Situated between the two major campuses in Waterloo, Mel’s Diner remains a beloved stop for students and locals alike. If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to step directly into a Hollywood fanatic shrine room, Mel’s answers that question with confidence. The ambiance is unmistakable with retro Hollywood posters, classic big screen memorabilia plastered over every inch of the establishment, and that warm, nostalgic glow that tells you you’re about to order something comforting, excessive, and probably life-changing (for better or for worse). Not to mention the retro landline– fully functional, by the way– that adds to the diners whole schtick.
This is a diner with a reputation. A Waterloo classic. A student rite of passage. And, more importantly, home to the milkshakes people talk about with the kind of reverence usually reserved for religious experience. Having had them before, I can confirm the rumours: they are thick, indulgent, and frankly, famous for a reason.
On our latest visit, the Lizzdrew duo arrived with Andrew’s family, ready to take on Mel’s in all its glory. The place was buzzing, hard to get a seat at this place with a mix of families, students, and people who looked like they rolled straight out of bed after a night out and into a syrup-scented sanctuary on a Sunday morning.
With Mel’s all -day breakfast, pancakes are less of an option and more of a requirement. Andrew went for the classic buttermilk pancake, and his mom opted for the buttermilk cinnamon roll pancake, which came out dinner-plate sized. One was more than enough– rich, warm, and fluffy– what more could someone ask? It was exactly the kind of diner staple that keeps students coming back year after year.
After joking about taking on the challenge of the Godfather, Andrew’s dad knew better than to test his odds and ordered the Elvis Burger – “Mel’s best selling burger.” Now dear readers, imagine a burger that has a bun so buttery and not one, but two patties that could cure any appetite, maybe even a vegetarians’‘s? That is the Elvis burger. A classic, and a classic for good reason!
Lizzie ordered the Reuben (with mustard! You have got to get it with mustard!) and fries, assuming she ordered a sensible meal. That was adorable of her. The Reuben was stacked, meltedy, tangy, and legitimately delicious– the kind of sandwich you don’t just eat, but experience. She tapped out after finishing the sandwich alone, and the fries remained untouched, casualties of her overestimation.
The boldest order of the table was Andrew’s brother who ordered the Mac ’n’ Cheese Grilled Cheese with a side of poutine. A side of poutine! At Mel’s! This combination is not for the faint-hearted, but the portions were generous, creamy, gooey, and exactly the kind of comfort food that makes Mel’s a Waterloo staple.
To sum up our thoughts before we make you drool any further, Mel’s Diner isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a local legend with a retro soul. Thousands of souls across generations of students have sat, ate, laughed, and cried in Mel’s diner. You can tell from the atmosphere alone that this place has filled many-a-bellies. The ambiance is fun, the service friendly, and the menu is full of dishes that are as over-the-top as they are satisfying. Whether you’re a UW student, a Laurier Golden Hawk, or a visiting family member ready to test your limits, Mel’s offers an experience that feels both familiar and exciting.
Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the milkshakes. Leave absolutely stuffed. And remember to tell them LizzDrew sent you!
Here’s our ratings: Ambiance: 10 out of 10 – Food: 9 out of 10 – Affordability: 9 out of 10
Contributed Photo/Sangjun Han
