Mel's Diner — Restaurant in Yakima

First off I like to rate things as they were positive and negative. I rate places often and consider myself a pretty good critic.

Food quality was below average. I ordered the bacon burger. The bacon I could have chipped a tooth on. Unless your a hotel and have pre cooked bacon... don't stage it! Second, the beef patty had no flavor at all. I've tasted better beef at BK... third, our fries were too crispy and tasted like the fryer oil hadn't been changed in a while.

Atmosphere was neat! I can see why a lot of old timers would want to come here. There's good history behind the restraint especially if you go online and read on it thru there website.

Customer service, this is where the place NEEDS to excel in order to compensate where you lack. First off use like to agree with other people about the check. DO NOT HAND OUT A CHECK WHILE I'M STILL EATING!!!!! ABSOLUTELY RUDE! I walked up to pay afterwards and the lady told me to habe a nice day so fast before I even had my wallet out. I was looking at the candy for my 2 year old. Making me not feel welcome still... I asked her (Do I not habe to pay or something?) She said after like a 6 sec pause since I caught her off guard I'm sure ...

Seriously she needs to slow down and work for that tip. Learn customer service. I can say this because I'm a professional service work tradesman. Maybe ask me how my food was? Or ask earlier before handing me my check! Or ask if I'm a first timer here, where you from, can I make a suggestion, could habe even told me some history about the place or even tried to up sell me. I was debating on a milkshake the old fashion ones but I changed my mind since I was rushed and food wasn't great. The younger gal was nice maybe she should be waitressing not hosting.

All in all where you lack in quality you need to make up for in experience by atmosphere or customer service or both. Unfortunately for the money I will not be returning. Since I think my gums are still bleeding from the rock...

Excellent Diner to visit and have a meal. Very clean, staff was very friendly and the food excellent. There was a great crowd, a lot of locals, all greeting one another by first name. The portions were large and very reasonably priced. I had the Taco Omelet (never seen that before, hey, what can I say, I've led a sheltered life) and it was splitting at the seams with filling, no joke. It had great seasoning and was delicious). Also tried one of the Belgium Waffles, it was perfect. The bacon that came with it crisped just right. Aside from the food I enjoyed the atmosphere, not being around in the 50's, I thought it spot on for a 50's Dinner, music included, some great oldies were playing (and not too loud, but just right). Having found this place, I can tell you it is going to be one of my regular stops whenever I'm around. If you're looking for something different from today's normal chain restaurants, this is the place. If the owner should somehow see this, I salute you, you've got a...

Very nice location. 50's themed diner with attention paid to detail on decoration. I ordered the 1/3 lbs "Classic" burger and a shake. The burger was served on a roll of some sort resembling a hot dog bun. It was tough and crusty and not lending anything to a classic burger. My preference is a full bun with the burger pressed to fit allowing for juicy patties.The meat was quality however. A hamburger needs to have some fat left in it to impart flavor. This patty shaped like a log was compact and dry indicating either a very lean blend or the chef sat on top of it with a weight belt. Lacking in salt or seasoning. I was very let down as I am an aficionado in burgerdom and left the majority on the plate.

Overall a lackluster meal I wont repeat. The staff was extremely nice, restrooms spotless and odor free and the place actually did resemble the haunts of yesteryear. Would have rated higher but...