Lafayette, Louisiana --- "Mel's" was a great choice to start my day off ... tasty-riffic breakfast scramble, topped with yummy-riffic sausage gravy, a super crispy side of hash-browns & one of "Mel's" "famous" biscuits (which I believe are actually a "famous" corn bread ) ... "Mel's" atmosphere is 50's with a nice slice of Louisiana niceness, complete with my very 1st "you all come back now ... you here!" in true Louisiana accent In addition, the service was GREAT! "Mel's" is not associated with California "Ametican Grafitti" "Mel's", but a locally owned & operated "Run-A-Way Bill" was here! eatery ... day 047 "DUSA 2017" (Discover USA) "Run-A-Way Bill" was here! #RunAwayBill #DUSA2017 04.10.17 read more

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Mel's Diner is a really good breakfast food place. If you're in the mood for that 50's diner feel with some good breakfast food (like some of those chain diners), then Mel's is a better choice. It's not the best food, but it's great. The service feels authentically from the 50's, and it's just got a good "oldies" feel to it with all the old pictures on the walls. It's a good place to go for a late night meal, and sometimes I go there for my lunch break. It beats the socks off of chain breakfast diners, that's for sure! read more

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Okay my salad was great But my husbands food was not .green beans were very bad. And we had 2 other people with us there hasbrowns were all but raw ... burger was cold. eggs were cold . read more

Very friendly staff and the food was good. My only disappointment was that the pecans on my waffle tasted old. Would definitely go back

so my last review was a very bad one but shortly after the owner got in touch with me and his wife offered to send vouchers which I do not need. the owner handled it in the best way possible by just listening to what I had to say and assuring me that the employee was let go and it wouldn't happen again. like I'm the last post even tho it was a awful one I did state the server we had was amazing she apologized many times made sure we got are delicious food and we were doing ok the entire meal. the food or service wasn't or never will be a problem I will definitely be back. the owners definitely made me see they really do care!! read more

Mel's is a great little diner for when you want a no frills home cooked meal, be it breakfast, lunch, dinner or a 2am craving. The meals here are good and the portions and pricing very much in line with a diner. The service was friendly and quick. The biggest downsides are that this diner has been around decades and could use some updating and cleaning up a bit. The bath was also usable but more closely resembled that to a cheap gas station toilet vs a restaurant. Be that as it may, the food was still good, quick and hot. Enjoy! read more

After the Pandemic and Fire I didn't think this place would make it. However they have bounced back and the food is as good as it once was. I eat here at least once a week and have never been disappointed read more

Excellent spot for a delicious home cooked tasting meal. I visited twice in the last few weeks and both meals were excellent. First up was the club sandwich and fries- generous portions and superb taste. Next visit I had chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and veggies, absolutely the best I've had in quite awhile. First visit was 2:30 a.m. and the crowd was quite rowdy, second visit was more calm. read more

I got a bacon burger. Was probably one of the best I've had in a long time. It was very flavorful. Hot food and great service.

I went to eat mel's, im a server as well so i understand a pressure during a rush, especially that late. the server was very rude and threw our menus on the table and also brought out everyones food and did not put mine in. I know she did not because everyone who had friend food came out while I only ordered a kids tender. I waited and hour and a half and got nothing so I walked out because all i ordered was water. She is my server every single time and it's always the same thing. Its your job to provide quality service with a smile no matter how bad the shift is. If you can't handle people or that a new job is needed. read more

Do not sit at the counter to eat. The waitress will ignore you the entire time. We have been waiting 20 minutes for water and straws this morning! Still hasn't taken our food order. Had to get the bus boy to wait on us bc our waitress wouldn't! Do not come here unless you are a local and she knows you! read more

5 stars if you're drunk! the best mushrooms Swiss burger add an over easy egg and fries with the wets!! Life changin Haha Open 24/7 can't beat it!! Been the same awesome late night waitresses for 15 years and hope it never changes. A lot of things are better than decent here and the price is reasonable. Glad we have this drunken food gem. read more

Was told to "hold on for juuuust a second" ... can hear all of the employees talking in the background about the movies theyve been watching and mocking customers. Finally hung up. Just called back and the phone won't ring because it's still off the hook. What a joke. Don't pick up the phone just to make it stop ringing. Take the phones out of your restaurant and stop taking Togo orders because from the things I was hearing on the phone while being put on "hold" makes it obvious this place isn't a restaurant, but rather a circus.. read more

Mel's Diner - Called back 15 minutes later to try again, the phone is still off the hook - Waffles Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

This place is awesome. A favorite to all of the ULL students (except those who haven't tried it yet). A nice, simple diner, you really feel like you're in the 50s in there. The servers are always very nice and you can hear the cooks cut up in the back sometimes, it just makes it feel like a really relaxed place to be. Also the only place you can get quality late night food, no open-late fast food place can compare. From the great food to the colorful tables and chairs to all of the wall decorations, you can really just chill here. If you go, you need to have the biscuits and gravy. When they say world's best biscuits, they aren't lying. Once you've had that, go back for lunch and get the tuna melt on rye. Or anything. There's nothing on that menu that isn't damn delicious. But, I repeat, if it's your first visit, BISCUITS AND GRAVY. read more

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If you want a cute date place this is the spot even for family , we order the burgers and fries and it was great ! No bad things to say about this experience the place is too cute good music and good food totally would recommend! It's adorable read more

It's either a hit or miss each day. When it's busy, staff took awhile to greet us but no one seated us until a table opened up. I wouldn't have mind waiting if customer service was more friendlier and welcoming. Felt like I have to rush thru my meals because it was so busy that I didn't want to keep my table too long. Food is a hit or miss too. Certain things are great because you can't go wrong with messing up on toasts, eggs, burgers, ect. But chili, gravy, and other items that isn't as popular are most often missed. It's rare when I get served vegetable soup that is actually delicious and fresh tasting. I will be back, but only if there's no other restaurant options. read more

Good basic diner food with fun family atmosphere. Waitress was friendly and accommodating. Enjoyed true diner food with Cajun flare. The red beans, rice and sausage was excellent and filling. Not the fanciest of places but good solid fun with a smile. Go in and enjoy all of Mel's words of wisdom on the walls while enjoying your dinner. read more

Came here and honestly the food was really good. It's diner food but it was cheap in terms of prices but the quality was really good. I would for sure come back here in the future. read more

It has been a long time since I last visited Mel's, and this morning was the first time I went that wasn't after a late night out on the town. I was extremely pleasantly surprised to see how very courteous and helpful the entire staff was. It didn't take long for the food to come out, and it was delicious. It was very cold in there, which isn't a terrible thing. Now I think I appreciate this place even more considering what they put up with during the wee hours of the night. read more

We visited Mel's on a Sunday evening. We got a place to sit almost immediately. The decor and the ambience was very beautiful. The staff was okay. Our server probably had a tough day and was a little off. We ordered the Hamburger Steak and the Chicken Steak. The steak was well done, and it was about standard. It was tasty and the sauce was creamy. The mashed potato was good. The chicken on the other hand tasted a little bland and it wasn't too delicious. The fries needed some seasoning on them. I liked the quirky writings above the counters, and the lighting was also in tune with the whole theme of the restaurant. A lot of people complained about the washroom, so I didn't really take a chance. Overall, I had an okay experience. Cheers! read more

THE place to eat after a night out. Mel's stays packed from 11p to about 4a, then gets a break until the more traditional breakfast time a few hours later. I always order the breakfast food or the B.L.T. when I go, & maybe it's the delirium that accompanies exhaustion, but I love the food every time. Their Chocolate Shake is a beautiful thing. Mmm Come to think of it, I've eaten here during regular breakfast & lunch hours. Not bad then, either, but the best waitresses (read: Tat & Annette) work when the drunkards go, so you've really got to get there during "club hours." I don't know how anyone could hate this place. Just bring a jacket or something warm, because this place is MISERABLY COLD, even when I don't order a Chocolate Shake. read more

Ok, let's face it...Mel's isn't know for their "great" food. Mel's is one of the places that you go to after a night on the town. I noticed that a lot of locals eat here and a lot of them are regulars, like my Dad. I was visiting my family in Lafayette and Dad suggested that we go over to Mel's for breakfast. I was a little hesitant at first but decided to give them a try anyway. I should have listened to my gut. The food was horrible, just as I had remembered from years ago. Nothing has changed except the fresh paint on the walls. I really don't know how people can eat here all the time and call it "good" food. The scrambled eggs were runny, the hash browns weren't even cooked. The best thing about the breakfast was the biscuit, which they are "famously known for". I think they should just strictly stick to the biscuit making. Fail. read more

This place is the greasiest spoon. My shoes are slippery after eating here. This is the kind of kitschy 50's diner that reminds me of childhood. If that's what you want this, place is perfect. The food is nothing special. The hash tastes like butter, but so does everything else. I am a man that has no problem with butter. I was between a two and a three, but they won the 3. Why? They were the only place open at 6 am on a holiday, friendly service and the banter of the regular customers is alone worth the price of the meal. read more

Mel's Diner is a good late night breakfast spot for those who are hungry after the "night life" has ended. Every single visit that I've been there it was always crowded. Sometimes it's to crowded to get a table so if you are not a group then you may find a seat at the bar. The waitress are very nice and patient when waiting for you to order. If you have any questions about something on the menu the gladly answer them. The ladies are always full of energy at that time of night. Now as far as food, I pretty much order the same thing everytime. Eggs, grits, pancakes, biscuits. The food is always good and tasty as if it was cooked in your own kitchen. They offer many other items on the menu but those are the things a picky eater like me eat. One day I plan to go during the daytime when there is less of a crowd. Also the prices are very reasonable. read more

Mel's Diner - Short stack pancakes, delicious biscuits, & grits. - Waffles Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

Solid prices, food is quick to come out & the taste is alright. That's the quick summary I'd give this place. It does feel a little unclean, especially the bathroom (sorry for the visual, but the moment I stepped inside I could not stop gagging). Our server was a little off, she didn't have the friendly, comforting vibe that a lot of servers have at diners. She was a little quiet, never came by to refill water and just slipped the check quietly on the table and walked away. Compared to the other server in the establishment, who seemed very personable and on top of her tables, our server was "ok". She never said the specials or smiled or anything. We ordered the a Ruben hot sandwich, which came with a side of potato chips that tasted like microwaved Ruffles. The sandwich was pretty solid, tasted like a grocery deli sandwich (but I really like deli sandwiches). We also got chili, which was a little on the bland side. All in all, it's nothing to rave about, but pretty solid for quick eats and cheap prices. read more

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It's a late night diner in Lafayette so ... That's what you gotta expect. The bathrooms are a little grimey but there is hand soap! The pie is frozen Sara Lee so we are not gonna order that BUT it is open 24 hours and it's got charm for sure... So I'm giving thanks cuz I'm hungry and it's late! read more

Mel's Diner - Camera wrapped! - Waffles Near Me - Lafayette, Louisiana

My mother used to say, if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all. The good; the service was okay even though they were very busy when we went here for lunch last week. They were very busy, so some folks must like the place. I ordered breakfast and even the toast was disappointing. The hash browns were bland, obviously made from frozen like the corned beef hash that I also had. Even my eggs were pretty sad. You can get a much better breakfast at Denny's IHOP or even (yikes) Macdonald's. read more

We dined here on a weekday morning. Egg shells in one of our omelettes, never brought more cream for coffee, waitress forgot gravy for biscuits. The person at the register wasn't unfriendly but they certainly were not friendly. We like supporting local businesses but we will dine at Cracker Barrel over this place. read more

Mel's is the go to place for food in the middle of the night. However, the food is okay and the service is always awful. The waitresses are absolutely overworked and the restaurant always seems short staffed. It takes 20 minutes just to get drinks and sometimes the food is already cold before it reaches the table. read more

What a treat! Excellent blue plate food with warm but efficient service. Wow! I could eat here every day. An unexpectedly special event during our too-short visit to Lafayette. I'll be back. read more

Great service even when it was busy. (Around 10pm) hard to mess up a poboy but it was good. Would definitely go back again

This place has great food and service it's just not my favorite. I love the sayings on the wall and all the old pictures.

One of the best diners in Lafayette with a real 50s feel! Authentic decoration and classic rock music! Great food and great staff! Try the open-faced hot sandwiches. Unbelievable! Breakfast here is equally fantastic and they serve some outstanding omelettes! They serve outstanding All-American fare. There's an ATM here if you need to pull out some cash. Also, they're open 24 hours, so it's perfect if you are working the evening hours or have a late night craving. This place tends to be popular among students from UL Lafayette and South Louisiana CC, and has been a staple of the community for many years. All in all, fantastic place! read more

Food quality at Mel's has plummeted over the years. Food is always cold when it is served and it tastes more prefab than homemade as ever. The service is polite enough but I am still afraid to send food back for fear of the diner staff spitting (or whatever) in it. It is such a shame because we really used to enjoy Mel's. read more

Let's face it...you're not coming here for five-star truffles or other fancier fare you'd find elsewhere in Lafayette; you're coming here for basic eats after a night of drinking, clubbing and partying (at least I have, having never been inside during daylight hours). I've had better food at some diners; I've had worse food at other greasy spoons. The service is usually spot-on, especially since I usually sit at the counter, and I don't have to wait long before someone's pouring more coffee. The waitstaff is usually pretty gregarious, unless they're in the weeds because the joint is jumping. Orders are hitting your table in no time flat and the besotted clubbers or concert goers from a show at the Cajundome often provide extra entertainment at no additional charge. Their omelettes are tasty, the hash browns crispy but not overburnt and the grits are yummy. I've had their open-faced sandwiches, club sandwiches and tuna melts as well, and they do the job. As a Jersey boy, the wets are a personal favorite. All in all a good place to spend a few bucks and get your food on as your buzz starts to wane. read more

Will not be eating there again, the walls are covered in dust above you while you eat. You can't order 2 orders of fries together with a meal in place of a vegetable. This place does not care about the customer. read more

After a few beers around the corner, we found this local dive. The breakfast was incredible, climate was fitting for 0100 am meal. Grits, over medium eggs and home made buttermilk biscuits with white gravy. Delicious! read more

Went here today because my teenagers said it was great. Went in with the family and was greeted right away. Got our orders taken and I ordered coffee. The drinks came out in a timely manor and by the time my daughter got her house salad my cup was empty. I asked for a refill and was told she would be right back. The next time I saw her was about 15 minutes later when she delivered the food. I asked again for a refill and she got it to me quickly. As soon as she left the table from dropping off the food I took a bite of my fries. They were barely warm. I was trying to tell the server as she filled my coffee but she just took off. I ordered my burger medium and it was very well done and dried out. The server didn't come back to the table until we were finished so we had no chance to get hot fries, a new burger or drink refills. I think I'll pass next time. read more

Had biscuit's with meat gravy.Gravy was great but biscuits tasted like they were a day old. Waitress had no personality was not courteous,and must have forgot where my table was. read more

Drunk and hungry? Mel is your man. Bring a sweatshirt though, they keep the diner thermostat at about 12 degrees.