Great food and service from Yani oh perfect Thank you, great job read more

What a great treat to get some fried flounder fried the proper way! It was flaky and delicious. It's been awhile since I had good soul food. We also ordered the ribs and they were fall off the bone and tender. The sides were pretty dang good as well. The collards, cabbage and rice and gravy were excellent. Shout out to Janaya for the recommendations and great service! If I'm ever in the area I would definitely come back. It was a great meal after a long drive and definitely hit the spot. read more

Melvin’s at Riverside - Fall off the bone ribs! - Southern Near Me - Fayetteville, North Carolina

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Great food!! Service was awesome and we really enjoyed the atmosphere. We thought the beer was a little high though, At $8 dollars a bottle. Other than that it was great. read more

Lots of great things said about this place and walking up the BBQ smell was amazing so looking forward to this! Plenty of room inside but we wanted outside so we grabbed a table on the back deck. Some traffic noise but still so nice. Mia sat us and was our server. She was awesome. Very helpful and knowledgeable of the menu. Great suggestions. If got the HOT HONEY LOVE CHICKEN. Fried chicken with sweet and spicy honey sauce. This was so good. Got some bourbon pickles on the side. A little heat and a little sweet. Mom had the fried oysters. She said they were ok but not fresh. The brisket was really good. Tender and very flavorful. Ribs were the same. Lots of good sauce and pull apart good. Have to say the sides were the best though. Cole slaw, green beans, baked beans and soufflé. All really good. Good home cooking here. read more

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This place slaps, excellent ribs. Cant believe I housed them all. Our server Yani was the best!

Melvin's is a hidden gem. I've driven past it many times and only discovered it by accident and boy am I happy I did. The food is tasty, the staff is awesome, the music is everything I like to hear. If I have to find a complaint it would be make the portion sizes a little larger. read more

My wise and I visited the area today to see one of my wife's clients. After the client visit we decided to get some lunch. We stopped here at Melvin's at Riverside was totally apprehended by their whiting fish sandwiches. It was slamming. We will be doing this again soon. read more

Awesome Food and Service!. My cousin and I went here for lunch after church service. It was our first visit. FYI: They open at 11am on Sunday (the window on restaurant has 12 ). The Owner came over to check on us , both she and other staff were very nice and informed us of the karaoke and jazz events, as well as, catering that they offer. Now to the food. It was delicious, fresh , hot and came out quick. I had flounder (2 fish) with collard greens and Mac n cheese, sweet tea and dessert came with my dinner(banana pudding. My cousin had chopped chicken(not shredded, which was fine and tasty, just saying in case you were thinking shredded like we were, even though it says chopped) sandwich and okra. Hushpuppies were brought out before the meal (they were crunchy and good). I will definitely be returning! My only glitch is that I would have liked a larger portion of banana pudding. . The price was fair, going rate for a good meal (mine was $25 including taxes) Music: Good mix of Gospel ie. Tye Tribett, Donnie McClurkin, different choirs upbeat. read more

Melvin’s at Riverside - Chopped Chicken Sandwich, Okra, hushpuppies, banana pudding in cup - Southern Near Me - Fayetteville, North Carolina

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I ordered the 2pc fried fish combo (whiting). The fish was delicious! And the Mac cheese could have been hotter when served but it was also good! The place was nice and clean and the hush puppies were great. The combo I got comes with one scoop of ice cream. When it came time for my ice cream the first scoop had a bug in it. I got a second one after the first one was returned and THAT one had a HAIR in it??? I had lost my taste for anything else afterwards. My mother ordered the whiting as well but they gave her catfish...after waiting for 20 minutes for her new fish we found out they had given her fish away to a different table. The service was ok only because they were willing to comp us for all the mistakes that were made on their part. read more

Melvin’s at Riverside - Strawberry cheesecake ice cream with a hair. - Southern Near Me - Fayetteville, North Carolina

A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO VERONICA!! She is a solid server!! She was absolutely great and did the best she could with NOT much to work with. It apparently had been a busy weekend and we ordered Ribs only to find there were no ribs... we ordered pulled pork... none... we ordered Brisket... none! This was NOT a good start especially on my birthday! We arrived 45 min before closing and finally had to order the fried chicken and catfish. We were not disappointed at all. Both cooked to perfection and taste was great. Not a bad joint along the river. We will be back! Treat that waiter right y'all. read more

Tried this for the first time yesterday .... I can say I HAD THE BEST EXPERIENCE !! the food was so amzing and no joke my eyes were closed enjoying every flavor of that food. From the food to the music with a great waiter, everything was a vibe !! very family oriented. I can say it is truly a Gem !! Thank you for a great time !! read more

Brisket was just as you hoped flavorful and tender also sides cooked to perfection. Where they lost a start was instant banana pudding. I expected real banana pudding. read more

The food was good the baked beans and the fried okra were really good. They had a lot a flavor however the barbecue sauce on the ribs overshadowed the slight dryness of the meat. I want Flavor through and through the ribs, read more

Melvin’s at Riverside - Southern Near Me - Fayetteville, North Carolina

This was our first visit to Melvin's. Based on the photos and reviews, we were looking forward to a nice date night and drove from Johnston County to Fayetteville to try it. We arrived around 7:40 p.m. and asked before being seated if it was too late to be served, they close at 8pm. We were the only diners in the dining room at the time, with one person waiting on takeout. We started with the crab bites appetizer. Unfortunately, they were very small (about quarter-sized) and lacked flavor. They tasted pre-packaged rather than freshly prepared, so we wouldn't recommend them (3/10). For entrées, my husband ordered the brisket (deluxe) with cabbage, soufflé, and baked beans, and I ordered the fish and shrimp (deluxe) with baked beans and mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was dry with hardened cheese on top. The brisket was tough and not flavorful, which was disappointing since brisket is my husband's favorite. The cabbage seasoning was unusual, and the soufflé was dry. The fish and shrimp were under-seasoned, and the portion size of the fish was smaller than expected. The deluxe meals included dessert, which was banana pudding. It did not seem fresh, as the bananas had turned grayish. On a positive note, the restaurant and restrooms were clean, the atmosphere was quiet with nice jazz music, and the staff, including our waitress, were polite and friendly. Overall, we were disappointed with the food quality, especially for the price (over $80). We had hoped for a better experience for date night but unfortunately would not return. read more

Food was good. Good dining experience. We enjoyed our meal. Service was on point. I'll recommend

This is our first time visiting Melvin's and first time visiting Fayetteville. So far I am enjoying the experience. Our server Mia, walked us through the menu which was plentiful and reasonably priced. The Food was Amazing, the ribs were delicious (slap ya momma Good) and the pork chops are the best I have ever had. The atmosphere was great, nice quiet atmosphere good for groups, date night, and families. As we were finishing up, it was starting to get crowded and it was just a casual atmosphere. I highly, highly recommend this restaurant when in Fayetteville NC. read more

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Soniah was great!! She checked on us often. The main course was very good! Flounder was hot and flaky! Hush puppies were hard as bricks though and you only get four. Id say lets check those next time! I love hush puppies! Overall great experience. Will come back :) read more

The best food and wonderful service from Soniah. Highly recommended. This place did not disappoint and the service was wonderful.

Went here for the first time yesterday the ladies standing at the front was super friendly cannot say the same about our waiter she seemed very confused most of the time but whatever the first batch of hush puppies we got were too hard asked for another batch they were hard as well but not as hard i guess that's just how they come which is disappointing.. we ordered the crab bites as an appetizer they were OK could have come with more for the meal. I ordered the brisket deluxe I never had brisket sliced like that, but it was pretty good. I do prefer it chopped up with sauce on it. My bf got the fish and shrimp and the shrimp was very good both were hot and fresh . The only reason they getting 4 stars and 3 is baby them collerdssssssssss!!! GOOOODDDD JOBB ON THEM GREEENSSS read more

FeFe was our waitress & she took great care of us. Excellent southern food -recommend the fish, collards, & cornbread. The chef came by the table. Old fashioned good eating! read more

Waited for 2 hours for mediocre food. Worst service I have ever experienced... EVER. I wish I could give a half star.

To start, if you are considering going, DO IT! Go there! Go there Now! So, we dropped by here based off a TikTok my wife saw. I'm not sure if it was because I was hungry or because the food tasted soo good but we thoroughly enjoyed. We walked in and were greeted by the cashier and the wait staff and immediately seated. A very hospitable waitress appeared and was kind and patient as we went through the menu, she told us, I'll give ya'll a few minutes and bring you some drinks and Hush Puppies (yum) while you decide. Shortly afterwards, we ordered and WAS. NOT. DISAPPOINTED! The food arrived after a while (because they are fixing it) so expect a tad of a wait but the hush puppies and rib nibblets were enough to hold us over. Our food came and the portions were huge and so much that it turned into two meals for us. The waitress was so kind throughout the process and catered to all of our questions and requests, can't thank her enough. When we were done, we wanted to hug the cook-that's how good it was. We had chicken, fish, and shrimp with cabbage, collards, and Mac&cheese-everything delicious and fresh and on point!!!! Then the desserts. OH MY GOSH the dessert that we had (Strawberry Shortcake on top of cheesecake . My only regret is that we didn't take pictures of the food but we can't wait to go back! read more

What an awesome spot!! I look forward to coming back next time I'm in the area. The food was great, I give it an overall 4/5. I got the jumbo shrimp with the mac and cheese and baked beans. I saw differing reviews about the mac and cheese but for ME it was great. Not dry and with a little salt it was exactly what I was looking for. Beans were awesome. We also got the fried fish (whiting) and it was well seasoned, fried well and still soft inside. We also got 2 small banana puddings to try without even asking! Also great. The service was 5/5, excellent, personable, and quick. The staff were all really nice. The restaurant has a nice bar area, plenty of seating, clean bathrooms, and overall a great vibe. Check them out! Yum. read more

Melvin’s at Riverside - Jumbo Shrimp & 2 Sides - Southern Near Me - Fayetteville, North Carolina

Really disappointed that I came here. I ordered my food over the phone and they said it would be a 15-20 min wait. Ok perfect. I arrive in 30 mins figuring the food would already be done by then. I arrive and let them know I'm here for my order, they told me it would be 5 more minutes as they are just finishing up. I literally waited an hour for my food and do you know why? Well a lady who came in 15 minutes after me was picking up a door dash. One of the employees brought out about 3 bags of food and handed it to the lady who was sitting next to me to me in the waiting room. She realized the lady only needed 2/3 bags and place the other bag on the table. I'm still waiting for my food and so 20 more minutes go by and they ask me what my name is and then hand me the bag of food that been sitting on the table this entire time. The customer service is off, you have 4-5 girls working the front desk and there were only 2 tables inside that had customers. So not sure why the communication piece is not there. After all of this I get home and the food was so not worth it. The Mac and cheese was literally dry with cheese melted on top, the cornbread was dry and definitely not fresh or even made yesterday. It tastes like it was prepared days ago. My chicken was not even seasoned AT ALL it. I'm not sure what these sweet potatoes were or whatever but it had raisins in it which was definitely not brought to my attention. The banana pudding was good although it was really warm but all of that for $25 is not worth it. Sorry but they need to do better and have bigger size wings. These are not whole wings you would expect. The restaurant was really clean, neat and organized. The employees were friendly too they just seem unorganized and confused. They did clean each table after people left and periodically wipe tables and counters down so good job with that. read more

Melvin’s at Riverside - 4 Chicken wings & 2 Sides - Southern Near Me - Fayetteville, North Carolina

Took 2hrs to get food, food was undercooked, bad attitudes, will never come back!!!!!!

Terrible waited 2hrs for the food. Didn't even get a refill. Horrible horrible experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lunch at Melvin's was such a treat! My family frequents this establishment at least once a week and prior to my trip I was told I would be taken by to sample ALL the good food! Well..Melvin's didn't disappoint at all! I decided to try the flounder...Mac & Cheese and cornbread! We had a large group so I was also able to sample the: chicken wings; salmon; potato salad; collard greens and cabbage! The food was cooked very well & the portion sizes are plentiful! The service was attentive and prompt and the wait staff are super friendly! I am glad I had the opportunity to visit Melvin's and I plan to come back this week before I leave Fayetteville! read more

Melvin’s at Riverside - Southern Near Me - Fayetteville, North Carolina

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Our family was on a road trip to Charleston and absolutely starving. After an hour of reading reviews trying to find a decent spot, we stumbled upon Melvin's at Riverside--and wow, what a find! The five of us each ordered something different, and every single dish was outstanding. Flavor-packed, perfectly cooked, and just hit the spot. We all left saying the same thing: "Wish we could give this place more stars!" read more

I would come here just for the hush puppies!!!! It's the small things that matter.... The gravy... hit !! The tartar sauce...mmm mmm home made everything except maybe the fries .... Crocker, burgers, chicken ..... will definitely be back read more

Normally the food is really good! But today it was a miss. My husband's chicken was fried too hard and it seemed like the grease was old based on the looks & taste as well. My Salmon & Rice was good. I thought it was going to be a full size salmon piece but it was Salmon bites with a lot of rice & onions and about 4-5 bites. Still delicious though! And my 2 year old loved their fries like normal. read more

Our first coming to this restaurant. Very impressed with the Food, service and the ambiance of the restaurant. Definitely will come back again. P.s. the hush puppies also are soooo good. read more

Melvin’s at Riverside - Brisket sandwich is so good. Brisket & 1 Side - Southern Near Me - Fayetteville, North Carolina

Ordered the jumbo shrimp, Mac n cheese, and collards. Also the fried pork chop platter with rice and gravy. I was happy to know the collards were not cooked with pork, maybe even no meat at all. They were decent. The Mac n cheese was just ok. The jumbo shrimp were fried and seasoned well. The pork chop was nice and juicy. Unfortunately they forgot the gravy with the rice. I had a to go order and didn't live close so I couldn't go back to get it. But when I called and told them they were very apologetic and took my name so the next time I visited they could compensate me. Now that's great customer service! I also got the carrot cake and they gave us some banana pudding. Both were great! I would go back just for the dessert. Overall the was food was good and I would likely visit again. read more

Melvin’s at Riverside - Jumbo shrimp - Southern Near Me - Fayetteville, North Carolina

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Called in an ordered for pick-up. Ordered a two piece chicken dinner with two breasts, green beans and potato salad. When I arrived back to my hotel (we are traveling), I received a breast and a wing, green beans and pasta salad. I know be glad I got food, but people need to listen to what is ordered. As for the food the green beans were so-so, chicken was ok. read more

I've been to this establishment a few times but I wanted to share a community volunteering event they did over this snow storm. They continued to be open for care of essential workers that had to be on road for safety of others and also offered a free brunch chicken noodle soup to anyone in need during this time. This is the type of establishments we need in our community. The owners Sheldon and Joyce truly care about their community. Its not just business its personal care. read more

The ribs were overcooked and the potato salad was terrible. The baked beans, brisket, chicken, sausage, and the jumbo fried shrimp had a great flavor. The mac n cheese, collard greens and coleslaw needed seasoning. We spent over $100 for trash. read more

I never knew this place existed! We were looking for somewhere to have dinner and after reading the reviews we decided to give it a try. So glad we did! The hostess was so friendly and she ended up being our server too. The dining room is nice and has a lot of seating. The music is the best part...90s R&B had us reliving our high school years. We had two kids and four adults so we ordered a variety of items. Three piece chicken with two sides (cabbage and rice with gravy), cornbread and banana pudding (chicken was VERY crispy and had a soul food seasoning) Flounder basket with cornbread and Mac and cheese (delicious- the flounder pieces were huge and cooked perfectly) 6 piece chicken finger basket with banana pudding and fries- my husband said the best he's ever had Bacon burger with fries (yummy!) Two kids baskets of popcorn shrimp and a side- the kids said it was delicious We would definitely go back, especially for the flounder and chicken tenders...I'd love to try some other sides! read more

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Had lunch there today because I heard they had some good ribs. And they were FANTASTIC! the restaurant itself was quiet and relaxing. Was greeted promptly and all of staff was so friendly! We ordered the crab balls and they were just like miniature crab cakes with an Asian dipping sauce that gave them a lil kick. Also got the hush puppies which were good served with a butter spread but I wish it came with a honey butter or something like that. Hubby got the fish sandwich which he enjoyed. I got ribs for the table and the brisket plate for myself. Also grabbed a piece of fried breast chicken. I loved everything but my sides. They weren't bad but just not my taste. I got the potato salad and baked beans and being part Yankee raised I like them sweeter. But all and all we had a great lunch and will be back soon! read more

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I was searching for a place convenient to 95 and 40 in order to meet friends for dinner. Thanks to Yelp reviews, I found Melvin's and it was an excellent choice. The ambiance is welcoming and casual. The food was excellent! We knew we had to try the brisket after seeing it on the smoker. Our server, Nifa, recommended the Smoke Lick platter which was delicious. We all enjoyed the hush puppies, sides and banana pudding. Nifa was attentive and had a great attitude. We had a leisurely meal and never felt rushed. read more

Melvin’s at Riverside - Smoke Lick Platter - Southern Near Me - Fayetteville, North Carolina

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I have heard people say they love the food. I didn't have the same experience. I don't if my fish was baked in heavy butter or what. Just didn't give a fresh taste. The mac and cheese has too much cheese piled on top . And surley lots more butter. Cabbage looked old and the collards were cold. Overall the food was not hitting on said day. The wait staff - all of them need to go. read more

I visited Melvin's on Saturday, just looking for some good southern comfort food and I was completely disappointed. The ribs were extremely greasy to the touch and taste, the rice was not cooked completely, the cabbage was chalky, and the broccoli was cold and covered with some type of seasoning that was not just salt and pepper. Not sure if the gentleman with the glasses was the owner, but, I did not feel welcomed as he made his rounds throughout the restaurant with no once asking what was wrong with our meal. I was very disappointed in the end, and I will definitely not be going back. I wish them well, and hopefully they will read the comment and make the necessary changes. read more