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What to order
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Country Fried Steak
Recommended for its tender texture, great flavor, and well-seasoned gravy. One reviewer specifically said it was not dried out or hard like other places, making it a strong favorite.
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Fried Chicken
Called 'the bomb' and praised for being a standout dish. It was specifically mentioned alongside fries and catfish, suggesting it is one of the go-to savory items on the menu.
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Big Country Bowl
Highlighted as very good and part of an awesome meal. It was one of the dishes singled out in a positive review of the restaurant's hearty breakfast options.
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4
Chicken And Dumplings
Recommended because it reminded one reviewer of a family recipe and was described as the closest they have found to their mother's version. That kind of comparison suggests it is especially well made.
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5
Ribs
Praised as really good, with a sweet and rich flavor. The lunch special featuring ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, and two sides was described as a great value.
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6
Roast Beef
Mentioned as wonderful in the same lunch review as the ribs, indicating it was another well-liked main dish worth ordering.
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7
Biscuits And Gravy Bowl
Specifically called 'SO good' and praised for its huge portion. It was one of the strongest breakfast recommendations in the reviews.
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8
Sampler Breakfast
Described as a 'fantastic meal,' making it a recommended choice for diners who want a hearty breakfast with variety.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM to 2 PM |
About MEL'S.
MEL'S. is a restaurant, bar, breakfast restaurant, cafe, and lunch restaurant in Jefferson City, Missouri. It serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfort food and local specialty items, and reviewers most often praise the biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, fried chicken, hash browns, and mashed potatoes and gravy. The atmosphere is described as casual and cozy, and many reviews mention fast service, hot food, and a welcoming staff. It also offers dine-in, takeout, outdoor seating, live music, and a bar onsite.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is MEL'S. known for?
MEL'S. is best known for biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, and fried chicken, along with hearty breakfast plates like hash browns and the sampler breakfast. Reviewers consistently mention generous portions, hot food, and quick service, which makes it a popular stop in Jefferson City for a filling meal.
What dishes are most recommended at MEL'S.?
The most recommended items are biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, fried chicken, hash browns, and the big country bowl. Reviewers also call out the sampler breakfast, roast beef, ribs with two sides, and mashed potatoes and gravy, often noting that the food comes out hot and fast.
What is the atmosphere like at MEL'S.?
The atmosphere is casual and cozy, with a busy, family-friendly dining room that still moves quickly even during peak times. Reviews describe it as welcoming for groups and solo diners, with staff working together smoothly and a warm, attentive feel.
Is MEL'S. good value, and what is the price range?
MEL'S. is in the $10 to $20 range, and reviewers repeatedly describe the pricing as reasonable for the amount of food served. Guests mention hearty portions, extra sides with specials, and hot meals that feel like a strong value for breakfast or lunch in Jefferson City.
How busy does MEL'S. get, and should you expect a wait?
It can get packed, especially on Saturday mornings and during breakfast, and one review mentioned about a 30 minute wait. Even so, guests say seating is usually handled quickly and the food arrives fast once you are seated, so the wait tends to be manageable.
Is parking available at MEL'S.?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does MEL'S. have vegetarian options?
Yes, MEL'S. offers vegetarian options.
Is MEL'S. kid-friendly?
Yes, MEL'S. is good for kids.
