Mel's Drive-in
San Francisco, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
After dark on Lombard Street, check out the glowing neon surrounding Mel’s Drive-In. This location opened in 1985 and has long been a busy late-night stop, with colorful neon tracing the roofline and lighting up the sidewalk well into the wee hours.
Although the restaurant has the right 1950s look, this is not the Mel’s featured in American Graffiti. Those scenes were filmed at the original South Van Ness Avenue location, which was demolished in 1976.
UPDATE: A major kitchen fire spread into the roof and attic on February 3, 2026, forcing the Lombard Street restaurant to close. The neon is currently dark while repairs are underway, but the Weiss family has announced plans to restore and reopen this longtime Mel’s location. 09-26
Patio Drive-in
San Andreas, CA Photo courtesy Tony Craig
Traveling along Highway 49 through San Andreas, check out the colorful roadside sign for the Patio Drive-In. The big arrow points hungry travelers toward burgers, fries, milkshakes, and a little place to relax before getting back on the road. 12-10
The Patio opened sometime in the 1950s and remains a familiar Gold Country food stop. Along with its half-pound Angus burgers and crinkle-cut fries, the restaurant serves breakfast throughout the day. Orders are placed at the counter, with seating available inside or out on the patio.
UPDATE: The Patio Drive-In remains open under its original name, and its familiar roadside sign still stands along Highway 49. 09-26
Patio Drive-in
