Juicy cheeseburgers and thick milkshakes are the common themes at these five outstanding Minnesota Drive-In restaurants. Our family decided to experience the nostalgia and deliciousness of each of these locations on a Minnesota Drive-In Tour. We put on a few miles and chowed down many more calories as we took a step back in time for tasty summer dining.
Peppermint Twist-Delano, MN
The food and the bubble gum pink paint are sure to draw your attention at Peppermint Twist in Delano, MN. Come hungry but be patient. We went on a Sunday night and the wait for food was about an hour. It was worth it. Peppermint Twist is known for its fresh raspberry shakes and for good reason. It was the best shake I think I’ve ever had. Ever. The burgers were also amazing. Juicy and flavorful and served on perfectly toasted buns. Now I know why the wait for food was so long. It’s that good.
Lakeview Drive Inn-Winona, MN
Come for the burgers, stay for the root beer floats at Lakeview Drive Inn. Lakeview Drive Inn has the typical offerings of burgers and sandwiches. The food is good, but the real reason to make the trip to Winona is for the home brewed root beer. Served in a frosty mug, it’s some of the best root beer I’ve had. Order a glass with your meal or do as we did and enjoy the root beer in a float. Floats are served two ways; old-fashioned with hard scoop ice cream or with a swirl of vanilla soft serve.
Sue’s Drive In- Pierz, MN
Sue’s is a small little place in a teeny tiny town but it’s big on juicy burgers and crinkle-cut fries. Our order consisted of a popcorn chicken basket and a bacon cheeseburger. We washed it down with a vanilla shake and a cotton candy rainbow shake (slushie and ice cream blended together). Sue’s has a few picnic tables available for those who want to eat outside their vehicle. We popped the back hatch and made our own table from the folded rear seats of the SUV.
Gordy’s Hi Hat-Cloquet, MN
In 2020, Gordy’s Hi-Hat is celebrating 60 years of serving hand-pattied burgers and milkshakes. The friendly staff is quick to find you a spot for car-hop service and your order is made fresh and fast. Once our food arrived, we moved to a grassy area near the outdoor tables where we lifted the tailgate and enjoyed our food. We especially liked the crispy french fries, the medium sized order was enough for all of us to share. We may start making a stop at Gordy’s a tradition for all our trips to the North Shore.
Val’s Rapid Serv-St. Cloud, MN
Val’s Rapid Serv has been in operation just as long as Gordy’s Hi-Hat. Val’s menu is small but it’s big on taste. They serve mainly burgers, fries and shakes. The only decisions you have to make are how many patties on your burger and which flavor shake to order, there are over 20 to choose from. Use the kiosks to place your order and then wait for your number to be called. Orders come in white paper bags that you’ll have to sift through heaps of golden fries to get your burger out of. Val’s is a St. Cloud summer tradition.
There’s still plenty of summer left. What other drive-in restaurants does Mommy Baggage need to visit?
If you enjoyed reading the Minnesota Drive-In Tour, check out Mommy Baggage’s Ice Cream Tour as well.
Happy Adventuring, Rochelle
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