Subsequent to a one star review on August 1, 2026, my wife and I went back to Mel's for a redo of our favorite Reuben sandwiches. Today we were not disappointed! The corned beef was tender and flavorful, the sauerkraut was tangy and the dill pickle was crunchy. Thank you to Store Manager Francisco for offering us a better experience. Also thank you again to Yulisa who provided excellent service both times. Mel's Diner is still our go-to restaurant for a Reuben. read more

Came here to celebrate an occasion and I had a Corned Hash with scrambled eggs muffin and hash brown.. Food when it came wasn't hot and the corned beef was quite tough and tasted bland.. Dashed few salt and pepper and a little bit of the hot sauce to give it a kick but the whole food was really unsatisfying.. The pancakes though was tough too and we even used knife to slice a portion but still tough.. The bottom was slightly burned , I thought it was just the knife wasnt so sharp enough but impossible to take a minute before you can thoroughly cut a piece.. It was a 3 stacked pancakes we share and my one piece was tough and so was the other 2 .. But the Philly Cheesesteak was a bomb!! Never forget that! If I wasn't thay full, despite my dissatisfaction, I would have ordered another one for myself a Philly Cheesesteak. But sharing is caring, I had a small piece and it was awesome.. Wish I ordered that instead of the hash. Over all, service was excellent, our server was great, ambience was good and so was the music.. read more

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I had thee best chorizo, egg and hash brown breakfast ever. I rate it 5 stars! I brought my dad here for an early Father's Day meal. It was great cause they have tables ready for those who have wheel chairs! I really appreciate that! The server was pretty busy it was hard to get her attention but the other waitress was very helpful. I enjoyed listening to the music while we ate. read more

The Original Mels - Mel and Flo from the show - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

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Memorable Birthday Dinner at The Original Mel's! We went to The Original Mel's to celebrate my birthday, and it turned out to be such a lovely experience! The classic retro diner vibe really set the tone for a fun evening. I had the steak and shrimp combo with mashed potatoes and gravy--the steak was juicy, the shrimp were perfectly crispy, and the mashed potatoes with gravy were super comforting. My kid enjoyed a cheeseburger and fries served in an adorable car-shaped box, which made the meal even more fun for them. My friend ordered the chicken tenders, and I have to say--they were surprisingly good! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. To top it all off, the staff surprised me with a birthday ice cream and even sang "Happy Birthday"! It was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture that made the dinner feel extra special. Great food, friendly service, and a fun atmosphere--I'd definitely come back read more

The Original Mels - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

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Hubby and I met up here with our daughter and grand baby. It was a very hot day so the intense air conditioning was very much appreciated! As soon as we walked in, our grand baby greeted us from the table they got for us. Our waitress was there ready to take our drink orders. Hubby and I shared the French dip with sweet potato fries. Our daughter got the French dip with tater tots. The food came quickly and our waitress frequently checked in on us and refilled our drinks. It did get cold for hubby and I but thankfully we were able to pay and hang out front on the bench for a few before we all headed our separate ways. This is a good location close the mall and it has a lot of seating too. The bathroom was clean and well lit too. read more

The Original Mels - French Dip - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

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Had an extreme hangover today and was dying for relief, had breakfast delivered from Mels and it was excellent. The eggs were perfect, toast was buttery, gravy was abundant on the biscuits...I've been full all day and now I'm drinking shots of tequila and chugging beers again! Thanks Mel's! Chicken fried steak is a little weird, definitely some kind of meat.. read more

Enjoyed my burger and fries. The patty had a nice flavor, the fries were seasoned and crispy. It gave me exactly what I wanted. Our server was great, too, very friendly. read more

The Original Mels - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

This place is always busy unfortunately we have to wait 45 minutes instead of 15 minutes as they advised us. The service was very slow. The food is OK not to fond of it and pretty much a very crowded place. It's almost like the waiters are bumping into each other because the place is too crowded. But on the other hand, I guess everybody likes to go there because it's more like open for breakfast lunch and dinner. read more

30 Dec 2025 Only one waiter on duty. Slow to acknowledge and seat. We gave up and left. Very poorly run. This restaurant is going downhill fast. read more

Ive never been here before so i wasn't sure if id like it too much, BUT it was way better than i was expecting! the staff were so nice and sweet and attentive to us! the food was pretty good and the whole place looks really cool too! id recommend! read more

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Worst place in the area. Skimpy on the food, especially when it comes to biscuits and gravy. Nothing but accelerated fast food. Wait people are a joke here place sucks read more

I like that this place has a variety of different dishes you can have. Whatever you're in the mood for, they most likely have to serve. Inside the restaurant is like a rewind to 80's with a groovy vibe. Service is pretty great and their food and milkshakes are delicious! I recently tried their club sandwich and it was super tasty! I ordered it for take out, but I want to come back to dine in soon. read more

The Original Mels - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

Came here Friday 12/19/25 around 2pm. First off our server was great and so was the food. It's the manager I have a problem with. The restaurant was super busy and there was only one server for some reason. She was seating customers, cleaning tables, and serving all at once. She had maybe 10 tables not to mention the people waiting at the front. I asked her where her help is or a manager. She said her coworker is on his lunch and then pointed at her manager who was just standing at the bar talking and laughing with another employee (who was eating so they were most likely on break) for a long time. She said that's their manager just for the week but he doesn't ever help much and he's also part of corporate. Seeing all this made me super upset considering the fact that she was running around and clearly needed help and I saw him just looking around watching her. I'm glad he's only the temporary manager because if that's how you treat your employees for one week imagine full time! There was a lot of food sitting in the warmer, dirty tables, and customers at the front waiting. He didnt leave that counter ONCE. DO BETTER!!!! Especially if you work with corporate. But to that server... I'm sorry and you did fantastic! read more

Doesn't open at 0700 even though it's posted on the door and awning. All the tv's and light are on but not a person in sight. It's now 0706. Off to give my $$ to another business. read more

The Original Mels - Well they aren't open at 0700. It's 7:05 and still no one comes to open the door. Lights and tv's are on but not a person in sight. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

My go to for quick breakfast options. The only place I know that serves turkey and mash potatoes for lunch only at 11:30! Love their music selection. The decor and vibes of the lace is nostalgic. They have a clean location, friendly servers and have a great selection of options on their menu. Haven't had a bad visit since I've been here. Ample parking. Great for larger or smaller groups. Only con- not a fan of their potato salad has too much bacon. read more

Food was great And service was excellent, if you want French toast this is the place to come, best French toast ever...

I very much loved this restaurant. I enjoy visiting diners for the atmosphere and nostalgia everywhere. Each table has its own juke box which I was bummed that I didn't have quarters or I would have played some tunes. I would have liked more access to it also. All the condiments covered the front of the machine. My spaghetti was so good and filling, in fact I had to take some home. The salads were large for just being a side item. My son only likes Kraft Mac and Cheese and most places don't serve it so this was a pleasant surprise and he just devoured it. In fact he asked for chicken tenders for his second meal after he finished the Mac. Our waitress Olivia was so super friendly and made sure we enjoyed our time. In fact, all the staff were so nice. I can't wait to try more items on the menu. I don't expect any less than we had this evening. read more

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Our family loves Mel's in Fairfield because we always have a great experience. Olivia has been our waitress several times and she is amazing!! My dad loves the grilled tuna and I usually get the French dip & both are scrumptious. My husband enjoys the extra large breakfast portions. My mom always gets a fun sundae while playing Elvis songs on the jukebox. read more

The Original Mels - Grilled tuna melt - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

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First time to this location; stopped in this morning for a quick breakfast. Sat at the counter; was quick and delcious.

The food was good. Service was good. It was the cleanliness , everything on the table was dingy and dirty, loaded with finger prints. From the Juke box music device , salt and pepper, mustard and ketchup bottles even the windows where some tables are. The bathroom had those stainless steal walls all filthy also the wall around the toilet. I mean I have seen worse but it the everyday cleanliness in the whole restaurant that should be done on a higher level, daily. Management needs to hold everyone accountable.. read more

Servers were attentive and meals came out quick. 10.99 breakfast was worth the price! Cooked hashbrowns extra crispy the way I like it. Will return for special price meals as shown on photos.. read more

The Original Mels - Meal specials Mon-Fri 2-6pm - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

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I went to Mel's dinner with the family food was ok for what it was service was really good tho I wish I got the servers name she was good way better option than Dennys so there's that read more

Trash! When me and my lady came in, there was no warm welcome. Server A was just putting away the manus then ask server B "is it your turn" server B- its what ever. As server A asked us booth or table we wanted a table. As we were presented to a round table. we asked to be Sat at a regular table in the back. And the server asked us "All the way in the back" like come on. so he sat us down on the next Regular table with are manus. We sat there for about maybe 7 minutes and a bigger party came in and were seated right behind us. Another 5 minutes go by and then a server goes starts taking the bigger party's order. We were never asked if we want any drink and just left there.. So we just got up and left. No warm hospitality, poor service. and before they really turn the place around but now it's bad. As soon as you walk in the door your just standing there like has anybody seen us? I get it could be busy but at least someone could've acknowledge us and say to give them a little bit. Very disappointing since it was my first time taking me lady there. read more

Hi-ya! I had a very good experience at this Mel's. It was an early Saturday for me and I stopped in unexpectedly for breakfast--I had time to kill before the mall opened. Anyway, it was about 9:15 AM and there were only a small handful of folks inside. It was quiet, the tv was replaying last Thursday night football game--anyway I was seated quickly. Orders up the 2x2? I had two pancakes, 2 eggs and 2 slices or bacon. It came out hot and fast and I washed it down with some OJ. My server was polite, helpful and courteous. Oh, the bathrooms were really clean, well at least the sinks, as I got syrup on my hands while digging into the food. Overall five stars because I was in and out fast and it was uneventful. Just how I wanted the morning to go. read more

The service was bad and the food was gross. The burger was sitting under the heat lamp for so long that the top of the bun could have cracked a molar and the bottom bun was soggy. The patty was super dry and there was no flavor. The onion rings were soggy as well. It had been years since I've been to a Mel's Diner and I didn't intend to ever go back, but my daughter had never been and wanted to try it. Never again. With so many family owned restaurants that have food with flavor, why would anyone ever eat here? read more

Update! Business owner reached out & that in itself made us decide to give them another try. I realize everyone has an off day....even in the kitchen. Drove to Fairfield to pick some light fixtures and decided to stop at eat. We were all looking forward to something yummy. Our food looked good but...,Unfortunately our food was lousy. My sister ordered a French dip & it was cold & the meat was like luncheon meat. I ordered a grilled ham cheese and it was so greasy! The fries were ok. My husband had a root beer float & said it was the only thing that was good. We were bummed because we picked this place over many other surrounding restaurants. read more

The Original Mels - French dip - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

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A HUGE thank you to Brian G. who waited on us. When we came in, we immediately got seated. We waited about 10 minutes and a waitress walked by us several times and only once looked at us. She said "I'll be back". We waited and Brian G. came up and asked if we had been helped and apologized for the long wait saying someone should have helped us. We ordered and he immediately brought us water and coffee and within a few minutes brought our meal saying he moved our order to the top. He again apologized and was very attentive to our needs. I mentioned Brian's demeanor to the Manager, Mary Ann who was happy about the compliment. This young man is a benchmark employee and should be commended for a job well done! Thank you, Brian G. and Mary Ann!! BTW, the meal was great!!! read more

Showed up somewhat close to closing and got excellent service. Presentation was great, don't mind the mess I made. Tati was sweet and got our order out quickly! Would definitely come again read more

The Original Mels - Vanilla ice cream with strawberry purée - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

They always have something for everyone. You also cant beat the prices. Staff is always working hard and smiling. Retro decore is fun. Food has always tasted good. read more

I ordered DoorDash. It didn't come with my full order. They forgot my coffee. No you utensils. Biscut and gravy were dry with very little gravy. Didn't have sauces for my wings that I had asked for not a good place to order for DoorDash. read more

Came in with a party of 9 only to be told by the waitress , TATIANA that we couldn't be served due to only having one cook and two parties coming in after us. If that was the case someone should just put a sign that says closed. SMH read more

The food was so good! And it came out super quick! We loved the the 50's diner concept, very cool. read more

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This place is definitely our go to spot. My family especially love the ORIGINAL CHEESE STEAK SAND-WHICH. Whenever we are undecided where to go eat, we usually end up here. We know the service will always be great and usually know what we want. read more

Mel's in Fairfield is fabulous I enjoyed my food and the service was excellent Angelina was a super great sweet waitress. She was very efficient. Great personality too I waitressed in my lifetime too and I can tell a good one when I'm waited on by one. If you haven't tried Mel's in Fairfield I You must!!!! Diane Moreno-Bouvia read more

This was our first time at this Mel's Diner. We came in on a Saturday morning for breakfast. Service and food was good. We had the Pancakes/Eggs/Bacon/Sausage, Steak/Eggs/Potatoes, Steak/Eggs/Fries and Corn Beef Hash/Eggs/Potatoes. Everything was good but the steaks came well-done even though we ordered medium-rare. Our waitress was nice to exchange with a right temperature steaks. Coffee was free refill. They share a parking lot with two other restaurants but they have plenty of parking spaces. We were here around 10am and parking was empty for the most part. read more

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Great food, great service, friendly people everywhere. Love their burgers, shakes, creamy soups with the cornbread can't be beat!

Ashley our server was great and made sure we had everything we needed. We were seated immediately. The food isn't anything special but the flavor is something you can count on to taste the same almost every time. Prices are decent but don't forget to tip your server! Clean restaurant, good service and sub par food. read more

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Love this location. My hubby had fried chicken dinner which was very generous portions. I had San Francisco Mel burger and onion rings. Food was great as always. Restaurant was clean love the atmosphere here. As well as the music. Waitress very friendly and fast. We are rewards members here. Love the menu variety. Breakfast lunch or dinner and desert as well. read more

The Original Mels - Fried chicken dinner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Fairfield, California

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I took my 83-year-old mother to Mel's today. Boy is this place changed in the years I've been coming here. Everything just seems a little dirtier and the wait staff seems a little more dejected year after year. One of the wait staff dragged out a large cart that was covered with bits of dirty food and grunge. On the cart were tubs that were filled with dirty dishes and half eaten food and covered with more grunge. The cart was wheeled next to us and staff proceeded to add dirty dishes from the table across the aisle. It was pretty disgusting sitting next to that, plus it smelled really bad. Jukebox did not work. It took my quarters, and we couldn't get it to work. Our waiter told us he would refund my coins, but forgot. When I politely reminded him he told me they cannot refund any cash out of the machine. So I very politely offered to take the machine home with me and relieve it of my quarters. That's when he got the manager got involved, who begrudgingly authorized him to give me my dollar back. Needless to say they weren't very happy about me after that. Food was sloppy but appeared wholesome and the fries were perfect, so they had that going for them. Probably won't be back. read more

I have really good memories of Mel's Diners in Berkeley, the two in San Francisco, Pinole so I always look forward to going to Mel's. This particular night I came with a friend because I wanted some chicken wings or a salad and we'd had a long day at work so this place was open later and sounded like it would hit the spot. First the good: I like how they are a typical Mel's and they have the little jukebox at the table. It's not Mel's without it. I also liked my Cobb salad. it was made right and tasted great. Now the not so good: Do the employees give up after a certain hour. Under our table there were crayons, food, and napkins. The top may have been cleared, but there is no way you should be seated at a table with that much garbage underneath. A simple sweep would have fixed that. Because of that I just felt dirty and didn't want to touch anything. In fact, I started using my foot to sweep the trash out from underneath the table and into the aisle, hoping someone would see that and clean it out. No once cared. And doing that doesn't sweep the crumbs out. The food was fine but the atmosphere was a little depressing. The customers also looked like they had had a hard day so everyone was just vegging out. A place where you expect to be conversations and laughter was strangely silent, save but for the music playing on the jukebox. Usually I say I'm happy to come back so I can give a place more stars since maybe it was an off night. But this place? Naw. I'm good. read more