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Mel's Drive-In
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Mel's Drive-In
8.4
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
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Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Classic American diner operating since 1947 in a stunning Googie-style building on the famous Sunset Strip. Open 24/7 on weekends, serving traditional burgers alongside breakfast classics and craft beer in a retro atmosphere perfect for late-night celebrity spotting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheeseburger, Hickory Burger, Banana Cream Pie
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Iconic 24/7 diner in preserved Googie architecture with Hollywood film history
Who should go: Night owls, tourists, families, vintage diner enthusiasts
When to visit: Late night weekends or early morning hours
What to order: Classic cheeseburger, milkshake, banana cream pie
Insider tip: Free valet parking during busy weekend nights
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free valet on busy weekend nights, limited street parking on Sunset Strip
Dress code: Casual - classic diner vibe, anything from jeans to club attire works
Noise level: Moderate to lively - classic diner buzz, conversation-friendly during off-peak
Weekend wait: 30-45 min during prime hours (9pm-2am)
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers, salads, and breakfast options available
Vegan options: Limited - basic salads and sides, not a vegan destination
Gluten-free options: Minimal options - classic diner focused on traditional prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - iconic setting breaks the ice, reasonable prices, and potential celebrity sightings add excitement without pressure
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it's walk-in only like most classic diners. Expect waits during weekend late-night hours but weekdays are usually immediate seating
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - classic family diner with kids menu, high chairs, and nostalgic atmosphere kids love. Great for all ages until very late night hours
Best For
Better for: Late night dining, Hollywood nostalgia, casual celebrity spotting, and authentic vintage diner experience with 24/7 weekend availability
Skip if: You want fine dining, extensive healthy options, quiet romantic atmosphere, or cutting-edge cuisine
Mel's Drive-In
7.9
This 1947-founded diner institution serves classic American fries with nostalgic flair in a retro setting featured in countless films. Their golden shoestring fries pair perfectly with milkshakes, maintaining the traditional drive-in experience on Sunset Boulevard.
Must-Try Dishes:
American Fries, Chili Fries, Patty Melt
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Classic American diner with Hollywood history since 1947
Who should go: Tourists and nostalgia seekers wanting authentic diner fare
When to visit: Weekend brunch or late-night after bars
What to order: Chili fries, classic burger, vanilla shake
Insider tip: Free valet parking during peak hours
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free valet during dinner rush (5-10pm), otherwise challenging street parking on Sunset - budget 10-15 min to find a spot
Dress code: Come as you are - totally casual, shorts and flip-flops welcome
Noise level: Loud and energetic - expect diner clatter and '50s music, conversation possible but not intimate
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, up to 45 min after 8pm on Saturdays
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, maybe 5-10 min during business lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers, salads, grilled cheese, breakfast all day
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salads without cheese, veggie burger can be modified
Gluten-free options: Minimal options - bunless burgers and salads, dedicated fryer not available for fries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual third date - fun and nostalgic but too loud for getting-to-know-you conversation, plus the bright fluorescent lighting isn't romantic
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served with quick turnover, best odds on weekdays before 6pm
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely perfect for families - high chairs, kids menu with crayons, patient staff, and the noise means nobody cares if kids get loud
Best For
Better for: Authentic retro diner experience with Hollywood history that In-N-Out or Shake Shack can't match - plus open 24/7 unlike most competitors
Skip if: You want gourmet fries or trendy toppings - hit Petit Trois or The Golden State instead for elevated versions
Mel's Drive-In
7.9
This 24-hour classic American diner has been serving crispy fried chicken with waffles since 1947, featured in American Graffiti. The buttermilk-battered chicken arrives hot and crunchy, served with classic diner sides in a retro atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken & Waffles, California Turkey Burger, Classic Milkshakes
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: 24-hour classic diner featured in Hollywood films
Who should go: Late-night diners and nostalgia seekers
When to visit: After midnight or weekend brunch
What to order: Fried chicken & waffles, milkshakes, burgers
Insider tip: Free valet parking during busy evening hours
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free valet during dinner rush (6pm-10pm), metered street parking otherwise ($2/hour until 8pm)
Dress code: Come as you are - tourists in shorts, locals in everything from workout gear to club outfits
Noise level: Bustling diner energy - can hold a conversation but expect background clatter and jukebox tunes
Weekend wait: 20-30 min Friday/Saturday 7-9pm, walk right in after 11pm
Weekday lunch: No wait, plenty of booth seating available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers, salads, breakfast all day with meat substitutions
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salads without cheese, fries, and fruit sides
Gluten-free options: Some options - bunless burgers, salads, but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - the retro booths are conversation-friendly, it's not too pricey, and the Hollywood history gives you built-in talking points. Skip if they're expecting fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first come, first served. Worst waits are weekend dinner rush; best bet is weekdays or late night when it's mostly industry folks.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - kids menu, crayons, high chairs, and servers who've seen it all. The milkshake bar is a hit with little ones. Booths contain the chaos nicely.
Best For
Better for: Late-night comfort food cravings, Hollywood nostalgia trips, and unpretentious group hangs where everyone can find something they like
Skip if: You want authentic Southern fried chicken, need a quiet romantic setting, or are looking for innovative cuisine - this is diner food done well, not reinvented
Mel's Drive-In
8.2
This 1947-era classic American diner serves nostalgic comfort with its Famous Melburger and hand-spun shakes in a retro setting featured in 'American Graffiti.' Open 24 hours on weekends, it's a beloved late-night destination where Hollywood history meets satisfying burgers on grass-fed beef.
Must-Try Dishes:
Famous Melburger, Sunset Burger, Patty Melt
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Historic diner with 24/7 weekend hours and Hollywood legacy
Who should go: Night owls and nostalgia seekers
When to visit: Late night after Sunset Strip adventures
What to order: Famous Melburger, milkshake, onion rings
Insider tip: Free valet parking during busy hours
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free valet during peak hours, metered street parking on Sunset limited after 8pm
Dress code: Come as you are - everything from clubwear to pajamas welcome
Noise level: Bustling diner energy - conversation-friendly booths, louder at counter
Weekend wait: 20-30 min peak times, walk right in after midnight
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min max, usually immediate seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, salads, breakfast all day
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salads with modifications
Gluten-free options: Limited - bunless burgers, salads, check with server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - the retro booths create intimacy while the lively atmosphere takes pressure off conversation. Late-night visits are especially romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first come, first served. Shortest waits are weekday afternoons or after 1am on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - kids love the old-school diner vibe, crayons provided, high chairs available, and the all-day breakfast menu is a hit with families.
Best For
Better for: Authentic diner atmosphere with Hollywood history, 24-hour weekend service, and nostalgic charm you won't find at modern burger spots
Skip if: You want gourmet burgers or craft cocktails - head to Plan Check or Father's Office instead
Mel's Drive-In
8.2
This iconic 1947-established diner brings classic American nostalgia with hand-formed patties and thick milkshakes served until the early morning hours. The vintage neon signs and jukebox music create an authentic throwback atmosphere that's been featured in countless films.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Mel's Burger, Patty Melt, Double Cheeseburger with Bacon
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: 24-hour weekend service with authentic 1950s diner atmosphere
Who should go: Night owls and nostalgia seekers
When to visit: After midnight on weekends for full experience
What to order: Mel's Burger, onion rings, chocolate shake
Insider tip: Free valet parking during busy late-night hours
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free valet after 10pm, otherwise street parking or paid lots nearby ($8-15)
Dress code: Come as you are - everything from clubwear to pajamas acceptable
Noise level: Lively but manageable - booths help with conversation
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, up to 45 min after midnight Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: No wait, seat yourself at counter
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, salads, breakfast all day
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify salads, ask for veggie burger no cheese
Gluten-free options: Minimal - bunless burgers, salads, but high cross-contamination risk
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - the retro atmosphere is a conversation starter, booths offer privacy, and the comfort food takes pressure off being fancy. Plus if it goes well, you can extend with milkshakes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. It's first-come, first-served. Best strategy is to avoid 1-3am on weekends when the club crowd arrives, or grab counter seats which turn over faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids love the jukebox, milkshakes, and seeing their food made. High chairs and kids menu available. Best before 10pm when the late-night crowd arrives.
Best For
Better for: Authentic diner experience with actual 24/7 weekend hours - unlike trendy 'retro' spots that close at 11pm. Better milkshakes than In-N-Out, more atmosphere than Denny's
Skip if: You want gourmet burgers (try Father's Office) or need a quiet meal (too bustling). Not ideal if you're looking for healthy options or have serious dietary restrictions