Nothing is more old-fashioned than drive-in restaurants, and there are nine in Illinois you definitely don’t want to miss. Whether you’ve been alive long enough to remember when these places first opened or have just enjoyed them all your life, it’s always a trip down Memory Lane when you visit one of these rustic dives. Check them out:
- Ace Drive-In
Facebook/ACE DRIVE-IN
Facebook/ACE DRIVE-IN This timeless eatery has undergone numerous changes of ownership and moved locations. It began in 1949 selling sandwiches like you’d never believe. Open daily, you’ll find this family-friendly spot at 1207 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL 60435.
- Charlie’s Drive-In
Facebook/Charlie’s Drive In
Facebook/Charlie’s Drive In This well-loved burger stand keeps itself in business by serving up some of the best eats in the state. From corn dogs to onion rings to fried chicken, this hotspot has it all. Get a blast from the past at 762 Wood River Ave., Wood River, IL 62095.
- Cozy Dog Drive-In
Facebook/Cozy Dog Drive In
Facebook/Cozy Dog Drive In Known as the home of the corn dog, this excellent old drive-in has been in service since 1949, but its history goes back much further than that. Developed by a man while serving in the Air Force, this deep-fried treat put this place on the map for forever and eternity. Find it at 2935 S 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703.
- Cranwill’s Rootbeer Stand & Drive-In
Facebook/Cranwill’s Rootbeer Stand/Drive In
Facebook/Cranwill’s Rootbeer Stand/Drive In If you love homemade root beer, this delicious spot is especially for you. It is known for its classic American fare and excellent ice cream desserts. Don’t miss classics like tenderloins, fried fish, and pulled pork at 1713 S 2nd St., Pekin, IL 61554.
- Dewey’s Drive-In
Facebook/Dewey’s Drive-In
Facebook/Dewey’s Drive-In This seasonal dive is one of the best 50s-themed drive-in restaurants in all of Illinois. Go with a classic burger and shake for a full blast of nostalgia here. This wonderful local favorite is located at 620 E Richardson St., Farmer City, IL 61842.
- Lou’s Drive-In
Facebook/Lou’s Drive-In
Google/Jeff Mowbray Get all your favorite meals at this vintage drive-in. Whether you want to eat outside or sit in your car, this place will be happy to serve you. Guests enjoy everything from sweet treats like ice cream to savory delights like burgers and fries. Check it all out at 4229 N Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61614.
- Sam’s Drive-In
Facebook/Sam’s Drive-In
Facebook/Sam’s Drive-In A truly classic drive-in, this wonderful eatery is best known for its Italian beef, burgers, and other sandwiches. It began as Dogs n Suds in 1966 and became Sam’s in 1975. Find it at 705 W Blackhawk Dr., Byron, IL 61010.
- Superdawg Drive-In
Facebook/Superdawg
Facebook/Superdawg Starting in 1948, this iconic hot dog stand is the most popular of drive-in restaurants in the state, and possibly the country. It is known for its classic Chicago-style dog, but guests also enjoy burgers and other traditional eats. This place is found at 6363 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60646.
- Yesterdays Drive-In
Facebook/Yesterdays Drive-In
Facebook/Yesterdays Drive-In In operation since 1957, this legendary BBQ joint is all about ribs. Little-known and off the beaten path, locals regularly visit this delicious spot. It is located at 709 Oak St., Carmi, IL 62821.
For more great places to eat, check out nine restaurants that define Illinois here.
Facebook/ACE DRIVE-IN
This timeless eatery has undergone numerous changes of ownership and moved locations. It began in 1949 selling sandwiches like you’d never believe. Open daily, you’ll find this family-friendly spot at 1207 Plainfield Rd., Joliet, IL 60435.
Facebook/Charlie’s Drive In
This well-loved burger stand keeps itself in business by serving up some of the best eats in the state. From corn dogs to onion rings to fried chicken, this hotspot has it all. Get a blast from the past at 762 Wood River Ave., Wood River, IL 62095.
Facebook/Cozy Dog Drive In
Known as the home of the corn dog, this excellent old drive-in has been in service since 1949, but its history goes back much further than that. Developed by a man while serving in the Air Force, this deep-fried treat put this place on the map for forever and eternity. Find it at 2935 S 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703.
Facebook/Cranwill’s Rootbeer Stand/Drive In
If you love homemade root beer, this delicious spot is especially for you. It is known for its classic American fare and excellent ice cream desserts. Don’t miss classics like tenderloins, fried fish, and pulled pork at 1713 S 2nd St., Pekin, IL 61554.
Facebook/Dewey’s Drive-In
This seasonal dive is one of the best 50s-themed drive-in restaurants in all of Illinois. Go with a classic burger and shake for a full blast of nostalgia here. This wonderful local favorite is located at 620 E Richardson St., Farmer City, IL 61842.
Facebook/Lou’s Drive-In
Google/Jeff Mowbray
Get all your favorite meals at this vintage drive-in. Whether you want to eat outside or sit in your car, this place will be happy to serve you. Guests enjoy everything from sweet treats like ice cream to savory delights like burgers and fries. Check it all out at 4229 N Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61614.
Facebook/Sam’s Drive-In
A truly classic drive-in, this wonderful eatery is best known for its Italian beef, burgers, and other sandwiches. It began as Dogs n Suds in 1966 and became Sam’s in 1975. Find it at 705 W Blackhawk Dr., Byron, IL 61010.
Facebook/Superdawg
Starting in 1948, this iconic hot dog stand is the most popular of drive-in restaurants in the state, and possibly the country. It is known for its classic Chicago-style dog, but guests also enjoy burgers and other traditional eats. This place is found at 6363 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60646.
Facebook/Yesterdays Drive-In
In operation since 1957, this legendary BBQ joint is all about ribs. Little-known and off the beaten path, locals regularly visit this delicious spot. It is located at 709 Oak St., Carmi, IL 62821.
What drive-in restaurants did we miss? Share your favorite burger and ice cream stands with us below in the comments.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
