Mel's Drive-In
Items
276
Avg Price
$5.75
Rating
4/5
Unique Items
255
Mel's Drive-In vs University— Menu Price Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of menu prices, 21 shared items, average cost, and ratings to help you decide which restaurant is the better value. Updated July 2026.
University
Items
177
Avg Price
$8.56
Rating
4/5
Unique Items
156
Mel's Drive-In vs University — Key Takeaways
At-a-glance restaurant comparison data for price-conscious diners
Better Value
Mel's Drive-In
Shared Items
21
Avg Price Gap
$2.81
Top Rated
Tie
Price analysis:
University averages $8.56 per item while
Mel's Drive-In averages $5.75, making Mel's Drive-In
approximately $2.81 cheaper per item on average.
Shared food categories:
diner
Menu Item Price Comparison
20 itemsShared menu items ranked by largest price difference between Mel's Drive-In and University
| # | Menu Item | Mel's Drive-In | University | Price Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chef's Salad | $8.25 | $13.45 | $-5.20 |
| 2 | Chocolate Mousse Cake | — | $4.95 | $-4.95 |
| 3 | Cobb Salad | $9.25 | $13.95 | $-4.70 |
| 4 | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | $5.49 | $9.95 | $-4.46 |
| 5 | Patty Melt | $6.95 | $10.95 | $-4.00 |
| 6 | Caesar Salad | $6.95 | $9.95 | $-3.00 |
| 7 | Fried Egg Sandwich | $5.45 | $2.95 | $2.50 |
| 8 | French Fries | $2.00 | $3.95 | $-1.95 |
| 9 | Onion Rings | $3.45 | $4.95 | $-1.50 |
| 10 | Espresso | $2.65 | $3.25 | $-0.60 |
| 11 | Hot Chocolate | $2.50 | $1.95 | $0.55 |
| 12 | Iced Tea | $2.50 | $1.95 | $0.55 |
| 13 | Milk | $1.85 | $2.25 | $-0.40 |
| 14 | Coffee | $1.85 | $1.50 | $0.35 |
| 15 | Cappuccino | $3.25 | $3.50 | $-0.25 |
| 16 | Iced Coffee | $2.10 | $1.95 | $0.15 |
| 17 | Chicken Salad Sandwich | $6.85 | $6.95 | $-0.10 |
| 18 | Tuna Salad Sandwich | $6.85 | $6.95 | $-0.10 |
| 19 | Chocolate Milk | $2.30 | $2.25 | $0.05 |
| 20 | Veggie Burger | $6.90 | $6.95 | $-0.05 |
Mel's Drive-In vs University — Which Should You Choose?
When comparing Mel's Drive-In and University menu prices, several factors come into play beyond just the per-item cost. Both restaurants share 1 food category (diner), making them direct alternatives for diners deciding where to eat.
Mel's Drive-In is the better value pick when looking at average menu item pricing. With Mel's Drive-In averaging $5.75 per item and University at $8.56, the price difference of $2.81 per item can add up over multiple orders — especially for families or groups.
We track 276 menu items at Mel's Drive-In and 177 items at University, with 21 items appearing on both menus under the same name. This overlap lets you directly compare identical items to see which restaurant charges less.
Looking at ratings, Tie leads with Mel's Drive-In scoring 4/5 versus University at 4/5. While price matters, the overall dining experience and food quality reflected in these ratings are equally important factors in choosing between these two restaurants.
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Mel's Drive-In vs University — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing these two restaurants on price, menu, and value
Is Mel's Drive-In or University cheaper?
Based on current menu data, Mel's Drive-In offers better average value. Mel's Drive-In averages $5.75 per item while University averages $8.56 per item. For the full ranked price list, see Mel's Drive-In cheapest items and University cheapest items.
Which restaurant has a bigger menu — Mel's Drive-In or University?
Mel's Drive-In has the larger menu with 276 items tracked compared to University's 177 items. Between them, there are 21 shared items with the same name, plus 255 items unique to Mel's Drive-In and 156 exclusive to University.
How many menu items do Mel's Drive-In and University share?
Mel's Drive-In and University have 21 overlapping menu items that appear on both menus under the same name. Mel's Drive-In has 255 exclusive items and University has 156 items not found at the other restaurant. The table above shows the biggest price gaps between identical items at each location.
Which has a better customer rating — Mel's Drive-In or University?
Both Mel's Drive-In and University are rated equally — 4/5 from customer reviews. The decision between the two comes down to price, menu variety, and personal preference rather than quality alone.
What type of food do Mel's Drive-In and University serve?
Both restaurants serve diner. They share 1 food category, which makes them genuine alternatives for the same dining cravings. If you're looking for the best value within these categories, compare average prices in the key takeaways section above.
Where can I find the cheapest items at Mel's Drive-In and University?
For budget-friendly meals, check our dedicated cheap eats guides: the Mel's Drive-In cheapest menu items guide lists every item ranked by price from lowest to highest (average $5.75). The University cheapest menu items guide does the same (average $8.56). Both are updated July 2026.
How much can I save by choosing Mel's Drive-In over University?
Choosing Mel's Drive-In saves you approximately $2.81 per menu item on average. For a typical meal of 3–4 items, that adds up to roughly $9.84 in savings — meaningful for budget-conscious families or regular diners. Across a month of weekly visits, the cost difference can reach $39 or more.