By Sarah Galla
Medill Reports

SAN FRANCISCO — On Feb. 3,  the Lombard Street location of Mel’s Drive-In closed indefinitely due to a kitchen fire, leaving only three of the popular and historic restaurants in the San Francisco area.

The original was founded at 140 S. Van Ness Ave. in 1947 by Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs. For a city that has become a tech-driven metropolis, the Mel’s Diner chain has no plans of leaving the Bay Area. 

“Definitely our favorite burger joint in the area,” said Jonas Batdorff, an occasional visitor to Mel’s with his wife, Aria. They said the chain outshines other restaurants in San Francisco such as Lori’s Diner.  

The diners have an authentic 1950s and ’60s theme, with tables that have mini jukeboxes and green leather seats. The walls are covered with photos of celebrities and more. 

The Batdorffs said Mel’s has an impact on the city.

“I think it has such a rich history,” Jonas Batdorff said. 

The chain has a staple drink, its thick 1950s-style milkshake. Aria Batdorff said the espresso shake is her go-to order.

Outside of the retro theme and classic menu items, Mel’s is well-known because famous celebrities come for a bite to eat.

 “We had Snoop Dog,” Mel’s Drive-In waiter Omar Mairino said. “That was last year.” 

Marino said a variety of age groups come to the restaurant chain.

“The older people like to be here with their families, but younger people just like the picture and leave,” Marino said. 

Alex Cheo, cashier at the diner, has only worked at Mel’s for a year.

“It’s like an American classic,” Cheo said. “When you come here, it’s like a movie.” 

Cheo has seen many influencers come to the restaurant to make TikTok videos, prompting Mel’s Diner to adapt to the modern world while still remaining a link to the past. 

Sarah Galla is a sports media specialization graduate student at Medill.