Mels Drive-in
Company Details
Monday: 7AM-11PM
Tuesday: 7AM-11PM
Wednesday: 7AM-11PM
Thursday: 7AM-11PM
Friday: 7AM-12AM
Saturday: 7AM-12AM
Contact Information
Santa Monica, California, 90404
United States
Mels Drive-in Reviews
Submitted by Kim O on 06/27/2022
Kim O 5 stars rating.
Everything was good, from the tap water to the fried chicken. Ordered the fried chicken dinner, the chicken was nice and crispy on the outside & very juicy on the inside. Came eith a side of coleslaw, a biscut, swapped the fries for lumpy mashed which was amazing. Our waiter Dill was very nice and gave great customer service.
Submitted by Rob Smith on 04/16/2022
Rob Smith 5 stars rating.
Famous, touristy, whatever. It's just cool. Aside from the memorabilia, jukebox, and selfie-takers, which are expected and perfectly fine, it's just a cool vibe.
The food is good. Large LA-size portions, the staff friendly, and if you're a local or visitor you have to have a shake (or malt).
Submitted by Guthrie Paterson on 03/27/2022
Guthrie Paterson 5 stars rating.
We were long time visitors to the West Hollywood original - and the Santa Monica version does not disappoint! Same good for, environment and service! Worth a visit!
Submitted by Traviett Ford on 03/14/2022
Traviett Ford 5 stars rating.
I have never been to this historic site, and I am glad that I visited the last stop along Route 66! The food was amazing! The service was timely! Plus the restaurant and the restroom were clean! I would definitely go again, and recommend it to others!
Submitted by Janie F on 02/23/2022
Janie F 3 stars rating.
We were so excited to finally eat at Mel’s since it’s an iconic diner spot and has been featured on several films. The jukebox on the tables were neat (just .25 cents to play a song)Unfortunately the food wasn’t favorable, the coffee wasn’t great and the waiters weren’t welcoming.
Submitted by Hemalatha Krishnamoorthy on 01/17/2022
Hemalatha Krishnamoorthy 3 stars rating.
I did a takeaway of pancakes, French toast, omelette, potatoes and French fries, food tasted average. Inside the restaurant it’s nice and big with coffee refills and kid friendly! Price was higher than the restaurants around this area.
Submitted by Jordan Moghanaki on 01/13/2022
Jordan Moghanaki 3 stars rating.
We were very excited to eat at Mel's, as it seemed to have so much history behind it and we had just moved from the Mid-Atlantic where we enjoyed our local diners. The atmosphere was awesome, with the 50s era decorations and working juke box.
We started with a Lana Del Ray Milkshake, which was great and my partner and I were sucking or scooping the last drops.
I ordered a Patty Melt and my partner ordered the French Dip, both with fries. The sandwiches were tasty, but were smaller than we were used to and didn't seem to pack as much flavor as we expected. Overall, it was a good experience, though I don't think I'd pick this place again over other Diners or Burger spots in the area.
Submitted by Scott Stein on 11/17/2021
Scott Stein 5 stars rating.
OMG! In the running for the best breakfast ever! No exaggeration. Everything was incredible. I was afraid to ruin my appetite for the cruise food that's only hours away, but this was totally worth it!
Submitted by The Clarhens on 10/27/2021
The Clarhens 5 stars rating.
Great breakfast place! We landed in LAX at 6 am
and we stopped here for a quick breakfast on our way to Malibu. I had the breakfast sandwich and it was delicious. My husband had the chorizo scramble and he loved it. So many pictures of celebrities and so much history in this place! Worth visiting!
Submitted by ASHLEY SERE on 08/13/2021
ASHLEY SERE 5 stars rating.
So glad to hear it's back open! The first thought I had coming for the first time here was that it brought such a warm feeling. Loved that they played top hits from the 50-60s and that you got to choose your music (25 cents).
My boyfriend tried their New York Steak (10 ounces) - $25, and had requested cooked medium, and it was cooked really well and was pretty juicy. We also ordered the roasted beef grilled cheese (comes with two, $18.50). Super cheesy and the roast beef was juicy! It was a great ratio between the short ribs and cheese. Lastly, we got their slow braised short ribs ($18.50). It's served with mash potatoes, steamed zucchinis, and two dinner rolls. Loved how juicy and tender it was. I would definitely recommend coming back to get their slow roasted short rib or the grilled cheese for a quick snack.
Service was great. Shout out to our server, Piper Major, for GREAT service and a fun time!
