You may know this 60-year-old Phoenix diner from a classic show. Now it's a national icon
Reader's Digest released its list of The Most Iconic Diner in Every State and Mel's Diner on Grand Avenue in Phoenix made the cut for Arizona.
Reader's Digest defines a good diner as "the place where life happens" and where people find their state food. The publication sifted through TripAdvisor, customer ratings and local gossip to curate its best diner list.
The restaurant opened in 1963 as Lester's Diner. It went through a few name changes before becoming Mel's Diner. Mel's gained fame when the sign appeared in the 1970s TV series "Alice," where the phrase "Kiss my grits" was coined.
TripAdvisor reviewers gave Mel's diner scores of 4 out of 5 for food and 4.5 out of 5 for value and service.
One reviewer raved about its "hearty portions, friendly attentive service, classic rock tunes on the stereo and that great old-school lived-in feeling." Another commented, "comfort food at its best," and Reader's Digest promised that visitors would leave with a belly full of "syrup-covered pancakes, massive omelets and their beloved home fries."
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What's on the menu at Mel's Diner?
Some of the menu options include steak and eggs, omelets, pancakes and sandwiches.
Where was Mel's Diner in the TV show 'Alice'?
Mel's Diner is at 1747 Grand Ave, Phoenix. 602-252-8283.
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Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 60-year-old Arizona diner named among the 50 most iconic in the US
