Mel's Cafe

A Gem in Charlottesville: Mel's After attending a show at the Paramount, the host raved about Mel's, highlighting its delicious food and reasonable prices, and the sold-out audience wholeheartedly agreed. This sparked a realization for me: despite hearing countless praises about Mel's over my decade in Charlottesville, I had never dined there. Today, I finally remedied that. From the moment I stepped in, the counter staff impressed me with their sublime service—kind, quick-witted, and genuinely grateful. We ordered two classics: the BBQ sandwich and the Philly steak with cheese, accompanied by sides of mac and cheese and stuffing with gravy. These dishes were pure comfort on plates, enjoyed in the charming outdoor setting on West Main. If, like me, you've delayed visiting this quiet, unassuming, and quaint-looking establishment, make time to experience the superlative food and service at Mel's. Highly recommended and strongly encouraged. Don't miss out!

A little treasure. It's probably been there forever. The staff was very kind and patient. The fried chicken was delicious and the sides cabbage, cornbread, Mac n cheese (dry n sticky vs. wetness gooey) was sooo delicious. The pork chops with gravy was a winner too as well as sweet potato pie and lemon pound cake!! Would love to try everything!@

While touring Monticello, we worked up an appetite for lunch. Hit the Google, and found Mel's was open and had great reviews, so we head to downtown. The reviews were spot on. The fried chicken was juicy and flavorful, and had a nice, crispy crust. The Mac and cheese was very good. The stewed tomato's were oddly sweet, so not a favorite. The small burger was cooked perfectly and the added bacon was nice and crispy. The homemade pulled pork had a nice flavor, not too much sauce, and topped with crispy slaw, a nice touch. Both were served on toasted buns. The fries were fresh, cooked just right, and seasoned to perfection. This place is a hole in the wall, but the food is prepared with love!

My husband got the hamburger melt and fries My chicken dinner was the star of the show! This might be the best fried chicken I've ever had! The mac and cheese was excellent! The fried potatoes with onions and cornbread were like from my mom. The ambiance is like a little eight table diner and very homey with lots of pictures. The service was excellent. You go to the window to place your order and they bring it to your table. After you eat you pay as you're leaving. I will definitely be going back on my visits to see my cousin in North Carolina. And the prices cannot be beat. The menu is current from January 2, 2024. I wouldn't mind trying other things on their menu at all, but all I want is their chicken from now on so I'll have to talk my husband into getting something else so I can taste from his plate too. That chicken was so crispy and delicious and juicy inside. Just excellent!

Wonderful old-school cafe a short distance from UVA Hospital. I have walked past a few times recently and wanted some of the finest comfort food in town. Service with a smile. I got a Philly steak with onions and added peppers and mushrooms. Perfect size and the taste and bread were good. Also ordered some mac & cheese and coleslaw. Both were good but the slaw was better. I want to get the chicken next time for sure and eat there. Cost per person is very reasonable with dinners available for approximately $11.

A true gem!! We came into town for a concert & always prefer a non-chain place to eat. Mel's was nearby and had good reviews so we decided to try. It did not disappoint!! Everyone was very friendly, food came fast and had the perfect portion. If you like home cooked southern dining, this is your place. The fried chicken was perfection. We also got the Mac & cheese, green beans, country ham, hamburger steak, coleslaw, stewed tomatoes. There was not a single complaint. It was like eatting at your southern country raised grandmothers house for Sunday dinner. We are already planning our next trip back.

Soul food. Went for a late dinner when visiting town. Fried chicken was recommended and two pieces was a hearty portion. Side of rice and beans plus cabbage made a nice compliment. With a drink I still think it was only $15. Great value but more importantly solid food. Staff was super nice as well.

Today we ate at Mel's Café. We were welcome by a very high energy and knowledge waitress. She gave great service with loving humor which we enjoyed. Now the food was off the chain, if don't know what that means, the food was delicious. My girlfriend and I did not know what to eat first. Mel's was just the place we were looking for, local owner, great food and great atmosphere.