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Mel's Drive-In
Diner and Breakfast Spot$$$$
SoMa, San Francisco
"American diner chain, they have three other locations in SF."(4 Tips)
"Good breakfast, love their vintage decors and jukebox"(7 Tips)
"One of the best shakes you'll ever put in your mouth."(23 Tips)
"Good food and good service plus friendly staff members"(11 Tips)
190 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- breakfast food
- milkshakes
- burgers
- good for a late night
- jukebox
- (15 more)
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Asa BaumSeptember 28, 2016This is the epitome of an American diner. I imagine this place has been the same forever, which is great. It's still well kept, clean & serves great food. We had buttermilk pancakes & french toast.
Terence Steward IIMarch 29, 2014Don't believe the bad reviews about the food. The cinnamon french toast was golden and soft, biscuits n gravy were great (skimpy on the sausage though), and bacon was crisp to perfection.Upvoted 2 weeks ago
SF tradition whenever I'm at Moscone. It opens at 6am on weekdays and is just a block from the conference center. The food is ALWAYS better than whatever is served there. Hangover omelet FTW!
Travelivery - Redefining the Way You Travel.January 21, 2014Good food that comes out fast. Only thing we find odd is that instead of walking you to the table, they point to where you should go.
Tristan TranOctober 27, 2014Very cool retro restaurant! Food was good too, you get a lot of choices and the staff is really cool!
TaminatorJune 27, 2013Great 6oz steak with 3 eggs, potatoes and 2 slices of toast for $8.95, the very carbonated fountain coke has the crisp ice cubes, and 60s and 70s jukebox music!- The twisty (curly) fries are delicious. Service is very good, wait staff were prompt and the facility is clean.
Anthony NachorMay 17, 2011Just a great place for breakfast. You can get a meal and custom make the eggs and bread to make it your own. My fave combo: corned beef has with sunny side up eggs and sourdough. A generous portion!
Laurynas ČekanavičiusDecember 9, 2021For me it’s very authentic old fashioned place. Wasn’t cheap, yet worth coming if you’re looking for traditional lunch/breakfast choices like reuben sandwich. Tastes ok.
ᴡᴡᴡ.Joe.uwul.ru SheehanNovember 13, 2013Great casual dining. It's pretty raucous. The wait staff likes to communicate by shouting to each other. Typical burger joint. Good food. Reasonable prices. I want disappointed.
Walter NirenbergAugust 16, 2013Was a great throwback dive. The food and atmosphere were great. Get a shake while your there, they have more flavors the what the menu states.- Vanilla Malt Shake. One of the best shakes you'll ever put in your mouth.
Pipo SantosNovember 3, 2014You should taste the deserts, my favorite is the cheese cake. Of course, the Melt Classic Hamburger is my salt option.
Jessica TroccoliOctober 20, 2018Great spot to grab a quick breakfast at the counter, even when it’s overcrowded with conference attendees.
Tim PursellJuly 1, 2015They have a quinoa salad that's good. Only in San Francisco would a diner have this and a great chili fries.
Ellen McGrodyFebruary 22, 2015Really good fluffy pancakes and all around great diner food. Little bit on the pricey side for what it is though.
Steven WallerMarch 14, 2015Like something out of an American film. The food tasted good and came quickly... A good late night time eating spot!
Jason BlackApril 4, 2014If you need it, ask your server for the BIG cup of coffee. You will be glad you did. And, watch out, it's hot.
Tim MesserschmidtNovember 17, 2014We've had a very nice breakfast here. Love the granola and they offer a good selection of omelettes.
James MetzgerApril 17, 2014Get the lumber jack breakfast - pancakes, egg, potatoes and ham, just make sure you bring enough room for it!!- Tahseena SKJuly 5, 2015A friend suggested that I should go there for breakfast. I did and got to play with the jukebox on my table. It played the song I picked for a quarter. I felt like I was in the set of "Happy Days".
Be sure to order your eggs one notch more well done than you usually would, since they tend to come out under-cooked.
Hard RockerMarch 29, 2018Great place for retro food. Friendly and helpful staff. Souvenirs available.
Peter BourgonJune 21, 2015Mostly as good as Dottie's, but ten times faster. And coffee that isn't trying to murder you. A++ would eat eggs here again.
Bill Elliott Jr.July 18, 2013Chsrming place. But don't let the website fool you, I just tried ordering a famous bloody mary... they told me they don't do bloody marys.
Facundo DMarch 21, 2014It's fast and has a variety of salads that you can also try besides their excellent burgers.
ronaldmuleroApril 19, 2010Order their Famous Hot Turkey Sandwich. Quick, hot, and mine came with a side of fresh-grilled squash. OJ is really fresh-squeezed too. Bring quarters for the tabletop jukebox.
Love the biscuits and gravy here. OJ tends to be kind of watery, though.
Gonçalo MoraisJuly 7, 2015Huevos Rancheros, you will not regret. Staff are nice and the WiFi is cool.
Tracy MorganDecember 23, 2015They can improvise and adjust the menu items to your liking. Want an extra chicken breast on the side? Not an issue here.
Vince WilcoxOctober 6, 2012The turkey slider is small and singular. If they ask you if you want 2, say yes.
Food is decent, service very quick & friendly, and fairly priced. Lots of options too.
AngelaOctober 17, 2010if you get biscuits and gravy w/a side of eggs, tell them you want it on separate plates otherwise they'll just pile it on top...not very appetizing...
I love Mel's a lot, but I just need to say this: the mozzarella sticks are awful. If you're drunk and they're looking good, just get something else.
Joelle ReederJanuary 30, 2016basic diner stuff, bit pricey for what it is, but really friendly staff and open late!
Cengiz KayaSeptember 24, 2013Very crowded and the Service is fast. Bir there are some problems such as noise and hygiene. Large size juice was very small. The omlette was tasty but french toast was under average.
- Benjamin AngelMay 24, 2013I know my peanut butter milkshakes and Mel's makes a great one (even though it's not on the menu)!
Great breakfast place with super-fast (but still courteous) staff.
AmyOctober 9, 2012Service is very quick and servers are all very nice. Maybe a touch too quick!! That's OK, It's a diner.
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Mel's Drive-In
801 Mission St (at 4th St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
United States
San Francisco, CA 94103
United States
Open until 2:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 6:00 AM–2:00 AM
- Fri–Sat
- 6:00 AM–3:00 AM
(415) 227-0793
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Beer
See More
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