Mel's Drive-In

Mel's Drive-In Restaurant Review:

Since opening in 1997, this Googie-style diner has been feeding Sunset Strippers 24 hours a day. The place was equally popular in the ’50s and ’60s, when it was Ben Franks, and locals rejoiced when San Francisco restaurateurs Steven Weiss and Donald Wagstaff rescued the landmark from the wrecking ball. The building has since been restored to its former splendor, and includes a sprawling 50-seat patio that’s ideal for people-watching. The extensive menu offers burgers, sandwiches and chicken potpie, as well as daily blue-plate specials like short ribs, Yankee pot roast or sautéed catfish. Thick shakes, made with McGoo’s Ice Cream, are perfect for the setting, and pies are baked daily. We’re fond of the hot apple pie with cinnamon sauce (and/or melted cheddar) and Marge’s cherry pie. We just wish they had carhop service, like in the '50s.