Some drinks just taste better in a glass mug that has been sitting in a freezer. Across Tennessee, a handful of old-school drive-ins and roadside stands still pour root beer the classic way, cold and foamy, often with burgers, corn dogs, and floats on the side.
These spots are simple, friendly, and easy on the wallet. If you want a road trip snack with a side of nostalgia, this list is a good place to start.
1. KN Root Beer of Martin, Martin, TN
Carhops still bring the food right to your car at this North Lindell Street drive-in. In a college town of about 10,000 people, that kind of old-fashioned service stands out fast.
The star is the root beer, poured into a frosty mug that sweats in your hand. Floats are a favorite, and you can grab the signature root beer to go if the drive home is long.
The menu sticks to drive-in classics. Think fresh burgers, cheeseburgers, onion rings, fries, hot dogs, corn dogs, and tater tots that have a serious following.
I like this stop for a quick lunch because the service moves along. There is a kids’ menu, too.
Hours run Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM, and it is closed Sunday. Friday evenings and Saturdays get busy, while Monday and Tuesday mornings are calm.
There are no restrooms, so plan ahead.
2. Buddy Dave’s, Sevierville, TN
Root beer made fresh daily is the headline here, and you can even take home a whole gallon. That alone makes this family-owned spot on Dolly Parton Parkway a smart stop before or after a Smokies day.
Drinks arrive in chilled mugs, and the root beer float is an easy pick. Then come the ice cream cones, which are famous for being huge.
Burgers lead the food side, including a signature smash burger. The menu also covers a Philly cheesesteak, a chicken salad sandwich, a double mushroom melt, and cheese curds.
Want something dairy-free? They serve Dole pineapple whip.
Buddy Dave’s is open Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 10 PM, and closed Sunday. A drive-through, restrooms, and free parking make it simple with a carload of kids.
3. A&W Restaurant, Madisonville, TN
Push a button, place your order, and wait for a frozen glass mug. This Madisonville A&W keeps the older drive-in style that many newer locations left behind.
A&W homemade root beer pours straight from the tap here. It pairs well with cheese curds, corn dogs, or a burger and hot, crispy fries.
Floats are popular, and the brand’s history adds a fun layer. A&W has been serving root beer since 1919, which makes it one of the oldest names in the game.
The spot sits on US-411 in a small Monroe County town, so it works well as a road trip break. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside.
It is open every day, 10:30 AM to 9 PM. Friday nights and Saturdays draw the biggest crowds.
4. Frosty Mug Drive In, Harrogate, TN
With a name like Frosty Mug, you know the priorities. This Catalpa Avenue drive-in near the Cumberland Gap is built around classic drive-in eating.
Hot dogs, burgers, and Philly cheesesteaks fill the menu, along with desserts. Prices are some of the lowest on this list, often under $10 per person.
Harrogate is a small mountain community, and this is the kind of stop that fits its pace. Outdoor seating and a kids’ menu keep things easy.
A little patience helps during rush times, since orders are made fresh. Friday evenings and Saturdays are busiest, while weekday mornings stay quiet.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM. It is closed Sunday and Monday, and there are no restrooms.
5. Dub’s Place, Red Bank, TN
Just north of Chattanooga, Dub’s Place pairs draft root beer with barbecue. That combo gives it a flavor all its own on this list.
Abita root beer flows on tap, and the root beer float is a classic order. Burgers are hearty, with the Red Bank Lion Burger as a local-themed pick.
The BBQ sandwich comes with a vinegar sauce, and baked beans make a fitting side. Fans of fried chicken can try the Chattaboogie Chicken Sandwich.
The vibe is casual and historic, with outdoor seating and ice cream for dessert. Dogs are allowed inside and out, which is rare.
Dub’s opens Tuesday through Sunday, with later hours until 9 PM on Friday and Saturday. It is closed Monday.
From Martin to Red Bank, these five stands prove a cold mug of root beer never goes out of style. Pick one, pull up, and enjoy the classics.
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