton John. Such a classic!The food was fantastic and they had $6 mimosas, which you could choose either cranberry, orange or pineapple. All three were delicious!I had the huevos rancheros and it was the perfect meal to start the day. I ordered fruit, as well, and got all the good stuff, not just melon and cantaloupe!The service was great and friendly!

I came here because a friend suggested it for a meet up spot and honestly I had low expectations because of the 3 stars this place has but really.. I'm not sure why it's rated only 3 stars?? It's a cute diner with SUPER friendly staff. The food is honestly good diner food. It's not fine dining, it's not an instagrammable plate but the fries are seasoned well and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside - like a better McDonald's Fry. I got the BLT and it wasn't anything outstanding but it wasn't bad at all. I got the butterscotch milk shake as well and that was deliciousss, nice and creamy. overall, the whole experience and meal was old fashioned and good. This is a solid diner and I'd definitely come back. They even have vegan options on the menu!

Even though they are a 50s diner, Mel's offered a Thanksgiving Day meal this year, and since there was nothing else on Lombard Street in the Marina District offering something similar, I took advantage.I thought the Turkey, vegetables, and stuffing were actually quite good, but the mashed potatoes and yams could have been better. The cranberry sauce was standard cranberry sauce.I can also say from previous experience that this Mel's location serves good burgers and deli sandwiches. I'm glad to see they survived Covid, as 2017 was the last time I frequented this Mel's.