Mel's Diner Introduce
Mel's Diner, a beloved institution located on the historic Grand Avenue in Phoenix, AZ, offers local residents and visitors a genuine taste of classic American dining blended with a unique local character. Categorized primarily as a "Diner" and a "Breakfast restaurant," Mel's has earned its reputation over decades, providing a welcoming, "Historic," and "Cozy" atmosphere that transports patrons to a bygone era. It has also gained notoriety for its link to the iconic 1970s TV sitcom, Alice, which, although filmed on a set, was set in a Phoenix diner, adding a layer of nostalgia that attracts both "Locals" and "Tourists" alike. This connection is often referenced by patrons who come in hoping to hear the famous line, "Kiss my grits!"
The culinary offerings at Mel's Diner are a celebration of "Comfort food." The menu is extensive and ensures that every guest can find a satisfying meal at any time of day, whether they are visiting for "Breakfast," "Brunch," "Lunch," or "Dinner." The "Breakfast Specials" are particularly popular, featuring hearty items like the Combo Plate, Belgian Waffle Combo, and various skillets. A notable local favorite is the "Arizona Omlette," reflecting the diner’s commitment to serving "local specialty." Other classic dishes, such as "Chicken Fried Steak" and "Pork Chops," are available from the "Steak & Chops" section, all served with traditional sides like hash browns or home fries.
Mel's is well-regarded for providing "Fast service" and "great coffee," perfect for those looking for a "Quick bite." Customers consistently praise the friendly nature of the staff, noting the quick service and warm, attentive interaction. One long-time resident and customer stated, "The food is classic diner food that hits the spot. The servers were friendly and understanding of our kids." This sentiment is echoed by others who appreciate the "cool nostalgic place to eat" and the comparable pricing for the "Typical breakfast food" compared to other local spots.
The diner atmosphere is designed to be highly appealing to "Family-friendly" crowds and "Groups," providing a space that is "Casual" and "Quiet" enough for conversation. The generous portion sizes are a consistent highlight, ensuring excellent value for the money. The blend of traditional American fare with hints of Greek-inspired dishes—such as the option of Gyro Meat as a side or the Greek Skillet—demonstrates a diverse approach to the classic diner menu.
Location and Accessibility
Mel's Diner is strategically located at 1747 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA. This positioning on Grand Avenue places it within the vibrant art and preservation district, making it a central and easy-to-find destination for anyone in the Phoenix metro area.
The diner prioritizes accessibility for all members of the community. It features a "Wheelchair accessible entrance," "Wheelchair accessible parking lot," "Wheelchair accessible restroom," and "Wheelchair accessible seating." Parking is also convenient, with a "Free parking lot" available to patrons, as well as the option of "Free street parking" nearby.
Contact Information:
Address: 1747 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
Phone: (602) 252-8283
Services Offered:
- Dine-in: Offering "Table service" and comfortable "Seating" for a relaxed meal.
- Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for enjoying the classic food at home or work.
- Full-Day Service: Catering to all meal times—"Breakfast," "Brunch," "Lunch," and "Dinner"—plus "Dessert."
- Private Dining Room: Offers an option for smaller gatherings or special occasions.
- Reservations Accepted: Allows customers to plan ahead and secure a table, especially for "Groups."
- Alcohol Service: Features a "Bar onsite" with "Alcohol" offerings to complement the meals.
- Children's Amenities: Provides a "Kids' menu" and "High chairs," confirming its status as "Good for kids."
Features and Highlights:
- Historic Phoenix Landmark: Celebrated for its unique architectural style and its role as a local icon, providing a uniquely "Historic" ambiance.
- Exceptional Breakfast Options: Highly praised for its morning fare, including large, satisfying omelets (like the meaty farmers omelette) and perfectly prepared potatoes.
- Great Coffee and Dessert: Specifically highlighted for both the quality of its coffee and its "Great dessert" selection, including classics like pies and ice cream.
- Comprehensive Accessibility: Dedicated to providing full access for all guests with multiple wheelchair-accessible features.
- Authentic Diner Experience: Delivers the classic, "Cozy" atmosphere and "Comfort food" that defines a great American diner.
- Versatile Dining: Supports a wide array of dining needs, from "Solo dining" to family meals, offering both "Quick bite" options and full, leisurely "Table service."
What is Worth Choosing Mel's Diner
For anyone in the Arizona region seeking an authentic and memorable dining experience, Mel's Diner on Grand Avenue is an essential choice. It is more than just a place to eat; it is a piece of Phoenix's history, wrapped in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. The food is consistently described as classic, generous, and satisfying, making it the perfect destination for high-quality "Comfort food."
Patrons are drawn to the diner's ability to provide a full-service experience across all meal periods—from a hearty breakfast that can hold you through the day, such as the Arizona Skillet, to a traditional dinner. Furthermore, the commitment to excellent service, exemplified by "Fast service" and very "Friendly" staff, enhances the overall experience. The combination of its historical charm, the presence of a "Bar onsite," full accessibility, and its celebrated "Great coffee" and "Great dessert" solidifies Mel's Diner as a top-tier choice for a genuine, nostalgic, and delicious meal in the 85007 area of Phoenix. It truly is a local gem worth visiting.
Mel's Diner Menu
Lunch - Appetizers
- Chicken Strips $8.09
(4 pieces)
- Mozzarella Sticks $8.09
(6 pieces) with marinara upon request)
- Onion Rings $8.09
Lunch - Beverages
- Soda $3.19
- Iced Tea $3.19
- Milk
- Coffee $3.19
- Decaf $3.19
- Hot Tea $3.19
- Hot Chocolate $3.19
- Cranberry Juice $3.29
- Orange Juice $3.29
- Apple Juice $3.29
Lunch - Lunch Sides
- Gyro Meat $7.99
(8 strips)
- Cole Slaw $2.69
- Sliced Tomatoes $2.69
- Cottage Cheese $2.69
- Potato Salad $2.69
- Vegetable $2.69
- Cup Of Chili $5.99
- Bowl Of Chili $6.99
- Cup Of Soup $4.59
- Bowl Of Soup $5.99
- Tzatziki $1.19
- Dressing $1.09
- Onions $1.19
- Cheese $1.19
- Feta Cheese $4.19
Breakfast Specials
- Combo Plate $10.29
2 eggs, 2 bacon, 1 link, 1/2 ham, potatoes & toast
- 1/2 Waffle $8.39
2 eggs, bacon or sausage
- Arizona Omlette $10.99
W/potatoes & toast
Breakfast Specials - Soups
- Chicken Noodle
Breakfast Specials - Dessert
- Scoop Of Ice Cream $0.99
Chocolate, strawberry, vanilla
Lunch Specials
- All-U-Can Eat Beer Battered Cod W/Coleslaw & 1 Side $12.99
Country Fresh Eggs
Two pancakes or biscuit may be substituted for toast. Grits or tomatoes may be substituted in place of potatoes
- 1 Egg Any Style
- 3 Eggs Any Style $7.99
Served with hash browns or country home fries
- 2 Eggs Any Style $7.59
Served with hash browns or country home fries
- 2 Eggs Any Style & Meat
- 3 Eggs Any Style & Meat
Steak & Chops
Served with hash browns or country home fries two pancakes or biscuit may be substituted for toast.
- 8 Oz. Chop Steak $11.39
With 3 eggs any style
- Pork Chops $11.99
With 3 eggs any style
- Chicken Fried Steak $11.39
With 3 eggs any style
Skillets
Served with 2 eggs any style & home fries. Two pancakes or biscuit may be substituted for toast.
- Ham $9.99
Ham, green peppers, onions & cheese
- Veggie $9.99
Broccoli, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, tomatoes & cheese
- Spanish $10.99
Chorizo, green peppers, onions, tomatoes & cheese
- Greek $10.99
Gyro meat, onions, tomatoes & feta cheese
- Arizona $10.99
Sausage, bacon, green peppers, onions, tomatoes & cheese
- Country $11.29
Country fried steak, onions, green peppers, & gravy
From The Griddle
- Pancake Stack (3) $7.19
- Short Stack (2) $6.59
- Pancake Combo $8.99
With 2 eggs, 3 bacon or 2 sausage
- Belgian Waffle $7.99
- Belgian Waffle Combo $9.19
With 2 eggs any style, 3 bacon or 2 sausage
- French Toast
- French Toast Combo $9.09
With 2 eggs any style, 3 bacon or 2 sausage
Others
- Soups
Mel's Diner Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Quiet
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Mel's Diner Photos










Mel's Diner Location
Mel's Diner
1747 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
Mel's Diner Reviews
breakfasttv shownostalgiagritsbiscuits and gravyhistory70smemoriessitcommemorabilia
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Finally made it to Mel's Diner! They have been here a long time, I have driven by for 20 years as a resident and even more as a visitor. The food is classic diner food that hits the spot. The servers were friendly and understanding of our kids. Pretty chill spot, not too loud for table conversations. We split a farmers omelette and had a biscuit with gravy. The gravy could use some sausage, otherwise it's pretty good. The omelette was meaty, just the way we like it!
August 30 · Brian BarnumIt was a cool nostalgic place to eat. Menu was pretty decent. Typical breakfast food. Price was comparable to other breakfast spots. Enjoyed the servers who seated and took our orders. Very friendly and service was quick. Would definitely return.
September 13 · Gloria DanielThe Original Mel's Diner, where the TV show was filmed. The food was tasty. I had a BLT with the chicken soup. Everyone else had breakfast. Great place for nostalgia
September 28 · Willow GraceHad the veggie burrito it was great. The staff was super friendly and they were totally on top with their coffee game. NEVER had to wait for a top off. The other customers were all super friendly as well. I can’t believe that I have lived in Phoenix 28 years and have never been here. I will definitely be going back.
July 12 · Todd VorceI doubt the place has changed or been painted since the 1970s perfect! Don’t change a thing. Although I’d love to see something more from the show as opposed to pictures of James Dean but a great nostalgic trip love it!
May 10 · Rusty Humphries
More Best Restaurants Near Me
Asadero Toro4.0 (1067 reviews)1715 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
Sushi y mariscos los plebes3.0 (9 reviews)1902 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA
Mariscos Sonora4.0 (17 reviews)1620 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA
Playing with fire bbq & Wings4.0 (30 reviews)1352 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
SoLuna Eats5.0 (1 reviews)1325 Grand Ave #6, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
Testal Mexican Kitchen4.0 (513 reviews)1325 Grand Ave Suite #1, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
Goji Berry - Eatery & Bakery4.0 (250 reviews)1325 Grand Ave Ste. 8, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
Earth Plant Based Cuisine4.0 (771 reviews)1325 Grand Ave Suite 7, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
Bacanora PHX4.0 (600 reviews)1301 Grand Ave #1, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
La Vegana Madre4.0 (276 reviews)1229 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
Thor's Skyr4.0 (72 reviews)1229 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
Tacos Los Primos4.0 (29 reviews)2401 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites
Carl’s Jr.3.0 (848 reviews)
DOS PINK4.0 (135 reviews)
QDOBA Mexican Eats5.0 (141 reviews)
Tacos & Burritos5.0 (6 reviews)
Taco Boys4.0 (1007 reviews)
Papa Johns Pizza3.0 (503 reviews)Trending Dining Discoveries Posts
The Best Seafood Dishes You Have to Try at Top Restaurants in Boston
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Brunch Spots in San Francisco
Why You Should Try the Best Poke Bowls in Your City: A Flavorful Experience
Why You Should Try the Best Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurants in San Diego
Why You Should Always Try the Chef’s Tasting Menu at Fine Dining Restaurants
The Best Places for Fresh Seafood in San Francisco - Top Restaurants & Markets
