Welcome to The Original Mels - Pinole
The Original Mels - Pinole is a cherished diner located in the heart of Pinole, CA. This veteran-owned establishment offers a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. With a robust menu featuring everything from classic Melburgers to hearty breakfast burritos and hearty omelettes, there’s something for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian options. The spacious outdoor seating is ideal for sunny days, while the commitment to sustainability—offering compostable containers and reusable tableware—adds an eco-friendly touch. Each dish reflects Mels’ dedication to quality, ensuring a delightful experience for families and friends alike. Come savor the flavors at The Original Mels!
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1441 Fitzgerald Dr Pinole, CA 94564 United States Hotline: (510) 223-6357
Welcome to The Original Mels - Pinole, a charming diner located at 1441 Fitzgerald Dr, Pinole, CA. Renowned for its cozy atmosphere and family-friendly vibe, Mels offers a delightful array of American breakfast and brunch staples that keep diners coming back for more.
This veteran-owned establishment provides not just a meal but an experience. With options for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diners, there’s something for everyone here. The diner is fully wheelchair accessible and also welcomes pets—perfect for those outdoor meals with your furry friends.
- Reservations and Convenience: Whether you want a quick bite or a leisurely brunch, The Original Mels - Pinole has you covered. The diner takes reservations, offers delivery and takeout, and even features a drive-thru for added convenience.
- Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal in the fresh air with heated outdoor and covered seating options, great for both sunny and chilly days.
- Family-Friendly: Mels is particularly good for groups and kids, making it a fantastic spot for family gatherings or group celebrations.
- Technology Savvy: Accepting various payment methods, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and Android Pay, ensures a smooth dining experience.
- Social Vibes: With a TV for sports fans and happy hour specials, you’ll find a lively atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Now, let’s dig into the food—an absolute highlight of The Original Mels - Pinole. Their Mels Famous Choice Angus Burgers are simply irresistible. The classic Melburger, with its perfectly grilled patty, fresh toppings, and special Thousand Island dressing, comes in at just $14.99—a steal for the quality. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the San Francisco Melburger, layered high with bacon, avocado, and grilled onions, priced at $17.99. Each bite is a flavorful journey.
For breakfast enthusiasts, the Breakfast Burrito is a must-try. Stuffed with scrambled eggs, sausages, and Mels potatoes, it’s a filling option that pairs wonderfully with salsa and sour cream. Alternatively, if you prefer a heartier start to your day, the Ribeye Steak & 2 Eggs, served with potatoes and toast, is simply divine at $24.69. Portions are generous, ensuring you leave with a satisfied belly!
Additionally, their three-egg omelettes offer a treasure trove of flavors. The California Omelette, packed with fresh ingredients like avocado and bacon, serves as a great option for those wanting a light yet fulfilling meal.
In summary, The Original Mels - Pinole is more than just a diner; it’s a welcoming community space where you can enjoy delicious food anytime of the day. From breakfast to late-night snacks, every dish reflects their commitment to quality and comfort. Make sure to visit, experience their vibrant atmosphere, and indulge in a culinary adventure that keeps you coming back for more!
We usually go there for breakfast and lunch--thisxtime, we decided to Indulge in their frozen desserts. My husband had a chocolate malted whilevI was torn between the sundae and the banana split. I went for the banana split. My husband liked his chelated malted and my neopolitan ice cream was fie, although the chocolate ice cream was just meh... The restaurant had the retro vibe going.. The 2 desserts and coffee ran less than $24. https://youtube.com/shorts/fOCu612DioQ?feature=shared
Best price in town for the ribeye dinner, which I had for lunch! Love that everything on the menu is served all day. Garlic bread was soft on the inside crispy on the outside, not too greasy. Ribeye was bland so had to add salt and pepper, was cooked as I ordered. Bottomless Arnold palmer was just what I needed, not too overly sweet.
I frequent this restaurant kind of often. One thing I've noticed lately is the service. It seems like the staff makes differences in race when seating and taking orders. It really needs to improve. I noticed one customer leaving due to being overlooked by staff, or needing to ask if they can order.
Dropped in around 2p and this place was hopping! Ordered the Bacon (with Chorizo) , Egg & Avocado burrito & the Mel's potatoes! Then got apple pie ala mode (I wanted berry but they were out). Every thing was delicious!! Service was fantastic and who hates the 50s decor?! I just love it, especially with the music!
I was craving a French dip sandwich and decided to get one here. It's a fun diner, Mel's has been in existence since 1947. The French dip was everything you would expect it to be - the bread was soft and dipped in au jus, the meat was decent and thinly sliced. Hubby had fish and chips. They are well known here for their desserts and fountain drinks. I was pleased to see they had an orange Creamsicle milkshake which I decided to try. It was quite good and brought back memories of the orange creamsicles I had as a child. This is a good place to go for the all American diner meal. Service was good.
Nostalgic diner! The Original Mels is decorated in the old school 50s and 60s diner. It even has Jukebox at each table. For those of us that grew up in the era of American Graffiti this place will bring back memories! The food is the traditional diner comfort food. Don't worry about small portions. I order the double deuce with their famous chili and they had to serve it open face with the lettuce, onion and tomatoes on the side because the bun would have never been able to wrap it's arms around all that burger! Next time? It seems like a milk shake or sundae would be in order.
When you want the classic burger and fries with a milkshake or are on a groovy milkshake date, this Mels classically delivers good/decent service and is always doing positive things to improve their customer focus in more then a "low-end dinner". My favorite here that's under $9.99 is the 2-gg combo, I recommend getting in scrambled and it includes some dank has browns as well as toast if your choice! - I also like that they have a mini ice cream Sunday if you just don't want all that yumminess! Mels is a gem!
Wasn't too hungry but needed to sit down and get some work done. Mel's was right there so I stopped in. I got the chicken strips with fries plus a root beer float. Everything was so delicious. I wasn't expecting much. Just your run of the mill chicken strips. But these strips had flavor! They tasted fresh and juicy. Their ranch dip was tasty too! The ice cream was even creamy and divine. Hands down 10/10.
Mel's does not let you down for late night eats! Esp after late airport pickups and post-concert bites if you're feeling peckish or hangry they will suffice both cravings. The fried anything: potatoes, onions, cheese sticks, fish & chips, wings and other things are always life altering after nightly ventures. The kids nurse their shakes and the adults w/ an iced caffeinated bevy to wash down all the unsaturated lipids and soak up any remaining ETOH. It's a perfect combo of splendor and depraved. Mel's has a very cool 50's vibe and love the jukebox playing big bands and Motown in the last century. Service is spotty so you will need to hail the servers down for refills and the check but not bad. We always come back, we feel it's better food options and service than Denny's!