The Little One Goes Retro at Mel's Drive-In, Universal Studios Singapore (Part 3 of 3)

The rockin' 50s.  What's not to love?  The fashion was outta sight.  The music's so catchy.  And best of all, the food's a classic!  It's no wonder various establishments and products are still being made that are influenced, in one way of another, by this nostalgic period.

In fact, one of the most eye-catching restaurants at Universal Studios Singapore is highly inspired by this wonderful decade -- Mel's Drive-In.

Mel's Drive-In at Universal Studios Singapore

Based on the 1973 hit movie, American Grafitti, Mel's Drive-In aims to provide great burgers, fries and shakes in a place with a hip 1950s vibe and feel.  And since going around Universal Studios Singapore certainly gives one an appetite, the family decided that a quick merienda (afternoon snack) was in order before heading home.

What immediately caught our attentions were the vintage 1950's cars parked outside the place.  It is a drive-in afterall, right?

Vintage cars

It also helps that I'm a huge fan of The Fonz (of Happy Days fame).  Stepping inside feels like I've been transported back in time!

Although I love the decor -- down pat to the minutest detail including vinyl covered seats and a jukebox in the middle (I think it's for decoration purposes only) -- it's still a far cry from what I imagined a real 50s diner's layout should look like (think Cee Lo Green's Forget You music video.)

Jukebox in the middle (doubt if it works, though)

I imagined less tables and chairs, plus a huge space in the middle that can also serve as an impromptu dance floor.  But I guess it is for profit's sake that seating is abundant since the park does have hundreds of visitors at any given day.  I mean, just look at how packed this place is on a Thurday afternoon!

One hip and happening place

I dread the weekend crowd.

Ordering is done at the separate cashier's area while food is claimed at the counter.  There are no waitresses in poodle skirts and bobby socks.  Disappointed here.  L

Order up!

There's no other perfect meal to have at a place like this than the classic cheeseburger and fries!  Truly great pieces of Americana.

My Kid's Meal of mini cheeseburger, fries and drink

Cheap trick:  Burgers here are humongous.  So if you're not that voraciously hungry, split one with a friend.  Or better yet, order the Kid's Meal (various combos available) for S$9.50/Php313*.  It even comes with a Woody Woodpecker lunchbox that you can bring home as a souvenir.

And the perfect drink for this awesome pair?  A strawberry milkshake (S$5.50/Php180*)!  So sinfully thick and refreshing, just what I needed after strolling around the park in this hot weather!  And who cares about the calories, right?  You're on vacation, for pete's sake!

Strawberry milkshake

Other combo meals are also available like the Crispy Chicken Burger meal (S$11.50/Php179*) and the Double Cheeseburger combo (S$13.80/Php455*), among others.  Veggie burgers are also offered on the menu.

Oh!  And be sure to catch a performance of Mel's Dinettes (at select schedules) as they rock out to popular 50s tunes!

Mel's Dinettes

Here's a short clip of their performance.



What a great way to end our Universal Studios Singapore trip! 

The End (?)

And so that concludes the Little One's adventure going to, and at Universal Studios Singapore (or is it...)  J

Mmmmm....

 *S$1 = Php33

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Mel's Drive-In
Universal Studios Singapore
8 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098269

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Be sure to catch my Universal Studios Singapore series:

The Little One Goes to Universal Studios Singapore! (OR What the Little One Saw Along the Way... Part 1 of 3)

The Little One's Adventures Inside Universal Studios Singapore! (Part 2 of 3)

The Little One Goes Retro at Mel's Drive-In, Universal Studios Singapore (Part 3 of 3)

Planning to visit?  Drop by my "Getting Around Singapore" post (click here) for more details on how to get around the Lion City.