16 Iconic 1970s Drive-In Restaurants That Have (Mostly) Vanished

The 1970s were a gilt era for drive - in restaurant across America and parts of Canada . These dining spots extend a unique experience , blend convenience with the excitement of eating in the comfort of one ’s auto . From Ne lights to friendly carhop avail , these iconic establishments were residential district favorites . However , as degraded - food giant emerged and consumer habits germinate , many of these charming drive - ins bit by bit disappear , leave alone behind fond memories and a sense of nostalgia . Here ’s a look at 16 iconic drive - inch from the seventies that have mostly vanished , each with its own unequalled narration and flair .

1. Burger Queen

Burger Queen was a beloved Canadian drive - in chain in the 1970s , make out for its classic burgers and malty milkshake . Families loved the playfulness experience of dining in their cars , surrounded by glowing neon signage . This chain had a presence from slide to coast , creating a sense of 1 and share culture .

Despite its popularity , changing taste sensation and increasing competition from fast - food giants lead to its decline . The once bright lights eventually extend dark , result behind only memories of shared laugh and delicious meal enjoyed with loved ace . Burger Queen remains a treasured part of Canadian nostalgia .

2. Gino’s Hamburgers

Gino ’s ground beef was a staple in the Midwest , serve woman - grilled Warren Earl Burger and frosty sodas . Known for its friendly carhop service , Gino ’s bewitch the core of local with its hometown appealingness . The drive - in was a societal hub , where families and friends gathered to bask simple yet delicious meals .

However , the rise of corporate riotous - food giant and shifting consumer drug abuse gradually overshadowed Gino ’s . Although it eventually wither into nostalgic retentivity , the warmheartedness and sentience of residential area it fostered continue alive in the hearts of those who experienced its cordial reception .

3. Clump’s Drive‑In

deep rooted in Cincinnati ’s suburban cultivation , Clump ’s Drive‑In commingle quirky decor with a menu of Burger , fries , and signature shakes . Its outdoor ordering windows and warm , down - habitation service made it a beloved local smear . family hold dear the passing dining experience and friendly interaction .

Despite its popularity , Clump ’s faced economic pressures and modify dining tendency . The vibrant atmosphere slowly fade , leaving only fond recollections among longtime local who remember the pleasure of a elementary meal divvy up in skillful ship’s company .

4. Don’s Drive‑In

In Jacksonville , Florida , Don ’s Drive‑In was the go - to spot for a relaxed motorcar - hop experience . Its menu offered sizzle burgers , crispy fries , and hand - dipped shakes , all served with a smile through a windowpane .

Don ’s was a residential district darling , be the warmth and friendliness of its patrons . However , as the loyal - food revolution take appreciation and urban landscapes rapidly change , Don ’s could n’t compete with the fleet phylogenesis in dining preferences . Although its doors eventually closed , the storage of joyful meal and friendly brass remain .

5. Jack’s Drive‑In

An Indiana favorite during the ’ seventy , Jack ’s Drive‑In epitomized roadside dining with its retro neon lights and Graeco-Roman American fare . get laid for quick , friendly service , Jack ’s was a go - to destination for locals seeking a fun dining experience .

Despite its charm , Jack ’s could n’t keep tempo with emerging chains and the demand for modern public toilet . As competitors farm and dining trends shifted , Jack ’s familiar glow dimmed . Yet , the retentiveness of deal laugh over burgers and shakes continue to bring smiles to the face of those who dine there .

6. Arnold’s Drive‑In

A New Jersey neighborhood icon , Arnold ’s Drive‑In was synonymous with quality retro dining . It set itself apart with advanced carhop servicing and a surprisingly extensive card , attracting a diverse crew of regular .

In the ’ 70s , Arnold ’s was a social hub , where friends pile up to enjoy meals in a lively atmosphere . However , as fast - food chains expanded and consumer tastes evolved , Arnold ’s slow vanished from the modern landscape . The memories of its vibrant presence linger on , cherished by those who enjoy its unique offering .

7. Tasty’s Drive‑In

Amid New York ’s urban sprawl in the ’ 70s , Tasty ’s Drive‑In offered a vibrant turn on traditional fast - food . Its diverse menu feature Hellenic burgers alongside locally inspired specialties , draw a bustling crowd .

Tasty ’s industrious service made it a pop infernal region stop , where the city ’s dynamical culture was reflected in its nutrient and air . However , rapid city development and grow rivalry submit Tasty ’s to nostalgic traditional knowledge . Despite its disappearance , the memory of its lively environment and delicious offer digest in the bosom of its supporter .

8. Zip’s Drive‑In

Based in Texas , Zip ’s Drive‑In enchant the era ’s free - bouncing vibe with up-and-coming carhop service . Its neon - lit lot was a gathering place for families and stripling , get out by the hearty menu of Warren Burger , french fries , and malty shake .

Despite its popularity , Zip ’s incur it concentrated to keep up with national chain expound rapidly . The challenge of competing with large franchises eventually extend to its fade from the dining scene . Yet , its sprightliness live on in the fond memories of those who love its bustling , resilient atmospheric state .

9. Bub’s Drive‑In

In minor Southern towns , Bub ’s Drive‑In was a community hub offer homestyle American fare . Its relaxed , retro context and friendly service made it a treasured local institution during the ’ 70s .

Bub ’s bill of fare , occupy with ease meals , resonated with patrons look for quality and familiarity . Despite its popularity , the rapid rise of corporate fast - food range overshadowed Bub ’s . Though it could n’t withstand the competition , its legacy of warmness and cordial reception continues to stand in the part ’s collective memory .

10. Sandy’s Drive‑In

A regional front-runner in the Northeast , Sandy ’s Drive‑In was renowned for its nostalgic neon aura and Greco-Roman carhop help . Families clump to relish handwriting - spin out shakes and burgers , accompanied by well-disposed conversation .

Sandy ’s became a rite of passage for local family unit , a place where community tie beam were forged over delectable meals . However , as securities industry shifts and modernistic challenger emerged , Sandy ’s lively presence dimmed . Though no longer in procedure , the fond retentiveness of its welcoming surround and delicious offering uphold to warm up the hearts of its past patron .

11. Rex’s Drive‑In

Operating out of Texas in the ’ 70s , Rex ’s Drive‑In was celebrate for its full-bodied menu and up-and-coming vibration . carhop hurry around a neon - dismount hatful , serving generous portions of tasty fare to eager client .

Rex ’s captured the life of the era , providing an exciting dining experience that resonate with local anaesthetic . Yet , the rapid procession of nationwide dissolute - food for thought stain dominate its presence . Although Rex ’s eventually disappear , its lively atmosphere and lusty offer remain cherished retentivity for those who frequented its bustling lot .

12. Nino’s Drive‑In

Catering to Italian - American neighborhoods , Nino ’s Drive‑In offered a unique twirl on Greco-Roman driving - in fare . Blending American degraded - food with Mediterranean influences , Nino ’s inventive bill of fare take in it devoted local supporter .

The warm community experience and luscious offering made it a beloved blot . Despite its popularity , Nino ’s could n’t compete with larger franchises as dining trends change over . Its doors may have closed , but the memories of its flavorful looker and inviting ambience linger , treasured by the residential area that once gather there .

13. Vito’s Drive‑In

Popular in urban areas of the Northeast during the ’ 70s , Vito ’s Drive‑In was a modest organization with a big personality . Its personal touch and menu balancing traditional quick - food with local specialties made it memorable .

Vito ’s provided a unparalleled dining experience , offer a horse sense of individuation in a rapidly changing market . However , market integration finally pushed it into obscurity . Though no longer in process , Vito ’s legacy of saporous meals and personal service continues to be remembered lovingly by those who appreciated its appeal .

14. Papa Joe’s Drive‑In

A Midwest neighbourhood stone , Papa Joe ’s Drive‑In was known for its syndicate - oriented standard atmosphere . With a substantial menu featuring juicy Burger and thick shiver , it became a local favorite .

paying attention carhop provided down - to - earth service , create a friendly environment that families hold dear . Despite its popularity , modern dining trends and fast - food innovations eventually forced its door shut out . The memories of its fond hospitality and delicious offerings , however , continue to resonate with those who enjoyed its welcoming presence .

15. Lou’s Drive‑In

In the heart of southerly driving force - in refinement , Lou ’s Drive‑In shone with its vivacious Ne signs and lenient fare of classic dainty . topical anesthetic loved the play , retro dining experience it offered .

Lou ’s was a beloved finish where community members gathered to savor square meal and effective company . However , it at long last could n’t contend with the scale and speed of emerging degraded - food Empire . Lou ’s restfully disappeared from the scene , but its spirited ambience and delicious offerings live on in the fond memories of its patrons .

16. Ed’s Drive‑In

A modest , community - focus eating place in the Midwest , Ed ’s Drive‑In offered the essential : burgers , nestling , and thick milkshakes . Its true smiles and retro vibration made it a local dearie .

cherish by local for its understated good luck charm , Ed ’s supply a welcoming space where biotic community ties were strengthened over delicious repast . As the fast - switch landscape painting of American fast - food took hold , Ed ’s ultimately fell dupe to the rivalry . The memories of its friendly service and soothe offerings , however , go in fond memory .

Burger Queen