Mel's Hard Luck Diner

Mel's Hard Luck Diner, in Branson's Grand Village Shops, has been singin' with your supper for more than 20 years!  This is what you call exceptional customer service with a smile...and a song!  Not servers who've learned to sing, these are professional artists who just happen to share their talent on a more intimate stage than you'll find in any music theater.  These sensational vocalists range from newcomers to long-time pros, and from Branson-born crooners to successful American Idol contestants.  With a menu that's jam-packed with eats, treats, and sweets, Mel's harkens back to that treasured 50's diner era with familiar diner dishes, along with some updated and healthier selections.  Appetizers include what you'd expect, like Onion Rings and Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, prepared beyond expectations, and more unusual items like Fried Green Beans and Sweet Potato Bites.  Mel's takes advantage of music industry monikers to create cleverly named menu items, like Jimmy Cracked Corn Chicken Chowder, Blue Suede Salad, All Wrapped Up, Sixteen Tons Chili Burger, Honky Tonk Hot Dog, and Hit the Road Jack Grilled Cheese.  You can choose an Orange Blossom Blue Plate Special for dinner, and wrap up your meal with something from the B-B-Bad to the Bone Bakery, like the Classic Cobbler, or a treat from the Surfin' Safari Soda Fountain, like a Rootie Tootie Rockin' Float.  There's also a great menu for the kids!  The food is fantastic, no doubt about it, but a visit to Mel's is really all about the complete entertainment experience - nothing's quite so much fun as hearing your favorite songs performed by phenomenal vocalists at no additional cost - your "show" comes with your meal!  Regular dining is gonna feel like a drag after you've experienced the magical, musical dining experience found only at Branson's Grand Village Shops in Mel's Hard Luck Diner!

Reviews for Mel's Hard Luck Diner

Hyrum

West Jordan, UT

"Loved it!"

Reviewed June 30, 2019

We loved the singing service, the good food, and the good prices. It is a must visit if you ever go to Branson, Missouri. We purchased one of our waitresses CDs and wished we had purchased more!

Last visited in June 2019

Doug Milner

Williford, AR

"Very good food, reasonable price!!!!"

Reviewed January 30, 2019

Super huge burgers, good fries, nice waitstaff that will entertain you while you eat with their really nice singing!!!!!

Last visited in November 2018

Brian Densmore

Excelsior Springs, MO

"5 Stars - Had a blast!"

Reviewed June 15, 2018

A 50s retro diner atmosphere. A bit on the noisy side. Family friendly. The staff is very personable and entertaining. The food is very good. Be warned this is American fare, bordering on fast food, but with fresh ingredients (not sure about the fries - which I really loved). The garlic bread is more of a 50s/60s home-made type garlic bread. Maybe they ran out of regular style bread. Very down-home style fare. Delicious desserts, and the ice cream is amazing! This is not a gourmet type restaurant, but is typical of the down-home fare most prevalent in Branson. There are few high couture restaurants here. We all had a blast here. I'd give the atmosphere a 6 star rating if I could. If you embarrass easily, this may not be the spot for you, as the staff may include you in a song performance.

Last visited in June 2018

Vivian Brady

Royal, AR

"Could be better"

Reviewed June 14, 2018

The bread was chewy.the bacon was over cooked and tuff what wasn't already in pieces was hard to bite and chew. .overpriced. Will not recommend . not sure what was wrong with bread but couldn't bite it had to pull it a part. Was very noisy with lots of banging around ...to much activity and poor lighting

Last visited in June 2018

Branson Regular

"Not what we expected"

Reviewed December 30, 2017

After all the hype, we could not wait to eat here. What a waste! When we were finally seated, we were put at the back room where no one else was seated. When a server noticed us, he put CDs on our table and told us he would right back. Tick tick clock We were seated for over 15 minutes before he returned. He pitched us his wives CDs and how he had a wonderful family, all whom was muisically talented. FINALLY, ordered drinks and appetizer! Then nothing! I mean nothing. No drinks or even a quick hello! We were delivered our drinks plus appetizer at same time. Our server never came back for order or refills. We had to stop other server to get our ticket to leave. All ads for this place advertised singing servers but this was not happening while we were there. More like selling CDs. The service was horrible. We can not comment except on appetizer so food review isn't applicable for us. Do not waste time or mone here!

jeff r. moran

"excellant food and 2 very good waiters/singers"

Reviewed June 20, 2016

john and I were in the diner last week and also 2 weeks before that as we drive 5 1/2 hours to branson to visit friends and we always go to the diner to eat and hear travis and jimmy sing, the are the B E S T !!!! the food is always great and those 2 guys make the atmosphere so good as their singing and taking care of us at our table is always at the very top. they are the best jeff and john from quincy illinois

Anita willemarck

Reviewed April 8, 2016

Best part of trip to Branson. Wonderful entertainment.

ruth iwasyk

"when in Branson"

Reviewed January 18, 2015

I make it to Branson yearly and hit mel's every time. Found it by accident the 1st time, they are ever friendly and the entertainment is great. One time not only let our dog come in due to heat but treated her like a human with water, treat and lots of love. food is great. Can't wait to go back in may.

Last visited in May 2015

Sharon Hogen

"Great place to eat and enjoy listening to your server."

Reviewed September 19, 2014

Mel's Hard Luck Diner is great place! The menu has a wide variety of entrees and food is great. Really fun listening to the servers and watching them enter act with customers. One might be inclined to call it a (lunch) dinner show.

Last visited in June 2014

George Oliver

"Always go to Mel's"

Reviewed July 7, 2014

Every visit to Branson (6 to 10 times a year), Mel's is required stop regardless if we are there for a weekend or for a week or more. The food is excellent, the service is fantastic and the music is the best in town.

Last visited in April 2014

"Mel's Hard Luck Diner in Branson, MO"