Mel's Drive-In

3355 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States
$$$ Diner
(2327 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you’re in San Francisco and craving an authentic diner experience, look no further than Mel's Drive-In, located at 3355 Geary Blvd. With its retro charm reminiscent of classic American diners, Mel's offers not just food, but a slice of nostalgia that engages your senses from the moment you walk in.

Step inside, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to the golden age of diners. The decor bursts with colorful memorabilia and cozy booth seating, complete with charming jukeboxes that invite you to take a trip down memory lane. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and indulge in the delight of American comfort food.

On the menu, you’ll discover a tempting selection of dishes that can cater to any taste. Salad lovers can enjoy the Caesar Salad, with crisp romaine coated in zesty dressing and crowned with grated Parmesan and crunchy croutons, or the BLT Chopped Salad, featuring a bounty of fresh ingredients like avocado and crispy bacon tossed in a house-made honey citrus vinaigrette for a delightful twist (priced at $19.90). For something heartier, the New York Steak Dinner, broiled to perfection and served alongside lump mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables for $36.75, is sure to impress. If you're in the mood for classic comfort, the Southern Fried Chicken is crispy on the outside and succulent within, paired perfectly with coleslaw and fries for $28.88. Another cherished highlight is the bowl of Clam Chowder, a rich and creamy dish that customers rave about, making it a steal at $11.00.

What speaks even louder than the food is the overwhelming praise from previous diners who have fallen in love with Mel's. Customer 'Wolf Fivousix' describes the restaurant’s atmosphere as "old school" and emphasizes that while the burgers are solid, it’s the Apple Pie that steals the show! 'James Feng' echoes this sentiment, noting the generous portion sizes and the perfect sear on the salmon—each dish prepared thoughtfully to deliver satisfaction on every level. You’ll also find commendable service mentioned throughout reviews, where guests like 'Edwin Pugh-Johnson' appreciate the staff’s attentiveness and genuine warmth, creating a cozy and welcoming dining environment.

In a world filled with fleeting dining experiences, Mel's Drive-In stands out as a love letter to the traditional American diner. With mouthwatering dishes, a lively atmosphere, and a team dedicated to making your visit memorable, it’s a must-visit destination that captures the heart of San Francisco’s culinary landscape. So, whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, come hungry and ready to enjoy the flavors of an all-American classic—you won't be disappointed!

For more information or to make a reservation, call them at +1 415-387-2255.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 1:00 AM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 1:00 AM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

2327 Reviews
Wolf Fivousix

27 Aug 2025

Not a big fan of "American drive-in" spots, but stopped by to give it a try. Great old school atmosphere, the burgers looked great, but nothing to write home about, little pricy, but at least parking is as easy as it gets. The real gold is in the Apple Pie! Definitely well made, super recommend!

James Feng

24 Aug 2025

Dining at Mel’s Drive-In really felt like stepping into a classic American retro diner! I tried the salmon Caesar salad, the wrap, and the fried chicken burger — every dish came in generous portions. The salmon was perfectly seared, tender inside and crisp outside, paired with fresh lettuce and cheese. The wrap with potato salad on the side was creamy and flavorful, while the fried chicken burger was crispy and juicy, complemented by golden fries that were impossible to resist. The staff were friendly, and the food arrived quickly. The whole experience was fun and nostalgic — highly recommended for anyone wanting to enjoy authentic American diner vibes!

A “OpinionExpress” B

12 Aug 2025

I absolutely loved this place! I was looking for a traditional diner to try during my vacation, and this one didn’t disappoint. The food was fantastic, and I highly recommend the French drip sandwich. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, and the value for money was great.

Robert Greig

10 Aug 2025

The service is what stands out the most. I ordered a burger and fries, and it was great. Good location, with limited parking. I didn't have trouble getting a spot, but it was limited. Again, the server was very good. Super attentive, friendly, and helpful. If I am in the area again, I would stop by for lunch.

Sushi Mellon

11 Jul 2025

Mel’s Drive-In is a solid choice. You get those classic and friendly diner vibes the moment you walk in. The staffs? Really good - attentive and they keep the place clean enough. The clam chowder is perfect and for the price. It’s a steal. Bottom line: Great value, great chowder and a good experience. Highly recommended.

Edwin Pugh-Johnson

29 Jun 2025

I had the short rib dinner plate at Mel's Drive-In, and it was absolutely delicious! The meat was tender and flavorful —cooked to perfection. The sides were just as satisfying and brought the whole plate together like a true comfort food classic. On top of the great food, the customer service was excellent. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made me feel right at home. You can tell they care about the experience just as much as the meal. Whether you're craving something hearty or just want to enjoy a throwback diner vibe with top-notch service, Mel’s is the spot. I’ll definitely be coming back!

PastorDre

28 Jun 2025

What’s up family. Right here at Mels drive-in. If you’re looking for some pretty good food this is a great place to have breakfast and lunch. Haven’t tried the dinner yet but the food is pretty good.

Jeanette G

26 Jun 2025

Love this Mel’s location because they keep it old school and serve up delicious classics. The service is nice and I recommend you sit at a booth with a little jukebox!

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