Mel's Hard Luck Diner — Restaurant in Branson

It started out fun and the root beer float was yummy. The singers were okay but fun. We were patient with the service because the environment was busy. Unfortunately once my husband got his burger and I got my patty melt on rye... there a was something off about the meat. I don't know if it was because it was way overcooked and burnt. The waiter never came back to check on us. I tried a few bites on one half and a bite on the other. It didn't even taste like a charbroiled patty... almost like plastic. A very chemical taste. We couldn't catch our waiter so we requested another waiter to ask our waiter to bring us our bill. We waited about several minutes before he showed up. My husband was past patient and told him, "Do you always make people wait over ten minutes to bring us our check?" The waiter started making excuses, responding that we weren't done with our meal pointing at all of the food we still had our table. My husband replied telling him that the meat was disgusting. My husband took the bill and went to the cashier. I was a little slow to get up from the table. The waiter called him, "rude!" The cashier was nice and that should have been the end of the story but no. As we paid the cashier, she asked how iur waiter was? My husband is an honest person, he is blunt but he will give it to you straight. He started to explain how disappointed he was with Had our server for the lack of response when we needed him. He was beginning to describe how nasty the meat was, which you would think a restaurant would want to know, discretely. Then a woman behind the counter, (possibley the manager??) started shouting in front of us and the other families in line. Accused Tom of throwing F bombs around in a family restaurant. We don't know all that she said, she was loud and angry. She said witnessed it all and did not appreciate such horrible language. Tom responded, reporting he did not like the food but he did not use the F bomb. I didn't hear any F bombs and defended my husband immediately. Simply saying I did not hear the F word in that discussion. We had paid for our food and started to leave the lady, (whoever she was), continued to shout trying to shame us... that was horrible. I ate my salad and maybe a quarter of the grilled patty melt. We paid and didn't ask for anything other than if they offered a veteran discount, (which they did). What a shame, it was otherwise a fun environment, until it wasn't. The desserts looked amazing but it wasn't worth the hassle. I certainly didn't appreciate that surprise attack at the end. I've never experienced anything like that. That was especially upsetting. I am a female combat surviving veteran and that shook me up a little. We are not perfect people but we are reasonably patient. That...

This place was one of my top places I wanted to visit why in the area. I was a little bummed it was not as nice as I expected. Host was over whelmed an had to keep asking for help. Other host was short and snappy. We put our name on list and they do not give you a time just a place in line. We ended up waiting an hour to be seated. Once seated the table was to small to fit us all and very crowed. I would have rather waited a little longer then be so crowded in a place. You can see they are trying to fit as many people as they can. Our waitress was rushed and short with us. Now the place was clean, food was fresh and good, the singers amazing!! Some of them should get record deals and put them on the radio lol. Price was high but that’s to be expected in the area. Was a club worth 15.99 no but it was good just over priced. We spent 120 (my family other family with us spend about the same) for 4 meals and two appetizer. Now we wanted to give it another shot hoping for a better experience with staff. Because we are all about second chances. We showed up at about 7pm maybe a little before but no less then an hour an half before closing an it was not busy like the night before at all. They welcomed us and asked how many? I told them 9 an she said sorry we won’t be able to seat you. Why because we are not excepting any more people. Then why ask me how many. Because we are open so we have to. Ummmm that just sounds stupid 🤦🏼‍♀️ so I asked can we place a Togo order and she said hold on she asked the other lady who was rude the night before and she said yes go outside to the green double doors to do that. We passed on the Togo order and figured it was our sign we won’t be returning. As I heard them add the name of a party of 5 as we walked away. The place is neat and a fun experience but over crowded over worked and short tempered. The check out process is easy and that staff was friendly. We won’t be returning but we are glad to experience it once. Oh an it’s loud but that did not bother us we excepted that. Just make sure if you go don’t hold expectations high for customer service! Food is good, environment is good, clean just not...

Food: 3.5/5 (Good diner food!) Service: 5/5 (Awesome and intentional service!) Atmosphere: 5/5 (Unique, fun, and clean!)

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Mel's Hard Luck Diner in Branson, Missouri, is a must-visit! Celebrating 27 wonderful years, this restaurant offers something truly special—the servers not only take your order but also entertain you with their singing. Our server, Karen, was fantastic and even had CDs were for sale in the gift shop!

The food features classic diner food that hits the spot! The portions were generous, the meals served hot, and the desserts were simply delightful. Enjoying a meal while the staff sings adds a fun twist to the experience.

The service here is outstanding! The warm southern hospitality is memorable, and the playful singing really makes you feel at home. Water glasses are promptly filled, and the staff is full of good humor, ready to answer any questions about the menu. They really know how to create a welcoming atmosphere.

The atmosphere and decor adds to the charm as well! The restaurant is bright and clean, filled with celebrity photos and musical memorabilia that reflect its vibrant spirit. Plus, the gift shop is a perfect spot to pick up souvenirs, located in a lovely shopping area.

Overall, my visit to Mel's Hard Luck Diner was a truly unique experience that I can't wait to share with my friends and family. I highly encourage everyone to check it out, and if you live in Branson, check it out frequently. It's a...