The Original Mels Diner - NV 89523

2100 Garson Rd, Reno, NV 89523, United States
+1 775-345-7350
$$$ Diner
(2,924 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're in Reno and craving a classic American diner experience, look no further than The Original Mel's Diner. Nestled conveniently at 2100 Garson Rd inside the Boomtown Casino, this diner is a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike, open 24/7 to satisfy your cravings at any hour.

The menu at Mel's is a scrumptious selection of diner staples that captures the essence of American comfort food. Popular dishes include the crispy Chicken Strips served on a bed of Mel's famous fries, and the delightfully satisfying Beer Battered Cod, featuring three pieces of Alaskan cod served alongside coleslaw. For those with a taste for the sea, the Seafood Combo is an exquisite choice, presenting a delightful medley of flavors. Don't forget to try their hearty breakfast offerings, like the irresistible Buttermilk Biscuits & Gravy which are warm, flaky, and generously smothered in rich gravy—a winning combination any time of day.

The atmosphere here pulsates with a retro charm filled with memorabilia that transports you back in time. As you settle into one of the cozy booths, surrounded by colorful neon signs and classic diner decor, you can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The staff, despite the hustle and bustle, are often praised for their professionalism and friendliness, ensuring great service even during peak hours, as highlighted by reviews from satisfied customers.

Customer experiences reflect a consistent quality of service and food. One guest shares, "Overall, great dining experience! My husband and I stopped to have a bite to eat here while staying at the casino hotel. Food was absolutely delicious, and our waiter was friendly and attentive." Another reviewer mentions, "Of all our visits to Mel's over the years this Reno location is our favorite," which speaks volumes about the diner’s reputation in the community.

While the food is the star of the show, it’s the atmosphere and the genuine effort of the staff that elevate the entire dining experience. The Original Mel's Diner promises hearty meals, a friendly vibe, and a taste of nostalgia that you won't want to miss. So why not gather some friends or family and swing by for a meal that feels just like home?

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours

Monday

Open 24 hours

Tuesday

Open 24 hours

Wednesday

Open 24 hours

Thursday

Open 24 hours

Friday

Open 24 hours

Saturday

Open 24 hours

Sunday

Open 24 hours

2924 Reviews
888 Entertainment LLC

19 Nov 2025

Pretty solid choices of food. I would recommend going down to get your food and NOT order room service. Service was okay I mean for diner food and considering this is a 24/7 casino — the food is alright. Give the waiters a break sometimes. I noticed on some occasions they were very frazzled. Still were professional though.

M Ne

10 Nov 2025

Of all our visits to Mel's over the years this Reno location at Boomtown casino and the one in San Francisco is our favorites. Service is good, even when they are slammed with customers. Food is good, but to be honest, it really depends on what cooks are on shift. Prices are the same as let's say Denny's. There used to be a Mel's in downtown Reno, but it was closed when the casino was remodeled and renamed "J". New food offerings, though limited time here in Verdi Nevada. A couple flavored shakes. I tried the beach boys, banana,. strawberry and orange. Nice and thick with chunks of fruit. Delicious! Also new cheese steaks, though only here for awhile. I tried the aye currumba. Philly cheese steak with jalapenos. Meets was tender, the cheese melted nicely, but not dripping. The meat was tender, and well seasoned. No need to add salt. Also the waffles and chicken tenders. Give it a try before it's gone. 09/25/24

Jim L

19 Oct 2025

Came here with my family in Black Friday and checked in at the front. It was only about. 10 minute wait time and we were seated. Our server was nice and quick. We got our food in about 10-15 minutes and I was impressed considering how busy it was. I got the corn beef hash and eggs and it was good. My wife and daughter like their meals as well. I’ll come back again and eat here again

Nerissa Maria Ward

15 Oct 2025

We always stop here on the way to Reno! The best clam chowder I have had in a long time outside of the San Francisco pier area, and that corn bread served with it, was incredible. I have to tip my hat to the cook who made my burger, as it was perfect, the patty crisp from the grill, and a good proportion of veg, to sauce to meat, on a hearty bun. The potatoe salad, was not myfavorite, and traded it in for some more for the cole slaw. The $15.99 seafood combo was quite a rip off, as it was two tiny filets of fish, and 3 shrimp the size of my thumb, and of course they were straight out of the freezer... Our servers and our hostesses were just so kind, and welcoming.

Jennifer Rebecca Davis

26 Sep 2025

Overall, great dining experience! My husband and I stopped to have a bite to eat here while staying at the casino hotel. Food was absolutely delicious, and our waiter was friendly and attentive. Lots of memorabilia to peruse while sitting in our booth. Clean establishment and easy to navigate. Our bill was definitely reasonable for the amount of food we ordered. Actually, we both needed a box for the portion of our meals we were unable to finish. Would definitely recommend eating here if given the opportunity.

Allen Nguyen

23 Sep 2025

I ordered the steak and shrimp with mash potatoes. The steak was really good. Shrimp is good and tasty with the sauce. Mash potatoes was on point with gravy. Server was very friendly and did a great job and come check on me few times to see what else I needed. Staff is very friendly. Great music and neon light as well. Will definitely recommend and come back to eat more often. Thank you Mel's diner.

Rosemary Ruiz

16 Sep 2025

This place is soooo tasty. We had the club sandwich. The turkey was fresh. Thick cut. It was as if they had made a turkey and carved it right there. And made a yummy fresh sandwich. The wings are superb. It was so fresh and crispy.

Marlan Smotherman

23 Aug 2025

Food and service was excellent. Reasonable prices. No Southern sweet tea.

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