Highlights
Historic drive-in diner seen in George Lucas's American Graffiti. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night meals
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About This Deal
Looking for a place that combines great food with a slice of Hollywood history? Check out this deal! Enjoy meals any time of the day at this famous diner. Whether you're grabbing breakfast before work or dinner after a long day, there's something on the menu you'll love. Plus, all locations are open for outdoor dining and take-out.
What We Offer
- $20 voucher for Food and Drink for Parties of Two or Three People
- $40 voucher for Food and Drink for Parties of Four or More People
See the menu here.
All Mels S.F. locations are open for outdoor dining and take-out.
Why You Should Grab The Offer
Mel's Drive-In is not just another diner; it's a cultural landmark that's been part of American pop culture history. From being featured in iconic films like American Graffiti to hosting star-studded events, this place has got it all. The nostalgic carhop service brings the charm of the 1950s right to your table. With locations across California, it's accessible whether you're local or just visiting. Plus, they have an exclusive merchandise line so you can purchase at an additional cost and take home a piece of Mel's legacy!
Fine Print
About Mel's Drive-in- San Francisco
In 1947, owners Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs assembled a staff of 14 carhops to serve passing motorists at the first Mel's Drive-In. For the next two decades, customers partial to automobile dining flocked to the chain’s 11 California locations, eager to wash down grass-fed half-pound burgers with thick milk shakes. As fast-food outlets outpaced the drive-in's once-speedy service, its popularity declined, and it was eventually scheduled for demolition. The building got a temporary reprieve, however, when filmmaker George Lucas decided to use the drive-in's original location on Lombard Street as the colorful backdrop for his film American Graffiti. As bulldozers destroyed the last remnants of the historic drive-in, American Graffiti opened in theaters.
A decade later, though, Mel's son Steven reopened Mel's Drive-In in an attempt to carry on his father's dream. Steven restored the drive-in's multiple locations to mirror their original motif by stocking each with midcentury must-haves such as illuminated marquees, jukeboxes, and Elvis-themed WiFi passwords. The drive-in’s menu, meanwhile, balances period-appropriate fare, such as hot dogs and burgers, with healthy options, such as the Haven’s Famous vegetarian sandwich, two slices of nine-grain bread topped with avocado, sprouts, and tomatoes.
Read More About Mel's Drive-In
It has a little to do with George Lucas and a lot to do with Googie architecture.