1 star, according to Yelp, is "not good". When you get chicken which is still frozen in the middle, it's not good. I bit into a piece of fried chicken, and there was ice inside. If you're paying attention, that means that they are serving reheated, frozen food. Management must have their own reasons as to why this is better than fresh made food. Now the servers have to deal with a diner who bit into frozen food. I ask for the check. The server brings the check. I had to ask the server to take the chicken off the check. The order was for chicken and waffles. The server returns with a new check, and explains that he took the chicken off the check....... but he is charging me $10.95 for the 1 waffle. I don't know...... I shouldn't have to pay anything for the dish that was made wrong....... How do I return to dine here again? Or maybe they just don't want me to eat there. Chicken and waffle on the menu, are supposed to come with cheddar, bacon, green onion, and maple syrup. I only got syrup. There was no cheddar, bacon, or green onion. Who is the expediter? Nobody there knows, or notices that a plate going out is missing half of the food? Not the cook? Not the server? The chicken had ice in the middle. And the server was generous enough to offer a $6 discount. Still expecting me to pay $10.95 for a meal which the kitchen made wrong. Follow the math. I have to pay 2/3 of the menu price, while I only get 1/5 of the advertised plate of food. The servers were nice. I have no idea how they can smile, when they serve bad food. read more

Mel's Kitchen - Cheddar, bacon, green onions did not get plated. Chicken was still frozen in the middle. - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Food was great and atmosphere was welcoming definitely will recommend. The service was okay but will return for the wings and Elvis plate. read more

Mel's Kitchen - If your staying at the Marriott its a must try - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

I go here a lot before or after work, and have tried a few different things. The pancakes, waffles, huevos rancheros, and breakfast burrito are all really good! The breakfast burrito is my new favorite, very filling, great portion. The staff is always very friendly and stays on top of the many coffee refills I seem to go through, checks in on the food and if you need anything else, generally always smiling. Outlets by lots of the tables if you need to charge up while you eat, free WiFi, and the bathrooms are always clean. read more

We really were looking forward to the advertised Mel's Thanksgiving dinner, and we walked in only to be brushed off by the wait staff. We even tried to reach out to one of the staff whose name was Javier, and he basically blew us off. We felt completely dismissed and ended up just walking out because it wasn't worth it. We love Mel's diner, and we've gone to many of them throughout California but this one really sucks. Don't recommend. read more

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. Always a good meal with good service. Clean and Cozy Booths. read more

I am really glad this place came back after the lockdown. I like their food. I especially like their avocado toast and burgers. On my last visit, I had the patty melt. It was well made. The bread was grilled perfectly and the meat was cooked to order perfection. I hope they expand their hours more as California reopens the economy. read more

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This is a remodeled Mel's that's strategically located on the corner of Van Ness and Geary (across the street from Tommy's Joynt) and serves solid California diner food. I came here for Saturday lunch after a good workout and was immediately faced with the question of burger or salad. I chose the quinoa and kale salad with an additional salmon with some ice tea. The food was good and the portions were huge. It's enough for two and I easily and happily took half of it in a doggy bag. Service was good and the restaurant really is nicely remodeled and bright. The prices was a little on the high side - the salad with side salmon and an iced tea came out to $35 after tax and tip. I'd come back here again and try their other dishes. read more

Mel's Kitchen - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I walked in after a nice long day at work busting my ass doing manual labor. So I was tired and I was hungry and a little bit dirty not very dirty but just a couple stains on my sweatshirt that's it. I walked in sat down at the bar getting ready to order a burger and a milkshake and this blonde haired middle aged gurth lady, with a big nose and a strong accent walked up to me and scanned me up and down and then walked past me. Went and grabbed a rag and started cleaning a table. I said "excuse me, can I get a menu please?" she says, "are you going to pay for your food or are you going to run out without paying?" I said," excuse me?" and she kept looking me up and down and I said "why are you looking at me like that?" and she says "you know why I'm looking at you like that don't play stupid.".. UTTERLY SHOCKED is the expression on my face at this point. This lady was so blatantly rude, she stereotyped me and judged me as though I was some filth out of a trash can. She says" you're dirty" I said "yeah I just got off work" she says "uh-huh... right!" She then walks up to a table where there's a family of four sitting there a husband wife and two middle school kids and says "filthy dirty lowlifes coming in here trying to steal food". I felt so disrespected and so out of place at that point and everybody just looking at me. Honestly I didn't even know what to say at that point. I had to gather myself and truly think about what it was I was going to do next. Of course I didn't want Miss perfect to make my food or have anything to do with anything I was going to put in my body. So I was thinking about just ordering my food online and having it delivered. But I decided against it because I didn't feel as though I was welcome to spend my hard-earned money that they assume that I dont have. So.... infuriated....., I left and being a long time customer of Mel's for over 25 years, I WILL NEVER GO TO A MEL'S DINER AGAIN! EVER!!!!!!! read more

Mel's Kitchen - This was the waitress who was, blatantly rude judgmental, stereotyped me and was completely disrespectful in every possible way. - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have to admit my curiosity was piqued by the idea of Mel's undergoing a heavy makeover from greasy diner to more upscale eatery. Sure, the "American Graffiti" kitsch touches are gone and a sleek bar has been added, but the change doesn't mean it's turned into Benu, more like a TGI Friday's without the big screens. The simplified one-page menu was more streamlined and Californicated with fashionable entrees like Wild King Salmon, Sesame Ahi Tuna, and Bistro Steak Frites. The hot fudge sundae was still there subtly semi-hidden in the dessert section and so was Mel's Burger, but the difference was that the now-common Impossible Burger was offered for veg heads. I was alone, but surprisingly I didn't sit at the long bar but at a mini-booth toward the back. I guess I looked like someone who needed table service. Good guess. The waiter was fairly attentive though rather scripted in the information he shared. He wholeheartedly endorsed my choice. It was the kinda pricey $16 Smoked Chicken with Kale Chiffonade (photo: http://bit.ly/2y4yokg). I could tell the kale was massaged as it wasn't too fibrous. It was mixed with Fuji apple slices, roasted almonds, crumbled blue cheese, and shards of smoked chicken with the skin left intact. That was my favorite touch. The balsamic vinaigrette not as much because the salad was overdressed in it. I know for next time to request it on the side. Did I just type "next time" and refer to Mel's at the same time? I guess miracles can happen. FOOD - 3 stars...the salad was a leap forward for Mel's but execution still needed a bit of work AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...yep, it's nicer, just not all that nice...and it didn't strike me that their target customers have changed either SERVICE - 3.5 stars...more attentive than anybody who served me at the Drive-In TOTAL - 3 stars...not ready to round up to 4 until they more clearly define the standard they're going for RELATED - Interested in other dining options in the Tenderloin? Here's a list of places I've tried and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2MAPqN5 read more

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The service was great, I can't remember the gentleman that helped us out but they were all great. The food and drinks came out fast and tasted great read more

Service is good and the food is awesome, pretty quick. I like quick service when I am very hungry

Typical diner food. Not bad. I ordered Cesar salad with side of French fries and also tried the breakfast burrito and tomato bisque soup. Cesar salad was good, French fries were crispy. My husband and I thought the breakfast burrito was delicious but a bit small compared to breakfast burritos from other places (my husband is a breakfast connoisseur per husband). It came with hash browns, but I thought hash browns were a bit soggy could be crispier. Restaurant setting was nice and staff were nice. Area outside the restaurant is okay.. increasing homelessness in the area . read more

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Great salad for a lite healthy lunch. Fresh avocado, chicken, etc. Service was quick and friendly. read more

Mel's Kitchen - Sante *Santa Fe Salad - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

I understand that it is Thanksgiving, busy night and short of people, but when customers ask the server "We would like to follow up with our orders" and the server responses with an attitude "what do you want me to do???", it is UNACCEPTABLE!!! especially if we had been waiting for 45 mins. You only served with black coffee and let it cold without any cream or utensils! IT WAS UNACCEPTABLE ATTITUDE FOR CUSTOMERS WHO ASKED YOU IN A NICE WAY!!! You shouldn't be working at the restaurant...you...yes, you, the only old lady at that branch. read more

I really dont understand why the ratings here aren't better. We ate here several times during our stay and always found the food to be good and the service to be reasonably attentive and friendly. read more

Like someone else said... the place reminds me of Seinfeld. Service was fast, and the staff was awesome. And their drip coffee? It was actually very good. And I hate drip coffee. The food was delicious and served very quickly . read more

My boss was telling me about the Impossible Burger that he tried in two different places in SoCal, so it was almost serendipitous when we needed to grab a late lunch and Mel's Kitchen happened to have the Impossible Burger on its menu! Of course we had to order it. At $16.95, it also comes with a side of fries. The burger comes on a wheat bun with alfalfa sprouts and tomato. You can add some avocado for an additional charge and request some sauces on the side if desired. The burger itself comes with no sauce. I was amazed at how juicy and delicious this burger is, not to mention it tastes absolutely like a regular meat patty, down to the color of the patty in the middle (slightly pink as if it was cooked medium) and the color of the dripping juices (looks just like meat juice!). I felt full and satisfied afterwards dusting off the Impossible Burger, but the feeling wasn't a heavy full one. I also added the acai blend smoothie ($9) and it was such a delicious and satisfying smoothie. If you can, stick to their lunch items. We returned for breakfast the next morning. The waffles I ordered were not as crisp as the ones I had at a local cafe back home, so I was a bit disappointed. My boss's oatmeal looked pretty disappointing too, as it was swimming in water. I give breakfast 3 stars since we both ordered the smoothies again and that was the highlight of the meal. Mel's Kitchen serves as the primary dining spot for the Courtyard by Marriott, as the hotel does not have its own restaurant. Enter through the private door directly from inside the Courtyard or from the front door. Hotel patrons get a 10% discount on the bill. The Yelp check-in has a similar offer too. read more

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I was very disappointed. I ordered a meatloaf dinner. It came out looking like a tv dinner ! Not worth $25 !!

Ordered fish and chips to go. The batter was undercooked forgot to out my sauce and bread in my order. Overall not to pleasant of an experience. read more

'Mel's Drive-In' ...... there was no drive-in Should probably switch your website title. How difficult is it to update the to the correct website address? Like seriously, your menu isn't even the same. read more

Excellent service has to be noted. Friendly staff and very attentive. Ordered drinks only but will be back.

One of the best hash browns in town. This place is super clean and bathroom is clean as well. Customer service is % and I like the playlist, the music, the vibes . read more

Classic diner on the corner of Van Ness and Geary. It has gotten an upgrade during the pandemic - slightly more upscale with a new interior layout and a full bar. I've come here a few times after work when I'm craving comfort food. You can't go wrong with their patty melt - juicy burger with cheese and caramelized onions on perfectly grilled rye toast. When I'm feeling fancy I'll get the Caesar salad topped with grilled salmon and a dirty martini read more

Mel's Kitchen is an offshoot of Mel's Diner. I guess they gave it an interior renovation, but it has no character like the old Mel's with the 60s themed interior diner look. So, I decided to visit and check out the menu. They have a deal with a burger, drink, and french fries at $10. I got %10 off with the check-in. So I paid $10 and some change for my lunch today. I was on Van Ness at Guitar Center. I decided to try this newly renovated Mel's, but the menu is a bit overpriced and boring. The burger deal was fun and I guess I am on a burger kick right now...you know not pizza or dumplings. haha. It's a good day for Mel's on Van Ness! read more

Mel's Kitchen - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I thought they did a good job with everything. Service was fast, my waffle combo was reasonably priced. And my waiter saw me trying to clean the bacon grease off my hands with regular towel, he went and brought me the wet wipes! For food thought it was very good, traditional style waffle (I usually like the fluffy Belgium waffle) but this was excellent for its style. Bacon was nice and crispy even though it's thick cut (I love mine extra crispy!) read more

Mel's Kitchen - Waffle combo breakfast - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

One of the worst restaurants I've ever been to. I went in about 5 on a Sunday evening. There were only a few customers. The hostess seated me and then disappeared. There were no employees in sight anywhere. She finally came back andbrought me a menu, then disappered again. After another long wait, she took my order for a hamburger and fries. Then I waited and waited again with no employees in sight and few customers. Finally another customer entered, the hostess/waitress appeared and began chatting with him. I finally cought her eye and asked about my order. She assured my it was coming. and it eventually did. It probably took 20 minutes or more. Again, remember there were hardly any customers. The meat was overcooked, the presentation was terrible and the hostess/waitress remained surly. Neither she, nor the bartender who appeared occasionally looked clean. I did not leave a tip. What ever is wrong with the owners? How could they allow their business to be so poorly run? read more

The burger was amazing, cooked perfectly to order. I picked up my order. I asked for utensils & extra napkins ketchup & Mayo; only received a napkin and ketchup. Fries were good. Ambience is fine for a diner; it was clean & staff was courteous. read more

We ordered steak and eggs, a burger, a salad, a shake, and a chicken sandwich. It took 45 minutes for the food to start arriving. We arrived at the same time a large party arrived, so we somewhat expected a longer wait from a busy kitchen. Medium-rare steak was almost well done and the burger patty was dry. The fries were fine. The shake was good. The $20 chicken sandwich took 60 minutes to come out and it was burnt all around and dry all the way through. It's like they left the chicken in the fryer and forgot about it. I couldn't wait another 60 minutes to order anything else, so I ate the fries and left. I don't expect much from a diner, but this was one of the worst food experiences I've ever had. I was hungry, upset, and just wanted to leave. The service staff was very friendly even when it was very late and the diner was past closing. 0 stars for Mel's Kitchen 2 bonus stars for the service read more

I had the perfect meal here, crunchy fries and short rib grilled cheese that really hit the spot. Casual ambiance with a nice street view. Great service. No complaints at all read more

Mel's Kitchen - Perfect short rib grilled cheese - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's an upscale Mel's with a full bar and superlative service. If you love diner food & bourbon I can't recommend it highly enough!

Lovely ambience great menu friendly service decent prices. In same building as courtyard Marriott van ness. Great peaceful clean oasis. Maybe not the fastest in the world but do we always have to hurry? Fan of fresh OJ! read more

Excellent service! Waiter was extremely pleasant and efficient. Took my order promptly and was very nice. The food was excellent and well prepared. The waiter stopped by frequently for coffee refills. read more

Honestly this place sucks and I usually don't complain, but the lady wasn't understanding. I ordered a smoothie, but tasted like ice and water. She kept going on about how the smoothie is suppose to taste like nothing. Sorry, but I didn't order a $9 smoothie just to taste like ice and water. This place blows read more

Mel's Kitchen - Cheesecake with strawberry topping - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

Elegant. New classic ambiance: evrything you remember, upgraded. Brilliant service. Tasty food. Parking on the same block next to the new CGV theaters. read more

Mel's Kitchen - Mel's Burger - American Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place has replaced Mel's Diner. Ain't much of a dif'rence. We chose to give this place a try even though we like Tommy's Joynt, The food was a bit salty, the service a bit terse, but the nice medley of vegetables was perfectly prepared. The bread and pat of butter were wedged onto the single plate. The price was OK but the tip added by a computer was less than we would have provided. We gave it a chance and were pleased that vaccination proof was demanded but we'll stick Tommy's Joynt, across the street, when in the neighborhood. read more

After going to VAR review I have decided that this place is not for me. Long wait time, my children were upset, so I was upset

Slowest service I have ever seen. I went to Mel's Kitchen last night expecting a semi-fast, diner like experience. There were a few full tables but all were composed of small groups. It took our food over 2 and a half hours to even start to be made after it took another hour to even have us order. The waiter did not ask about how we wanted anything cooked so the burgers that I was excited for turned out to be burnt to a crisp. Do not recommend coming. read more

Killer happy hour! Friendly service and great food! Can't beat it can you??? Newly renovated (to me at least) and perfect place to people watch and chill! read more

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Excellent service and food. I had the Beef Short Ribs with mashed potatoes and Steamed Vegetables. The Demi glaze was spot on!

Seriously the best place! my husband was across the street at Cpmc hospital and I ate here almost every day. I've never had anything bad. Great waitresses and excellent food! We will continue to go here. read more