MEL'S DRIVE INN
MEL'S DRIVE INN is a fair-to-middling result — a B, 89/100, at its latest inspection on May 21, 2026.
Inspectors cited 1 high-priority and 3 basic violations. That puts it safer than 40% of Orange County restaurants we grade. Diner rating: 3.6 from 1,930 reviews. Menus here flag options for vegan and vegetarian diners.
B · 89/100 · safer than 40% of Orange County restaurants we grade
Get directions Call (407) 363-8000
Restaurant details
- Health grade
- B (89/100)
- Violations
- 4 total — 1 high-priority, 3 basic
- Address
- 1000 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS PL, Orlando, FL
- Cuisine
- Other
- Categories
- Diner, Restaurant
- Price
- $10–20
- Rating
- 3.6 stars (1930 reviews)
- Neighborhood
- Florida Center
- Seats
- 230
- Phone
- (407) 363-8000
- Website
- Official website
Community Rating
Reviews via GoogleWhat diners say — our read
The reviews here settle around 3.5 stars, without much argument in either direction. Reviews that raise freshness and temperature average just 2.5 stars — this is where the complaints concentrate. Pacing follows at 23% of reviews, where ratings average 3.5.
If you had to pick one number to represent this corpus it would be 5, the most frequently given rating (10 reviews). 16 of 26 rated reviews are four stars or higher; 8 are two or lower.
The inspection lands in between as well: DBPR graded this kitchen a B (89/100), citing 1 high-priority and 3 basic violations. DBPR last walked in on May 21, 2026. On health score it sits safer than 40% of the Orange County restaurants we grade. The citations behind that grade include in-use food dispensing utensils properly stored and clean clothes.
This is a listing where the two measures each tell half the story. Read the originals below and judge the pattern yourself.
Our own analysis of 26 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →
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Burgers were like hockey pucks, burnt and flavorless. Onion rings were all stuck together and burnt.
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Great food, quick and delicious. Atmosphere was good too. Good lunch or dinner spot. Clean.
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Would give it 0 if i could Food tasted like trash Didnt even finish my impossible burger Took one bite Go someplace else
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Aside from the atmosphere this might be the worst restaurant in the park. The staff barely communicates , no smiles , and now to the worst : they got the order wrong . We ordered impossible which is vegan so to not get the actual beef. However we were serviced actual real beef. Now to some this isn’t anything to worry about yet when there’s reasons why we would order a vegan burger that should be considered then. When we then spoke to the staff they didn’t seem to care at all and said “oh there’s nothing we can do “ . Just really would expect more from a theme park restaurant and as an annual pass member this is reason enough to never renew again.
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Best milkshake I have ever tasted, where on earth do I find a place like this in the UK. Can't wait to return here.
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The drinks had a scanning system that didn’t work.
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I had a great time at Mel's Drive-In. The food was tasty, and I appreciate the range of options available. The service was friendly and efficient, making the visit even better. The atmosphere was welcoming and added to the overall enjoyment. I'd certainly recommend giving this place a try for a satisfying meal.
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Stay clear of the chili dog. The onion rings, fries, and chicken tenders were served hot.
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Iconic, timeless and the food is always great, with available utensils and sauces. And their milkshakes were pretty good as well
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The people at the counter are so sweet! Messed up an order and immediately fixed it and did it so sweetly!
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workers were super nice
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USJでも大好きなお店 本場のアメリカの味が食べれて嬉しかったです 朝イチなので空いてました。 チリチーズフライ最高でした!
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Eat in a diner thats been there from day one at universal great history great food
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Below average burger and stale chicken tenders, but the fries were good! Not as good as Mel’s outside the park. Note- the restrooms are outside the restaurant.
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Got a shake and oniom rings - $16.
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The food was definitely pre cooked and re heated my burger was cold and you could see it definitely not worth it
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The burger and chicken salad were okay, and the kitchen turned food around fast even on a busy day. No soda refills, but free iced water made up for it.
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Nothing was special but the burger didn’t have much sauce nor was the sauce too flavorful but it does pair well with ketchup. However the speed mad up for most of it.(it was fully cooked in 4 minutes.
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Grab a burger and people watch. It's literally the best way to relax in a theme park anywhere.
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Worst burger ever! Not even sure it was cooked!
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We ate here for lunch. We expected more than what we got. The burger was small, too many cheap fries to fill the basket to make up for the burger. The biggest thing is you buy a fountain drink, with a cup that has a chip on the bottom, and you only get to fill it once. No refills. Seriously? Pop is super cheap. You already control what cups can be filled, let us have a refill. At Disney when you buy a similar cup you get an hours worth of refills.
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A reallllly good chili cheese dog and onion rings aren’t half bad. Recommend.
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Chili has a bit too many veggies for me. Other than that, this place is perfect! Really good hot dogs!
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It’s honestly impressive. It takes real talent to charge "Fine Dining" prices for a meal that tastes like it was prepared by a disgruntled teen in a gas station breakroom. If you enjoy paying $25 to eat a lukewarm science experiment while sitting in a very pretty chair, this is your Mecca. Otherwise? Stick to the sidewalk. The scenery is free and the pigeons have better taste.
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Great food. Mobile ordering confusing. Very crowded
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Used mobile order. Service was slow. Food was cold when I got it. Not to the standard expected of Universal.
Overall Score
55 / 100
Composite score from health grade, dietary options, ratings, and inspection record — distinct from the state-derived health grade.
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday
- 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday
- 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday
- 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday
- 10:30 AM to 9 PM
Inspection history
The following records are from Florida DBPR public inspection records, most recent first.
-
May 21, 2026 · Routine - Food
Inspection Completed - No Further Action
1 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 3 basic
- 10 — In-use food dispensing utensils properly stored
- 13 — Clean clothes; hair restraints; jewelry; fingernails
- 33 — Garbage and refuse; premises maintained
- 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
Safer options nearby
Higher-graded restaurants close to MEL'S DRIVE INN, by Florida DBPR grade:
- SCHWAB'S PHARMACY
- CREPE FACTORY 1
- MINIONS CAFE
This grade is calculated by us from Florida DBPR public inspection records — Florida does not issue official grades. How we calculate it →
Data last updated: May 21, 2026