Melito’s is good and efficient

Working Lunch at Melito's It's 12:30 p.m. on a weekday afternoon. The clock is ticking.

One hour for lunch, a crowded parking lot and a line of patrons waiting to be seated.

Could Melito's feed three hungry workers and get us back at our desks before the bosses start looking for us?

We were skeptical.

After a 15-minute wait, we were led to a booth in the back. Menus already were on the table. We probably spent more time looking at them than most people, who seemed familiar with the menus and the wait staff.

Our friendly server took drink orders, which were delivered quickly.

Options at Melito's are fairly predictable -- a few salads, sandwiches and the famous hot dogs that keep regulars coming back.

Vegetarians will find the menu somewhat limited. Tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwich and a vegetable sandwich are available.

For decades, Melito's has drawn plenty of regulars. Most have, at one time or another, scarfed down a hot dog or two.

The hot dog platter featured two of Melito's famous mustard-onion-chili dogs, served with crispy fries. The dogs were superb -- and very filling.

Newbies may be surprised at the chili. It's more meaty than saucy, seasoned ground beef with no hint of tomato. My co-worker found it a bit too generous; she ended up scraping some to the side (a sacrilege, to be sure, for many clients of Melito's).

The grilled teriyaki chicken salad featured a marinated chicken breast and grilled pineapple atop mixed greens. The dressing had a kick and complemented it nicely. Lest it be too healthy, there was an abundance of shredded cheese.

My default lunch is grilled cheese and fries -- the standard by which I measure a lunch spot. Melito's sandwich was better than average, buttery, but not soggy, with plenty of gooey Cheddar cheese. Fries were crisp and plentiful.

Despite the full house, conversation was possible in the dark wood booths. Servers were attentive and friendly and did not rush us.

And yes, with Melito's efficient service, it's easy to be in and out in less than an hour.

But the regulars already knew that.

Contact Lisa Crutchfield at (804) 649-6362 or .