Photo Courtesy of Daly Drive In.
Cruising around can lead to an empty tank as well as an empty stomach – and that is where drive-in restaurants serve not only to satisfy any food craving but also as a way to enjoy a meal inside your car with family and friends.
Drive-in restaurants are the kind of eatery where you pull up to a specific parking spot, roll down your window and order your meal from a waitstaff who comes up to your vehicle. Everyone eats while, ideally, a cool breeze comes through the car, watching the cars come and go as you enjoy a meal in a historically socially distanced way.
The atmosphere at a traditional Metro Detroit drive-in restaurant is that of nostalgia. There likely will be a neon sign somewhere. The parking lot may have an overhang that gives your car some shade while you eat. The parking spaces are large, knowing that some of the vehicles pulling in looked more like boats than sedans back in the day.
When you see the drive-in restaurant’s traditional menu, you’ll understand why these joints have stood the test of time. The menus tend to favor things fried, covered in chili or smothered with American cheese. The most popular dishes typically are sandwiches, hamburgers, bags of freshly fried potatoes and anything else you can hold with your hands.
Scott Grace is the second-generation owner of Daly Drive In located in Livonia, the last location of this famous Metro Detroit restaurant chain left open. Today, the solo location is on Plymouth Road in Livonia and it is still serving everyone’s local favorites, Grace said.
Daly’s started with Bill Ihlenfeldt, who opened his first drive-in restaurant in1948. Located on what was then Jim Daly Road, it was called Bill’s Drive In. Shortly thereafter, he renamed it Daly Drive In, after its street location. Over the decades, Bill’s family opened other locations around Metro Detroit that became as popular as the original.
The Livonia location was opened by Bud and Doris Grace in March of 1959. It is now company owned and operated. Scott, who was born a month after the opening, jokes that his mother didn’t want to
The coronavirus has slowed business by about 20 percent, Grace said, but loyal customers young and old are still coming around for their comfort-food favorites. Grandparents are bringing their grandkids, he added, mostly so they can enjoy the outdoor eating as well as the food.
The biggest sellers lately are the fried mushrooms, cheese sticks and shakes, Grace said. But he knows as the weather cools the soups and chilis will pick up again. The biggest sellers of all are the hamburgers with the special Daly sauce as well as the Chee Chee, a sandwich made on a steamed bun with two slices of American cheese and coney sauce. “We’ve been fortunate with how much the pandemic has hurt other restaurants that we had curb service. We never had to close,” Grace said. “All of our indoor sales just transferred outside under the canopy.” Here are a few other drive-in restaurants worth the drive to try around Southeast Michigan. It may look like a 1950s drive-in restaurant, but Eddie’s in Harrison Township came about in 1987. That is when the original owner, Eddie, decided to open his version of a 1950s drive-in restaurant. There are roller-skating carhops, old-fashioned food and lots of space to hang out while enjoying the fresh food. This Novi mainstay has had its ups and downs only to stay on the upswing when it re-opened in September 2015. Today, the Grand Diner is family owned and operated by two brothers, with their wives and children. They truly know their stuff when it comes to great traditional recipes and customer service as they come from a background of restaurant ownership of more than 15 years. This classic drive-in restaurant requires a longer drive to get to, but Jon’s Country Burgers in Mt. Pleasant has been pleasing people’s palates since 1957. All of its sandwiches are freshly made, offering big portions that can be ordered in a basket that includes either French fries or onion rings as well as coleslaw or apple sauce.There is good reason why this is a landmark location for all drive-in foodies. Everyone knows if they need a frosty mug of root beer that all they have to do is drive to Berkley to check out this All-American Drive-In. They’ve been serving up the root beer, hot dogs and burgers at this location since 1956, giving generations of kids a chance to experience a full meal from the back seat of their cars, a real treat before there were to-go meals. Eddie’s Drive-In
Grand Diner
Jon’s Country Burgers
A&W
The system wirelessly charges one mobile device. Some devices require an adaptor or back cover. To check for phone or other device compatibility, visit my.chevrolet.com/learn for details.
Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. / Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
Standard on all trims: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Intellibeam Headlamps. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
Available on all trims and standard on RS and Premier including 3.6L V6 engine.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
With second- and third-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
Not compatible with all devices.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
Chevrolet Infotainment System functionality varies by model. Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices.
Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
2. Whichever comes first, in addition to any remaining original factory Bumper-to-Bumper warranty. See participating dealer for limited warranty details.
3. Whichever comes first, from original in-service date. See participating dealer for limited warranty details.
4. During your powertrain limited warranty period, 6 years or 100,000 miles from new vehicle delivery, whichever comes first. Roadside assistance provided by Allstate. See dealer for details.
Available on LS, LT, ACTIV and RS trims.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $0 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 9/30/20.
Lease is for 2020 Silverado Custom Crew Cab with 2.7L Turbo engine and 20” wheels. 24 months. 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $0 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply. See dealer for details. Offer expires 9/30/20
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $0 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 9/30/20.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,899 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 9/30/20.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $2,829 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 9/30/20.
39 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $3,669 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 9/30/20.
39 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $4,825 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 9/30/20.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $1,519 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 9/30/20.
24 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $0 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 9/30/20.
Eligible Tire Brands: BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli, Uniroyal
Ad, written estimate, or internet quote for identical tire(s) from a competing tire retailer/installer located within 100 miles of the dealer required during 30 day guarantee period for price match. Excludes fleet and government fleet vehicles. Other GM Dealerships are not eligible competitors. Competitive promotions such as “Buy 3 get one free” or “Buy 3 get one for $1” not eligible for price match. Offer valid at participating U.S. dealers. Offer ends 12/31/20.
Credit approval required. Terms and conditions apply. Talk to your participating Service Advisor to apply.
(At participating dealers only. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 5/31/20. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 4/30/20.)
Retail customers with a U.S. mailing address only. Must purchase and install at a participating Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac dealer located in the United States or U.S. territories during the offer period. Transmissions exclude Saab, Chevrolet Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks, and GMC Medium-/Heavy-Duty Trucks. Rebate offer not valid with other offers. Limit one rebate per service performed per date and vehicle. Allow 6 to 8 weeks from promotion end date for delivery of debit card. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for complete details, eligible parts and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 9/30/20. Offer ends 8/31/20.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 9/30/20. Limit three $5 wiper rebates per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 8/31/20.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 9/30/20. Limit one rebate per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 8/31/20.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 9/30/20. Limit one rebate per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 8/31/20.
Purchase must be made at a participating GM dealer. Visit mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 9/30/20. Limit two brake pad rebates per VIN (one per axle). Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 8/31/20.
*Or, $20 mail-in rebate on the purchase and installation of front and rear ACDelco brake pads.
* Purchase must be made at a participating GM dealer. Visit mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 9/30/20. Limit two brake pad rebates per VIN (one per axle). Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 8/31/20.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 9/30/20. Limit one rebate per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 8/31/20.
Must purchase at a participating U.S. GM dealership. Retail customers with a U.S. mailing address only. See participating U.S. dealer or mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 2/29/20. Limit one rebate per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 1/31/20.
Purchase must be made at a participating U.S. GM dealer. See mycertifiedservicerebates.com for details and rebate form, which must be postmarked by 9/30/20. Limit four $10 brake rotor rebates per VIN. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery of debit card. Offer ends 8/31/20.
39 months, 10,000 miles per year lease for well-qualified GM employees, retirees, and eligible family members with a GM lease in the household. Must show proof of current lease. Customer remains responsible for current lease payments. $2,339 due at lease signing after all offers, plus title, tax, license, and plates. No security deposit. Programs are subject to change without notice and certain restrictions may apply, see dealer for details. Offer expires 9/30/20.
1 Based on retail registrations in the Detroit designated market area, through June 2019.
2 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway with 1.5L engine (FWD).
1 With second-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 2WD diesel models. 4×4 diesel models except ZR2 have 7,600 lbs. of towing capability. ZR2 diesel models have 5,000 lbs. of towing capability. Requires available Z82 Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
2 EPA-estimated 30 MPG highway for Colorado 2WD with available Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine.
1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
3 Service varies with conditions and location. Requires active service plan and paid AT&T Data plan. See onstar.com for details and limitations.
1 Excludes GM vehicles.
2 Class is Half-Ton Full-Size Pickup segment.
1 Premier model shown seats up to eight. Nine-passenger seating available on LS models only, with available front-row split-bench seat.
2 With second- and third-row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
3 With 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. Requires 2WD and available Max Trailering Package. Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.
1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone, and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android™ 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
3 Based on GM Large SUV segment. With 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: Tahoe 2WD 15/22, 4WD 15/21.
1 98.2 cu. ft. with second- and third- row seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
1 With rear seats folded flat. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
2 EPA-estimated 26 MPG city/31 highway (FWD models).
3 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Siri, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Vehicle user interface is a product of Google, and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play and an Android compatible smartphone running Android(TM) 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.
1 EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: 26/34.
2 The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic received the fewest reported problems in its segment in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study following three years of ownership. See jdpower.com/awards for more details.
3 EPA estimate for Sonic Sedan with available 6-speed manual transmission.
1 Always use seat belts and child restraints. Children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat in the appropriate child restraint. See the Owner’s Manual for more information.
1 EPA-estimated MPG city/highway: 26/34.
2 The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic received the fewest reported problems in its segment in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study following three years of ownership. See jdpower.com/awards for more details.
3 EPA estimate for Sonic Sedan with available 6-speed manual transmission.
1 Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.nhtsa.gov).
1 EPA-estimated 259-mile EV range. Your actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
2 Charging rate varies based on output of the charge unit, vehicle settings and outside temperature.
1 Based on initial vehicle movement. With available 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission and Z51 Performance Package.
1 Based on initial vehicle movement. Coupe models with available 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission.
please update disclaimer
1Standard on all trims: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information.
1. App functionality and features vary with vehicle equipment and trim level. Data connection may be required. Some features require active service plan and working electrical system. User terms and limitations apply.
