Is there really a Mel's Diner in Phoenix?

[observer53]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

Mel's Diner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mel's Diner

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mel′s Diner is the setting for the 1976−1985 American TV series Alice. It is a fictional roadside diner on the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona, that serves locals and truckers. It has a counter, two large booths and a couple of tables. Although one of the three waitresses, Alice, is the main character, the show revolves around all of the waitresses and Mel Sharples, the owner and cook. Most scenes of the show take place in the diner as well. The diner setting is so intertwined with the show that the series itself is often referred to erroneously as "Mel's Diner".
The outside shot of the diner's sign with the giant coffee cup sometimes seen in the opening credits of Alice is of a real Mel's Diner (1747 NW Grand Avenue) in Phoenix. The sign was seen by a producer scouting Phoenix for an establishing shot. It had been "Chris’ Diner" but the owner agreed to change the name to "Mel’s" for the show and is called the same to this day.
In Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, the movie on which the series Alice was based, the restaurant is called "Mel & Ruby's Cafe" located in Tucson, Arizona.

And that's the place I remember seeing. Apparently the diner is still there, according to Yelp. Not sure about the sign. The pictures I see now look different than I remember it looking in the past, or on the credits for the show... but as this thread indicates, I could be wrong.

[KurtAZ]

All I can say is "Kiss my Grits".

[desertskies]

Originally Posted by observer53

And that's the place I remember seeing. Apparently the diner is still there, according to Yelp. Not sure about the sign. The pictures I see now look different than I remember it looking in the past, or on the credits for the show... but as this thread indicates, I could be wrong.

From the opening credits (kudos to YouTube) and then a street level view from Google Earth, taken 5/13

There is a page devoted to Alice and the history of Mels Diner at ALICE - Real Mel's Diner

[DaveB2190]

YES there is a Mel's Diner in Phoenix. It has the big Coffee Cup sign outside and is filled with Alice doesn't live here anymore memorabilia. I eat there a few times a year and it is a lot of fun and the food is good.

Not the best part of town but not terrible. Kinda run down but Ya it's a must go to if you remember the TV Show.

[Java Jolt]

Originally Posted by DaveB2190

YES there is a Mel's Diner in Phoenix. It has the big Coffee Cup sign outside and is filled with Alice doesn't live here anymore memorabilia. I eat there a few times a year and it is a lot of fun and the food is good.

Not the best part of town but not terrible. Kinda run down but Ya it's a must go to if you remember the TV Show.

Let me guess.

If this place resembles anything of the old TV show Mel must have told you to stow it, Flo told you to kiss her grits, Vera spilled food on you, and Alice walked in late and got yelled at by Mel.

[RenW]

Originally Posted by Java Jolt

Let me guess.

If this place resembles anything of the old TV show Mel must have told you to stow it, Flo told you to kiss her grits, Vera spilled food on you, and Alice walked in late and got yelled at by Mel.

It would be so awesome if it was one of those restaurants where the staff is in character. No indication that it is though. So sad, but it still looks like a fun place to pop into.

[AZDesertBrat]

Originally Posted by desertskies

From the opening credits (kudos to YouTube) and then a street level view from Google Earth, taken 5/13

There is a page devoted to Alice and the history of Mels Diner at ALICE - Real Mel's Diner

I worked in that area in the late 60s and I could swear the name of that place was The Coffee Cup. I could be wrong though.

[kytoaz]

Originally Posted by RenW

It would be so awesome if it was one of those restaurants where the staff is in character. No indication that it is though. So sad, but it still looks like a fun place to pop into.

the wait staff are in character of Russian and Hispanic women, so no southern "kiss my grits"

[JoeZonie]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

Old thread, I know.

Does anyone know if Mel's Diner is still open? I have found some places online that say yes and some say no.

My wife and I went to lunch there today. And, unlike the food that was a continuing joke in the show, the food at Mel's Diner today is very good traditional diner fare at really good prices.

[ElleTea]

I had friends in from out of town this past weekend, and we went to Mel's Diner for breakfast on the way to the airport. The food was really good and really inexpensive. My friends commented that this should be a tradition, to eat there on the way to the airport (it's a short drive from there)


I had the veggie omelet and hashbrowns.