Janson's Drive-in Hamburgers
Chicago, IL Photo courtesy chibbqking
Janson's Drive-in Hamburgers has brightened Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood since 1960. Its glowing marquee and orange-and-turquoise building make a colorful invitation to stop for a burger, hot dog or shake. 02-09
Brothers Jack and Tom Janson founded the business, which became a neighborhood favorite. New owners restored the neon and vintage surroundings after taking over in 2014, keeping its mid-century personality intact.
UPDATE: Janson’s remains open with takeout and outdoor seating. Carhop service is gone, but the restored sign and distinctive building continue welcoming customers. 06-26
Triple XXX Root Beer
West Lafayette, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Triple XXX Root Beer has welcomed West Lafayette customers since 1929, earning recognition as Indiana’s first drive-in restaurant. Near Purdue University, its barrel-themed signs offer a familiar roadside welcome. Many thanks to Alan Culley for info. 05-09
The former root beer stand became a full-service restaurant known for hand-ground “chop steak” burgers. The Duane Purvis All-American adds peanut butter in tribute to the Purdue football player. A frosty mug of cane-sugar root beer completes the order. National attention, including Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, introduced more travelers to this longtime student and neighborhood favorite.
UPDATE: Triple XXX remains open year-round. Carhops have disappeared, but the historic building, vintage signage and signature root beer remain.
Penguin Point Drive-in (Gone)
Plymouth, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
The giant neon penguin at Penguin Point Drive-In gave Plymouth motorists a memorable greeting. Bright red feet added to the five-foot bird’s personality, especially after dark. Many thanks to Alan Culley for info. 05-09
Opened in 1972 near old U.S. 31 and the Lincoln Highway, the restaurant served burgers, pork tenderloins and the Big Wally double-decker, named for founder Wallace E. Stouder Sr.
The sign made this location a worthwhile roadside stop even when lunch wasn’t on the schedule.
UPDATE: Plymouth closed in 2022, followed by the remaining chain in 2023. The building remains vacant, and the penguin topper has been removed, leaving the pole sign behind. 06-26
Big Star Drive-in
Kenosha, WI Photo courtesy chibbqking
If you're looking for a classic summer drive-in, Big Star Drive-in in Kenosha is well worth the stop. The flashing neon arrow and giant star have been drawing hungry customers in since 1954, and once you pull into the lot, it's easy to see why this place has remained a local favorite for generations. Many thanks to Richard chibbqking for info. 06-09
Big Star is still family owned and continues to do things the old-fashioned way. Pull into a parking space, wait for a carhop to take your order, and before long your food arrives on a tray that hooks onto your rolled-down window. It's a simple experience that's becoming harder and harder to find.
The menu is full of drive-in favorites, including burgers, fries, fried cheese curds, onion rings, and frosty mugs of root beer. One of the most popular items is the small double cheeseburger, and it's easy to understand why so many people make Big Star part of their summer routine. Just remember to bring cash, as that's still the only payment accepted.
Big Star Drive-in
Kenosha, WI Photo courtesy chibbqking
As good as the food is, the real star of the show may be the sign. The bright neon arrow, glowing star, and flashing lights create one of the best drive-in signs in the Midwest, especially after dark. It's the kind of place that's just as much fun to photograph as it is to eat at.
UPDATE: Big Star Drive-In continues to operate seasonally under family ownership. The classic carhop service and iconic neon sign both survive, making it one of Wisconsin's best-preserved drive-in restaurants. 06-26
Johnsen's Blue Top Drive-in
Highland, IN Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Driving down Indianapolis Boulevard, it's almost impossible to miss the towering neon sign at Johnsen's Blue Top Drive-in. Lit up at night, it's one of northwest Indiana's best-known roadside landmarks and has been welcoming hungry travelers for generations. 05-09
The business traces its roots back to 1936, when Danish immigrant William Johnsen opened a small food stand in what was then a cabbage patch. As traffic along Indianapolis Boulevard grew, so did the restaurant. In 1964, the family opened the modern drive-in that still stands today, complete with its distinctive canopy and 28-foot neon sign.
Blue Top continues to serve burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes, and other drive-in favorites, and yes, you can still order from a carhop if you'd like the full experience. The restaurant also hosts regular classic car cruises, making it an even better stop for anyone who enjoys vintage automobiles and roadside Americana.
Johnsen's Blue Top Drive-in
Highland, IN Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The Johnsen family operated Blue Top for more than 75 years before the restaurant briefly closed in 2013. Fortunately, new ownership stepped in, carefully restored the property, and brought the drive-in back to life while preserving the look and feel that made it such a local landmark.
More information about Johnsen's Blue Top as well as some close-up shots of their juicy burgers can be found at the Chibbqking site. 11-09
UPDATE: Johnsen's Blue Top Drive-In remains open year-round. The classic neon sign, mid-century drive-in building, and carhop service all survive, making it one of Indiana's best-preserved roadside restaurants. 06-26
Triple XXX Root Beer
Penguin Point Drive-in (Gone)
