Mel's Diner — Restaurant in Lafayette

I go to Mel’s PRETTY often, so much so I am normally recognized by the waitress staff, or kitchen staff. Well I went tonight around 8:30-9:30 pm & was immediately told to sit in an open booth by Brittney. We waited about 10 minutes for our drinks and menus. Our waitress was Tonya. I ordered some “wets” that NEVER came but I was charged for it. & Food that was cold (ish). It was warm at the very best. I went with my mother, brother & his wife. My brother’s food (biscuit & gravy) was very cold & had to be returned because it being cold. I had ordered the omelette (which was correct) and cheese hash brown (that was served without cheese) and a biscuit (which was forgotten). And my brother received dirty utensils and had to wait on Tonya so much so that we just asked Brittney to get them. But the entire time Tonya had never checked on us & I had asked about the Wets & she stated “the kitchen was very slow tonight” but the restaurant was not full, when we first got there it was a little full but not completely & then sitting there for quite some time most of them had left. And then after they left we got our food but still never the wets. I had waited over 15 minutes to change my drink & for my brother to get a refill on Lemonade. But the entire time Tonya was either standing by where the food came out or was talking to someone else (back staff). Then she sat down to roll silverware and Brittney had to keep telling her what HER tables needed. Brittney had came over to apologize because she observed all the same problems we had. I have never left such a terrible tip while eating there before, but I also never had such a terrible experience before by the staff at Mel’s Diner. This is one of FAVORITE places to eat. So quite upsetting, all while Brittney had majority of the tables and was running circles around her...

It was just horrible. Arrived at approximately 3pm. Told to seat ourselves. Pretty difficult as all tables and booths were dirty. The floor was covered in food, dirty napkins and straws. Waitress finished cleaning one for us so we sat there. After another 10 mins plus I went to the counter to get 2 menus as I did not want to wait forever for them. Not long after Brittany, and the only reason I know her names is because she was wearing a name tag, asked us what we wanted to drink. When she returned with said drinks she offered to take our orders. Grilled cheese with bacon and home fries was one. Mine was the nachos. Nope. No chili. Ok. Oh no soup or catfish either. Ok grr. Cheese burger, fries, extra pickles. 20 mins later my burger arrives. But my companions grilled cheese is delayed. They forgot to add the bacon. Sadly they just peeled the bread slices apart and stuffed some bacon in and brought it to the table. Cold! I took one of the drinks back to the counter because of the huge pink lipstick stain on the cup. Neither of us wears lipstick. My burger was good. The rest terrible. Even the pickles were soft and nasty. Upon leaving, we went to the register to ask for our ticket to pay. Very expensive. And Brittany knowing we were displeased with her terrible service proceeded to tell us a out her broken ribs, difficulty breathing and how she's not sure she will be able to finish her shift. All in all a terrible experience, and I will not go back and was ashamed I took my Canadian...

After attending a movie premiere earlier in the evening a person in the group suggested Mel's as a great place to visit for a late dinner. That turned out to be a fantastic recommendation and I enjoyed the entire experience! If you are searching for a good old-fashioned diner in the Lafayette area then pull up a seat at Mel's! FOOD - It's a diner, so nothing very fancy going on here. Just good food, a plate full of it, and all of it at a very nice price! A table of five ate very well for less than expected. They even serve Liver and Onions! Personally, I wouldn't touch the stuff with another person's fork, but my mother loved it so it must have been pretty good for those who do enjoy it as an option. SERVICE - Outstanding! The waitresses were on the ball. The drinks were never empty and the timing was impeccable. Not once was I asked about my meal immediately after taking a bite of something - a personal pet peeve of mine. How am I supposed to answer a question with a mouth full of food? It's like when a dentist ask about your day while he's working on your teeth. Not the best time for a Q and A session. ATMOSPHERE - Nostalgia is all over the place and I love it. You almost expect an old Chevy Nova, Classic Mustang, or VW Convertible parked outside the moment you get there. The location fully embraces the old school is the best school theme and showcases it...