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| - I've lived in the Phoenix area for a long time. Never been to Mel's Diner. I'm old enough to have an awareness of "Alice," the television show that gives the spot its ongoing notoriety, but I've never actually watched the show. Well, "kiss my grits," as a character on the show used to say, Mel's is worth a visit.
Located in an industrial area near where I-10 and I-17 connect, Mel's is inconvenient for nearly everyone in the Valley. Consider it an adventure. Binge watch a little Alice before going and then be on your way. As you approach, you'll see a well worn sign with remnants of the neon that illuminated it back in the day. The interior is nicer than the exterior would imply, full of reminders of the history of the diner. Coffee mugs line the walls of the entire dining room. And yes, there is a lunch counter.
The staff is friendly. The food? Not great on this day. Pancakes were far from light and fluffy and and we had a problem getting our bacon out of the kitchen. Slow refilling coffee. None of it really mattered though. We were on a breakfast adventure. While we probably won't make Mel's a regular breakfast spot, we will definitely add it to the list of places to bring out of town visitors.
Mel's Diner is all about Alice, not the cuisine, but the Arizona skillet was good. Salsa was hot and spicy, a good thing.
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