Editor Pick
The worst diner in SF [Mel's Drive-In on Van Ness]
- March 13, 2002
- Rated 1 of 5 by
modernist from Cambridge, Massachusetts
In general I am a sucker for latenight fast food. It is a wonder I don't gain more weight. I had also had a very light lunch, a shake at the airport. I didn't really have time for dinner, as I went to a concert which started at 7 pm with a preconcert lecture. By the time the concert was done around 10:30 pm, I was completely famished. I got off the bus after spotting the Mel's Drive-In. A greasy burger and fries sounds like a great way to call it a day.
There was about half a dozen patrons in the place. With all the open seats, only a few were actually clean. After serching for a clean one, I finally set down on the counter and cleaned up the mess myself. After trying to hail down a waiter or waitress, or anyone in the restaurant, it took at least 20 minutes to finally get a menu. Then it took another 20 minutes before I could order.
The burger was actually so bad I could not finish it. The fries must have been fried in oil that was a month old. I never got a refill on my coke. After forking over $10 for my meal, I left Mels' completely disgusted with the American Service Industry.
I have had better experiences at other Mel's Diners before. But this one was absolutley a sorry excuse for a restaurant.
In fact I may become a Vegan after this experience.
Don't eat here.
From journal Otherminds 8 Festival