It seemed like a good idea to go to Mel’s Drive-In on Lombard Street. If you’ve ever seen American Graffiti, you’ve seen the place. It’s been ten years since I’ve eaten at Mel’s. Back then, Mel’s Drive In was a happening place to be. It was always hoppin’ with people bouncin’ to loud rock ‘n roll.
But it looks like times have changed. It was kind of dead when I was there. There were only a few bodies in the place, hunched over their meals. I don’t think they were zombies or vampires.
My real reason for going to Mel’s was to take pictures inside the restaurant. I was thinking of the classic retro counters, the juke boxes, and the formica tables. The problem is, I’m shy when it comes to snapping pix inside restaurants. It just feels inappropriate.
In the end, I followed my gut feeling and only took pictures of my table and my food.
One other thing, I was really craving a burger, a veggie burger if you know what I mean. So I ordered one. Alas, it wasn’t up to the high standards set by the Burger Joint in Burlingame. At least the customer service was good.
If my memory serves me well, the meat burgers were really good ten years ago.
PS
Thanks for all your feedback about the Fuji Instax Mini. I’m sold and will buy one in a month or two! :)
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
what a cute little place! too bad it was so empty. if i’m ever in the area i’ll have to stop by and take a photo for my grandpa mel (melvin)! he’d get a kick out of it.
lori (aka: marzi)´s last blog ..february 05, 2010 :: framed
This are really cool photos! In Taiwan, it seems as if everyone owns an SLR and a collection of fancy lens… every time I go into a cafe, there’s someone taking a loving close-up of their latte. It’s one of the biggest cultural difference I noticed here! I’m glad to hear you are getting a Fuji Instax Mini. I love mine… it filled up the Polaroid 600 shaped hole in my heart.
catherine_sr´s last blog ..Legumes of the Week #14
These photographs are lovely Katrina! What camera do you use? I also love to visit places like these. If I had more money to devote to eating out (and a higher metabolism :P) I would love to travel to diners and family owned restaurants and burger joints across the country.
Lah Mode´s last blog ..Snow’s A Fallin, Darling
This is so classic American, I don’t think I’ve eaten in a diner even though I’ve been to the US about three times now. I definitely have to be before they get wiped out. Love all the signs and lights going on on the shopfront. That’s such a good shot of the burger tho it wasn’t up to par, that kinda sucks. Tho anything with alfafa sprouts gets me excited!
Melly´s last blog ..Seeing a show
Nice job on that second picture!!
Diners are fun but I always feel like I’m gonna die after eating at them – such huge portions and so much grease! But maybe thats because I always get some giant omelette when I go to one.. haha.
Allison´s last blog ..this weekend
i want to go to Mel’s. . . seems like my kind of greasy joint!
see. . . i am not afraid of grease.
i love it.
my body CRAVES it.
not a good thing. . . but i have come to terms with it.
a sad state of affairs my dear! ;)
hey. . . next time i am in California. . . let’s hit up Mel’s! ;)
p.s. your pictures are always SOOOO gorgeous! ;)
Lovely photos. It is kind of awkward taking photos in restaurants, I agree. I love Mel’s! I haven’t been there for a long time either. There should be more retro diners… all of the ones in my area have been closed. :(
Danielle´s last blog ..Inside A Black Apple
that burger looks amazing. and now i’m craving a burger and fries with coke. and have the sudden urge to watch American Graffiti for the umpteenth time, lol.
Laila Al-Agha´s last blog ..[[You smell like a monkey and you live in a zoo]]
i love vintage/old diners. this post is making me incredibly nostalgic :(
quite cheeky´s last blog ..
Well it’s too bad the burger was sub-par, but at least you snagged more stunning photos for the blog!
BTW I’ve been telling people about your blog photography, and I know for a fact at least 2 of them are now followers :)
Oh the days when i was vegetarian. Veggie burgers weren’t my crave… i was more fulfilled by portabella burgers, you should definitely try one of those if you haven’t already.
Loove these pictures. Gorrgeouss.
ps. good thing it wasn’t toooo happening. Overcrowd=overwhelm.
& also its totally cool taking picts. anywhere. Things are meant to be seen.
Kolei´s last blog ..Moonshine
pescatarians for the win! ;-)
Emily L.´s last blog ..#15 Goodbye, bak chor mee
I want to eat there. Just the type of 50’s diner I love. I want to own one someday.