Long established family company with old tradition at this place. Very clean restaurant and very very nice staff. Hot and good coffee, great breakfast selection. The food came quick, large portions and high quality. The service was on the point, loved it! Mel‘s Drive-In is clean and looks amazing! There are small jukeboxes at many tables which gave an extra cool feeling! Best offer in the corner, you need to go there!

Ordered the chicken and waffles with a side of hash browns. 1) service was friendly and pretty quick. It was a bit busy but not too noisy or crowded. There’s a pretty chill and welcoming atmosphere. 2) the waffle batter has green onion and bacon and it was pretty tasty. It was a little crispy for my taste I prefer a fluffy golden brown waffle. The bacon was delicious. 3) the chicken was hot and somewhat juicy but had a pretty mediocre flavor… being from the south east I tend to compare fried chicken to what I’ve grown up with and this didn’t hit the spot. 4) the hash browns were crispy and edible but nothing to write home about. My friend ordered the french toast with turkey sausage and egg.. she enjoyed her meal. Overall I would recommend this place.

This place has history and a great atmosphere. Unfortunately, their staffing was really low the night we were there. The staff that WERE there were so nice, but they just couldn't handle the volume. The food was perfect diner food. Great rye bread for the tuna and patty melts, and a good chicken dinner with homemade mashers and gravy. Glad we went! Hope they get more help for their staff soon.

What’s not to love? Classic diner looks, retro decor, excellent food and quick service. A great spot for breakfast and brunch, was surprisingly not too busy when we were there. The fruit shakes separated quickly but were delicious anyway. Just a quick stir and you’re in business. The corned beef hash was fantastic - great flavor, good portion size. The burger was meaty and greasy (in the best way possible) and cooked just right. The fries were fresh and hot. Don’t sweat the calories, just pop some Lipitor and walk over to the Palace of Fine Arts and then to the Marina to earn those fats! LOL

Little pricy for my taste but the food was phenomenal. We got the short rib nachos, the fried chicken plate with fries, and the NY Great Sandwich with a milkshake. The vibe was very cool and on a cool street with several nice looking restaurants. View was good from the booths too. San Francisco is a good city, despite what others might think.

This place is slammed with tourists grabbing quick bites who are staying in the surf motels on Lombard; but don’t let that dissuade you from giving it a shot. The service was fast and the food also arrives super quick. Portions are massive and the coffee is refilled diligently. If the diner home plate across the street has a queue, I recommend this chain whole heartedly

This place is a fun classic diner. They do the whole 1950s thing very well. Food is good and the service is friendly. Lots of locals come here, so you know it's good. Give me the chance, so you'll like it!

We had a couple beer, the southern fried chicken and the Creole fried chicken sandwich. The food was very good and the taste was similar to home made. The fries were basic shoestring but we're good. The coleslaw was made in house but likely at the beginning of the day as it was served a little limp. The diner experience was neat, in of itself, but I wouldn't say the food or atmosphere was enough to make me go back. I wouldn't mind trying breakfast, though. Note: the booths are a little tight for those of us with larger folk.

Went at late night after driving in the fog for a while, Really bright and retro on the road side - eye-catching. Food was classic, not the best tasting ones but definitely worth the price. The waiter that helped us was extremely nice and cater to our needs timely. Cute halloween decoration around this time of year and vibrant atmosphere with people range from all ages. Will definitely stop by again next time in the area, it’s a memory for me now since it was a very successful unexpected date night and location for me.

I usually go to Mel's on Mission and Third, so it was a delight to try the one over on Lombard. Well it's the same! So it's brilliant. Very friendly.

The staff is phenomenal and super kind, service is fast without compromising quality, and no matter the meal, they never disappoint! Mel's is very accommodating of food intolerances and allergies, with both their servers and chefs remaining quick, thorough, and very much on top of things. Bathrooms are kept clean (and you don't need a code to open the door!), every seat and table offer a unique but beautiful view, and the jukeboxes are just the cherry on top!

Food was delicious here. Atmosphere seemed a little chaotic and it was super busy which is why I'm guessing it took quite a while to get our coffees first and then our food. Overall the food was good we would eat here again

I am from Calgary and it was really a wholesome experience. Retro vibe restaurant and super friendly waiter. And most importantly yummy food. I got Mels Patty Melt. I am a cheeseburger lover, and somehow when I eat cheese burger I feel guilty bc it is kind of fast food. But then this one with rye bread, it is awesome👍👌👌Even the cheese inside was stretching like a pizza ad. Although I paired it with some mustard and it was even more delicious. And I also heard from the friendly old man who sat next to me that the friendly old waiter worked here for 30yrs. When I first came in I was welcomed by his smile which seems like loving his job and this story made me happy. Anyways, it was wonderful start of the day.

Really enjoyed this little diner. Great service, clean and affordable. My burger and fries were hot and delicious - perfect for the SF cold windy climate. My husband had the spaghetti and also loved it.

Although the restaurant wasn't very busy, we waited a long time to place our order. It also took quite awhile to get out for. I've eaten at other Mel's and I wouldn't say this was typical. I got the vanilla shake and my friend got the strawberry and they were plentiful and delicious as always. Our meals were good but nothing to rave about. I was disappointed in this Mel's.

This place is very good with its retro 80s vibe along with jukeboxes that very few work which you will have to pay 25 cents. Their famous Mel burger is so juicy, delicious, and rich flavor in them. Their Mozzarella sticks are large and cheesy. Coffee here is fresh. They have glass ketchup bottles here. Fact Mel’s is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. They have free parking so you can eat here. A tent outside with heaters that depends on whether or not they turn it on.

The diner was bustling every time we walked past. Managed to dine in on the morning before we left. Wonderful old-schooled diner with the jukebox machine on each table. Food was wonderfully delicious and good portion. Great place to have your brunch and lunch as the menu was quite extensive.