I stopped in Phoenix to have lunch with a friend and he brought me here to Mel's.
He told me Mel's Diner was used for the exterior shots of the '76 to '85 TV sitcom, Alice.
APPEARANCE: Mel's has seen better days. The food was still good, but.... let's just say the place is looking and feeling a bit tired. I went to wash my hands and the restrooms were... basic restrooms, older like the restaurant. The soap dispenser was empty so I stepped in the woman's to get some soap. Also when I sat down back at the booth I bottomed out on the springs and the boards supporting them underneath. 2 stars.
SERVICE: It felt like a small local "diner" where they are very friendly and everyone knows everyone. They're always smiling and happy to take care of most any request. 4 stars.
FOOD: I ordered the pork loin sandwich and my friend had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich. Both my friend and our server told me the sandwich I ordered was really big and boy they weren't kidding! Check out my photos, it could have used 2 buns! After having a cup of chicken soup, fries and that sandwich, I'd have to say the food is pretty good, yes diner food, but still pretty good none-the-less. On the plus side, the prices are EXTREMELY reasonable! 3.5 stars.
OVERALL: The food is good, the service is very good and the prices are LOW. But the building and decor is old and out dated. I suppose that's how they keep the prices down............ I bet if anyone tells the owner they should remodel, they'll just say "Kiss My Grits!" ;-)