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    The Original Mels

    3.1 (230 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order The Original Mels Takeout or Delivery

    The Original Mels Photos

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    THE ORIGINAL MELS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Original Mels

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    Reviews With Photos - The Original Mels

    Miriam G.

    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

    French Dip
    Tanya M.

    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.

    Chelsea E.

    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.

    dining area
    Julianna D.

    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!

    Alejandra M.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Monica C.

    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.

    Grilled tuna melt
    Michelle F.

    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.

    Meal specials Mon-Fri 2-6pm

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Good standard diner. You won't find anything special but everything I had has been decent.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    The week after I wrote the previous review, the shutdown was upon us.

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    6 years ago

    I ordered Chicken Fried Steak. Worst I ever tasted. The gravy, fries and eggs were awesome though.

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Always a good time coming to this location. The waitresses are pretty friendly and always making sure you're okay. The food is good too.

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    Page 4 of 6

    Ask the Community - The Original Mels

    Mankas Grill

    Mankas Grill

    4.2
    (477 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$$

    Outstanding !!! Your search is over for The Best of Everything from Everyone, All the Time!!…read moreFantastic Food and Excellent Staff. Justin, Neal, Gio, Tanner, Chris, Genia and LeeAnne,,, And of Course The Kitchen Crew Absolutely Rock!!! We live in Napa and this is much better than any of the overpriced restaurants in the Valley. Happiest Hour is Here!! The Ribs are Spectacular! The Bonus is that it's right across from The Filling Station that features live music on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays! Enjoy and Fall in Love with Mankas Grill and the wonderful hard working staff

    My girl and her friends went to this place a few weeks ago and she said it was very good, so I…read morewanted to go try it out. We had reservations just because it was mothers day and we knew it would be busy and it was. We got there a little early and sat down right away. The place has plenty of outside and inside seating. When we sat down a waiter came right away and asked if we wanted water and told us our waiter would be right with us. Our waiter came shortly after that and asked what we wanted to drink. We ordered a bottle a sparkling wine. We ordered the poutine fries to start. The bottle of sparkling came out right away. The poutine came out not to long after that. The short rib was tender and juicy, the fries were cooked perfect, the cheese on it was melted, but it needed some gravy and more cheese. The original Canadian poutine has the gravy on it and the cheese curds which are so delicious. If this had the gravy on it, it would be a 10 in my book because of the short ribs and the fries were perfect. For our entrees we ordered the short rib eggs benedict and the chicken & waffles. The food came out pretty quick which was nice. The short rib eggs benedict was cooked perfect. Of course the short ribs was tender, and the hollandaise sauce was nice. The chicken and waffles was cooked perfect, the flavor on both was nice, the chicken was tender and juicy. The must have brined the chicken in order for it to be so tender and juicy, if not, they did a great job either way. The waffles were also cooked perfect and they had some type of flavor to it that you didn't even need syrup. I observed the staff working and everyone was working together and bringing stuff and picking up from all the tables. Kudos to the whole staff. Our waiter was also great so good job to him as well. We were too stuffed for dessert so next time we shall try some. The 5 was close to getting it but the poutine just needed some gravy in my opinion.

    Photos
    Indoors seating
    Indoors seating
    05/02/2026: Filet Mignon
    05/02/2026: Filet Mignon
    Shrimp cocktail

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    Shrimp cocktail
    Oaxaca cuisine

    Oaxaca cuisine

    4.5
    (79 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    hands down my favorite spot for chilaquiles. First of all, the presentation is beautiful. It's not…read moreone of those places where everything is drowning in sauce and looks thrown together. The dish comes out fresh, vibrant, and perfectly plated with fresh cilantro and avocado. You can tell care goes into it. I always get the chicken chilaquiles, and the sauce is amazing. I honestly don't know what they put in it, but it's full of flavor and perfectly balanced. If you like it extra saucy, you can just ask and they'll accommodate. It never disappoints. I've tried the chorizo version before and it wasn't my favorite, so I happily went back to the chicken, which is consistently excellent. The café de olla is another highlight. I drink it black because it's that good. No cream, no sugar needed. It's rich and flavorful on its own. The avocado toast is also delicious and beautifully prepared. The space itself is clean, modern, and welcoming. The host has always been friendly and attentive. They even make their orange juice fresh, which adds to that fresh, quality feel. Even though I tell myself I'm going to try something new each visit, I end up ordering the chicken chilaquiles every single time. That says everything. For me, this is the top chilaquiles spot, no question.

    Had an appointment for an oil change at 11:30 am and needed to find a place close by. Again using…read moreYelp, this restaraunt was the closest to where my appointment was scheduled. Off of the 80, the restaurant was easy to find and found parking right away. As I entered the restaurant, which only had about 2 other tables with customers, I tot seated right away. I ordered the chilaquiles with chorizo and Jamaica agua fresca. I started eating before I remembered to take a picture. The chips stayed crunchy throughout my meal and the salsa was a bit too mild for my taste. I ordered my eggs over medium but the yolk ended up being over done. Overall, my food was great because I finished my plate and the agua fresca was great!

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Fried quesadillas- al pastor.
    Fried quesadillas- al pastor.
    Oaxaca cuisine

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    Texas Roadhouse

    Texas Roadhouse

    3.4
    (2.2k reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    This was my first time at Texas Roadhouse in Fairfield, and I honestly didn't know what to expect…read more I thought it might be overrated, but I was completely blown away! Even though the restaurant was very busy and loud, we were seated almost immediately as a party of two. As soon as we sat down, we were greeted with fresh, hot bread, which was the perfect start to the meal. Our server, I believe his name was Ulysses, was clearly very busy, but you could tell he was working hard to make sure everyone was taken care of. He gave us excellent service, and the entire staff was attentive despite how packed the restaurant was. The food came out hot, fresh, and absolutely delicious. Everything we ordered exceeded my expectations. From the service to the food, the whole experience was fantastic. I'll definitely be coming back!

    I had a very unique and amazing experience while dining here. My party was seated outside on a day…read morethat turned out to be much hotter than I could handle. Without warning, my nose suddenly started bleeding, and I was caught completely off guard. Britannia, one of the managers on duty, immediately stepped in to help. She quickly moved our party inside, made sure I was okay, and handled the situation with kindness, professionalism, and genuine concern. What could have been a very uncomfortable and embarrassing experience was made so much better because of her quick response and compassion. Exceptional customer service like this is rare and deserves recognition. Britannia went above and beyond, and her care made a lasting impression on me and my family. Thank you for turning an unexpected situation into a positive experience. We will definitely be back! Thank you (I apologize if I have the name spelling wrong )

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Ribeye topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions. Delicious. Ate this quicker than a jackrabbit in a field on fire. Yes sir!
    Ribeye topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions. Delicious. Ate this quicker than a jackrabbit in a field on fire. Yes sir!
    The Legend margarita

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    The Legend margarita
    Rustwater Kitchen & Taproom

    Rustwater Kitchen & Taproom

    4.6
    (480 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Casual dining

    Had an incredible experience at Rustwater Kitchen & Taproom in downtown Fairfield. From the moment…read moreI walked in, I was welcomed with genuine hospitality by Paul behind the bar. Super personable, great energy, and made the whole experience feel effortless. I ordered the peanut butter and jelly burger--smash-style patty with bacon, peanut butter, jelly, Tabasco, and pickles--and wow... one of the most unique and satisfying burgers I've had in a long time. It hits that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nostalgic. I asked Paul what he would pair with it, and he absolutely nailed it. He introduced me to "Chimp My Ride" from Solano Brewing Company, a rich stout with chocolate and peanut butter notes that complemented the burger perfectly. It honestly brought back that childhood lunchbox feeling in the best way possible. On top of that, Chef Jamie personally brought out the food and took the time to connect--great conversation, great presence, and you can tell there's real pride behind what they're doing here. The vibe, the style, the food, and the people all come together here. Easy five stars. I'll definitely be back.

    Some of the best dining experiences aren't planned, they're discovered…read more With the thermometer climbing to 103 degrees, the Spain vs. France World Cup semifinal kicking off on the big screens, and a craving for an ice-cold craft beer, I wandered into Rustwater Kitchen & Taproom, a downtown Fairfield favorite that's been serving locals since 2017. Within minutes, I knew I'd found exactly where I wanted to spend a hot summer afternoon. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between neighborhood tavern and craft beer destination. Vintage bicycles hang overhead, dozens of rotating taps line the wall, and the energy is lively without ever feeling chaotic. Whether you're catching the match, meeting friends after work, or simply escaping the summer heat, Rustwater has that welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay for another round. Following the bartender's recommendation, I ordered the Chicken Ciabatta from the specials board with a side of crispy tater tots, and it was absolutely the right call. The sandwich arrived beautifully presented on a perfectly toasted ciabatta roll with just the right amount of crunch. Inside was juicy grilled chicken layered with smoky bacon, melted provolone, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and a flavorful pesto mayo that brought everything together without overpowering the fresh ingredients. Every bite delivered a wonderful combination of textures and balanced flavors. The tater tots were exactly what great tavern food should be, golden, crisp, and light on the outside with a fluffy interior. They became downright addictive when dipped into a combination of ketchup and a Ghost Hot Sauce that once they are out they are out adding a slow-building kick that complemented the crispy potatoes perfectly. As I enjoyed a cold pint from their outstanding rotating tap list, Spain put the finishing touches on a 2-0 victory over France, sending them to the World Cup Final. Great soccer, an exceptional craft beer, and a fantastic lunch, it doesn't get much better than that on a scorching summer afternoon. Rustwater has earned its reputation over the years, and it's easy to understand why. Friendly service, an outstanding craft beer program, elevated tavern food, and an atmosphere that invites you to linger long after the final whistle. If you're looking for one of downtown Fairfield's best spots to enjoy creative tavern fare, explore an ever-changing lineup of craft beers, and catch the big game, Rustwater Kitchen & Taproom deserves a place on your list. I'll definitely be back to see what's on tap next, and without question, those crispy tater tots will be making another appearance on my table with the ghost hot sauce, if still available, due to the company going out of business.

    Photos
    Beer
    Beer
    Rustwater Kitchen & Taproom
    Bomb!

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    Bomb!
    Huckleberry's

    Huckleberry's

    4.0
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I need to upgrade my rating for Huckleberry's after trying them again yesterday. Our server was…read morefriendly and kept coming by and making sure that we had everything that we needed. I tired the Monte Cristo sandwich and it was really good. It had a lot of ham inside of it and also came with some huckleberry sauce to dip it in. I got the fresh fruit for my side and it was great - told her that I didn't like melons and she made it up with strawberries, grapes, pineapple and bananas. I had the Huckleberry Swamp tea since it was already hot outside. When I left she gave me a container for the tea and added some extra to make it a full

    So I'm originally from the other side of the Venetia Bridge. There was a huckleberries that opened…read moreup in Concord. As I moved now to Cordelia, I got the opportunity to stop by Huckleberry's in Fairfield. I was super thrilled that they actually had a patio. We were able to bring our pups with us and really enjoyed our time together. With that said that, I'm giving this place two stars. It was great that we got to be seated instantly I didn't have to wait because we were sitting outside. The outside back patio had a whole bunch of picnic tables and all of your utensils and extra ingredients were on top of the table. The menu you had a whole bunch of southern choices. I was super thrilled to see that they had fried okra and fried green tomatoes. Recently visiting Charleston, I really enjoyed their fried green tomatoes. So I said why not give it a chance here. I asked Jennifer, our waiter, what she thought about them and she said they were good. I also made sure to ask what the thickness of the tomato was because I actually like that flavor. We ordered the fried green tomatoes as an appetizer, and two double bloody Mary's. The bloody Mary's were delicious and they came out with bacon and all the garnishes that usually come with it. The fried green tomatoes, were horrible, it was basically batter, you didn't even get to see the tomato inside of it. The dipping sauce was OK, I usually don't do this, but I had to return it because I'm not eating dough! BTW... It also came with a really dirty nasty plate. Secondly, we ordered the fried steak and country gravy. We went for the side potatoes. And we asked for extra gravy. That dish came out pretty well and that's why it's getting this two stars. They definitely need to use a little bit more salt and pepper to add to their food for flavor. Thirdly, we ordered a second round of drinks, this time I ordered their jungle juice, which was huckleberry lemonade and vodka! It tasted water down and like there was no alcohol in it. Even though I asked for a double? At the end of the day, will I be returning no.

    Photos
    Huckleberry's
    Chicken and Stacked Chicken & Waffles
    Chicken and Stacked Chicken & Waffles
    Chicken & Waffles

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    Chicken & Waffles
    Valentinas Kitchen

    Valentinas Kitchen

    4.6
    (298 reviews)
    12.5 mi
    $$

    Five Stars! Valentina Kitchen is an absolute gem in…read moreAmerican Canyon! From the moment we walked in, the service was top-notch--attentive, welcoming, and genuinely friendly. The food was incredible. We ordered the Asparagus Omelet and the Avocado Toast, and both were executed to perfection. The omelet was light, fresh, and packed with flavor, while the avocado toast was beautifully prepared with generous, fresh ingredients. You can really tell they care about quality here. Fantastic atmosphere, unbelievable food, and awesome service. We will definitely be back! Highly recommended! Oky and Jack - Sonoma

    If you know, you know--and Valentina's is that kind of place…read more After searching for a true family breakfast spot in Napa Valley, this one delivered on every level. David and his wife create a genuinely warm, welcoming experience that feels more like being hosted than served. The menu is bold and beautifully executed. Portions are a solid 10/10 without compromising quality. The café de olla alone is worth the visit--rich, aromatic, and instantly took me back to my abuelita's kitchen. The crab eggs Benedict was flawless, and the house-made salsas--especially the raspberry and mango habanero--are next level. From the steak and eggs to a chorizo burrito my son called "totally bomb," every plate hits. TAG SOMEBODY!! Napa Valley--let's make this go crazy. Tag 3 people you're pulling up with this week, repost this, and flood this place with love. If you're serious about supporting local and putting hidden gems on the map, this is the one. Let's get Valentina's the recognition it deserves.

    Photos
    Service counter + interior
    Service counter + interior
    Huevos motulenos
    Huevos motulenos
    Chorizo eggs Benedict and hubbys   in the background.

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    Chorizo eggs Benedict and hubbys in the background.

    The Original Mels - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

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