Mels Drive-In (1947-) Local Mini-Chain Drive-In Featured in "American Graffiti"

[Kibbee Nayee]

Mels Drive-in has been around since 1947, when it began as an actual San Francisco drive-in with spaces for 100+ cars. It has eight locations in California today, with four in San Francisco and four in the L.A. area. I went to the location at 4th and Mission twice for breakfast last month. 

Don't expect fine dining, but do expect an overflowing plate of darn good food. I had their omelettes, which were very good. Other people who attended the same conference at the Moscone Center (about two blocks away) raved about the hamburgers, especially "The Famous Melburger" ... but there's immediate competition in the area. Across the street in the Metreon there is Buckhorn Grill, a really good California mini-chain that specializes in grilled tri-tip subs, and has a hamburger to die for. And another California mini-chain, Super Duper Burger, has a place in the Metreon and also a few blocks down Market Street. (Alert -- if you like In-N-Out for whatever reason, you'll LOVE Super Duper Burger and Buckhorn Grill.)

Mels had to be an influence on the people who created Silver Diner. They are eerily similar in appearance, right down to the folded 1950s-era cars all over the top of the counter area. Expect prime time lines out the front door, but if you're a party of one, scoring a seat at the counter is relatively easy.