Skip to: Overview | Location | Hours | Theming | Menu | Guest reviews
What is Mel’s Drive-In?
Located in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida, Mel’s Drive-In is a retro burger joint pulled from the iconic 1973 film American Graffiti. With vintage cars parked out front and a jukebox at every table, the ambiance of this quick-service restaurant makes it a popular destination among regular guests and first-time visitors alike.
Along with the classic vibes, Mel’s serves a wide variety of diner fare that never goes out of style, including burgers, onion rings, and milkshakes. Guests can choose from indoor seating in retro vinyl booths or outdoor seating under the glow of the neon lights. Reasonably priced and with a wide range of options, Mel’s Drive-In is a tried-and-true quick-service staple, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Where is Mel’s Drive-In located?
In Hollywood, which is in Universal Studios Florida.
Mel’s Drive-In – hours and reservations
Mel’s is typically open during park hours, but this is, of course, subject to change.
Mel’s Drive-In – theming
Mel’s Drive-In is best known for its retro aesthetic. The vintage cars parked out front make for a great photo-op, and the inside of the location is just as visually appealing. Classic oldies tunes play throughout the location, fully immersing you in the ambiance.
From the records framed on the walls to the checkerboard floors, Mel’s will transport you back to the ’50s from the moment you step through the door. (Check out the photo gallery below for a closer look.)
Mel’s Drive-In – fun fact
During Halloween Horror Nights, Mel’s – or, at least, its sign – gets a loving transformation into a season-appropriate dining establishment. It’s a small touch but a fun one, nonetheless.
What’s on the menu at Mel’s Drive-In?
Platters & Combos
All platters are served with fries. Make it a combo with fries and a milkshake.
Gluten-free buns are available upon request.
Mel’s Famous Burger Platter – $12.99
Beef patty with cheddar cheese, pickles, secret sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted sesame seed bun
Mel’s Famous Burger Combo – $19.49
Beef patty with cheddar cheese, pickles, secret sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted sesame seed bun
Big Bopper Burger Platter – $14.99
Beef patty with cheddar cheese, bacon strips, and onion rings topped with barbecue
Big Bopper Burger Combo – $21.49
Beef patty with cheddar cheese, bacon strips, and onion rings topped with barbecue
Crispy Chicken Fingers Platter – $11.49
Flash-fried chicken fingers served with choice of dipping sauce
Crispy Chicken Fingers Combo – $18.99
Flash-fried chicken fingers served with choice of dipping sauce
Crispy Chicken Sandwich Platter – $12.99
Hand-breaded chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, and avocado ranch on a sesame seed bun
Crispy Chicken Sandwich Combo – $19.49
Hand-breaded chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, and avocado ranch on a sesame seed bun
Grilled Chicken Sandwich Platter – $12.99
Grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, and avocado ranch on a sesame seed bun
Grilled Chicken Sandwich Combo – $19.49
Grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, and avocado ranch on a sesame seed bun
Chili Cheese Hot Dog Platter – $10.99
1/4 lb. 100% beef dog sliced and grilled with chopped onions and chili cheese on a poppyseed bun
Chili Cheese Hot Dog Combo – $17.49
1/4 lb. 100% beef dog sliced and grilled with chopped onions and chili cheese on a poppyseed bun
Vegan Field Roast Chili Dog Platter – $10.99
Three-bean chili with lentils, hominy, chopped onions, and vegan cheddar cheese on a poppyseed bun
Salad
California Cobb Crispy Chicken Salad – $13.99
Lettuce, applewood smoked bacon, crispy chicken breast, green onions, egg, tomato, blue cheese crumbles, and avocado ranch dressing
California Cobb Grilled Chicken Salad – $13.99
Lettuce, applewood smoked bacon, grilled chicken breast, green onions, egg, tomato, blue cheese crumbles, and avocado ranch dressing
Vegetarian California Cobb Salad – $13.99
Lettuce, green onions, egg, tomato, blue cheese crumbles, and avocado ranch dressing
Sensational Sides
Onion Rings5.49
Chili Cheese Fries – $6.99
French Fries – $4.99
Beverages
Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup – $18.99
Extra day of refills – $11.99
Single-serve Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup – $4.69
H20+ Premium Water6.00
Minute Maid Juice3.69
Apple, orange
Powerade – $5.50
Fruit Punch, Mountain Berry Blast
Milk – $3.99
Hot Drinks – $3.79
Coffee, Decaf, Hot Cocoa, Hot Tea
Desserts
Milkshake – $6.99
Apple Pie – $5.49
Strawberry Lemonade Pie – $4.99
Cookies and Cream Pie – $4.99
Beer
Canned Beer – $10.00
Miller Lite
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing
Truly Vodka Seltzer Blackberry Lemonade – $12.00
Mel’s Drive-In – photo gallery
Mel’s Drive-In – real guest reviews
Submit your review | |
We went to the diner on numerous occasions whilst visiting the Universal Park in Orlando on a recent family holiday -- we all thought the food and service was second to none and would not hesitate to recommend Mel's to anyone visiting there in fact whilst there we did recommend it to a number of people we met looking for "a good place to eat"
The burgers/fries/ambiance were fantastic! Absolutely nothing bad to say about this place!
I love this place to eat, really. It has such a good menu!
The only disappointment about this was that I went on March 8,2014 and it was super crowded. It was like a madhouse. I went during some lunch hour and the lines were longggg! Universal Team Members should've been around to control people just standing anywhere they wanted, some people were just weaving in and out of the lines pushing and stuff...
Other than that, I really enjoyed the food served! And the little jukebox's make it so 50's-like!
This is definitely my fave quick service at Uni Studios, eat here every time we visit. The whole theme of restaurant is great, it's especially nice at quiet times when you can enjoy the music, and who doesn't love a bit of cheese!. Food is always good, cheap and easy. The old cars are great in front but don't sit on them, they get REALLY hot!
At first the vintage cars were what drew us to Mel's, but after seeing the menu we were straight inside mainly due to the Root Beer Float's!. Living the in the UK means that Root Beer is often very hard to come by so getting a chance to grab some at Mel's is perfect for having a few minutes rest in the park.
We had the Chilli Cheese Fries and Root Beer Floats as a little happy snack in the afternoon. The food is a reasonable price considering you are in a theme park and the theme of the restaurant is great. The air-con is a life saver incase the parks are getting a little too hot! and you can also refill your drinks.
Whilst at Mel's we saw a few burgers, they all looked of a good proportion served with fries. The staff were all very welcoming and were able to help us with our order! Also Mel's looks fantastic at night, so make sure you get a picture!!
- Cafe La Bamba at Universal Studios Florida
- Central Park Crepes (quick-service) at Universal Studios Florida
- Mel’s Drive-In (quick-service) at Universal Studios Florida
- Schwab’s Pharmacy (quick-service) at Universal Studios Florida
- The Bourne Stuntacular at Universal Studios Florida
- TODAY Cafe (quick-service) at Universal Studios Florida
- Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Florida
- Wicked: The Experience at Universal Studios Florida