Dine Like It’s 1955: The Best Retro Drive-Thru Restaurants

As summer rolls in and road trip season begins, we’re craving something special — nostalgic bites from classic drive-thru restaurants. Kicking off a road trip will be sure to satisfy those summer food cravings — from juicy burgers in California to lobster rolls in Maine. But, you may be surprised to also learn that some of these spots are not limited to the standard burgers and fries.

Not only will you fill your belly up with traditional goodness, but you’ll also get a taste of the local culture and history with a visit to these iconic drive-thru destinations. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a retro dining experience, these drive-thru restaurants are worth the detour.

Nothing says classic drive-in quite like The Varsity. As one of Atlanta’s most beloved drive-in restaurants, The Varsity boasts eight different locations. However, the original location is also the largest drive-thru in the world. This mega restaurant can serve hundreds of vehicles at a time with its team of friendly carhops. All you need to do is simply relax in your own car and wait for the food to be brought directly to you — piping hot and ready to be devoured.

Popular menu items at The Varsity include traditional burgers, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets. You can choose either fries or onion rings to complement your entrée. Finish off your meal with the beloved Varsity Orange drink blended with the creamy vanilla shake mix. Yum!

Mel’s Drive-in by Teresa Boardman licensed under CC by 2.0

Mel’s Drive-In is a mainstay in the San Francisco area, dating back to its first location in 1947. In addition to its four locations in San Francisco, Mel’s is now also operating in the Los Angeles area. There’s no shortage of mouth-watering lunch and dinner choices. How about a juicy burger, spaghetti and meatballs, or a slow-braised short rib dinner with mashed potatoes? The spiked adult milkshakes are a special treat at the end of your meal.

But, you don’t have to limit yourself to just lunch or dinner. Grab a breakfast of champions with some avocado toast, Nutella French toast, biscuits with homemade sausage gravy, fruit salad, fried chicken and waffles, and a variety of egg dishes.

Located in various cities and towns in the Inland Empire region of California, residents of the Golden State love a quick meal at Baker’s Burgers. The first Baker’s Burgers began serving customers in 1952, expanding just one year later due to its immense popularity.

Today, fans of Baker’s rave about the Twin Kitchen Meal, combining a burger with a taco for the ultimate California indulgence. You’ll find a wide array of both Mexican and American menu choices, providing you with an abundance of ways to satisfy any craving. Like Mel’s, Baker’s also features a great breakfast menu to fuel you up for the day. The huge list of coffee drink options make this a great stop in the morning, while the dozens of shakes and floats deliver the sweet ending for your day.

Dick’s Drive-In has been a fixture on the local dining scene in Seattle since 1954. Whether you’re craving a burger after watching the hometown Seattle Mariners or you just want a budget-minded bite when running errands, Dick’s has you covered.

The décor still carries the theme of the 1950s with prices also staying largely in check. While the owner was pressured to bring the drive-in to the national level, he resisted the calls to franchise and chose to keep his burger joint at the local level. Dick’s is now located at several spots throughout the greater Seattle metro area while also operating roving food trucks so that everyone can enjoy their favorite burgers, fries, onion rings, and milkshakes at a fair price.

For a dose of nostalgia like no other, head to Keller’s Drive-In. With three convenient locations in Dallas, Keller’s was launched over 50 years ago selling fresh burgers and frosty beers. The cheeseburgers still come on the trademark poppy seed rolls.

Almost everything offered at Keller’s is priced under $5, making this a good choice if you’re on a budget or if you have a crowd to feed. It’s also easy to customize your burger to fit your exact preference with add-on options such as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, bacon, chili, and jalapeños. Not in the mood for a burger? No worries, you can also order grilled cheese, chicken sandwiches, ham and cheese, and more. Side dishes include French fries, tater tots, or onion rings.

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Not all drive-thru joints offer just burgers and fries. Cameron’s Lobster House in Brunswick, Maine serves up lobster in a variety of forms, a perfect culinary fit for this part of New England. Locally owned and operated, you’ll feel right at home when you visit Cameron’s. If you don’t want to dine in your car, you can also choose to eat inside the restaurant or on the outdoor patio.

You can’t visit Maine without indulging in a lobster roll, and Cameron’s provides a lovely setting to do so. Other tasty menu items include the lobster chowder, the crab roll, fried calamari, fish and chips, and shrimp cocktail. While lobster and other seafood dishes are the star of the show at Cameron’s, you’ll also find burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

FAQs:

Q: What are the operating hours for these drive-thru restaurants?
A: Operating hours vary. For instance, The Varsity in Atlanta is open from 11 AM to 8 PM on Sundays – Thursday, and stays open until 9 PM on Fridays. Check each restaurant’s website for the most accurate and current information.

Q: Do these drive-thru restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan options?
A: Yes, some do. For example, Mel’s Drive-In offers a black bean veggie burger and an avocado burger. It’s best to check each restaurant’s menu online for specific options.

Q: Can you order online or through an app for these drive-thru restaurants?
A: Many of these restaurants offer online ordering. The Varsity, for example, has online ordering available on their website. Check each restaurant’s site or app store for options.

Q: Do these drive-thru restaurants accept credit cards or digital payments?
A: Most of these restaurants, including Dick’s Drive-In in Seattle, accept credit cards, and many also accept digital payments like Apple Pay. Confirm payment methods on their websites.

Q: Is it possible to visit these drive-thru restaurants with large groups or buses?
A: While many can accommodate large groups, it’s best to call ahead. The Varsity’s original location in Atlanta, being the largest, can serve hundreds of vehicles at a time.