Mmmm ... remember the days of mouth-watering burgers and thick, frosty shakes being served by a car hop in the comfort of your own car? RK Chevrolet does. In 1964, when RK Chevrolet opened to the Virginia Beach community, these drive-in diners were quite a common sight in Virginia and throughout the United States. Some may recall the good American fare of Buddy Boy burgers, onion rings and strawberry pie made famous by Lendy’s, or the A&W drive-in’s ice-cold mugs of draft root beer, still served today at all five Virginia A&W locations – minus the car hops.
But even if you’re not old enough to remember the 1950s and 60s, you can still experience the thrill of these Virginia drive-in diners that are still operating today.
Probably the most well-known drive-in, and the nation’s largest franchise, is Sonic Drive-in (1-866-657-6642), which has 19 locations in Virginia alone. Sonic, which began as Top Hat Drive-in in 1953, serves up a large menu including burgers, coneys, salads, fresh fruit limeades, and much more.
Dude’s Drive-in (540-382-7901), located at 1505 Roanoke St. in Christiansburg, VA, also has an extensive menu with old favorites and some unique items such as a ham biscuit, fried shrimp and oysters, and a hot-dogless hot dog that consists of nothing but chili in a bun. Just drive up and toot your horn for service.
Listed as one of America’s Top Ten Drive-ins at www.epicurious.com is Wright’s Dairy Rite (540-886-0435) at 346 Greenville Ave. in Staunton, VA. In 1952, more than a decade before the creation of the Big Mac, Wright's Dairy Rite started serving the Superburger: two beef patties with cheese and lettuce, topped with special sauce and layered in a three-story bun. Also try their Monsterburger and creamy milkshakes, which can be enjoyed in your car or inside the spacious dining room.
In Norfolk, VA come enjoy the taste of Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue (757-627-4163) at 1919 Monticello Ave. Doumar’s is marked by a sign with two big ice cream cones on either side, a reminder that Abe Doumar, the founder, invented the ice cream cone. Other menu items include classic cheeseburgers and hot dogs, as well as peppery pork barbecue sandwiches, served with cole slaw inside the bun.
The B&P Drive-in (276-728-7896), located at 905 Floyd Pike in Hillsville, VA, has been around since 1956 and is a popular dining attraction. It has a seating capacity for 60, but most like to enjoy the experience of curbside service. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Or, if you are in the Richmond, VA area, stop in to Carneal’s Drive-in Restaurant (804-737-0446), 608 E. Nine Mile Road in Highland Springs, for some good old-fashioned fare; or Dunn’s Drive-in Barbecue (804-329-4676), 3716 Mechanicsville Pike in Richmond, for an authentic fried bologna burger!
