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The Melt
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Melt
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Happy Hour Hotspots
The Melt’s West Hollywood outpost is a modern fast-casual spot for MeltBurgers, grilled cheeses, and garlic fries built around a clean, bright dining room and late-night hours. It’s less about craft obsession and more about reliable, melty comfort food that works for quick lunches and casual pre- or post-movie meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original MeltBurger, BBQ Bacon Melt, Garlic fries
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A polished fast-casual burger and grilled-cheese shop with late hours and consistently melty comfort food.
Who should go: Groups needing an easy, crowd-pleasing burger stop on Santa Monica.
When to visit: Lunch, early dinner, or late night after nearby bars.
What to order: Original MeltBurger, BBQ Bacon Melt, garlic fries.
Insider tip: Pair a MeltBurger with garlic fries and a shake for the most satisfying combo.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Boulevard is available but can be tight during peak dinner hours; nearby residential streets offer additional metered and permit-free spots depending on time of day.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — burger-and-fries attire is totally appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; the room stays lively but you can reliably hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes during peak hours, mostly due to ordering lines rather than table turnover.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with plenty of seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — grilled cheese variations, salads, and some sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — certain items can be customized, but the menu leans dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some burgers can be served without buns, but cross-contact is likely due to shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for casual, low-pressure meetups rather than romantic first dates. Great if you want something quick, easy, and not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s a counter-service setup with open seating, so reservations aren’t needed and tables turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the bright, fast-casual format works well for families, and kids tend to like the simple burgers, melts, and fries. High-chairstyle seating may vary by location.
Best For
Better for: Faster service, predictable comfort-food hits, and an easy location for casual group meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for chef-driven burgers, gourmet toppings, or a more atmospheric dining experience.
The Melt
8.0
The Melt’s Sunset Boulevard outpost is a fast-casual grilled-cheese and burger shop where toasted sourdough and gooey American cheese are the main draw. It’s the reliable choice when you want melty sandwiches, tomato soup, and shakes with more polish than a typical diner but less commitment than a sit-down restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic grilled cheese, Patty Melt burger, Fried chicken melt sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fast-casual grilled cheeses and melts with consistent, kid-friendly comfort.
Who should go: Families and groups craving melty sandwiches and burgers.
When to visit: Evenings before movie nights or casual outings nearby.
What to order: Classic grilled cheese, patty melt, fried chicken melt.
Insider tip: Pair a grilled cheese with tomato soup for a satisfying set.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Sunset can be limited during peak evening hours; metered spots open up more quickly after 8pm. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—hoodies, jeans, and everyday wear fit the fast-casual vibe.
Noise level: Moderate, with steady counter-service bustle; still easy enough to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak movie-night crowds, especially right before nearby showtimes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; fast counter-service flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple grilled cheese variations, fries, soups, and customizable melts.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan substitutions are not standard; options depend on seasonal plant-based specials.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—some items can be served without bread, but no dedicated gluten-free bread or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for a low-stakes, casual first meet-up where you want something quick and comforting without a long sit-down commitment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's entirely walk-in. Tables turn quickly, and counter service keeps the flow steady even during rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—grilled cheeses, melts, fries, and shakes make it an easy win for families with kids of all ages. High chairs may be limited, but the atmosphere is relaxed.
Best For
Better for: Melty, comfort-driven sandwiches made fast with more polish than a typical diner and more consistency than many indie melt shops.
Skip if: You want artisan, chef-driven sandwiches or vegan-friendly options—this is more classic American comfort than gourmet or plant-based.