Mel & Faye's isn't just a diner to us... it's home. This place will always hold a special spot in our hearts. We moved out of state, and we still haven't found...and probably never will find...another place quite like Mel & Faye's. It's the food, the drinks, the service, but more than anything, it's the people. My go-to is the cranberry walnut salad with chicken (so good!), and Sean loves the sourdough burger. The food is always great, but honestly, we come back for the atmosphere and the people who make this place feel like family. Mary is always a hoot as our server, and we absolutely love the entire staff. Bart and Maura have created something really special here, and we appreciate them more than they know. Every time we come back to town, one of the things we look forward to most is walking through those doors, seeing familiar faces, catching up, and feeling right at home again. We miss everyone when we're away, but it makes our visits that much more special. Mel & Faye's will always be our home away from home. read more

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December 29, 2025 - Jackson, CA This diner was a great stop for breakfast while traveling through Jackson on our way to Yosemite. It's a classic diner, so the atmosphere is exactly what you'd expect, but the service was excellent and my meal was good. I appreciated the "Seniors 59 and Older" section on the menu--perfect for those of us who don't eat as much as we used to. I ordered the Breakfast Sandwich ($8.49), which came with bacon, egg, and cheese on an English muffin. It was a perfect portion and very tasty. Would definitely stop here again. read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - December 29, 2025 - Breakfast Sandwich ($8.49) from the Senior (59+) Section. - American Near Me - Jackson, California

Love the food and large portion sizes at Mel & Faye's. They are always busy, but worth the wait. I'm vegetarian, so super appreciative that they added a plant-based protein option. read more

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Consistently good food, especially the burgers. Besides always good quality food you can count on, the staff is great. No matter how busy they get, they still take time to be friendly and personable. read more

Updating my review. Apparently it's been over 7 years since my last review. I've been dining here plenty of times since then. Not sure what's the story on why Faye's name is no longer on the building's signage. But the food and service is the same. Yummy American diner fare served up by a welcoming well synched wait team in Jackson, CA. The dining room gets loud and crowded at peak time. And it's not particularly large. There are booths along the walls and the rest are tables in the center. The neighboring tables were in arms reach of each other. Hubs and I sat at a table at the end, so wait staff and customers buzzed to the right and left of us. Distracting for sure. Hubs hated that. I didn't mind it as much as him, but that's only because I was focused on my meal. Zoning out the world as I ate. So we vowed not to dine there being peak times and avoid that table. My favorite menu items are the fried chicken, hamburgers, Chef salad, and the prime rib. The fried chicken plate is 4 pieces of fried chicken with cole slaw, fries, and Texas toast $17.50. The chicken is fried to a crisp crunch exterior, moist interior. Delicious. The Texas toast is buttery divine. They have a pretty large burger selection. Classic diner burgers and fries done right. You can substitute other sides for the fries. The coleslaw and potato salad do not particularly wow me though. Now let's talk about the prime rib. $36.95. It's only served on Friday and Saturday after 4 pm. It's not the best ever prime rib but way better than several of the steakhouses in El Dorado Hills. It's served with a salad, baked potato, vegetables, and a roll. The salad was served chilled cold, the bowl and contents. Great on a hot day. The roll I got on my last recent visit was a pretzel roll. Mmm. The prime rib was a nice substantial size. They seasoned the sides giving it a crust. Flavorful. The meat was tender. But unlikely to be a prime cut so probably a choice or select. Nothing wrong with that especially if it's cooked right which they do. It was served with au jus, horseradish and sour cream. The au jus was flavorful. The side of veggies reminded me of the frozen medley mix, not fresh. But did I mention it's a diner. Another tidbit was that they have Tesla chargers in the parking lot. //// In the rural foothills town of Jackson, CA, is a local family owned restaurant... Mel & Faye's Diner. It is right on Highway 88. They have been a mainstay of the community for quite a long time. But lets be real, So overup front is a walk up ice cream counter window with an outdoor seating area. Inside is the main restaurant dining room. So this place does serve an eclectic bunch of patrons. read more

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Very pleased with my experience here. Walk through the front door and was politely greeted. The wonderful hostess asked us to wait a minute,so she could clean a table. We were promptly seated and within 2 minutes we had two hot cups of coffee. We then ordered the country breakfast which was surprising cheap and very delicious! Great server. In and out in 40 minutes on a Sunday morning! read more

Food was okay. It's very difficult to talk with each other - it's incredibly noisy inside.

Always happy with the food and customer service each and every time. This was our first time coming in for breakfast! We ordered the waffles and the corned beef hash. The restaurant was busy and the inside was pretty packed. We sat outdoors where they had really warm patio heaters. It was nice and comfortable. read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - Corned beef hash - American Near Me - Jackson, California

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Mel & Faye's Diner is a tradition in our house to stop for a few on the way back to the East Bay after large family functions out that way. I always love seeing the regulars, travelers, and visitors line the booths of this historic spot. Typically I always grab a burger because I feel that's what they're known for, but Sunday morning I did the breakfast special (Eggs Benedict) and a mimosa. This was our first time bringing the kiddo and also for our friends accompanying to bring their kiddo, so as one can imagine, it was quite the lively table. The staff is really so excellent when it comes to making the meal experience what you would expect from a diner pit-stop and then some. We were given a booth with ample room for the littles and kid's menus/crayons for entertainment. It seems that Mel & Faye's is now conjoined with BJ's Lounge Bar if you're looking for a little something to take the edge off..aka a sip in your hand to wash it all down nicely. Fair pricing, solid food, and a lively atmosphere that I'm sure stays hoppin'. If you're looking for a spot with a little something for everyone to enjoy of all ages, Mel & Faye's is where it's at. From breakfast to dinner (after 4p), chicken tendies, burgers, and a super yummy Turkey sandwich to name a few items, there's lots on the menu to dive into... Next time I'm for sure grabbing a slice of pie or shake to round out the diner feels! read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - Eggs Benedict Special - American Near Me - Jackson, California

A Mom and Pop version of a Mel's or black bear diner. Where those lack a sense of true unique individualism, this diner has a wonderful atmosphere and the decor feels very organic and natural. The food is all fresh and never frozen and made to order fresh. We waited less than 10 minutes for a booth. The server was professional and courteous. Everything came out hot and was delicious. read more

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Always a Jackson Staple for me. From family dining to game day events. The food is always well worth a stop here. Even for a fun date for milkshakes with two straws they really bring the community and families together here. read more

Mel & Faye's has great food, excellent staff & a full bar. They even have outdoor dining for those that want to seat outside.

I'm giving this place 5 stars for the vibe, the staff and the staffs hustle. I had a chili dog and fries... what it amazing? It was a chili dog and fries!! It's what I wanted and it filled the craving. I sat at the counter and what stood out to me was the wait staff who were quick to assist you and friendly. What also stood out to me was that the entire staff was hustling. Looking into the kitchen the cooks were quickly addressing orders coming in and the servers were buzzing around covering their duties. From my perspective this group all were working hard and together. It impressed me. Would I go back? Absolutely. There's a Tesla Supercharger behind the restaurant but if I needed some good diner food with a cold beer I'm coming here. read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - Chili Dog and Fries - American Near Me - Jackson, California

Another fine lunch here in this great spot. Sit in the restaurant or grace the wonderful bar and watch big screen television while you drink and dine. Remarkable service at the bar makes this a great experience. I like the bar and the local conversation. Service is fast and friendly. Today I had the Miners special hamburgers with great chili over them. So much I had some for dinner later. read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - Miners special plate. Yum yum - American Near Me - Jackson, California

Service top notch! Food portions are generous! I had the reuben and it came out piping hot! Very yummy. Waters and drinks constantly refilled without asking. Again - service from every staff was just above and beyond! read more

This is one of the only places to charge EVs in the area (download the Tesla app and use the magic dock option if you have a non-Tesla EV). They have good milkshakes, and the kids meals are a nice value. Typical diner fare! read more

We had great food, and really friendly staff. Loved sitting outside with our dog, and we will definitely go back!

After living in Jackson for a year and a half we decided to give Mel's a shot. We ordered the special of the day, pot roast. Tasted and looked like it could have been yesterday's meat recycled for tonight. Lousy! Maybe an off night as the parking lot looks full most of the time. My neighbor likes it. The fish and chips were acceptable. read more

I have been coming to this place to eat for years and i have never been treated bad by the owner of this place until today. Some customers accused my partner of smelling bad and they wanted a refund and does the owner come to talk to him nicely about the situation he didn't. He threw him out and told him to never come back and go take a shower. I was thrown out and i didn't do one thing and I don't smell. I take good care myself and it was an insult to accuse me. I will not return to this place ever due to the abuse. Bart has got major issues and i should have a refund of my money for this treatment. read more

This was my third time eating here over the years and always found it to have good food, good service, and the ambiance you would expect of any place calling itself "Mel's." Just what we needed after a parade in Sutter Creek and some gaming by my wife. It was great to watch the crew work as a well-oiled team preparing the orders. We recommend this place, sit at the left counter and enjoy the show. read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - Loved the burger, though the sweet potato fries might have done with another min in the oil. - American Near Me - Jackson, California

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Everything about Mel and Faye's diner is wonderful. The staff, the food, the extensive menu and drinks. It's a warm hug.

The food is always good. The bloody Mary is perfect spicy. The waitress was helpful and funny. Total enjoyable meal. Wish it were in Valley springs read more

My husband and I were in last weekend and were greeted by staff as soon as we walked in. It was very inviting and That's always a great start. We split a chicken fried steak as there was no way I could finish the whole thing myself. He loves the bloody Mary's there and is always asked if he wants to make it a double. A lot of places never ask. I had a mimosa and they even have a giant mimosa (maybe next time with a friend or two ) the service was great,food was delicious and fast. Highly recommend read more

Monday meatloaf special was delicious, what a Winner! Bar vibe is great, bartender and servers super friendly and the beer is ice cold. Love this spot! read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - Monday Meatloaf special... for special K himself. - American Near Me - Jackson, California

We were here with the rest of the entire county for Christmas delights last week lol -- we beat the rush by about 35 seconds and got seated right away. Booth was TIGHT, and I'm a very average height in shape person, so keep that in mind if you are not. Service was fast, food was fast--two things that are essential when dining out with a toddler and a baby--but just average tasting. I remember it being better as a teen, but to be fair it was a super crazy busy night. The milkshakes are always a hit though, make sure you save room! read more

Used to come here like 20 years ago. Often!! Up near Jackson and cutting down Christmas trees. Now? Don't waste your money or your time. There are alot better places around. Burger was horrible. Could have gotten better in a Big Mac. Potato salad awfull. Weird taste. We will not be coming back. End of an era. Maybe another case original owners passed and kids don't have the heart or fire. That spark that used to be there is gone. SAD! Even the "Pepsi" didn't taste like Pepsi. read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - Same as a Big Mac - American Near Me - Jackson, California

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Since moving into the area 4 months ago I've been to Mel and Faye's at least 15 times. The food and the people who work there are always welcoming. You can't beat the price for food and drinks. Daily specials make this a spot I keep coming back to. BG's bar is another spot connected to Mel's that has a pool table and pinball machines. Great spot to watch football and enjoy the Sunday specials like loaded fries and bottomless mimosas. 10/10 recommend for the people, food, and vibes. read more

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Service was horrible rude we left .. my grandson ate a bit from my plate so we traded she said we aren't allowed because his was the kid plat.we paid we can eat what we want read more

This restaurant has a family/hometown feel. The menu is large and everything we ordered was fresh and large portions. The service was amazing! As soon as we sat down there was a server to our table getting our drink order. Each server was attentive and made sure we were taken care of. Especially our server Robert. Our waters were always filled. read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - Western BBQ chicken sandwich - American Near Me - Jackson, California

We decided to take a drive through Jackson today and stop at our favorite place to get a chocolate malt to go. Unfortunately, we were very disappointed. The chocolate malt we ordered first had too much malt in it, which caused the milkshake to be gummy. We decided to take it back and they made us a new one with only one scoop of malt instead the excessive amount used in the first one. Then we couldn't taste any malt in the second one. Have they started using soft serve instead of real ice cream? I'm not sure I didn't ask them at the time. It just wasn't the same as what we've gotten before. The girls who served us were very friendly and happy to accommodate . read more

Unfortunately although the food is good, I can't say the same for the service. I called to inquire about a group dining reservation. The person who answered said they don't do reservations and when I inquired about the private function room they said no and hung up on me. Just before you're busy and potentially don't need the business, there's no need to be rude. Sorry Mel's. You've lost our patronage. read more

We went to Mel's diner yesterday for lunch, but we didn't go in the main restaurant so we went into BJ's the bar. The waitress was fantastic very bubbly, very energetic very positive. Great welcoming. On Tuesday, they have taco Tuesdays for $1.50 for your tacos and we decided to order those and lemonade. The tacos were fantastic the lemonade with sensational ice cold, quench your thirst. I highly recommend this place. I believe we met the owner yesterday. He was a wonderful gentleman very polite very nice very welcoming. Thank you so much from us. It was very nice to meet you. We love your restaurant. read more

They have a great Taco Tuesday!! I've been there several times with parties of 6+ and always have been completely satisfied. People are great and food is delicious.. read more

We stopped by here on the way home from the mountains a couple of months ago. Atmosphere was really cool and the food was good and the staff was nice. read more

Came here on a Saturday morning. Pretty busy but not busy enough to wait to be seated. We sat down fairly quick. The hostess to the waitress were very welcoming and kept checking on us which is exceptional. The ambience and the decor fits the restaurant. Gives you country diner feel. The food was decent. I ordered corned beef hash and eggs and personally I liked it! I would definitely come back. read more

This place is amazing!!! Way better than most diners in this area. I highly recommend it. The staff was amazing and so was the food. Overall service 10/10. read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - Breakfast - American Near Me - Jackson, California

The burger I ordered was nothing special it wasn't amazing and it wasn't bad. Right the down the middle of the road.

Classic old diner adjacent to Tesla Supercharger, historic downtown Jackson, and CA-49 and CA-88. Country fried steak, eggs, and hash browns were pretty tender and cooked well. Fast service and atmosphere has antique decorations. Staff and manager were helpful and other things were accommodating. Highly advise anyone to dine here while traveling. read more

I have been coming to Mel's & Faye's for years, and I've always had a great meal and great service. The interior is comfortable and efficient, and it is one of the few places in town that you can get an affordable sit-down meal and a good cocktail. I've had many of the things on the menu, but I always come back to the corned beef hash - breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is the corned beef hash that a measure all other hashes by. It cooked nice and crispy, a served with two eggs - I usually get poached or sunny-side up. The coffee is also consistently good. I recently stopped by here to take photos of the hash for my book about Corned Beef Hash. The photos of the hash are featured in the book. Mel's did not disappoint, the dish was served exactly as I expected and I was able to capture some excellent photos of the corned beef hash for the book. read more

Mel & Faye's Diner - Corned Beef Hash and sunny-side up eggs, with hash browns and coffee. - American Near Me - Jackson, California

As a regular visitor for 5 or so years, the last three visits here have not been impressive. The care taken over the food seems to have gone down hill. The chicken was very tough and dry and frankly hard to eat. The child's meal was a sad affair plopped onto a plate with little effort. The bread used was very low quality. Just all felt rushed, cheap and careless. We don't expect Michelin stars but I think paying customers should expect more from their local diner than what we have recently been experiencing. Staff were great and very friendly, that's always the case here but we'll sadly be giving this a miss from now on. read more