Mel's Kitchen — Restaurant in San Francisco

In short: Overpriced Awful customer service (Blanca is very rude and talks to people inappropriately) The food ranges from mediocre to awful (gave me food poisoning). It neither looks nice or tastes nice.

Sidenote: not everyone was terrible about their service. Mostly the cashiers we dealt with. Well, okay, some other people were pretty unhappy and rude too but they weren't so overt and in our faces about it.

Overall story: My wife and I stayed at the opal for a week for our vacation. We are on our second to last day here. During the course of our stay, we had visited this place twice. The first time, we ordered burgers and fries, as well as an oreo milkshake (came out to $44). The fries were done decently, but the burgers were mediocre and the cheese was a deformed mess around half of the burger and had apparently melted around pickles and some fries (on the side that was on the burger). At least, the milkshake was good though, but not worth the overall price of the meal. The second time we arrived, it was an hour before closing and we ordered mac and cheese and chicken tenders (which came out to be $23). When we went back to our room to eat, the mac and cheese was smaller than we had hoped and it was... one big clumped up glob which tasted like old cheese wiz. The chicken was gross as well and made me feel sick. We decided to go back to get a refund shortly after, but the cashier, who's name is Blanca by the way, complained about our return and gave the BIGGEST attitude about everything (even though we were trying to be nice). Instead if refunding, she said she could only order us food that was around the same price. Nevertheless, we agreed on that. We ordered two milkshakes and an apple pie. After going back to the room once more to try to enjoy some semblance of a meal, I opened the pie tray to see a messy excuse for a pie drowned in sauce, and warmed up from the microwave (which made the pie smell gross by the way). In addition, the milkshakes weren't nearly as good as they first were, and I'm not sure what part of their food affected me but my bowels have been... evacuating themselves for... well, I want to talk about that part. God.. I hate this place right now.

Anyhoo, I hope this review helps you. Regardless of your decision to eat here, I hope that you never have an experience like...

First impression: Is it a bar? A diner? A restaurant? I don't know what they're going for.

There were some umbrella bags at the door. The place was nearly empty which made sense because it was 3:50 PM. I had to wait for a while for someone to see my vaccination card and ID and give me a menu. The person was also doubling as a waitress and bartender. I didn't like my seat, so I moved to a different one up a few steps. The person stated "I don't serve up there." Why are there seats there in the first place then? I moved back down.

I wasn't very hungry, so I wanted to order a kids grilled cheese with tomato soup. I found out that it's restricted to people under 12. I feel like that should've been put on the menu. I settled with the 6oz steak with hash browns and three eggs and iced tea as a drink. I had my eggs scrambled. The steak definitely needed more salt. Luckily, there was a salt shaker. The steak sauce was a bit too sour for me. The hash brown was wonderful—crispy, held together well, and didn't need any help but the ketchup was welcome. There were also two slices of toast with some softened butter and Smucker's jelly. The iced tea wasn't sweetened which was fine for me.

After eating and paying, I went to the restroom. It was very clean. However, the paper towels being right next to the urinal, like really right next, made it very awkward to dry my hands while another guy was peeing. The urinal was attached to the wall. The man was standing in front of the urinal. The paper towel dispenser was placed right behind him on the wall to his right. Good thing I discovered that there was also a hand dryer available on the other side of the restroom.

Overall, it was just okay. The service could've been better. The food could've been better. Everything could've been better, but it wasn't a horrible experience. Solid three stars.

Originally reviewed on Dec 13th, 2021. Edits on Feb 17, 2022:...

Mel's kitchen is an ideal place to go during any part of aday. I've been there Numerous times. Valentines my Lady Friend took me there for a Belated Birthday and a Valentines Dinner. It was an Exellent Choice of a place to eat. We both had a BLT with Bacon 🥓 & Avocado 🥑. Coleslaw and Nicely cut French Fries. They also in addition have a Full Bar in a Restaurant setting. That can set one's mood. There Menue is Full of Choices that will satisfy one's Palet. I Highly Recommend that Everyone go to Mel's Kitchen as a Choice for a Pleasurable meal. It's close to two nearby buslines at on Van Ness Avenue and @ Geary Blvd In the ❤ Heart ❤ Of San Francisco, CA. / A great Family and Seniors And Tourists Spot for all those Individuals traveling as there's 2 Major Hotels nearby. Such a Convenient place in such a good Location. I Eagerly Suggest that You give it a try and help support them in staying open for all to enjoy 😉 as so many Restaurants have closed since the Pandemic. Please Consider going there on a Regular basis. I love this Restaurant and I just Know you all will too!!! Sincerely Your All Welcomed to have the Experience I have and many others by agreat Host of Employees working at Mel's Kitchen Services 😀 😊 😄. And The Food is so Delicious and You get alot for the Prices which I think 🤔 are Affordable ✍. I That's my Good Word's 👍 😋 😀 to describe Mel's Kitchen. Have Agreat Meal.... Maurice D....