This place definitely leans hard into the "classic diner" vibe, complete with jukebox. My husband and I both had pancakes and hashbrowns. The hashbrowns were good, and I thought my pancakes were delicious. My husband was less impressed, although he still thought they were good - he said they reminded him of IHOP pancakes. Overall a good experience with good food and good service. read more

This is a great diner especially on nights where the other restaurants in the strip close. Nice home cooked food, I had the meatloaf and it was very good. read more

We frequent this area a lot and due to Pigeon Forge being so busy, Mels was the only place in town that didn't have longer than a 20 minute wait so we went there. The food is typical diner food and I wasn't disappointed. Everything went very well between service, and how quick the food got to us considering they were packed. My only concern, which is why I deducted a point is how covid was being handled. The tables are packed together so there isn't any social distancing. But, way too many people were walking around without masks on and that made us very uncomfortable. All in all though, we had a good experience and won't hesitate to go back. read more

Food and Service was excellent!! Wonderful atmosphere! Catfish was THE BEST!!!!! Definitely left satisfied!!

Rude and complete tourist trap. Owner sits at the front with negative attitude. Food is horrible and a complete waste of time. Try something other than this over priced place. read more

This was our first stop in Pigeon Forge. There was about a 30 minute wait or so. The burger was good, but just about like any other burger. Nothing that special. The pasta salad was delicious! It is hard to find pasta salad anywhere it seems like. I would come back for the pasta salad and something different than a burger. read more

Mel's Diner - Pasta Salad - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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Loved it!! Are there twice in 2 days. Food was good and service was too. Country cooking as well as burgers. The chicken fingers were amazing. read more

Mel's Diner - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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We smelled the food our first night here stopping at the store and couldn't stop talking about how we should try it out. Last day here and We didn't feel like making our own breakfast so we decided to venture out and gave Mels a shot. Did not disappoint!! Strong coffee, amazing service they treat you like they've known you forever. Food was amazing as well. We made it at the perfect time showing up a little after 9am and we were glad we did. Not long after we sat down the wait ended up being 30+ minutes! But it would've been worth the wait. Can't wait to come back and try their lunch and dinner read more

when a 50's style diner has a lot of great reviews, I'm a bit skeptical but also super delighted - they are few and far between. Mel's Diner is a quite a gem with friendly staff, delicious food, and that quintessential diner feel. The menu has both lunch items and breakfast that's served all day, so you can please just about anyone with their food options. also, no self-respecting diner would be complete without milkshakes, so they have those too, of course! after a long day at Dollywood, we were glad visit a local place, enjoy the AC, and eat a good meal that could've been made by my grandma. my hamburger steak was delicious and the green beans were seasoned the way any southerner would appreciate. my youngest sons club sandwich was polished off in no time and my oldest sons jalapeño burger looked great - plus, they didn't skimp on the jalapeños! during our visit on a Saturday (Labor Day weekend) the place was packed, parking was limited, and upon our exit, a line had formed outside but the staff was handling things quickly & efficiently. Mel's is a fantastic place to stop if you're tired of the chain places and want some seriously good diner food - you just gotta go if you're in the area!! read more

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Good service and food! Nice place to eat! Music and decorations made it truly feel like and old time diner!!

After Dollywood this was all that was open. They were insanely busy but kept things moving. We all liked our food. I did notice the floor was super dirty , like napkins all over and stick to floor...but oh well read more

Cute atmosphere, very much like Ruby's diners in California but family owned and with more personalized and warm service! Enjoyed their chocolate shake (huge! Enough for two), jalapeño burger and onion rings. Juke box Music playing adds a nice touch. read more

Mel's Diner - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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If you like Expensive food from a can, then this is the place for you!!! I got the chips and salsa and it tastes like Tostitos salsa and it was cold. The hot dog sauce also tastes like it come from a can. I don't think Anything they make is homemade. read more

Service is good. Decently okay food for the price. Good for a late night out and is very convenient. Wouldn't say the food is "game-changing" but would consider a slightly better Waffle House at the end of the night. Milkshake made it a 3/5. read more

It is a diner!!! Please remember that! Food will come out super fast for it is all pre made and ready for quick turnover service. The server FLO was amazing. She was detailed in asking questions. The banana split is a must!!!! read more

In a time of COVID/mask uncertainty, this place keeps you feeling safe and satisfied! They welcome you with open arms and a mask on their face and it's something I can really respect and appreciate. Came for the food, stayed for the dessert and southern hospitality. Super busy around 10:30pm in Memorial Day Monday. Was told there would be a 20 minute wait for a booth, so we opted to sit at the counter and could not have been more impressed with the food/service. Took a strawberry shortcake sundae to go and although it did not travel well, it was great to the last slurp/bite :) read more

Mel's Diner - Randi's Pulled Pork Barbecue, Sudlow's Made-from-scratch Meatloaf - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

I love the environment here it's a blast from the past and the milkshakes here are amazing. But the food leaves a lot to ask for I got the bacon cheeseburger and the burger was over done and the bacon was chewy but if you are someone who is all for the 70s you would love this place and make sure to order the milkshakes. read more

Pot roast was ok, not much flavor. Mashed potatoes were awesome. Macao and cheese was a pass. Chocolate malt was yummy!! My husband had the meatloaf and he said it was dry. He ordered baked beans but was brought green beans. He like the potatoes too. Sadly his favorite part was the toast that came with his meal. read more

Mel's Diner - Grandpappy's Pot Roast with mashed potatoes and Mac and cheese. Chocolate malt to drink. - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The family got a variety of dishes from the hamburger steak to the chicken tenders. Everything was good. The server was attentive to our needs. And we were seated quickly. We will definitely return. read more

Was driving around with my family and it was very late, we were all hungry and nothing was open, we were on our way back home and then that's when we saw it, this beautiful diner with the blue and red neon lights up top, there it read "Mel's Diner" my brother said, surprised to see it open. We walked in and the hospitality was very nice, they treated us as if they were the customers. Very happy we stopped and will definitely recommend to anyone. Keep rockin in the free world and doot doot da loot doot read more

My family and I were on vacation in Pigeon Forge, and our resort was on the same street as Mel's. On our last day, we were going to grab lunch before leaving town, and my wife suggested we go to the diner instead of getting fast food. I am glad that we did! We arrived around 3:30-3:45 on a Friday, and surprisingly there was a wait. It ended up being about 10-15 minutes, so not bad. I think this may have been the case of just several parties all showing up at once since it did empty out fairly quickly once we were seated. My wife and I both got the standard cheeseburger, and my kids all got the cheeseburger off of the kids menu. We also got a basket of onion rings for the table. Food came out very quickly and was very hot. The onion rings were clearly fresh out of the fryer as they were almost too hot at first! Cheeseburgers both standard and kids menu came with a very good amount of French fries. Burgers were hot and juicy and well-dressed. Fries were hot and crispy. Décor is great retro-diner style. Kids enjoyed all of the signs on the walls. Nothing inappropriate or racy. Mel's may have just become a new "spot" for us as it is located right near our timeshare in PF. read more

Was a good place for breakfast while in town. Prices were reasonable and the serving size was good. I thought the service was good, order was taken quickly and pleasantly, and refills for my drink came when needed. We only tried the breakfast food while here, but from what we ate and saw others eating, it seems to fit the bill as a standard diner. Decor fit what they were trying to accomplish for a 50s-60s feel. I definitely would come back and would like to try some of their lunch/dinner items. read more

Loved the food and the atmosphere. Had the club sandwich and my husband had the French dip and a root beer float and it was all amazing!

I love a good diner!!! My family and I loved the atmosphere and the food. Kim was our waitress. She was absolutely adorable. I had the Reuben which was delicious. read more

This place is AMAZING!! It's a must go to place! I have noticed that everywhere in this area people are not wearing masks and businesses do not enforce it. Here at Mel's Diner they do! I walked in and the lady who sat us asked us some basic COVID questions. The employees were all wearing gloves and masks. They have put up barriers between each table. The food is amazing and at a great price!! I had gotten the pulled pork. It was very delicious. I love how they had rock music playing and the neon lights. It makes me wish there were more diners like this everywhere!! The service was also outstanding. The food was out so quickly! This is not a real fancy place by any means; however, I would choose this over any fancy place any day! read more

Mel's=meh. Mel's is not worth the hype. The food was okay but nothing special. We were seated across from a drink area that looked dirty. If there is a line, keep driving and find better quality food and less of a wait. read more

Food was very delicious and the waitress was very nice and friendly and did a very awesome job on her second day serving customers by herself. read more

Typical diner food, but it was good food for a decent price and the wait was minimal. Had patty melts, footlong hot dogs, and bacon double cheeseburgers. read more

The food was delicious, a perfect greasy spoon diner! The service was great and the staff was so nice, a wonderful experience!

Amazing banana split just like it should be made. Ice cream was so creamy. Toppings fresh and chunky. Lisa was our server. She was so friendly and welcoming! Thank you!! The atmosphere in this diner is so old school. Just made for a great late night snack. read more

Mel's Diner - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Love breakfast here They have the great white gravy My husband loves to get their sandwiches they're very good We tried to eat a couple of times here every winter when we come read more

We stopped here for a mid afternoon treat. My wife had a banana split and I had a chocolate milk shake. Can't really say to much but the waitress was nice and the service was fast. No complaints. Would come here again for a meal one day if we're ever back in the area read more

Mel's Diner - Banana split - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

We came here for breakfast after the other places had to long a wait. We got right in and were seated. We had an absolute great waitress. Friendly and fun. Food was better than the places we were trying to go to. Price was low. I felt like I should have paid more. As I was cashing out the waitress brought my three year old some toys. He loved it. I tipped her well. Over all, we look forward to going back on our next trip. read more

Your typical spot for breakfast. Good service and good food :)

Super busy when we went but it was worth it. The biscuits and gravy are AMAZING. I don't recommend the hashbrowns. They were undercooked & the ketchup tasted bad. Overall I would go back. read more

Awesome food, awesome atmosphere, SUPERB service!!! We stopped in at 3:30pm and while it was packed they executed flawlessly. Virginia, our server, thought of everything and had an awesome attitude. Well done!!!! read more

No CALL IN for take out an hour before they close. If your there ordering for take out they get your orders out fast. Love the 50s decor. A small place. But the price is right to stop in for a quick meal. read more

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Wasn't impressed. Gave it 2 stars because it was a super cute little old fashioned diner, but my burger was awful. Tasted like elementary school burger quality, and I could tell the meat was. Fries weren't good either. Ice cream, wasn't anything special. Could've made a better sundae at home honestly. read more

Catfish sandwhich was delicious! It's an adorable 50s style diner and the employees seemed to be genuinely happy. I even saw one of the waitresses doing the damn sockhop.... such a fun laid back vibe! The service was quick and everything tasted homemade. Anywhere you go to eat dinner in this area you'll pay more and have to wait longer. Also they stay open later (midnight) than pretty much anywhere else so that was a bonus. I'd definitely say I'd rather go here for a late dinner than breakfast because they are mainly famous for their breakfast and it gets PACKED in the mornings. Lovin' those old school vibes and simple yet delicious food! read more

Mel's Diner - Diners Near Me - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

First time visiting during Spring break from Georgia. Great food and service. We will definitely be returning.