Mel's River Pub Italian Grille & Liquor Store

Appears Mel’s is permanently closed. We went by there yesterday and a vendor was set up in the parking lot.

When we first visited Mel's, a few years ago-while under management of the previous owner, it was a totally different place; better beer prices, better atmosphere, friendlier staff and to me better quality food. We've been back a couple of times in the last year but didn't enjoy our visit. On one occasion, the chicken wings smelled like rotten road kill - I am not exaggerating! It's really too bad but times, they are a'changing...

I order two pieces of lasagna to go ($18.99 each) and when I got home realized they were burnt.

I called to tell them and I didn’t make a big deal out of it because I thought they make it right, like most people would.

The next visit they gave me a $20 credit towards my bill and the owner was an a** about it.

I spent almost $70 dollars that night on the meal I sat there and ate and my to go order and they didn’t even cover the two burnt pieces of lasagna.

I should have received 2 $20 dollar credit to cover what I bought. Or maybe 2 free meals since it’s 30 minutes to drive here each way.

Instead I got an attitude from the owner and a $20 credit. I will not be returning here and it’s probably why I was the only person there eating at 6pm in a Saturday night.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

It's been awhile & I decided to try it again.
The chicken parmigiana & the sauce was overcooked, almost burned. They didn't have any pinoit grigio & sold wine by the bottle only.
I won't be going there again.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 4

My wife and I visited on a Saturday at about 4:30 pm while staying at a nearby RV park. My first impression was that it was too dark. The service was good. Food came out quickly and fresh looking. We ordered the Fresh Mozzarella Caprise, and it was delicious. Also ordered the Margherita pizza. It had too much crust for my taste. However, it was also delicious. That and two sodas $44.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Lasagna was great. Worth coming out on Monday, it's the special. Grouper sandwich looked good too.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Fried Grouper Basket

This place is our favorite place for Italian food! I know, strange, but true. The pizza, canzone, and the Stromboli is AMAZING! We drive an hour from Deland and worth it! The staff, and owner are very hospitable and kind. Great place!

Kid-friendliness: Kind atmosphere and separate from bar area.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread Sticks, Meat Lovers Pizza, Stromboli

Good food.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mel's river pub Is local near me And now since I have moved from Jacksonville I know exactly where I will be getting my pizza from now on!! The crust was very garlicly, and the wine section was wide with knowledge from the staff we had amazing dinner tonight. We will now be happy to see Stephanie when we go back for another pizza and drinks to mingle with locals that we'll call friends soon. Highly recommended to pop in they'll take good care of yall!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was our first time there. We saw the billboard advertisement and decided to try it. The staff was very friendly. The food was delicious. I had the chicken parm, and my husband had the cioppinno wasn't on the menu yet, but the waitress suggested it. We received breadsticks and warm marinara while looking at the menu. The owner came by and introduced himself. I can't wait to go back with friends and try something different.

We heard so many great things about this place and decided to check it out. It’s all true. The food was great. The staff was polite and friendly. Will definitely come back again.

Atmosphere: 5

AUCE baby back ribs $19.99 w2 sides. My 1st outing here. I will tell you Stephanie is the best bartender/server. She worked the bar and handled a 10 top as well.
The 1st rib of the 2 i got was had a slight bite ( which is the way it should be, in my opinion) the 2nd one was pue perfection as was the 2nd,3rd, and 4th serving.
Mel was a doting ( not over bearing) proprietor, making sure our meals were on point.
I wish I had taken pictures. However, I was too busy eating my ribs.
Everyone was very accommodating.
Like Arnold said; " I'll be back."
I hear the lasagna is excellent.

You have to try this place. I hope your experience is as favorable as mine.
Peace ✌️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Can't call in a pizza, have to order on line. That's crazy.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 4

$8.31 for ONE meatball! Really? You call and it demands you order online, I ordered two meatball subs and they’re $14.55 each, for “extra protein” it’s $8.31. What a joke to pick up my order and it’s literally one extra meatball….. that’s literally more than half what the full price is for the sub itself…system says it takes about an hour, I picked up my order literally on the dot and it’s all soggy, a few hairs on the bag, and honestly overall the meatball sub sucks. How is this place still open?

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

Lady literally takes order of people right next to me and then I ask for a menu and tells me their not taking orders terrible service 9 o'clock on memorial day weekend terrible service terrible people terrible restaurant go somewhere else !!!!

Service: 1