We had been to Universal many times before we decided to go to Mel’s Diner to eat. If you have visited Universal you are sure to have noticed Mels which is situated on a corner in Hollywood near the Lagoon.
It is a replica of a 50’s American Diner and characters in 50’s outfits (including Marilyn Monroe) are often seen outside it and provide great photo opportunities. Other photo opportunities are with the great array of 50’s American cars but be prepared you may have to wait your turn to get your photos taken. I have even seen a photo of Cliff Richard pictured with one of the cars when he visited Mel’s Diner earlier this year 2011!
Inside it is decorated in a 50’s style with little juke boxes on the tables. On days when it is not too hot you may want to eat outside where you can sit either overlooking Hollywood Boulevard or the Lagoon.
When we ate there it was part of the Universal Meal Deal. Although we have never used this guests at our villa have said it is very good value if you intend to spend a very long day at the Park. I believe you pay about $20 for a one park meal deal or $25 for the two parks Universal and Islands of Adventure. This allows you at participating restaurants to practically eat as much as you like although you are only allowed one entrée and one dessert on each visit to the restaurant’s counter.
Most of the food in Mel’s is served with fries; they include the usual Burgers, Cheese, Bacon etc. In addition you can get Chicken Fingers, Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Salad. If you fancy a treat try their Onion Rings or Chilli Cheese fries or both! The chocolate or vanilla shakes are also well worth trying.
We have often been past Mel’s when a band is providing live music and when we ate there we were lucky that they appeared after we had eaten so we had a perfect view point to watch them. In the past we have stood and watched from opposite the Diner but the downside to this is there is a smoking area nearby so you tend to end up smelling of smoke. I am not sure if the band appear at scheduled times but it might be worth checking that when you enter the Park.
If you eat at the Diner it is nice to wander into the Brown Derby Hat Shop afterwards which is nearby, here you can have fun as you try on the hats.
It is a replica of a 50’s American Diner and characters in 50’s outfits (including Marilyn Monroe) are often seen outside it and provide great photo opportunities. Other photo opportunities are with the great array of 50’s American cars but be prepared you may have to wait your turn to get your photos taken. I have even seen a photo of Cliff Richard pictured with one of the cars when he visited Mel’s Diner earlier this year 2011!
Inside it is decorated in a 50’s style with little juke boxes on the tables. On days when it is not too hot you may want to eat outside where you can sit either overlooking Hollywood Boulevard or the Lagoon.
When we ate there it was part of the Universal Meal Deal. Although we have never used this guests at our villa have said it is very good value if you intend to spend a very long day at the Park. I believe you pay about $20 for a one park meal deal or $25 for the two parks Universal and Islands of Adventure. This allows you at participating restaurants to practically eat as much as you like although you are only allowed one entrée and one dessert on each visit to the restaurant’s counter.
Most of the food in Mel’s is served with fries; they include the usual Burgers, Cheese, Bacon etc. In addition you can get Chicken Fingers, Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Salad. If you fancy a treat try their Onion Rings or Chilli Cheese fries or both! The chocolate or vanilla shakes are also well worth trying.
We have often been past Mel’s when a band is providing live music and when we ate there we were lucky that they appeared after we had eaten so we had a perfect view point to watch them. In the past we have stood and watched from opposite the Diner but the downside to this is there is a smoking area nearby so you tend to end up smelling of smoke. I am not sure if the band appear at scheduled times but it might be worth checking that when you enter the Park.
If you eat at the Diner it is nice to wander into the Brown Derby Hat Shop afterwards which is nearby, here you can have fun as you try on the hats.