Good old fashioned all the way cheeseburgers and hot dogs. And that means slaw, chili, onions and mustard. Quick service. Can't hardly not stop here if you're in E-town. read more

So, I'm on my way back from the beach and I'm on 87 but taking a back road and I see several signs about Melvin's restaurant. I saw something about a hamburger, it was lunch time and I decided to take the detour into town and see if I can get something to go. Suddenly, I was in downtown Elizabethtown, and it was quite charming. A lot of times I go through the small North Carolina towns that used to thrive at one time but are now pretty much shut down and deserted. It was not the case with Elizabethtown. I saw coffee shops and boutiques and clothing stores and of course, Melvin's. When I first walked in, I got nervous because there was a long line and I was not in the mood to be waiting a long time to get a hamburger unless it's for White Castles. But let me tell you something, Melvin's got it worked out to a science. One person takes your order. One person makes your hamburger. One person puts the hamburger in the bag and the other person takes your money. I was in and out of there in less than 2 minutes. It cracked me up. The menu is quite limited. You can have a hamburger or a cheeseburger or a hot dog and that's it. You can't even get fries. You can get a bag of chips which is what I did and some random cookie for a dollar. I enjoyed getting in the car and having my lunch for the ride back home. The hamburger was good and so was the pric... less than five bucks. I got it all the way with coleslaw and ketchup and mustard. and chili Melvin's has been around forever, and it was clear that the locals love it. The line was long and the place was pretty full. People are in and out of there in a few minutes. So anyway, if you're on your way to the beach and on 87, grab a burger at Melvin's and keep the tradition going at Melvin's. read more

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This place was recommended by a shop owner that I always visit when here and I was craving a good chili dog so we stopped in. There was a line but it moved quickly. I was surprised to see so few booths for seating. All of them were full but we were fortunate to get a table when we ordered. I got my chili dog and sweet tea and my grandson got a chocolate chip cookie. I wanted to love this place and seeing it was recommended by southern living gave me high hopes. The hot dog was warm, not hot and there was very little chili on it so I can't tell you if the chili was good or not. The chili was the only thing on the dog.... I was disappointed. The chocolate chip cookie was just average he said and he would not get again. The sweet tea was good and you can get a refill if you can get to the dispenser. It's marked unsweetened but it was sweet... No one was cleaning tables so the table was not clean. Disappointed, but it was not expensive and I can say I have had the experience. read more

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Amazing food. Nice vibe downtown. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because the service is not good at all. They don't greet you and are not friendly or welcoming. read more

Melvins' - Cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Elizabethtown, North Carolina

Great barbecue hash and rice. The onion rings are some of the best around too. Fast service. read more

Do yourself a favor and stop by currently, they are open Monday through Saturday 7:30 until 5:30 Amazing hamburger at a wonderful price with a small-town feel. Quick service for an easy in and out or sit-down meal. They offer I ly hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. All the way is considered mustard, onions, chili, and slaw. They serve a variety of chips instead of French fries, Pepsi, products, and tea. They currently have a 99.0 rating. read more

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Unfortunately Melvin's is no longer the Melvin's of it's heritage. Having grown up at White Lake I began making the trip to Elizabethtown in the mid 60's almost each and every day I spent at the family cottage. I lived a diet of Melvin Hotdogs and occasional cheese burgers. Some 60 years later I have continued to make Elizabethtown my go to on the way to Southport specifically for a good hotdog. I'm sorry but today it didn't happen. I'm not sure the owners are the same today as yesteryear. The lady was in a dire hurry when I gave her the hotdog order immediately telling the person beside her to prepare me two hamburgers. I received the order and chose a booth to enjoy the tradition. The hotdogs were cool, the mustard, chili, & onions were dabbed in the middle leaving the remainder nothing but a dog and bun. It was a hurry up, take you order and move. It was 3pm and no line. Please, take heed to remember the heritage of Melvin's and go back to treating customer as the valued persons that have kept Melvin's a corner post of Elizabethtown. Unfortunately I no longer feel welcomed as I was for close to 65 years. read more

Had a lot of recommendations to try Melvin's out for their hamburgers as I was vacationing in White lake for the first time. The line wasn't too bad and moved very quickly. It's small and quaint, giving you that local hometown feel. The menu is simple and great prices. This is probably one of the fastest service I've ever seen as the staff were on it. I ordered the cheeseburger all the way and got a homemade sugar cookie. The burger was satisfying. I'll definitely come back and try the hotdog next! read more

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We travel to White Lake 1-2 times per year. Melvins is a stop we make at least twice each time we are there. Melvins is always great and It is Worth the wait. read more

I walked into Melvins' at 9:45am on a Saturday. I shouldn't have been surprised, but there were 15 people in front of me in line, just as many as were waiting outside of the brunch restaurant down the street. The interior is simple. Booths along one wall. Kitchen, restrooms, and cashier on the other. Like the interior, the menu is simple too. Please, for the love of all things holy, read the menu. If you don't see it there, they don't have it. The gentlemen ordering in front of me had a real challenge with that as that rattled off all the things they wanted on their burger (most of which Melvins' didn't serve). Friends, that's not a Melvins' problem. My order was inexpensive and was ready quickly. Instead of taking up a whole booth by myself, I took my hot dog outside and enjoyed sitting on a bench, eating a couple hot dogs, and living in the glory of a Fall day on a busy small town main street. That's livin'! L-I-V-I-N'! read more

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Expect a line, but don't expect to wait long; The line moves fast. No sides really except chips. Homemade desserts (cookies and pound cake). Sweet tea is amazing. Simple menu: cheeseburger, hamburger, hotdog. Minimal toppings but still yummy. Diner style inside. read more

Melvins' - Cheeseburger all the way - Burgers Near Me - Elizabethtown, North Carolina

A good experience today at Melvin's. 6 burgers ordered. All were delivered the way ordered and hit from the grill. Staff was quick with service and friendly. A good value and quality burger. 99 Health Grade. read more

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Was in Elizabethtown for work today and stumbled across a gem for lunch--Melvin's. Walking around checking out the local spots, we passed by a few times and noticed it kept getting busier every time. That's usually a good sign, so we decided Melvin's was the move. The vibe immediately reminded me of a hometown favorite called All American Burger--an old-school burger joint feel, simple but welcoming. We hopped in line (probably 5th or 6th) and didn't wait long. I ordered a hot dog with mustard and slaw, and a burger with ketchup, mustard, and onion. Not sure I'd call this place "fast food" since it's not a chain, but it was fast--before I even finished paying, my food was ready. And here's the kicker: both items and a soda came in under $10. That alone is wild these days. They even offered a complimentary bag of chips or a cookie, which we passed on, but it's a nice touch. The place was packed--only one table left when we sat down. Food looked great, tasted even better. The staff was super friendly, helpful, and made the whole experience feel like you were at a local staple, not just another lunch spot. Safe to say, Melvin's just became my go-to lunch stop anytime I'm in the area for work. read more

Found out that this is a must when visiting! Burger is amazing, not very big but delicious... if you get the hotdog it must be the Melvin way!! I don't usually eat hotdogs but this one is delicious!!Fast service!! read more

Hamburger was not as it used to be. I must have got a dud , hardly see any meat. Good while it lasted. Service wast great very good. No wait. Ambiance plain as it gets. read more

Had I never eaten in NC and visited this place supposedly being on the top 100 Best, I would have been horrified. No. This ain't it. We don't have mayo. Or lettuce. We don't have fries. We have hot dogs & burgers. Mustard, "chilli ", ketchup & onions. Hot dog is boiled, if I had to guess from the one bite. The chili is taco seasoning & water with barely sprinkles of meat. I rarely EVER leave bad reviews but this is literally the WORST hot dog I have ever bitten and What is the white blob in the meat?! You don't order a hot dog expecting a steak...but you don't order a hot dog expecting mystery orbs in it either. And should you find HALF of said mystery orb after you bite it.... My husbands burger was crunchy, no seasoning on a soggy bun. And THEN I see they were named top 100 in 2010. Obviously it is NOT under the same ownership or management that earned that. read more

Melvins' - What is in the middle?! - Burgers Near Me - Elizabethtown, North Carolina

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Hamburg & hotdog all the way was all the way awesome! Service was very quick before lunch line came but still moved .

This was a Unique burger place! It had Quick service and good food. I Would definitely stop in again! read more

Melvins' - Burgers Near Me - Elizabethtown, North Carolina

The food is no longer the same. We thought that it was just a fluke when we visited Melvins in April 2025. We went again in June 2025 just to grab burgers; we were disappointed yet again. The food does not have the same taste or texture we have known and loved the last 55 years. We can no longer eat at Melvins. Sorry Pat... you had the best burgers within 4 hours any direction from our home. read more

We ate there Wednesday and don't normally give poor review but our food was cold. Food should be served hot or at least warm. We were there at 11:20 and no one was in line. I guess they cook everything ahead and just slap together. Probably want be back. read more

All food is fresh and delicious. Service is extra fast and easy to get your order very fast and the food is delicious

5 Stars One of NC's 100 Must Eat's No Frills, straight to the point simple burgers. Some people get hot dogs but the burgers are their bread and butter. Ketchup, mustard, onions, slaw, chili, and hot sauce- these are your toppings options. We make it a point to come to Melvin's every year when we come to White Lake. I wouldn't call them smash burgers but the way the secret blend of meat crisps up on the outside is something I haven't found where I'm from. When you step inside and see the line don't fret. They move customers thru like a machine. Everyone behind the counter has a responsibility so burger and dog production is high. I've heard they only make so many burgers a day so if they run out you are out of luck. The chili for topping the burgers and dogs is homemade as well and is bangin'. read more

Melvins' - Hamburger - Burgers Near Me - Elizabethtown, North Carolina

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When in Elizabethtown you gotta try Melvins' - named one of the 100 foods you must eat by Our State Magazine. Plus, it's been around since 1938 so they must be doing something right! The line was long but went fast. The menu is small and has the southern 'all the way' option of slaw, chili, onion and mustard. They don't do lettuce or tomato and you have to ask for ketchup. Also, no fries but bags of chips. I had to try the cheeseburger and hotdog, both all the way. Pretty messy but good for a small mom n' pop place! read more

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We stopped in right before closing time. The food was fresh as always. The staff was busy serving folks, not trying to close for the day. Thank you for that! read more

Love these mom and pop places. Came into town to golf and someone bought us burgers all the way. Burgers were fulfilling and delicious. Can't talk about the service since someone picked up the food and brought it to us but it seemed really quick. Will visit again read more

What's not to like? Historical place, extremely fast service, and delicious unique burgers!! They were so good, some of the best burgers we've had! Loved the chili and slaw on top. Can't beat the price either! read more

Melvins' - Double cheeseburgers with ALL THE WORKS - Burgers Near Me - Elizabethtown, North Carolina

The food is not good anymore . The service is fast and good. I do like the slaw and chill.

The whole package. Landmark restaurant for sure. So happy I made it here. Burgers and dogs just delicious.

Food has no taste. Was much better years ago; too many changes. Patty is smaller, cooked too long, no flavor

I grew up going to White Lake and eating at Melvin's. It's a place like no other! It's inexpensive and it is specific! Hamburger or hotdog. Chips and a drink. Period. I love my hamburger all the way which is chili, slaw, mustard and Mayo. The burgers are grill-fried right in front of you and I love them! Order a couple for yourself because they are not huge and you can't eat just one. The burgers travel well so I always get some for the ride back to Florida! read more

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Seems to be different than what I remember. Not bad, not good. I'll let you decide. Enjoy read more

Food was fantastic, service was quick, efficient and fast and ambiance was very casual.

Simply the Best! I have Melvins at least twice a week. I enjoy them so much that I keep an emergency burger in the fridge. 20 SECS on each side! read more

Great burgers. Limited menu, but satisfying. Good old fashion burgers. Always a go to when in the area.

I have some of my best of friends that grew up in Elizabethtown, NC which told me that this place has the best hamburgers anywhere, hands down. I have come down with them to visit their hometown on many occasions, and they are not exaggerating, Melvins has the best hamburgers I know of around these parts. You will find it on one of the "main strips" there in E'town, and it looks much like any other local eatery in this size town. But believe me, you will want to get there early enough to get a seat, especially on weekends, because this place gets a line for their hamburgers and hot dogs...yes, it's that good. A local legend and regional favorite. Even though there may be a wait in line it won't be long. They have it down like an assembly line, and it takes no time hardly to complete orders. I usually like my hamburgers and hot dogs pretty low maintenance, ketchup, mustard, mayo sort of thing. But if you are getting a hamburger here, I recommend you get what seems to be their speciality, one with cole slaw and chili. You won't regret it, I haven't each time, amazing good. Whether you are lucky enough to get a seat or get yours for take out, you will enjoy your hamburger/hot dog experience here. It's definitely a highlight of my visits down in E'town. read more

Melvins' - From local.yahoo.com - Burgers Near Me - Elizabethtown, North Carolina

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The hotdogs are to die for. They are all beef hotdogs with mustard, chili, onion, and that fabulous slaw. Melvin really hit a winner this. The only thing that I was disappointed in was the fact that there was no French fries. Although the hotdogs were perfect in every aspect, a little tater goes a long way in the way of popularity. It's like peas and carrots. Can't have one without the other. A must try if you are around the Elizabethtown area. read more

Melvins' - Burgers Near Me - Elizabethtown, North Carolina

A must visit hamburger place. Simple menu hotdog hamburger or cheeseburger. Slaw, chili, onion and mustard is all the way. Beware Cash only and No Fries. read more

This place is a must try if you're ever in Elizabethtown, the service is fast and the food is good , I will return

This place is an institution, it has been here forever and there is a reason it has been here for so long. Menu is simple, hot dogs and hamburgers. One of the best smash burgers in North Carolina and the cost is minimum. If you are in town this is a must stop for a quick bite. Food and staff are excellent, if the line is long don't worry, they are very efficient at making sure you don't have to wait. read more

As promised, I gave Melvin's another try.... First thing I noticed was that the "kids" that had been working the first time I tried Melvin's were nowhere in sight... Instead their staff consisted of several more mature folks that appeared to be quite adept at their jobs. As for speed of service, my burgers were bagged and presented to me about the same time the cashier was handing me my change... Although it is not generally my "go to" style for a burger, I opted to order them "ALL THE WAY".... as this is the style Melvin's is known for. I was not disappointed, the burgers were well cooked, although not cooked to the point of incineration.... The slaw was fresh and the chili flavorful. Based on this visit I would certainly come back again, I would even go as far as saying that these were probably the best burgers available in Elizabethtown...... though I am left wondering what I missed that has garnered their widespread reputation for best burgers in NC..... read more