Ottawa Foodies

My wife and I used to go here a lot when we lived in that area. Great service and a dependable no-nonsense breakfast.

This is a great little greasy spoon tucked away in a strip mall on Merivale. Style-wise it is reminiscent of a 60's diner and the clientele tend to be on the older side - which gives the place a special old-school charm. The lady at the cash gives me a funny look everytime I step in, almost like I've discovered their secret breakfast paradise and I'm intruding upon it.

Your typical 'breakfast special' can be had for < $4 taxes-in, including tea or coffee. Service is lightning fast and very friendly.

2

I had been intrigued by Mello's Coffee Shop for a while, and after seeing their Fish & Chips sign the other day, I thought I'd give it a try. Ordered the take out fish & chips. While waiting I had fun imagining myself living in the 70's. It was pretty easy. Every seat in the place was taken so they must be doing something right. Back in reality, the fish was covered on a hard shell of batter, very hard to get into, crispy on the inside mushy on the inside. The fish was a bit tough but tasted fine. The fries were good, hot and fresh, but not super crispy. The price was right at $5.50.

I also went to Mello's with high expectations for the fish and chips from the reviews. Unfortunately they did not stand up.
The fish was far from tasty and the batter was pasty. Fries were typical greasy-diner and not very hot, as was my friend's burger.
I was also disappointed that the fish and chips were about 3 dollars more to eat in, rather than that nice $5 tag on the take-out portion, which would be preferable seeing as we weren't made to feel very welcome at all. It had the atmosphere that they were closing and were just wanting us to leave. But it was noon on a Saturday, so I hardly think that was the case.

Hi, went to Mellos today, based on reviews and since it was closer to my home (west end) than The Glen, and it was early rush hour already (4:30). We will not be back. The fries were stale (tasted like they were made at lunch and re-warmed), the fish batter was rock hard and the fish was also bland. The water was tepid and tasted a little weird. The glass was dirty. The mashed potatoes taste like instant, not homemade. The fried onions were flaccid and also equally tasteless. The hamburger was the only saving grace - THAT tasted like homemade (hope it was). The service was slow and they forgot parts. Mopping the floor with a disinfectant while you eat is also an interesting way to treat customers to a free nasal assault. Oh well.

Mello's coffee shop has, likely, the best fish and chips around for the buck. I think you can get takeout F&C for like... $5, which is one hearty portion of fried fish, french fries, and some coleslaw. I love diners, greasy spoons, etc... and this is one place to check out for that feeling of nostalgia. Just don't order the fountain soft drinks - they aren't so good... it IS a coffee shop after all.