Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
oChef » Mel’s – San Francisco
Mel's - San Francisco
Photo from Mel’s
Mel's at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 143 of the guests
#1998 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#102 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
684
Reviews
62.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Diner vibe
- Milkshakes
- Staff
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- High prices
- Service delays
The restaurant, an iconic American Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood, offers a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll find yourself stepping back in time while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Known for its fantastic desserts, Mel’s provides a perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth after a delicious meal. It’s a casual yet trendy destination where you can relax and enjoy classic American fare.
Overview: Introducting Mel's
Mel’s offers a distinct step back in time, with many guests appreciating the authentic diner atmosphere and the fun of working jukeboxes . While the staff often receives praise for their friendly service, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in the overall dining experience.
It’s a place that clearly aims for a nostalgic feel. However, the culinary offerings can be a bit of a mixed bag, with some finding the food quality to be inconsistent.
There are also mentions of longer waiting times and concerns about prices that don’t always align with the perceived value. It seems the charm of the setting is a significant draw.
Good
6.5
out of 10
684
Reviews
62.1%
Satisfaction
214
negative
45
neutral
425
positive
Mel’s holds an average overall Restaurant Score of 6.5 , reflecting a generally acceptable but not outstanding experience. Customer Satisfaction sits at a mixed 62.1% , indicating that while many are content, a notable portion of guests leave with reservations.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 684 pieces of customer feedback. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.0) is clearly a strong suit, often highlighted as a key reason to visit.
Service (6.4) and Food (6.3) both land in the average range, suggesting room for improvement. The Value (3.1) score, however, is notably poor, a point echoed in the 425 positive and 214 negative comments, where pricing frequently surfaces as a concern.
What people like
- Authentic diner vibe
- Classic milkshakes
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- High prices
- Service delays
If you’re seeking a classic diner experience with a strong sense of nostalgia, Mel’s could be worth a visit, especially for its unique ambience . The Recommendation Score of 6.5 suggests it’s a decent option, particularly if you prioritize atmosphere over culinary perfection.
Consider it for a casual outing or a milkshake. However, manage your expectations regarding the food and overall value.
While some dishes hit the mark, others might disappoint, and the pricing can feel steep for what’s offered. It’s a place that shines brightest for its retro charm, so go for the vibe, but perhaps not for a gourmet meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mel's
Food (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests often find plenty to cheer about! With a score of 6.3 and a customer satisfaction of 58.6%, the general consensus is that it's a mixed bag, but many rave about the delicious burgers, generous portions, and fantastic shakes. Based on 171 positive remarks out of 292 total, items like breakfast and comfort food frequently hit the mark.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 96 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies. Issues like bland burgers, unseasoned dishes, and cold fries occasionally surface. Some also noted that certain items, like the vegetarian option or specific sides, could be uninspired or have surprisingly small portions.
Food
292
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
96
negative
25
neutral
171
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious burgers
- Generous portions
- Great breakfast
What people don't like
- Food bland
- Unseasoned dishes
- Cold fries
Often praised
- foodordered a lot of different food but it all turned out good
- milkshakesmilkshakes if you're into that sort of thing. They are made the old fashioned way with real ice cream and are fantastic
- portionsThere's a large jukebox, and you can even select your own songs at the booth seats, which then get played. The food was good, but nothing special, though the portions were large. The service was a bit slow, especially for American standards.
- breakfastThe restaurant features an American decor and style. We only had breakfast there, and it was delicious and plentiful. The coffee was good.
- burgerMy ONLY complaint is that there were entirely too many french fries to eat! :) I will gladly visit here again as my Hollywood Burger was very hot, as was the tuna melt, very fresh and delicious.
- burgerseveryone really enjoyed the burgers
- coffeeThe atmosphere was the best, allowing me to feel completely at ease while enjoying the scenery. The service was great, the food was hot, and the coffee was strong. The overall vibe was clean and relaxing, making it a perfect spot for a solo meal.
- FoodFood:5
- food qualityvery good quality
- friesWhile it's a bit pricey, the experience is worth it. I highly recommend trying the malts or a Sunday with a side of their wonderful fries.
Frequently criticized
- foodThe service and quality of food are awful while prices have never been higher. We had to ask our waiter for water three times before getting it, waited for upwards of 40 minutes for our food which lacked any seasoning and was small portion sizes, and the bathrooms were filthy. You’re paying to eat at a place that was once an iconic and wonderful classic diner, but is no longer, so just save your money and time and go elsewhere.
- burgerA third of a patty here, and 1/4 there, you get the idea. Not to mention it was dry, flavorless, and simply not edible. Disgusting is what it was.
- burgersBurgers are served on bread, not burger buns which was a bummer
- soupdisappointed…in the soup that was flavorless
- Apple PieMy Apple Pie was truly not good
- BLT chopped saladMy mother's chicken pot pie, while having plenty of chicken, was also unseasoned. I ordered the new BLT chopped salad, which arrived without dressing. It took about 10 minutes to get the server's attention to ask for dressing.
- BurgerWe had asked for a burger with bacon and avocado, lettuce all that. What we had received was a Grey, meatloaf looking patty(dry, no oil) that was stacked on another patty, that were not even in sellable form. We’re talking “let me rip up a patty and feed it to my baby.
- FoodFood:3
- French dipI believe the place is coasting on its former reputation and location for tourists. The food was not seasoned at all, resulting in a bland burger and French dip. Even the kids' chicken nuggets were clearly frozen and brought in that way.
- Hollywood BurgerThe Hollywood burger seems a bit ridiculous and flattened
If youre looking for classic diner fare like burgers, shakes, or a hearty breakfast, youll likely find something to enjoy. However, be prepared for some dishes to be hit-or-miss, especially if you're sensitive to seasoning or expect consistent portion sizes across the board.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
Based on 122 positive opinions out of 201, the service here often shines! Many customers rave about the attentive and friendly staff, highlighting instances of great service and professionalism. With an average score of 6.4 and a customer satisfaction of 60.7%, its clear many guests have positive interactions, often praising specific managers and waiters for their hospitality.
However, 68 negative opinions indicate theres room for improvement. Some experiences mention slow service, unwelcoming energy, and even rude staff, leading to frustration with long waiting times. This contributes to the mixed customer satisfaction, suggesting that while many have good experiences, inconsistencies can be a real drawback.
Service
201
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
68
negative
11
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Professional, helpful managers
- Fast, efficient service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Unwelcoming, rude staff
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceFiel a nuestro compromiso, volvimos a Mel's luego de dos años, para repetir la gran experiencia de sentirnos parte de una película. Y destacamos la gran profesionalidad de su personal, que mantiene un servicio de excelencia. En esta oportunidad, recibimos la grata presencia de César, quien nos atendió y compartió junto a nosotros su experiencia de décadas en Mel's.
- serverMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the service was good and the server was nice, the food was just okay. I tried one of their burgers, and it was nothing special, lacking flavor.
- staffStepping back into the 60s! The experience was very authentic and the staff were super nice. The ambience was lovely, and the cappuccino was very delicious 😋.
- ServiceService:4
- managerWe stumbled upon Mel's drive-in by accident, and I am so glad we did! My daughter needed to use the restroom, and the manager was kind enough to let her. As a huge fan of MGK, I was thrilled to see pictures all around the restaurant for his new album.
- Juliothe best part is Julio - he doesn't just run the diner, he makes it home
- attentive serviceservice was very attentive to them both
- experienceY destacamos la gran profesionalidad de su personal, que mantiene un servicio de excelencia. En esta oportunidad, recibimos la grata presencia de César, quien nos atendió y compartió junto a nosotros su experiencia de décadas en Mel's. César es el genio de Lombard St.
- serversThe servers were much more efficient, pleasant and attentive
- teamIt felt like a step back in time. The team was really nice. A special touch was the immersion into American Graffiti.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant has consistently been negative regarding service. Every time I visit, I feel rushed out and observe that other customers receive kinder treatment.
- waiting timeThe service and quality of food are awful while prices have never been higher. We had to ask our waiter for water three times before getting it, waited for upwards of 40 minutes for our food which lacked any seasoning and was small portion sizes, and the bathrooms were filthy. You’re paying to eat at a place that was once an iconic and wonderful classic diner, but is no longer, so just save your money and time and go elsewhere.
- billThe coffee for $5 arrived in the smallest cup imaginable! Furthermore, we were presented with the bill immediately after our last bite. It seems they want patrons to leave quickly if they don't intend to order more.
- server? I felt like I was being annoying or unreasonable… a “Karen. ” When instead, my concerns should have been treated with respect and acknowledgement at the very least.
- orderWhile the atmosphere was nice, the service was terrible. Part of our order never arrived until we asked, and we also had to request coffee refills.
- staffStaff: fail, no smiles, "couldn't be bothered" attitude
- waiterhe almost got knock over by a waiter
- EnglishHowever, regarding the service, none of that old atmosphere could be found. We could barely make ourselves understood in English. The food tasted like it came from the freezer and was reheated (and not even properly warm afterward).
- Googlebelieving what they say in their Google
- Managerthe Manager stood around doing nothing to help her at all
If youre looking for a place with potentially great, attentive staff and professional service, its worth a visit. Just be prepared for the possibility of slower service or less welcoming interactions, especially during busy times. It's a bit of a gamble, but the highs can be quite high!
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
Stepping into this spot, youre in for a treat! The ambience scores a solid 8, indicating a good experience, and customers agree with a strong 84.8% satisfaction. With 128 positive remarks out of 151, guests frequently rave about the "jukeboxes at the table, " the "retro atmosphere, " and the "nostalgic decor" that creates a fantastic "50s vibe.
It's clear this place nails the classic diner feel. However, not every detail hits the mark. Among the 18 negative comments, some found it cold inside due to air conditioning issues, and a few were disappointed when their jukebox didn't work.
There were also mentions of the noise level" being a bit much for some, suggesting it can get lively.
Ambience
151
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
18
negative
5
neutral
128
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Retro diner vibe
- Tabletop jukeboxes
- Nostalgic decor
What people don't like
- Jukeboxes don't work
- Too cold inside
- Can be noisy
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile the atmosphere was fantastic, rated a 5 out of 5, and the service was decent with a score of 4, the food was unfortunately sub par, receiving a low score of 2. We loved the atmosphere, but our mini table-side jukebox did not work. It's a fun place, but not for the food!
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- ambianceThe ambiance and setting were typical of the drive-ins seen in movies! While on vacation in San Francisco, we came for breakfast and absolutely loved it!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- musicIt's just the place for our era of music
- ambienceThe ambience was lovely
- cleanlinessblown away by the outstanding service and cleanliness
- dinerMel's is my happy place in San Francisco - authentic, warm, nostalgic
- juke boxesworking juke boxes at each table!
- jukeboxMy experience at this restaurant was a nice stop for shakes and sundaes. A unique feature was the ability to play a song from a little jukebox at your table for a quarter. The service was nice, and the overall atmosphere and food received a 5-star rating.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere very noisy
- locationVery tired and run down location
- air conditioningThey serve delicious burgers and salads. However, when it's 12°C outside, the air conditioning inside should definitely be turned off. Brrr.
- ambienceThe ambience and service were okay. However, the establishment is generally dated and has a strange smell. My Apple Pie was truly not good (see photo) and frankly an outrage, especially for almost $10.
- bathroomsThe service and quality of food are awful while prices have never been higher. We had to ask our waiter for water three times before getting it, waited for upwards of 40 minutes for our food which lacked any seasoning and was small portion sizes, and the bathrooms were filthy. You’re paying to eat at a place that was once an iconic and wonderful classic diner, but is no longer, so just save your money and time and go elsewhere.
- cold insideit was so cold inside
- jukeboxJukebox qui ne fonctionne pas.
- kitchenIt was a mess. Food all over the floor
- locked insidelocked inside the restaurant 1hr+ before closing time
- mini table side jukeboxour mini table side jukebox did not work
If you're looking for an immersive, fun, retro diner experience, this place is definitely worth a visit for its unique atmosphere and working tabletop jukeboxes. Just be prepared for a potentially lively environment and perhaps bring a sweater, as some found it a bit chilly.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a mixed story, though the scales tip heavily towards the negative. While a few guests (4 out of 40 total opinions) found the food to be at good prices or reasonably priced with large servings, suggesting a decent price/performance, these positive sentiments are unfortunately quite rare. However, the overall picture for value is quite concerning, with a very low score of 3.1 and customer satisfaction at a mere 10%.
A significant 32 opinions out of 40 highlight issues like being overpriced for the quality, poor value, and even concerns about additional charges and expensive bills. Many felt the food was expensive for the quality or simply overpriced food.
Value
40
Reviews
10%
Satisfaction
32
negative
4
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonably priced food
- Good price/performance
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Poor value
- Unexpected charges
Often praised
- price/performancePreis / Leistung geht in Ordnung
- pricesThe food was good at good prices.
- prixPrix corrects
- reasonably pricedfood servings were large & reasonably priced
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The food tasted horrible, and it was definitely overpriced. Specifically, the portion size for the mozzarella sticks was incredibly small for the cost – just 5 tiny sticks for $15, and an additional $1 for a tablespoon of ranch.
- pricesprices have never been higher
- expensiveMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was not great and felt kind of expensive, they did allow me to add peanut butter to my milkshake, which was incredible. The service received a rating of 4, and the atmosphere was rated a 5, but the food itself was rated a 3.
- PricesPrices are also quite high
- additional chargesWe had dinner here on August 14 and paid the correct amount. Unfortunately, in the following days, two additional charges of similar amounts were taken from our account without our authorization. This fraudulent activity has already been reported to our bank.
- billAnd enjoy our table. Couldn’t even do that!) And also he had the nerve to charge us for ranch, which I had to bring to his attention because, again, we didn’t eat the food. It’s funny because, he wanted me to pay without looking at the bill.
- billsWarning – please check your bills carefully! We had dinner here on August 14 and paid the correct amount.
- colaIt's a great fun place! Just a heads-up: water is free, but a cola is $6! They serve delicious burgers and salads.
- expensive billThe food tasted like it came from the freezer and was reheated (and not even properly warm afterward). At the end, we had the most expensive bill of the holiday, while we ate the least tasty food here. Conclusion: beautiful interior, bad food, and subpar service.
- expensive for the qualityvery expensive for the performance
If you're looking for good value, this might not be the place for you, as many find it quite expensive for what you get. Proceed with caution and perhaps double-check your bill, as some guests reported issues with additional charges.
How are the prices at Mel's?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 143 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners (72 of them!) fall right into that $21–$30 sweet spot, with another 35 guests spending a bit less in the $11–$20 range. This shows a clear focus on value, rather than a mix of super cheap and super premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 143 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the clear focus on that mid-range sweet spot. It seems like a solid choice for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mel's
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fresh Food and Friendly Staff
My sister and I flew in from out of state to be with a family member in the hospital at USFC. Our experience at the restaurant was very positive. The food was fresh and delicious.
The chicken noodle soup tasted like home cooking. The "Boss" was so friendly. All employees actually seemed to like being there and serving us.
Go visit!
- food9
- chicken noodle soup9
- The "Boss"10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Food, Parking, and Atmosphere
In a city where parking is notoriously difficult, it’s a refreshing experience to always find parking available here. The food is excellent, and I love the atmosphere.
- parking9
- food9
- atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced and Small Burger
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I ordered a burger that was small and did not taste or look like burgers from other fast-food places. To make matters worse, it cost three times the price of a typical fast-food burger.
I found it to be totally not worth it and super overpriced.
- burger2
- price1
- value1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Absolutely Cult and Delicious Breakfast!
Absolute recommendation! We were there for breakfast as our motel was just around the corner. The breakfast was very good.
The atmosphere was very, very, very good, simply cult. We can recommend it, and we would definitely come back here again.
- breakfast9
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Food, Okay Service
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing, despite the good service. I ordered 2 eggs with sausage, and the food took a long time to come out. When it arrived, it looked like plastic.
I had asked for grilled potatoes but received hash browns instead, and the tortillas were as hard as frisbees. The menu is also overpriced. While the service was good, the overall food quality and value were not up to par.
- service4
- food2
- sausage2
- grilled potatoes2
What Mel's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Mel's Drive-In accessible and easy to park at in San Francisco?
Yes, you’ll find Mel’s is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. Plus, parking is convenient with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually offering plenty of space for your visit.
What kind of dining experience and food options can you expect at Mel's Drive-In?
At Mel’s, you can enjoy a casual, historic, and trendy atmosphere with options like breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. They offer late-night food, happy hour drinks and food, coffee, beer, wine, and even organic dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
How does Mel's generally rate with customers?
Mel’s holds an average overall score of 6.5 with mixed customer satisfaction at 62.1% . Its Ambience (8.0) is a strong point, while Service (6.4) and Food (6.3) are average, and Value (3.1) is poor.
What do customers enjoy most about Mel's?
Many appreciate the authentic 1960s diner atmosphere and working jukeboxes . The milkshakes and coffee also receive positive remarks, alongside generally nice staff who contribute to the experience.
Are there any common complaints about Mel's?
Some customers find the food quality inconsistent, describing dishes as bland or dry. Prices are frequently mentioned as high, and there are occasional concerns about service delays or feeling rushed during their visit.