The Original Mels
| Address: | 2986 Grant Line Rd, Tracy, CA 95304, USA |
| Phone: | +1 209-836-6071 |
| Site: | originalmelsdiner.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 17
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Bruce
Mels Diner opened its doors on 3 September 2015. At first glance, the outside of the establishment doesnt give you the impression that this is an old fashioned diner. Other than the Celebrated "Mels Diner sign, it doesnt reveal that this is an old time establishment until you step foot through the front door. Once inside, you start to get that impression of what a diner might have looked like back in the day. The atmosphere is festive with old time music from "Billy Joel to Fleetwood Mac" playing in the background. The walls of the restaurant are festooned with photographs and decorations from the 50s and 60s. Portraits of old fashioned cars and actors from long ago are depicted throughout the interior. Seating in this restaurant consists of old fashioned booths and the iconic "table top jukebox" in every booth which gives you that sensation that your back in a time of your parents. On this occasion, I tried their "Country Fried Chicken steak," which came with mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, steamed zucchini, salad, and corn bread. The steak was good, well prepared, and the chicken gravy enhanced the overall favor. The mashed potato was creamy and complemented both the steak and steamed zucchini. The fare was average and I didnt leave hungry! Overall the food was good and the waitress were friendly. The place drew quite a crowd on my visit, but then again, it just opened with a lot of curious customers who want to try the food here. With "Five Guys" just next door and "Black Bear Diner" just down the street, this place will be competing for customer loyalty. Mel′s Diner was the setting for the 1976-1985 American TV series "Alice," which was a fictional roadside diner on the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona, that served locals and truckers. Although one of the three waitresses, Alice, is the main character, the show revolves around all of the waitresses and Mel Sharples the owner and cook. In conclusion, Mels Diner is worth a visit, for the food as well as the festive atmosphere!
PA
Paul Oshiro
Growing up on the peninsula back in the 60s and 70s, I used to eat at Mels on Geary in SF on Wednesday night for years after band practice. How times have changed. Mels in Tracy is pretty disappointing, if not outright bad as far as the food goes. Ordered two dishes for lunch; Classic Melburger and a BLT. The patty in the burger was not seasoned and the 1000 island that was supposed to be there was just plain mayo. Meh. The BLT was made with thick sliced bacon, so over cooked it was like jerky. The tomato and lettuce was the best part of the sandwich. Meh no. 2. Fries with both dishes were heavily salted and tasted like they were fried in old, burnt oil ala Five Guys. The dill spears were tasty and crisp. The wait staff was friendly and pleasant. Ive eaten at this location enough times to honestly say that the food here is just bad.
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Arvind Ramraj
Its a classic american diner shown in movies of 90s era, the vibe , the decor, the music and the food all confirms the same. Since, this place is close to so many shopping spot we thought of giving it a try as we already been to five guys n blaze. We got seated immediately and the menu was pretty informative to start with. We ordered the sampler platter for appetizer, damn it had almost 2 gallons of oil in it, since we r not a health conscious foodie got the napkins to drain out as much as possible and started gorging on it. Everything was good but not great , then we got the chicken steak gravy thing and the same oily thing came up but this time with no option of draining. Overall, the food was good , portions were commendable and service nice.
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Anthony White
As retro-50s diners go, this is above average. At first I thought it was going to be another typical greasy spoon diner, but I was pleasantly surprised. The food was decent. I got the Eggs Benedict with avocado, my wife got the Huevos Rancheros. I thought mine was very good, with adequate portions for the price. My wife thought hers was okay, but not as good as others shes had elsewhere. Quality to dollar, it was about on par. Compared to other breakfast places, its mediocre. When compared to diners, its above average, which is how I rated this place. Overall, a good retro diner experience with solid quantity and quality to price point.
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Dennis Gravett
This is still a fairly new location and as such I have never seen it very busy. I hope they can build a solid customer base for the long haul. Staff is friendly and attentive. Food was typical Mels, good diner comfort food with the exception being the Chicken fried steak I had. Seems like it was left in the fryer a tad too long being overdone for my taste, and Im definitely not very picky. Deducting one star is for the awkward location. Others might not give this a thought but its positioned at the end of a strip mall and you feel like youre crossing a street to get to the front door, albeit a mall car park street.
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Lily Ortiz
Great customer service, food is delicious, price is reasonable. Restaurant is located in good area. Handicap accessible, plenty of parking available. Restrooms kept clean handicap accessible. Outside seating available. You can host your parties here. Children menu available, great deserts. EST. 1947. Great music on all the time.
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Kate Young
I was expecting a typical thin burger patty like most diners, so I foolishly ordered the extra patty on my burger. Oops...those patties are thick and massive!! I had the San Francisco burger and it was delicious. I could only eat half of it before I was absolutely stuffed. I would definitely recommend this place!
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John Harnden
I would guess having eat at mels in San Francisco that the prices here are approximately 25% lower. Food is very good lot of choices Services good restaurants clean perfect restaurant. Ive been on the road over 40 years and this is a kind of restaurant I would always go back to 5 stars all the way.
WI
William Hoffknecht
I love Mels Diners and hit them up often, and only recently learned of this one in Tracy. I was not pleased - this was the worst food I had ever received at a Mels. My French Dip sandwich was dry, and all of my companions said their food was similar...dry and flavorless.
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jeremy pedersen
Best breakfast in tracy. Wolfman jack never dissapoints. Perfect pancakes and Crispy hashbrowns. Super friendly waitstaff. Get back that "date" feeling with your special someone.
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Kimberly Hernandez
Catherine was our server she was awsome super friensly and upbeat. Super busy yet she gave excellence!!! Great food! Definently will go back with my family! Thank you Catherine!
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Benjamin Grover
Food was decent and perhaps a little expensive. The service was very good and the staff was friendly. My burrito had good flavor and my daughter really liked the French toast.
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Vernon Burt
Been here a couple times. Good atmosphere, food and a service staff that has always been kind to our sometime rambunctious sons over-enthusiasm.
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mike Kissling
Service is great the three times we have been....the food has been consistently good. Nothing to over the top here but for a chain they do well
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Tim Moore
I have ate here 3 times now for breakfast, food has been very tasty and service was good 2 times but slow 1 time , great place overall to eat.
MI
Mike Johnson
Great service and great food! The wait staff is always super friendly, atmosphere is great and the food is the perfect greasy spoon.
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Pete Mata
Really good food, seriously! Nice enviornment. Usually pretty busy, so the service is kinda slow. But great place overall!
