The Original Mel’s

Chicken fried steak is made from ground beef. Butter was unspreadably cold. They microwave the cornbread. Mash sucks, gravy is good. Server was good. Someone I expect was the owner or owner’s son came out and stood under the tv I was glancing at and seemed to stare. Nailed the fries, but nothing else

One of the few places in Natomas area that is open late, especially great for late night snacks. French dip, Philly steak sandwich, fries, strawberry and chocolate shakes all hit the spot. Though probably too much food right before midnight.

The turkey sandwich was excellent. LOTS of turkey white meat, lettuce, tomato and the bun was toasted. Waitress was very friendly and the food arrived quickly and hot, I would definitely go here again!

Just like any other diner. Food is decent. I really don’t like the atmosphere very much. Too many kids not being attended by their parents. Service is nothing special, but it’s not bad either. Middle of the road on this one. Unless my husband suggests we go, I won’t suggest it.

Awesome onion rings, great shakes and AWESOME grilled cheese (with tomato). I am quite a fan of Mel’s even though it is a chain.

I used to Looooove this place. In SF it’s funny and kitschy and sometimes you’re in the mood for that. In Sacramento it’s still really cute but the last few times I have been in the service has been TERRIBLE. I think the servers are really great and polite, but they are spread too thin and can not give you the service that you need. I recommend if at all possible going during the week, that’s when we the most attentive service. They also have good weekday specials but until they hire more staff, I vote against going on the weekends.

Don’t bother. We went on a Sunday at 11 AM with a big group and they had run out of eggs. EGGS! At 11, on a Sunday. The entire group had to revise their orders to lunch items. I’m stubborn, however, and still ordered the corned beef hash. Which was good, but not good enough to make me want to come back and chance them running out of eggs again.
The service was sub-​par. We asked two different people to put on a specific football game on the TV in our room that was playing in the next room (so we knew they knew how to do it) and it just never happened. Maybe they needed eggs to turn the TV on. Did I mention they ran out of eggs? Seriously, people.
If you’re still interested in going after this I’ll give a brief, legitimate review: Our party ordered two reubens, a chicken friend steak dinner, two soups, two kids’ corn dogs meals and corned beef hash. The reubens were fine, nothing special, chicken fried steak was good, soup was just okay, and the corn dogs were regular old Foster Farms chicken dogs, though they did come in very cute little 50’s car boxes. Nothing stood out. Except for the eggs, which were delicious… oh wait, I wouldn’t know because THEY WERE OUT OF EGGS.
I think I’ve made my point.

This place has great service and their food is not bad. Good place to bring your kids — bright lights, music and other kids. I like their fries and their breakfast deals are cheap — they open early 6 a.m.

Pseudo-​50s atmosphere, decent food, decent prices, great service.