Southern Region
Back to Top of ListBo-Mac’s Drive-In, Shoals
Three generations of the Ragsdale family ran this locally-owned drive-in since 1960 before it was bought a few years ago by another family who keep the tradition alive. Bo-Mac’s Drive-In offers carhop service along with outdoor patio seating. While shakes, sundaes, and sandwiches are on the menu, the onion rings are a local favorite!
Fry’s A&W, Greensburg
A&W might be a fast-food chain, but Fry’s A&W is family-owned and offers a local flair that you can’t find elsewhere. Beyond the standard cheeseburger, root beer, and hot dogs, you have to try their homemade fresh fried chicken. Seriously, it’s fantastic. While you’re in Greensburg, be sure to stop by the courthouse to see the tree growing out of the top!
Central Region
Back to Top of ListMug-n-Bun, Indianapolis
Photo by @edibleindy
On the west side of Indianapolis, the famous Mug-n-Bun has been serving up massive tenderloins for over 50 years. All of the tasty food is best washed down with homemade root beer! If you prefer to eat in your car, just flip on your lights, and a server will come out to take your order. But a beautiful summer night might be the perfect chance to eat in their outdoor picnic area.
Gene’s Root Beer and Hot Dogs, Anderson
Photo by Dale Pickett
Anderson is known for classic Americana dining, including the Lemon Drop and, of course, Gene’s Root Beer and Hot Dogs! This old-fashioned drive-in is perfect for fried grub, homemade root beer, and ice cream. There is a good chance you’ll find a few classic cars parked in the lot at Gene’s.
Kunkel’s Drive-In, Connersville
Photo by @merkermark
Serving Connersville since 1954, Kunkel’s Drive-In has a nostalgic ordering process that hasn’t changed too much since they opened. We recommend planning out the day you visit due to their yummy daily specials and pie. The specials include the Kunkel Burger, the 5th Wheel, and the Giant K-Loin. Dig in on one of their homemade pies, including chocolate, coconut cream, peanut butter, lemon, and butterscotch.
The Suds, Greenwood
Photo by @breiana.brown
Opened initially as a Dog n Suds, this restaurant has been visited by hundreds of thousands of classic cars and trucks since 1957. The Suds is a traditional-style drive-in, but it just feels different. The decor mixed with its car culture makes it a great place to bring the family on a summer evening. A burger and shake are about all you need!
Steer-In, Indianapolis
The Steer-In is a staple on the east side of Indianapolis. A vast American menu of omelets, fried chicken, pizzas, and pies are offered. Guests love the tasty food, friendly service, and great prices. The Steer-In was even featured on Guy Fieri’s acclaimed show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
The Tasty Freeze, Montezuma
The Tasty Freeze in Montezuma has some of the best hamburgers in the entire state. And that's not even mentioning the ice cream! They’ve been open for about twenty-five years, which is a bit newer than others on this list, but this charming restaurant captures the nostalgia of classic American drive-ins nevertheless.
Ray’s Drive-In, Kokomo
The gigantic King Tenderloin is what put Ray’s Drive-In on the map. Have you ever seen one that large? There is no indoor seating, but the carhops will make your Ray’s experience enjoyable. There's nothing quite like dining in your car, just like the good old days!
Frazier’s Dairy Maid, Anderson
Photo by Dale Pickett
Frazier’s Dairy Maid has been whipping up delectable ice cream treats for Madison county since 1954. The 1950s feeling pervades this ice cream shop with beautiful colors and lights adorning the outside. Frazier’s might be one of the most “Instagrammable” drive-ins in the state!
Northern Region
Back to Top of ListDog n Suds, Lafayette & West Lafayette
There are many Dog n Suds locations throughout the Midwest, but the restaurant in Lafayette has been locally owned since 1956. It’s so popular that a second one opened in West Lafayette in the early 2000s. Staying true to the Dog n Suds roots, these locations serve classics, including the “World Famous” Coney Dog and the Boilermaker. Finish off your meal with the iconic Dog n Suds root beer!
The Port Drive-In, Chesterton
Chili dogs and creamy root beer are the signature items at The Port Drive-In. There have been a few different owners over the past 70 years, but history is still honored at The Port. Friendly carhops will meet you at your car and deliver food to the comfort of your vehicle. Want in on a local secret? Fried options, including “mouse ears,” will satisfy your county fair cravings. While in the area, a trip to Indiana Dunes National Park has to be on your itinerary.
Johnsen’s Blue Top Drive-In, Highland
As the Blue Top Drive-In was being built decades ago, locals thought it was going to be a church due to its wavy roof. Little did they know that it would become a historic drive-in! The iconic Blue Top sign is constructed of ceramic steel with hundreds of feet of neon tubing. Today, their most popular burger is the Cruiser, which weighs about 1/2 lb. Come on the right night, and you might see a classic car show!
Bonnie Doon Drive-In, Mishawaka
Photo by @jamppafl
At its height, there were nine Bonnie Doon locations in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. Now there’s just one, but their old-timey joint still offers classic American fast food. Now in its 88th year of operation, you can still order a burger or treat through Bonnie Doon’s intercom any day of the week.
Carlson’s Drive-In, Michigan City
On-site homemade root beer is served in a tall frosty mug at Carlson’s Drive-In! Time-honored traditions are kept at this restaurant, including trays clipped to the side of your vehicle by a carhop. Known for their Eckrich all-beef hot dogs, Carlson’s franks can be covered with their broad array of toppings.
Mr. Weenie, Peru
Photo by @gabe_ho
You won’t miss Mr. Weenie if you are driving on North Broadway Street in Peru with its eye-catching sign. This hot dog stand features all kinds of concoctions, including a great Chicago Dog. All you have to do is turn on your lights to receive carhop service. After your mouth-watering meal, pick up one of the “It’s Mr. Weenie Time” T-shirts!
Igloo Frozen Custard, Lafayette
The first Igloo was opened by Charles and Florence Kirkhoff in 1932. The two Igloo Frozen Custard locations in Lafayette serve classic frozen custard, fruit drinks, ice cream, and sandwiches. You’ll find options for covered patio seating and drive-up dining. Their motto is, “We dip up smiles,” and they believe in “celebrating life and making sweet memories.”
