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    Mel's Hard Luck Diner

    4.0 (691 reviews)
    ModerateDiners
    Open 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

    Mel's Hard Luck Diner Photos

    MEL'S HARD LUCK DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Touristy
    Casual
    Loud
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Mel's Hard Luck Diner

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    Roast
    Teresa J.

    We were looking for something fun and entertaining for lunch for our kiddos and came across Mel's Hard Luck Diner. We were seated right away and enjoyed our server, the singing, and the atmosphere. The menu was full of diner style choices and everyone was able to find something they liked. We loved the fried green beans and of course dessert did not disappoint! Pricing for this area was great and my kids asked to go back for dinner. That is when you know a place is a hit! If you are looking for a good meal, quick service, and a side if entertainment make sure to visit Mel's when in town.

    Val R.

    Great lunch with Rachel, our singing server! We had; Chili over spaghetti, vegetable soup w chicken salad sandwich, vegetable soup w grilled cheese The chili was flavorful, not overly spicy. The vegetable soup was good, but maybe came from a can. The chicken salad had grapes & other bits of goodness. The grilled cheese was crispy on the outside & gooey on the inside. Chocolate pie & ice cream sundaes were the highlights of our visit! You'll be overwhelmed by the sundaes, I'm sure! The atmosphere is fun & having a variety of singing servers adds to the fun.

    Chick-A-Boom Croissant
    Alison M.

    I found this and added it to our "to do" list while in Branson and I'm glad we were able to stop in. I had forgotten that the servers are also singers and walk around singing old tones to everyone, how fun! Menu was large and had something to please everyone, prices are fair and portions are HUGE. My husband got a Reuben (of course) with fries and I chose a Chicken Salad Sandwich with fries on a croissant. The croissant wasn't very good (fresh) and the chicken salad was OK. His Reuben was delicious. Fries were good. Shakes and sundaes looked amazing and also huge. Service was wonderful and friendly and prompt and the singing was so fun! Definitely something unique you should do while in town and especially if you have children. Our young daughter loved it.

    Erick W.

    Great place to eat with good food and good entertaining servers that serve food with a song and a smile!

    Banana Split OMG  !!!
    Bob A.

    Clean and classic diner atmosphere. Service A+ Food A+ Singers A+ (makes this place extra fun) If you're coming to Branson make sure you check this place out. Last but not least, more lie MOST. The Banana Split is King!!

    It was so good, I had no chance to take a picture of it before my group attacked it
    Zhenya B.

    We came here for dessert this evening. Our server was kind, helpful and very good singer. We enjoyed hot fudge Sunday and lovely music.

    Decor
    Leigh Ann R.

    If you are looking for an old fashioned, classic diner type of atmosphere, then you're in the right place. When you first walk into this restaurant you are warned that it will be loud. Honestly, it's no louder than if you went to a sports bar like Buffalo Wild Wings or Roosters. The service was excellent and as a plus the waitstaff will take turns singing different songs. The menu is decent but limited at the same time. Unfortunately, the food is mediocre at best. I ordered the smoke in my eyes burger and it was decent but nothing to write home about. My daughter ordered the spaghetti and said it wasn't good. My son did enjoy the fries and jalapeno poppers so that was a plus. My husband said that he would've rather had a cheeseburger from McDonald's and that is saying something. Overall, I hate to say it but it's not worth the price you pay for the food.

    Groovin' Grilled Chicken Salad (plus all the toppings from the chef's salad ... making it the greatest salad ever!)

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    3 years ago

    Burger and fries were very good, service was great, atmosphere was very interesting and very entertaining.

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    3 years ago

    The food and service were great. Loved the singing waiters and waitresses. Had a line waiting to get in but it moves fast.

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Our waitress was great! Engaged in conversation with our kiddos. The food was good and my girls enjoy their shakes!

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    3 years ago

    The entertainment is ok if that's is what you want. There's not much to brag about when it comes to the food.

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Service was good and songs were fun. Philly cheesesteak was good and so were French fries but hamburger was over cooked and bland.

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    4 years ago

    Favorite place to eat in Branson! Fun atmosphere, talented servers and delicious food.

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    3 years ago

    Food was over priced for what it was salad was very blend, southwest sandwich was cold. No refills, never for milk shake we ordered.

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    Page 7 of 18

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    Ask the Community - Mel's Hard Luck Diner

    Do groups have to order from special menu?

    No you don't order from special menu if you're in a group.

    Does this restaurant take reservations?

    I don't believe they do. But it's always good to check.

    Is there any other locations? perhaps in chicago?

    Ther are no other locations.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Great Breakfast Spot!…read more I'll start by admitting--I'm not usually a breakfast person. I like it fine, but I'd often rather wait until lunch to start eating for the day. We stopped here on our way back to Tulsa from Branson, and I'm so glad we did! My son had the pancake platter, which he absolutely loved. But the real star? The breakfast sliders. Oh my goodness--these are the BEST breakfast sandwiches I've ever had. The bread is perfect--fluffy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside. I chose the sausage (bacon and ham are also options), and it was delicious. The eggs were perfectly cooked, and the cheese paired beautifully. You get two sliders per plate and can choose your side bread item--I went with the house potatoes, which were seasoned perfectly and had the same delightful fluffy-yet-crispy texture as the bread. I could only eat one slider myself and brought the other home for my husband--he texted me the next morning saying it was just as amazing. Our waitress (I'm sorry I forgot her name!) was so kind and welcoming. The place is small and charmingly decorated, adding to the cozy vibe. All in all, we had the best breakfast. This is definitely a must-stop and a place I'll recommend to anyone traveling this way. Highly recommend!

    The food was horrific. The sausage was in rabbit pellet form, and the pancakes were rubber and…read moretasteless as well. Service was good.

    Photos
    Red Barn sign
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    Chicken liver dinner with Curley fries and fresh corn.  This also came with the soup/salad bar.   OMG!
    Chicken liver dinner with Curley fries and fresh corn. This also came with the soup/salad bar. OMG!
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    Mel's Hard Luck Diner - diners - Updated July 2026

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