Melito’s

Tim and I visited Melito’s last Saturday evening.  He asked me if I would review the restaurant and I answered that I must have already, as we visit Melito’s fairly frequently.  I was surprised to discover that in fact, I had not yet reviewed this West End establishment, even though I always enjoy it.

I used to live with friends of mine in a house in a neighborhood off of Three Chopt to the east of Melito’s.  That is when I first discovered this neighborhood bar/restaurant.  Melito’s is a smoke-free environment and has recently had an external face-lift (Melito’s is located in a strip mall near Westbury Pharmacy and Regency Mall).  We have never had a long wait at Melito’s and, on this visit, were able to score a booth seat quickly.  One negative aspect of Melito’s is that many of the seats are four-top tables with free-standing chairs.  These tables are crammed into small spaces and we have felt squeezed into our seats when we have been seated there (for example, on this recent visit, we watched as a heavyset, but not obese, man was escorted to one of these tables and was unable to sit down as the people at the table behind him were already squeezed in – he could not move his chair back far enough to sit down).

Melito’s has a regular menu that includes a diverse array of sandwiches and a few entrees.  The also offer nightly specials that primarily include entrees.  I usually order an appetizer of soft pretzels and a house salad for my meal, basically because I am a soft pretzel whore and because Melito’s concocts fabulous salads – simple yet fresh – and serves them with homemade dressings.  However, on this visit, I opted for a meatball sandwich with a side of french fries.  The meatballs were small, but juicy and flavorful.  The marinara sauce was a little sweeter than I like, but still good.  The sandwich bread was fresh and hot, just the way I like it.  Overall, the sandwich was pretty darn good.  The french fries were battered and were also very tasty (because I love Melito’s salad dressings so much, I asked for a side of ranch to dip my fries in – very good).

Tim ordered the hotdog plate, which was a hotdog served with chili, mustard, and onions.  He also had a side of fries and was served a side salad as part of the plate.  He enjoyed his dinner but did state that the hotdog he had at Table 9 was better (alas he also received no side dishes with his Table 9 dog).

Our server was fantastic during this visit, being very attentive – she filled up our waters and coffees repeatedly without prompting.  In the past, the service has always been fine, although not exceptional – a bit brusque as the place gets busy.  I love the atmosphere at Melito’s, as the lighting is dim, the music does not get too loud, and the furniture and bar are outlaid in soothing dark woods.  I also like how Melito’s always seems to be filled with neighborhood regulars.  No, not those skeevy regulars who sit at the bar all day, drunk and smelly, but families and older folks who come in for drinks and meals often.  I will definitely return and encourage others to visit if they have not been there before.  Also, if you are a fan of American Idol, Elliot Yamin used to work there.

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