There are some places around Cincinnati that you just hope never change. New restaurants will always open and old ones will always close, but those few that stand the test of time are embedded in our hearts. If you grew up or lived near Hamilton, then chances are this nostalgic drive-in has a special place in your heart. Jolly’s Drive-In has not really changed over the past eight decades it’s been around. In fact, this unique eatery is not only delicious, but a trip here will take you back in time.
Jolly’s Drive-In is a warm weather tradition in Hamilton that has been around for 80 years.
GoogleMaps If you enjoy a no-frills, nostalgic eatery that will take you back to a simpler time, then Jolly’s is the drive-in for you.
GoogleMaps There are two locations - one on Erie, shown in the photo above, and one on Brookwood, shown below.
GoogleMaps Both spots continue to operate as a classic drive-in, which means you still get to drive right up, order, and have your food brought to you on a tray to enjoy in your car. The service has always remained fast and friendly and the consistency is what brings locals back to this beloved drive-in year after year.
The menu is simple and tasty, and also very similar to the original one from decades prior.
GoogleMaps/Tami Isaacs
If it’s your first visit to Jolly’s, you should probably go with a footlong, topped the way you like it, fries (with cheese), and a frosty root beer.
GoogleMaps/Erin Waltz This classic meal may not be fine dining, but it’s classically delicious.
Other favorites include the burgers and BBQ sandwiches, and the crispy onion rings.
Photo Courtesy of Catie Laino/@catherinelaino Choose either the east or west side of Hamilton and chow down on hot dogs and burgers, then wash it all down with some root beer.
If you’ve never been to a real drive-in before - which would make sense, since so few still exist, don’t worry - they have directions on how to order right there on the menu.
Facebook/Jolly’s Drive-In on Brookwood Within a few minutes, a car hop will bring you your order. The only thing missing is the roller skates.
Jolly’s is open seasonally from February to October.
Facebook/Jolly’s Drive-In on Brookwood During this time, the Brookwood location is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Erie location is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Those who grew up going to Jolly’s will always love this nostalgic drive-in, but if you have yet to visit, make it a new family tradition. Have you driven back in time at Jolly’s in Hamilton? Share your memories with us in the comments!
GoogleMaps
If you enjoy a no-frills, nostalgic eatery that will take you back to a simpler time, then Jolly’s is the drive-in for you.
There are two locations - one on Erie, shown in the photo above, and one on Brookwood, shown below.
Both spots continue to operate as a classic drive-in, which means you still get to drive right up, order, and have your food brought to you on a tray to enjoy in your car. The service has always remained fast and friendly and the consistency is what brings locals back to this beloved drive-in year after year.
GoogleMaps/Tami Isaacs
GoogleMaps/Erin Waltz
This classic meal may not be fine dining, but it’s classically delicious.
Photo Courtesy of Catie Laino/@catherinelaino
Choose either the east or west side of Hamilton and chow down on hot dogs and burgers, then wash it all down with some root beer.
Facebook/Jolly’s Drive-In on Brookwood
Within a few minutes, a car hop will bring you your order. The only thing missing is the roller skates.
During this time, the Brookwood location is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Erie location is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Jolly’s Drive-In has two locations: 165 N. Brookwood Ave., Hamilton, Ohio 45013 and 210 N. Erie Hwy, Hamilton, Ohio 45011.
For another local drive-in that’s filled with deliciousness and history, check out our previous article here.
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