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| - At 6:30 AM I think the morning rush was already over. There were only a few obvious regulars at the counter, not the larger collection of ranchers and truckers and locals I remember from a few years ago. The few at the counter were talking utility rates and solar and weather in general and another a few seats away chimed in on conspiracy theories of it all being the result of government manipulation of the weather at some top secret government antenna installation in Texas where they'll shoot you if you get within 3 feet of the fence, and quickly got to Roswell and Area 51 from there. People watching (and eavesdropping) at its finest, but I digress . .
I've only been to Mel's about 4 times but have never had a bad meal and the prices have always been reasonable or better. This morning's meal was the 1/2 waffle special with 2 eggs in your style of choice, and 2 strips of bacon: $5.29. Apparently endless refills of coffee: about $1.85. The waffle was I presume out of a box and was unspectacular but okay, and had an unusual just slight taste of salt. My over easy eggs were cooked perfectly and the two strips of bacon, if a little skinny for a bacon lover, were quite good. I went in craving grits but to my disappointment there were no grits to kiss nor to even shake hands with this morning as they were out. As a Southerner, I commend and recommend the grits, as I have had them in the past at Mel's, not instant, cooked perfectly, neither runny nor semi-solid mass or mess. The pancake's I've had in the past were perfectly cooked, generously portioned, and really good and really really filling.
My server this morning was in classic diner uniform with hip hair and a few visible tatts and piercings thrown in, but not too much to be off-putting to my semi aged sensibilities. She was clean, competent, and quick with the service: my coffee never had a chance to get more than an inch down in the cup before a refill was on the way.
The place seemed, well - cleaner than I remembered from a couple of visits a few years ago. . My table and the tables throughout the place were clean, and there was not even dust on the window sill at my booth. There was no debris on the floor, food or otherwise anywhere in the dining area, front or back. And no musty smell. I suspect the indoor smoking ban was not welcomed by many of the old time regulars, but there's a definite improvement in the atmosphere, probably in no small part due to removing some (or all?) of the old carpet. The men's room has a single, very low to the ground toilet with a slightly over-size horseshoe seat, and a handicap bar on the wall that I'd bet many non-handicapped climb to get up off that toilet. The toilet, semi ancient in appearance though it was, appeared to be clean. The sink was of modern vintage, was also clean. Both faucet handles functioned perfectly, though with the sound effect of a haunted house door when turned. The wall below the sink where the plumbing came through might could use a little touching up, but no major lack of sanitation. The soap, TP, and paper towel dispensers were stocked, and there was no trash on the floor.
Yes, the place is worn, but that's part of its Americana charm, and thankfully without a single goose in a bonnet with a ribbon tied around its neck in sight. If you know (and miss) the classic American small town or roadside diner, I think there's a good chance you'll appreciate and enjoy Mel's both for the atmosphere and the food. It may not be "gourmet", but it's good, and the atmosphere (air), cleaner than it used to be!
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