Mel's Drive-In

West Hollywood, LA

"The true spirit of America"

"I was pleasantly surprised when an incredibly good-looking taco salad landed on the table"

3 February, 2024

I was not sure what to expect upon walking in here, I was hungry after a brief stint of shopping, and it was getting too late for a proper lunch. We took a chance not knowing the place and sat down for a bite to eat. This is an authentic American diner, with jukeboxes as standard incased in double booths. The true spirit of America is here, and I was loving it. After doing some reading, we realised that we were in an iconic diner with a lot of history behind it.

That is all fair enough but what about the food? I was pleasantly surprised when an incredibly good-looking taco salad landed on the table. Served in a crisp taco shell was chargrilled chicken on shredded lettuce, cheddar, black beans, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Really simple and not that complicated at all, but it was moreish with everything made to a sufficient standard. Lunch was a success; it served its purpose in feeding us this late in the day. I would not come here purposely for a lunch or dinner, but I would if it were the right moment, and I was in the area because the food was acceptable.

This is your all-American diner, it is unfussy, casual, with lots of character. As it is West Hollywood, nobody would look twice if you turned up in shorts and t- shirt or a sparkly dress. You can wear whatever the hell you want, this is LA.