The Original Mels Diner

1394 N Main St, Walnut Creek
(925) 935-6457

Recent Reviews

Luke Schmidt

There is so much to say. How do I even begin to try and unpack the way I feel about Mels? It seems like an impossible task, but I'll do my best. As soon as I got here I immediately started to feel better. I was somewhat hungover, but Mels calming presence soothed me. For a second I forgot that I had gone there to get food. For some reason Mels makes me feel like I can be a better person. To be honest, I'd be happy if I could just embody half of the aurora at Mels. When I was there, they were constantly checking up on me, which is ideal. I tend to be extremely emotional. I'll be fine one moment and then a few seconds later I'm questioning my whole life's existence and it all started because I couldn't make up my mind on what to order. Luckily, at Mels I didn't have to question my life's existence because I knew a waiter was going to come and check up on me shortly. I know some people may think they're checking in to see how the food is tasting or if the table is ready to order, but to me it's so much more than that. Those check ins are the difference between me having an emotional breakdown or not. I was able to keep my emotions in check because I knew it wasn't going to be long until a waiter came by and asked, "how is everything?". It's a loaded question, but it's the best one. To me that question shows that they don't just care about the quality of the food. They care about me as an individual and everything else that encompasses life. I never have the right answer to that question and I don't think I ever will. While I may never know how everything is, it's still nice to know that someone cares. The waiters were amazing here and my breakfast burrito was delicious.

Hernan Padron

The milkshakes were great

Luke S.

There is so much to say. How do I even begin to try and unpack the way I feel about Mels? It seems like an impossible task, but I'll do my best. As soon as I got here I immediately started to feel better. I was somewhat hungover, but Mels calming presence soothed me. For a second I forgot that I had gone there to get food. For some reason Mels makes me feel like I can be a better person. To be honest, I'd be happy if I could just embody half of the aurora at Mels. When I was there they were constantly checking up on me, which is ideal. I tend to be extremely emotional. I'll be fine one moment and then a few seconds later I'm questioning my whole life's existence and it all started because I couldn't make up my mind on what to order. Luckily, at Mels I didn't have to question my life's existence because I knew a waiter was going to come and check up on me shortly. I know some people may think they're checking in to see how the food is tasting or if the table is ready to order, but to me it's so much more than that. Those check ins are the difference between me having an emotional breakdown or not. I was able to keep my emotions in check because I knew it wasn't going to be long until a waiter came by and asked, "how is everything?". It's a loaded question, but it's the best one. To me that question shows that they don't just care about the quality of the food. They care about me as an individual and everything else that encompasses life. I never have the right answer to that question and I don't think I ever will. While I may never know how everything is, it's still nice to know that someone cares. The waiters were amazing here and my breakfast burrito was delicious.

Guille Hernandez

Friendly staff spoke to my group in Spanish so that was amazing ?great food ?

Shireen L.

My daughter and both her friends ate at this location and suffered food poisoning. Avoid this establishment.

Alexandra Woodhouse

Good food, nice staff although longer than usual wait as short staffed, only one chef was told. June 2021.

Emily Hilton Wetzel

We love Mel's. It's hard to find a diner in the Bay area. Mel's is open till 2:30am and has a good diner variety. This location has friendly service and hot, fresh food. My kids and I are always happy to come here.

Shania J.

I hated having to pay for the food honestly because it just wasn't good. The service great. It has a charm because it's a classic diner. But if you really care about having GOOD food. Just don't. My onion ring had like a squishy moist texture inside. I love food and eating out. But I left bummed out.

Chadie G.

Can't complain with fast food, friendly service and chili fries!!!! Just when you need to break your diet and splurge on some diabetes and high cholesterol!!!! Add one of their side salads If you need to feel better about that plate full of onion rings and fries. I love the old school throw back decor of the 50's, quarter Music box at each table. And optional outdoor seating available.

Kathy Hill Barker-Laflamme

Fast and friendly service. Great food in abundance size portions!

Ashley J.

This is definitely one of the cutest brunch spots I've ever been to. I had one a gift card from a yelp giveaway so that my friend and I decided to stop by. I'm so glad that we did. It's nestled in downtown Walnut Creek and when you walk and you feel like you're walking back in time to a diner from a movie. All of the food is amazing, and you best get a milkshake regardless of what you order since they are out of this world. I tried a pineapple milkshake and they were so sweet that they even brought me the extra milkshake that didn't fit into the cup -- it was like 2 for 1! I tried the grilled cheese with waffle fries, and my friend got eggs Benedict. We loved everything, and we will definitely be back. The staff are so incredibly sweet and attentive making sure you have everything you could possibly need.

Dan Mathisen

Really good well done meal and Great service

Jessi T.

I was scouring Walnut Creek for a late night Friday treat for my 6 year old, and nothing seemed open. We rolled into Mel's a couple minutes after 9 and the server told us they had just closed, too. We looked heartbroken I'm sure (no ICE CREAM?!), and she not only offered to make us a milkshake, but also gave my son one of their super cute cardboard cars that come with their kids meals. Mel's saved the day for SURE!! One of those going-the-extra-mile moments that don't seem to happen much in customer service these days. We were so grateful!! Will definitely be back.

Alan D.

I was in the area and always saw this place in Walnut Creek. I think I have been to a Mels a very, very long time ago, but I could not recall. This place had that "old school" feeling, so why not check it out again. I was with a friend, so we decided to just go for it. The inside had like a 70/80s feel to it. Everything looked retro and seating was allowed inside and outside. The staff all wore masks, and only the cook had gloves on. I personally ordered the Eggs Florentine, while my other diner tried the chicken and waffles. I can only attest to the Eggs Florentine (although the chicken he had looked juicy and delicious). The eggs Florentine were good. The poached egg was done right and the spinach was lightly sautéed with the tomatoes. The biggest thing that sets apart a "Benedict" is the hollandaise sauce. It was alright. I didn't taste anything that made it stand out for me. And I got a side of country potatoes which were cooked perfect for me. Overall, this was a nice place to eat at. I would consider coming back again

Manuel Tchagatzbanian

This is my go to spot in walnut creek for breakfast. I love this place

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