Social Profile: 
✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
… View more
Local chain featuring a retro atmosphere & a menu of classic American diner fare.
Hours
| Saturday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Monday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–11 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 232 Main St, Placerville, CA 95667
Phone: (530) 626-8072
Website: http://www.originalmelsdiner.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Menu | The Original Mels Diners
Ghiradelli Chocolate Chip Hotcakes. Chili Mels Fries. Chicken-fried Steak. Credit Cards. ©2025 The Original Mels Diner.
The Original Mels Diner and Home of American Graffiti
As a pioneer in the restaurant industry, The Original Mels began its history in San Francisco back in 1947. Take a walk down memory lane and read about how it …
Order Now – The Original Mels Diner
Folsom CA 95630. Order Now · Pinole. 1441 Fitzgerald Dr Pinole CA 94564. Order Now · Placerville. 232 Main St. Placerville CA 95667. Order Now · Rocklin. 6708 …
Reviews
Teresa Burgess
We stopped for breakfast during our travels through the area. The diner is right of the highway so easy in and out with plenty of parking. It has a 50’s theme interior, think Mels’ from American Graffiti. We enjoyed our server, very prompt and personable. I had their homemade corned beef – So Good! My husband had the San Francisco Scramble which he enjoyed with their in house potatoes which he raved about. Mes’ was a nice place to stop for breakfast. We would eat here again.
… moreChandan Skanda
The Original Mel’s Diner is such a gem! Their veggie burger is one of the best I’ve had anywhere, and Joey’s Caramel Monkey Crunch is simply outstanding—sweet, crunchy, and unforgettable. We left with our stomachs full, and honestly, it felt like an all-day meal at such a great price. A big shout-out to Ashley R, who made our visit even better. She was super kind, attentive, and generous with her suggestions, helping us pick the perfect options. Great food, great value, and excellent service—I’ll definitely be coming back whenever I am driving to Tahoe!
… moreMr. Dials
Retro diner. I stopped by at 10pm and service was great but obviously high traffic. I kinda dig the 50s Fonz vibe. Right in the heart of downtown. 10/10 highly recommend
… moreMichael Lee
I was fooled by the listing on Google Maps calling this the Original Mels Diner–it’s the name of the chain, not the original Mel’s Drive-In which was actually in San Francisco. I found out there are now 2 Mels (Mel’s) chains, and yes the apostrophe is a flag. None the less, we enjoyed our supper here, and appreciated the helpful staff. The retro diner atmosphere was pleasant and well kept up. I had their vegetarian burger, pleasantly evidently of their own making including a honey sauce. Fries were also unique and very good. Shakes were quite expensive, but also quite large–brought to the table in a tall stemmed glass along with the stainless steel mixing tumbler containing the rest of the shake. It was prepared for two, served with double straws and two spoons. Google Maps will not accept uploaded photos.
… morePhillip Burum
Chocolate malt was perfect. Garlic fries were not amazing. Very greasy, lots of garlic to see, but they just don’t taste like anything. The chicken Parm sandwich was pretty good.
Service was great.
… moreService was great.
Judy Foody
This is a great classic diner! The burgers are perfect. The bun is very light and flavorful a crispy golden fries. The chicken and waffles are enough for two people unless you are just extremely hungry. Service with a smile and very very quick turnaround from order to table.
… moreScott Stephens
This fabulously classic burger joint has an extensive menu of great foods. The burgers, chili fries & chocolate malts are awesome.
… moreJanette Lane
This place was so much fun!! It felt really nostalgic, and the food was great. We ordered the turkey club sandwich with fries and the chicken fried steak with gravy and hash browns.
My sandwich was super fresh, and really delicious. The chicken fried steak gravy was fantastic, rich and full of flavor. The steak itself was pretty standard, but it still hit the spot. The only small downside was that some of the fries were undercooked. I could’ve asked for them to be cooked a bit longer, but it really wasn’t a big deal. I just took the leftovers home and crisped them up in the oven.
Even though Mel’s is a chain, they really capture the 1950s diner vibe in the best way. I’ve been to Ruby’s and Johnny Rockets plenty of times, but those places always feel a little too polished or corporate. Mel’s felt genuinely authentic. A true blast to the past! The decor, the music, and the mini jukeboxes at every table really make it special. (Bring some quarters if you want to pick a few classic tunes.)
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxed spot to grab some classic comfort food, I definitely recommend trying Mel’s. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, enjoy a good meal, and soak up a little bit of that 1950s diner charm. I’m already looking forward to going back.
Also maybe this place felt EXTRA legit because it’s right down the street from Main St., Placerville (a charming little slice of small, home town goodness)! It gives ALL the historic feels.
… moreMy sandwich was super fresh, and really delicious. The chicken fried steak gravy was fantastic, rich and full of flavor. The steak itself was pretty standard, but it still hit the spot. The only small downside was that some of the fries were undercooked. I could’ve asked for them to be cooked a bit longer, but it really wasn’t a big deal. I just took the leftovers home and crisped them up in the oven.
Even though Mel’s is a chain, they really capture the 1950s diner vibe in the best way. I’ve been to Ruby’s and Johnny Rockets plenty of times, but those places always feel a little too polished or corporate. Mel’s felt genuinely authentic. A true blast to the past! The decor, the music, and the mini jukeboxes at every table really make it special. (Bring some quarters if you want to pick a few classic tunes.)
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxed spot to grab some classic comfort food, I definitely recommend trying Mel’s. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, enjoy a good meal, and soak up a little bit of that 1950s diner charm. I’m already looking forward to going back.
Also maybe this place felt EXTRA legit because it’s right down the street from Main St., Placerville (a charming little slice of small, home town goodness)! It gives ALL the historic feels.
RJ A
ordered for to-go and the crew was so nice to give extra biscuits for my soup of the day
… moreRebecca Currin
Cute Diner in Placerville. I got The Hangover 1: Biscuits & gravy, eggs, and potatoes. Husband had the Corned Beef Hash and loved it. It was delicious. Our waitress was super friendly. Great atmosphere all around. Definitely deserves a stop.
… more