Sometimes, you just need to embrace some nostalgia.
Fortunately, there are some awesome drive-in restaurants hiding in the Buckeye State that are perfect for just that. With a tasty root beer, a classic cheeseburger and curbside service, you’ll feel like you’ve temporarily went back in time. The following are 6 Ohio drive-in restaurants that are fun for an old-fashioned night out.
- Swenson’s (Multiple locations)
ElaineAndGreg/TripAdvisor
Swensons Drive-In Restaurants/Facebook If something has been around for more than 80 years, there’s a reason why. This popular fast food joint features the world famous Galleyboy, milkshakes and fries. With multiple locations in Ohio, it’s a state classic you defiently need to try.
- Sumburger (Chillicothe)
Sumburger Restaurants/Facebook
Sumburger Restaurants/Facebook Where you only order via your booth’s telephone or old fashioned curb service style, this burger joint is a favorite among locals. (Important side note: The specialty burger sauce is where it’s at.) Be sure to get a malt with your meal. You’ll find it at 1487 N. Bridge St., Chillicothe, OH 45601.
- Dalton Dari-ette Drive In (Dalton)
R J/Trip Advisor
The Dalton Dari-ette/Facebook Just as the sign out front says, this isn’t considered “fast food.” Each meal is prepared to order. On the menu, you’ll find all the American classics and so much more. (As an added bonus, the prices are pretty affordable.) Dalton Dari-ette Drive In is located at 240 Mill St. S, Dalton, OH 44618.
- The Root Beer Stande (Dayton)
The Root Beer Stande/Facebook
The Root Beer Stande/Facebook The Root Beer Stande is a seasonal restaurant that specializes in, (you guessed it), root beer and all kinds of tasty entrees. (Pro tip: While the root beer and foot-longs are definitely crowd pleasers here, the breaded tenderloin sandwich is the unsung hero of the menu.) The curbside service here will make you nostalgic for the good old days. This year, The Root Beer Stande will be open until mid-November. You’ll find it at 1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45420.
- Jolly’s Drive-In (Hamilton)
Randall Wu/Google Maps
Erin Waltz/Google Maps For you first visit to Jolly’s, we recommend the footlong with fries and a frosty root beer. This seasonal eatery closes at the end of October, so don’t wait too long to visit. Jolly’s Drive-In has two locations: 165 N. Brookwood Ave., Hamilton, Ohio 45013 and 210 N. Erie Hwy, Hamilton, Ohio 45011.
- The Root Beer Stand (Cincinnati)
Sunjammerz2/Trip Advisor
The Root Beer Stand/Facebook Every spring and summer season, there’s a Cincinnati, Ohio classic that thrives with long lines, delicious footlongs and famous root beer. Closed from the end of September and all through winter, this seasonal eatery is a must-try in the warmer months. With limited indoor seating, this place has all the charm and nostalgia you’d imagine a classic root beer stand would have. You’ll find it at 11566 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241.
Have you been to any of these drive-ins before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
ElaineAndGreg/TripAdvisor
Swensons Drive-In Restaurants/Facebook
If something has been around for more than 80 years, there’s a reason why. This popular fast food joint features the world famous Galleyboy, milkshakes and fries. With multiple locations in Ohio, it’s a state classic you defiently need to try.
Sumburger Restaurants/Facebook
Where you only order via your booth’s telephone or old fashioned curb service style, this burger joint is a favorite among locals. (Important side note: The specialty burger sauce is where it’s at.) Be sure to get a malt with your meal. You’ll find it at 1487 N. Bridge St., Chillicothe, OH 45601.
R J/Trip Advisor
The Dalton Dari-ette/Facebook
Just as the sign out front says, this isn’t considered “fast food.” Each meal is prepared to order. On the menu, you’ll find all the American classics and so much more. (As an added bonus, the prices are pretty affordable.) Dalton Dari-ette Drive In is located at 240 Mill St. S, Dalton, OH 44618.
The Root Beer Stande/Facebook
The Root Beer Stande is a seasonal restaurant that specializes in, (you guessed it), root beer and all kinds of tasty entrees. (Pro tip: While the root beer and foot-longs are definitely crowd pleasers here, the breaded tenderloin sandwich is the unsung hero of the menu.) The curbside service here will make you nostalgic for the good old days. This year, The Root Beer Stande will be open until mid-November. You’ll find it at 1727 Woodman Dr, Dayton, OH 45420.
Randall Wu/Google Maps
Erin Waltz/Google Maps
For you first visit to Jolly’s, we recommend the footlong with fries and a frosty root beer. This seasonal eatery closes at the end of October, so don’t wait too long to visit. Jolly’s Drive-In has two locations: 165 N. Brookwood Ave., Hamilton, Ohio 45013 and 210 N. Erie Hwy, Hamilton, Ohio 45011.
Sunjammerz2/Trip Advisor
The Root Beer Stand/Facebook
Every spring and summer season, there’s a Cincinnati, Ohio classic that thrives with long lines, delicious footlongs and famous root beer. Closed from the end of September and all through winter, this seasonal eatery is a must-try in the warmer months. With limited indoor seating, this place has all the charm and nostalgia you’d imagine a classic root beer stand would have. You’ll find it at 11566 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241.
For more nostalgic fun in Ohio, check out our previous article: 10 Retro Places In Ohio That Will Take You Back In Time.
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