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Step back in time and experience the nostalgia of the 1950s at Mel’s Drive-In, the iconic diner serving delicious comfort food with a modern twist. Famous for our juicy burgers, crispy fries, hearty milkshakes, and all-day breakfast, we’ve been a beloved spot for families, friends, and foodies alike. Whether you’re craving diner classics, looking for vegetarian-friendly options, or indulging in our handcrafted cocktails, Mel’s offers something for everyone. Our retro decor, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere make every visit a memorable one. Perfect for family outings, casual dates, or late-night bites, Mel’s Drive-In is your go-to destination for timeless eats and good vibes. Come hungry, leave happy!
Part of a local chain, this family-friendly 1950s-style diner serves classic American comfort fare.
Hours
| Friday | 7 AM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Monday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–11 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1670 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: (310) 392-0139
Website: http://melsdrive-in.com/
Menu Photos
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Reviews
Paul Montalvo
Enjoyed the Huevos Rancheros with a strawberry milkshake and apple pie a la mode. Very delicious food and great nostalgic atmosphere and restaurant is on the iconic Route 66 road.
Jesus Christ Loves You!!!
… moreJesus Christ Loves You!!!
Zan Lee
I have been to many other Mel’s locations around Los Angeles and in San Francisco, but I would say that this is probably the most famous location given the fact that it sits on the terminus of the original Route 66. Now the end is listed as the start of the Santa Monica Pier, however this was the original end. This location is just like the others, it’s a traditional retro diner complete with a large menu and fast service. Inside is very large with counter and booth seating and it’s consistently good every time I visit. This location has a large free parking lot attached in the back and on the side so parking is pretty easy. Our server was very polite and everything that we ordered came out very fast.
Every time I come here, I get the tuna melt with avocado, which is what I did again for this visit. I did mix it up a bit and got the curled fries and added chili cheese on top and honestly really enjoyed that as well. You can’t go wrong with their tuna or patty melt and honestly everything else I have tried here has been really good too. I also often get the club sandwich so can recommend that as a good option as well. Mel’s is a great diner option for any age and I plan to be back again in the near future.
… moreEvery time I come here, I get the tuna melt with avocado, which is what I did again for this visit. I did mix it up a bit and got the curled fries and added chili cheese on top and honestly really enjoyed that as well. You can’t go wrong with their tuna or patty melt and honestly everything else I have tried here has been really good too. I also often get the club sandwich so can recommend that as a good option as well. Mel’s is a great diner option for any age and I plan to be back again in the near future.
RivailsLogan
Had an early dinner at Mel’s Drive-In in Santa Monica – great classic American diner vibe with delicious food and friendly service. Loved the nostalgic touch of the jukeboxes at the tables where you can play music for just 25 cents!
One small suggestion: At the entrance, there are “hello” greetings written in various languages from around the world, which is a cool welcoming feature. However, the Korean one (“환영합니다” I believe) is unfortunately printed upside down. It stands out as the only one oriented incorrectly. Would be awesome if the team could fix that to make it properly inclusive for everyone! Thanks!
… moreOne small suggestion: At the entrance, there are “hello” greetings written in various languages from around the world, which is a cool welcoming feature. However, the Korean one (“환영합니다” I believe) is unfortunately printed upside down. It stands out as the only one oriented incorrectly. Would be awesome if the team could fix that to make it properly inclusive for everyone! Thanks!
Edwin
Rolled in pretty late around 10pm thanks to a flight delay, completely wiped and starving. Honestly, couldn’t have picked a better spot. Started with a cold pint of IPA and went straight for the Famous Melburger, which really hit the spot. The burger was solid medium rare, juicy, and just what I needed at that hour. I swapped fries for coleslaw to feel slightly healthier, and it was actually pretty tasty.
The retro vibe was a fun bonus, it genuinely felt like stepping into an old-school movie set. I even dropped a few quarters into the jukebox just to lean into the experience. All in all, it was the perfect late-night fix when I needed comfort food and a chill place to unwind.
… moreThe retro vibe was a fun bonus, it genuinely felt like stepping into an old-school movie set. I even dropped a few quarters into the jukebox just to lean into the experience. All in all, it was the perfect late-night fix when I needed comfort food and a chill place to unwind.
Ken Locher
Such an inviting place to go back to a simpler time, .25 cent songs at the table top jukeboxs, amazing milkshakes, large portion sandwiches and salads! Bathrooms are very clean.
Our server Samuel, was professional and knowledgeable of the menu and could read the room well.*tips hat*.
… moreOur server Samuel, was professional and knowledgeable of the menu and could read the room well.*tips hat*.
Mateo Garcia
I ordered take out on Uber Eats and upon getting home my son and wife shared the chicken noodle soup.
As soon as they were taking their first spoonfuls they notice a cooked fly mixed amongst the vegetables.
I immediately went back to the restaurant thinking they were at least going to attempt to make things a little better by offering me another item.
I discretely made my way in and showed the manager the soup. The manager had a blatantly unapologetic attitude. He inspected the soup and then offered me another to go bowl, which I declined to take as my wife and 8 year old would not have dared to try it after being so grossed out. He then said he can only do a refund. I reluctantly accepted.
I then waited 15 minutes while they were trying to figure out how to refund me thru Uber Eats. After waiting so long he came out and said he’s only able to refund me in cash. I again politely asked why it was difficult for him to simply offer me another item to try to make the situation a little better, I really didn’t want the refund, I just wanted a sandwich to feed my family especially after waiting so long while they were trying to refund me.
He grew increasingly frustrated and turned his back away from me while I was talking after basically throwing the refund at me.
In short, this restaurant nor manager, seem to care eating the costs of a club sandwich to make a customer’s negative and gross experience a little better.
I dared to let the restaurant patrons know that they should not order or eat the soup as I exited the building, something I wouldn’t have done had I been treated with respect and understanding. I really hope they weren’t careless and actually made a new pot.
… moreAs soon as they were taking their first spoonfuls they notice a cooked fly mixed amongst the vegetables.
I immediately went back to the restaurant thinking they were at least going to attempt to make things a little better by offering me another item.
I discretely made my way in and showed the manager the soup. The manager had a blatantly unapologetic attitude. He inspected the soup and then offered me another to go bowl, which I declined to take as my wife and 8 year old would not have dared to try it after being so grossed out. He then said he can only do a refund. I reluctantly accepted.
I then waited 15 minutes while they were trying to figure out how to refund me thru Uber Eats. After waiting so long he came out and said he’s only able to refund me in cash. I again politely asked why it was difficult for him to simply offer me another item to try to make the situation a little better, I really didn’t want the refund, I just wanted a sandwich to feed my family especially after waiting so long while they were trying to refund me.
He grew increasingly frustrated and turned his back away from me while I was talking after basically throwing the refund at me.
In short, this restaurant nor manager, seem to care eating the costs of a club sandwich to make a customer’s negative and gross experience a little better.
I dared to let the restaurant patrons know that they should not order or eat the soup as I exited the building, something I wouldn’t have done had I been treated with respect and understanding. I really hope they weren’t careless and actually made a new pot.
Isabel Yanes
This is your classic 1950s diner with some unexpected high quality food! There’s plenty of parking in their lot and the inside is well maintained with lots of memorabilia that transports you to another time. Well worth the stop for a historic end of Route 66 experience.
Our server was amazing, checking in on us frequently to fill our waters and our food was delivered quickly and piping hot! The shakes are crazy sweet, but satisfy the craving for a classic milkshake, though I recommend splitting it because it’s a lot to consume on your own along with a meal. They even bring you the actual metal shaker full of the leftovers that didn’t fit in the glass. I ordered the Lana Del Rey and LOVED how much chocolate and oreo chunks were in it.
For my meal, I got the Short Rib Grilled Cheese and appreciated the balance the sauce on the side added to the sandwich as that much cheese and meat can be heavy, but the acidity really balanced out each bite, cutting through some of that dairy and meat grease. The sourdough was buttered and toasted, and the fries were really crispy and well seasoned.
… moreOur server was amazing, checking in on us frequently to fill our waters and our food was delivered quickly and piping hot! The shakes are crazy sweet, but satisfy the craving for a classic milkshake, though I recommend splitting it because it’s a lot to consume on your own along with a meal. They even bring you the actual metal shaker full of the leftovers that didn’t fit in the glass. I ordered the Lana Del Rey and LOVED how much chocolate and oreo chunks were in it.
For my meal, I got the Short Rib Grilled Cheese and appreciated the balance the sauce on the side added to the sandwich as that much cheese and meat can be heavy, but the acidity really balanced out each bite, cutting through some of that dairy and meat grease. The sourdough was buttered and toasted, and the fries were really crispy and well seasoned.
Kensley Gray
I came here for breakfast once but this time my grandma said the dinner here is great aswell and she was right! I got the chicken pesto which was great and I tried some of my brother’s grilled cheese and tomato soup which was delicious. I highly recommend this spot especially for its classic diner look.
… moreDane LaFleur
Overall a great experience with fantastic food! It’s a classic diner style with booth seating with some tables having music selectors. The fresh toast was great and fluffy just like the pancakes. The Arnold Palmer was the perfect ratio which is different to get right. I like the frequent visits from Yasmin. She was a great waitress and knew the menu well which definitely helped me decide what to order. I highly recommend this place for the great American diner experience.
… moreMichael Preiss
Classic American Diner Vibes at Mel’s Diner – Worth a Visit!
Mel’s Diner in Santa Monica has a very cool and nostalgic look – classic American diner style with some tables even featuring little jukeboxes, which adds a fun retro touch to the atmosphere.
The staff was very friendly and welcoming, making the experience even more enjoyable. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, so there’s something for everyone. The food was freshly prepared and tasted great – classic comfort food done right.
The only downside is the price – it’s a bit on the higher side for diner fare, so the value for money is just okay. Still, all in all, it’s a fun and tasty spot that’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
… moreMel’s Diner in Santa Monica has a very cool and nostalgic look – classic American diner style with some tables even featuring little jukeboxes, which adds a fun retro touch to the atmosphere.
The staff was very friendly and welcoming, making the experience even more enjoyable. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, so there’s something for everyone. The food was freshly prepared and tasted great – classic comfort food done right.
The only downside is the price – it’s a bit on the higher side for diner fare, so the value for money is just okay. Still, all in all, it’s a fun and tasty spot that’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.