oChef » Mels Drive-In – San Francisco » Mels Drive-In – San Francisco – Reviews

Mels Drive-In - Reviews

3355 Geary Blvd, 94118 San Francisco
All reviews at a glance
551

Reviews

67.5%

Satisfaction

148

negative

31

neutral

372

positive

What people say about Mels Drive-In

Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Moderate
aq X.
Review date: 10/13/2025
9
Great Chicken Dinner and Atmosphere
I had a solid chicken dinner and a great overall experience at Mel's recently. The detailed decor is a treat to take in, featuring several snapshots of the restaurant's history, including old menus on the wall and functional jukeboxes at many of the booths. I also appreciated the exceptional service and hope to come back soon to try other menu items.
  • chicken dinner8
  • detailed decor9
  • exceptional service10
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Long (31+ min.)
Patricia
Review date: 10/04/2025
2
Cold food and dropped fries
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. My food was sitting in the window for a really long time. The chef who set it down knocked a bunch of fries off it : (By the time I got my food, it was cold too.
  • food2
  • fries1
  • cold food1
Visit Type
  • Tourist Experience
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Breakfast
Noise Level
  • Loud
bert J.
Review date: 09/22/2025
6
Iconic SF Spot, But Fox News Blasting
My experience at this San Francisco icon was mixed. While it's a well-known spot, the atmosphere was disrupted by Fox News being blasted during breakfast. This was a significant detractor from the overall dining experience.
  • Fox News2
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Julio U.
Review date: 09/07/2025
9
Amazing Burger and Milkshake!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed an Oreo milkshake, Mel's smash burger with twisty fries, and a root beer float. The Oreo milkshake was perfect, truly the best I've had in a long time. The twisty fries, which are curly fries, were also perfect – crispy and seasoned. The burger was amazing, melty and juicy. Overall, a great meal!
  • Oreo milkshake10
  • twisty fries10
  • burger9
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Robert G.
Review date: 09/07/2025
9
Excellent Service, Good Burger
My experience at this restaurant was primarily defined by the service, which truly stood out. I ordered a burger and fries, and they were great. The location is good, though parking is limited. I managed to find a spot, but it was indeed limited. The server was exceptional – super attentive, friendly, and helpful. If I find myself in the area again, I would definitely stop by for lunch.
  • service10
  • burger and fries8
  • location6
Price per Person
  • $41–$50
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
  • Loud
James F.
Review date: 09/06/2025
9
Classic Diner Experience with Great Food
My experience at Mel’s Drive-In was like stepping back in time to a classic American retro diner! I enjoyed the salmon Caesar salad, the wrap, and the fried chicken burger, all served in generous portions. The salmon was perfectly seared, tender inside and crisp outside, with fresh lettuce and cheese. The wrap was creamy and flavorful, served with potato salad on the side. The fried chicken burger was crispy and juicy, accompanied by irresistible golden fries. The staff were friendly, and the food arrived quickly. The overall experience was fun and nostalgic, and I highly recommend it for anyone seeking authentic American diner vibes!
  • salmon Caesar salad9
  • generous portions9
  • salmon10
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Alexander H. (.
Review date: 09/03/2025
9
A Welcoming Diner Experience
There is something special about going to a diner. The service is unpretentious and homey. The food is filling with good portions, and the atmosphere is welcoming. I come here with friends because it’s not so loud, easy to park, accessible, affordable, and straight forward.
  • service8
  • food7
  • atmosphere8
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Jeanette G.
Review date: 08/25/2025
9
Old School Charm and Delicious Classics
I love this Mel's location because they keep it old school and serve up delicious classics. The service is nice, and I recommend you sit at a booth with a little jukebox!
  • old school9
  • delicious classics10
  • service8
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Moderate
Edwin P.
Review date: 07/31/2025
9
Delicious Short Ribs and Top-Notch Service!
My experience at Mel's Drive-In was absolutely delicious! I had the short rib dinner plate, and the meat was incredibly tender and flavorful, cooked to perfection. The sides were equally satisfying, bringing the whole plate together as a true comfort food classic. Beyond the great food, the customer service was excellent. The staff was friendly and attentive, making me feel right at home. It's clear they care about the dining experience as much as the meal. Mel's is the perfect spot whether you're craving something hearty or just want to enjoy a throwback diner vibe with top-notch service. I'll definitely be coming back!
  • short rib dinner plate10
  • meat10
  • sides9
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Casual Outing
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
  • Quiet
P M.
Review date: 07/29/2025
2
Food tasted like grill, overpriced
My experience at this old place was disappointing. The food tasted like the grill hadn't been cleaned in about a week. I couldn't even finish it, and it was overpriced. I will not be back.
  • food2
  • overpriced2

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