There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about pulling up to a stand, rolling down your window, and having a chilled mug of root beer brought right to your car. Minnesota still holds onto a handful of these classic drive-in spots, where the mugs come frosty and the burgers come fast.
Some have been serving families for decades, while others keep the tradition alive with homemade recipes and seasonal hours. If you love a good summer drive and a cold treat, this list is worth saving.
Here are nine Minnesota root beer stands that still bring the mug to you.
1. The Anchor Inn, Alexandria, Minnesota
Summer in Alexandria means lake traffic, and this spot has long been a stop for families heading to the water. The Anchor Inn keeps the drive-in tradition going with carhop service and cold root beer.
The menu leans classic, with burgers, sandwiches, and baskets that pair well with a frosty mug. It is the kind of stop that fits easily into a lake-country day.
Seasonal hours are common at places like this, so it is smart to check before you make the drive. When it is open, the parking lot fills quickly on warm afternoons.
I like this stop because it captures the feel of an old summer routine without trying too hard to be trendy.
2. Sandy’s Tavern and Grill, Zumbrota, Minnesota
Small-town Zumbrota holds a spot that keeps the drive-in spirit alive with cold mugs and simple comfort food. The frosty root beer is the draw, but the burgers and baskets keep people coming back.
Places like this are built around ease. You pull up, you order, and the food arrives without fuss.
The town itself is worth a slow stroll, with its historic covered bridge nearby. Grab a mug, take a walk, and let the afternoon stretch out.
For a road trip through southeastern Minnesota, this is an easy and satisfying stop.
3. The Snack Shack, Two Harbors, Minnesota
Along the North Shore, where Lake Superior sets the mood, a cold mug of root beer hits differently after a day near the water. Two Harbors has long been a friendly stop for travelers heading up Highway 61.
The Snack Shack keeps things simple with burgers, fries, and frosty mugs that suit a road-weary crowd.
North Shore weather can swing quickly, so a warm sunny day here feels like a small gift. That makes an ice-cold root beer even more welcome.
If you are chasing waterfalls and lake views, this is a natural pause in the drive.
4. Wagner’s Drive-In, Saint Paul, Minnesota
City drive-ins are rare, which makes Wagner’s in Saint Paul feel like a genuine holdout. It has served burgers and cold root beer to the neighborhood for generations.
The burgers are the signature here, cooked to order and served with that no-frills charm that keeps regulars loyal. A frosty mug rounds out the meal.
Being in the city means you do not need a long road trip to enjoy it. That accessibility is part of the appeal.
I would save this one for a quick lunch when you want something classic without leaving town.
5. The Lodge Drive-In, Deer River, Minnesota
Way up in Deer River, the drive-in tradition still gives travelers a reason to slow down. The Lodge Drive-In serves cold mugs and classic food to a crowd that appreciates the old routine.
Burgers, baskets, and frosty root beer keep the menu straightforward. There is comfort in knowing exactly what you are getting.
Northern towns like this often rely on seasonal business, so summer is the time to catch it at its best. The stand becomes a small gathering point during warm months.
For anyone exploring the Chippewa National Forest area, this is a handy and friendly stop.
6. Frostop Drive-In, Springfield, Minnesota
The Frostop name carries real drive-in history, and Springfield holds onto that legacy in southwestern Minnesota. The rotating root beer mug sign is a beacon for anyone who loves a classic stand.
Frosty mugs of root beer are the star, backed by burgers and fries that fit the drive-in mold. It is a straightforward, satisfying combination.
Small-town setting means the pace is relaxed and the parking is easy. You can settle in and enjoy the mug without rushing.
If you are driving through prairie country, this stop delivers a genuine taste of the old drive-in era.
7. Dari-ette Drive-In, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Family-run for decades, Dari-ette is one of Saint Paul’s most beloved seasonal drive-ins. It stands out for pairing classic root beer with an Italian-American menu that includes spaghetti and meatball sandwiches.
Carhops still bring your order to the car, keeping the vintage experience intact. The frosty mug fits right in with the nostalgic setting.
Because it operates only during the warmer months, its opening is a small seasonal event for regulars. The lot tends to fill up on nice evenings.
This one is a great pick when you want a drive-in with a little more variety on the menu.
8. The A and W, Aitkin, Minnesota
A and W built its reputation on root beer, and the Aitkin location keeps the frosty mug front and center. It is a familiar name that still delivers the drive-in feel.
The root beer here is served the classic way, in a chilled mug that keeps it cold to the last sip. Burgers and coneys fill out a menu that leans into tradition.
Small-town central Minnesota gives the stand an easygoing pace. You can pull in, order, and enjoy without any hurry.
For families making memories on a summer road trip, a frosty A and W mug is a reliable classic.
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