An old-fashioned carhop restaurant serving burgers, fries, and shakes is at the end of Hollywood Avenue in Universal Studios Florida. This colorful, chrome-lined venue feels ripped out of a vintage Americana film and in fact, it is! Learn about the inspirations behind Mel’s Drive-In and its menu in this week’s Getting to Know Universal.

Quick Glance

• Location: Universal Studios Florida
• Cuisine: Burgers, hot dogs, shakes, and pies
• Service: Quick service
• Price: $12-$15 for adult entrees
• Touring Plans Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Seating: Indoor and outdoor tables, indoor booths

The Experience

Mel’s Drive-In is a quick service restaurant themed to a 1960s carhop diner complete with muscle cars, vinyl booths, and a jukebox with all the latest tunes – sorry no servers on rollerskates. Mel’s is hard to miss with its iconic teal circular dining room with a large neon sign Mel’s sign on top. An awning for covered seating is on the left and umbrella-covered seating is on the right. Steps inside and find yourself back in time with vintage tunes and Formica tabletops.

Fun easter eggs and callouts are found all around. Some of our favorites include the Deuce Coupe from American Grafitti to fun references to Jaws, Back to the Future, and Twister on the digital menu boards. Mel’s is predominantly a Mobile Order restaurant, either order and be seated or order from your table, but a cashier is available for those without smartphones or having technical issues.

Mel’s is a busy restaurant that is popular with tourists thanks to the restaurant’s location, eye-catching appearance, and the picky eater-friendly approved menu.

The Food & Drink

Mel’s is modeled after a classic carhop serving up American classics and hearty fare. The throwback menu stars cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, salads, and vegan options like the vegan field roast chili dog. Mel’s truly sings with their dessert offerings with fresh homespun milkshakes and a selection of delicious pie options like the strawberry lemonade pie.

The food is simple and satisfactory, but you will remember other meals more. Our food reviewers appreciated the consistency and simplicity but wished the menu expanded beyond the same burgers found elsewhere in the park. Despite us being so-so on Mel’s food options we appreciate that this is one of the more affordable meals in the parks with a burger and fries platter starting at $13.

The Opinion

Mel’s Drive-In is a slice of classic Americana taken right out of American Grafitti with its chrome accents and checkboard vinyl flooring. But the food leaves us wishing we could go back to the future to restaurants like Today Cafe, Minion Cafe, and Thunder Falls Terrace. Mel’s is a great choice for large parties with picky eaters, guests wanting to save some money, or those looking to escape back into the early 1960s.

What do you think of Mel’s Drive-In? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!