Tucked along the scenic bluffs of Taylors Falls, Minnesota, The Drive In Restaurant is a beloved retro gem that has been winning hearts for years. With juicy burgers, homemade root beer, and a mini golf course right on the property, it is the kind of place families keep coming back to all summer long.
Located at 572 Bench St, this old-school drive-in blends nostalgia with fun in a way that very few restaurants can pull off. Whether you are road-tripping through the St. Croix River Valley or looking for a perfect family outing, this spot checks every box.
The Retro Drive-In Atmosphere That Turns Back the Clock
Walking up to The Drive In Restaurant feels like stepping straight into a classic American movie set. The giant spinning root beer mug out front greets every visitor with an undeniable charm that immediately sets the mood.
You know right away this place is something special.
The 50s-themed decor runs throughout the whole experience. Staff dressed in period-style attire, retro signage, and upbeat music from the era all work together to create an atmosphere that feels both playful and genuinely nostalgic.
Kids get a kick out of it, and parents love the trip down memory lane.
Reviewers consistently mention how the old-school vibe made their visit memorable. One guest called it “very nostalgic” and said they would make it an annual tradition.
That kind of loyalty says everything about how well The Drive In nails its retro identity.
Mini Golf on the Premises Makes It a Full Family Adventure
Most restaurants ask you to sit, eat, and leave. The Drive In Restaurant flips that script entirely by offering a mini golf course right on the property.
It transforms a simple meal stop into a full afternoon of family entertainment without driving anywhere else.
Guests frequently mention how much they enjoyed watching others play while eating outdoors. One reviewer said the ambiance of people playing mini golf nearby made the whole evening feel relaxed and fun.
Another customer came specifically to play mini golf and ended up ordering chicken tenders, fries, and a shake — a winning combination by any measure.
There is also a sweet deal for families: kids meal purchases come with a two-for-one mini golf offer. That kind of value-added perk makes The Drive In a seriously smart choice for parents trying to stretch a family fun budget without sacrificing quality.
Homemade Root Beer That Guests Drive Miles to Taste
Some drinks are just drinks. The homemade root beer at The Drive In Restaurant is an experience.
Brewed in-house and served ice cold, it has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond Taylors Falls — people genuinely plan road trips around tasting it.
One reviewer called it “possibly the best root beer I have ever had.” Another loyal fan from Texas says she drives an hour every visit and always takes home a half-gallon jug to enjoy later. That level of dedication from out-of-state guests speaks volumes about just how good this root beer really is.
The root beer float takes things even further, combining the house-brewed soda with creamy ice cream in what one guest described as “the perfect root beer-to-ice cream ratio.” You can also order it in a classic frosty mug for the full nostalgic drive-in experience that never gets old.
Juicy Burgers That Keep Customers Coming Back Again and Again
Burgers are the heart of The Drive In menu, and they deliver in a big way. Guests rave about the soft, pillowy buns and the perfectly juicy patties that hold their own without being oversized or underwhelming.
It is classic American burger craftsmanship done right.
The All American burger is a crowd favorite, and the Frisco burger gets called out for being “huge” by more than one enthusiastic reviewer. The Texas Toast Fried Onion Cheeseburger has also drawn serious praise, with one guest describing every item in their order as “amazing and hot” from the very first bite.
Toppings like rough chopped onions, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing create bold flavor combinations that stick in your memory long after the meal ends. Whether you customize your order or go classic, the burgers here set a high bar for drive-in dining across the entire state.
Outdoor Picnic Table Seating With a View Worth Savoring
Eating outside at The Drive In is not just a seating option — it is genuinely part of the experience. Picnic tables are spread around the property, some offering views of a water feature and the mini golf course, turning every meal into a casual, scenic hangout.
One couple who could not snag a car-side spot ended up finding shaded picnic tables across the street and called it “honestly the best decision ever.” They enjoyed people-watching, relaxing, and taking their time — something that feels rare at a busy restaurant on a summer weekend.
On calm evenings especially, the outdoor atmosphere gets high marks from guests who describe it as peaceful and inviting. The combination of open air, good food, and the sounds of families enjoying mini golf nearby creates a laid-back vibe that no indoor dining room could ever replicate.
It simply feels like summer.
Car-Side Service That Brings the Classic Drive-In Dream to Life
Few dining formats carry as much nostalgic power as car-side service, and The Drive In Restaurant delivers it with full retro flair. Pull into one of the designated spots and a carhop will bring your order right to your window, just like the good old days of American roadside culture.
Staff dressed in 50s-style attire complete the picture, making the car-side experience feel theatrical in the best possible way. Reviewers note that the spots fill up quickly on busy summer days, so arriving early is a smart move if you want to snag that classic parking spot experience.
Even guests who end up dining at picnic tables because the car spots were full come away satisfied. But if you have never eaten a burger and root beer float without leaving your vehicle, this is the place to check that off your list in true Minnesota style.
Friendly and Hardworking Staff That Go the Extra Mile
Great food is one thing, but the staff at The Drive In Restaurant consistently earn their own spotlight in customer reviews. Guests describe servers as kind, hardworking, and genuinely warm — the kind of people who make you feel welcome even on the busiest summer weekends.
One standout moment came from a mother whose one-year-old daughter has dairy allergies. Their server Autumn carefully checked every single menu item to ensure the food was safe, ultimately preventing a potentially serious allergic reaction.
That level of attentiveness goes far beyond standard service.
Other reviewers shout out specific staff members by name, praising their energy and friendliness during hectic shifts. Even under pressure with long wait times and large crowds, employees are described as smiling and apologetic when things run slow.
That consistent human warmth is a big reason why so many guests promise to return.
Classic Sides Like Fries, Cheese Curds, and Waffle Fries
Every great burger needs equally great sides, and The Drive In Restaurant holds its own in that department. Crinkle-cut fries, waffle fries, and cheese curds all show up repeatedly in glowing reviews, with guests calling them hot, satisfying, and perfectly portioned alongside the main course.
The cheese curds deserve special mention — golden and crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, they are a quintessential Minnesota side dish done well. One reviewer noted they were good enough to eat solo, even after finishing a full burger and malt.
That is a strong endorsement by any measure.
A few guests have mentioned the plain fries could use a bit more seasoning, which is useful to know if you are someone who likes bold flavor. Asking for seasoning on the side or adding your own condiments is a simple fix that keeps the overall side experience firmly in the win column.
Malts and Shakes That Rival Any Old-School Ice Cream Parlor
Ask any regular at The Drive In and they will tell you: do not leave without trying a malt or a shake. Thick, creamy, and generously sized, these blended treats are the kind of dessert that makes a long drive feel completely worth it from the very first sip.
The strawberry malt gets called out by name in more than one review, praised for its rich flavor and satisfying consistency. Chocolate shakes and other flavors round out a menu that covers all the classic bases without overcomplicating things.
Simplicity, done well, is always a winner.
Portions tend to run large here, so sharing a malt between two people is a totally reasonable strategy — especially if you are already full from a burger and fries. Pairing a shake with the homemade root beer float makes for a dessert combo that is hard to beat anywhere in Minnesota.
A Location in Taylors Falls That Adds to the Whole Experience
Taylors Falls is one of those Minnesota towns that feels like a hidden treasure. Sitting along the St. Croix River, surrounded by dramatic bluffs and state park trails, it draws hikers, kayakers, and road-trippers from across the Twin Cities metro and beyond every single summer season.
The Drive In Restaurant fits perfectly into this adventurous backdrop. Many guests stop in after hiking the Interstate State Park trails or exploring the Wisconsin side of the river, arriving hungry and ready for something hearty and satisfying before the drive home.
The timing could not be more perfect.
One reviewer summed it up best by saying the restaurant paired beautifully with a hike, making the whole day feel complete. When your lunch spot enhances an already great day trip rather than just fueling it, you know you have found something genuinely worth recommending to every friend and family member you know.
The Kids Meal Deal That Makes Parents Smile Too
Feeding a family at a restaurant can get expensive fast, which is why the kids meal deal at The Drive In Restaurant stands out as a genuinely thoughtful perk. Purchase a kids meal and you receive a two-for-one discount on mini golf — a combo that stretches both the fun and the budget in one smart move.
The kids menu itself is designed to keep younger diners happy without overwhelming them with choices. Simple, familiar options pair well with the lively outdoor atmosphere, making meals feel easy and stress-free even with multiple children at the table.
Staff members are frequently praised for being accommodating and patient with kids, which makes a big difference when dining out with little ones. One reviewer specifically mentioned how their server went out of her way to make the children comfortable.
That kind of attentiveness turns a good family meal into a genuinely great memory.
A Menu That Offers More Than Just Burgers
Burgers get most of the glory at The Drive In Restaurant, but the menu stretches well beyond beef patties. Hot dogs, chicken tenders, turkey burgers, and a rotating cast of classic American comfort foods give every member of the group something to look forward to before they even sit down.
One reviewer came in expecting just a quick bite and ended up ordering chicken tenders, fries, and a shake — and walked away raving about all three. The turkey burger even made headlines in a review when a sharp-eyed server noticed it contained Parmesan cheese, helping a dairy-allergic toddler avoid a dangerous situation entirely.
The menu variety means The Drive In works equally well for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike. Whether someone wants a simple hot dog or a loaded Texas Toast Fried Onion Cheeseburger, there is something on this menu designed to make every single person at the table genuinely happy.
Why Guests Keep Returning Year After Year
Loyalty is earned, and The Drive In Restaurant has clearly earned a lot of it. With a 4.6-star rating across more than 3,000 reviews, this Taylors Falls staple has built a fanbase that includes local regulars, Twin Cities day-trippers, and out-of-state visitors who plan their entire summer road trip around stopping here.
One Texas-based fan drives an hour each visit and takes home a half-gallon of root beer every single time. A family celebrated a grandson’s third birthday here and left moved to tears after a stranger paid their entire bill — a random act of kindness that happened in this very parking lot.
Stories like these go beyond food reviews. They speak to the kind of place The Drive In has become: a community gathering spot where memories are made, traditions are formed, and families find reasons to return every summer without needing much convincing at all.
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