Meals on Wheels: Drive-In Restaurants of Metro D

By: Toni Cunningham | August 17, 2013
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For all of you drive-in movie fans out there, why not take things a step further and enjoy a drive-in restaurant? Surprisingly enough, there are several dining options in the Metro Detroit area that allow you to indulge in some good eats without ever stepping foot outside of your vehicle.

The next time you feel like cruising up and having your meal delivered to your window, keep the following in mind:

Daly Drive-In, 31500 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, has been in business for over 50 years. While there used to be nearly a dozen of them in the area, the Livonia location is the last one standing. Daly’s classic menu item is the Dalyburger, a quarter-pounder topped with special sauce. Burgers are available in smaller and larger sizes, and other options include a Patty Melt and Loose Burger (hamburger meat cooked with Coney sauce and served on a hot dog bun). DalyDogs, sandwiches and subs are also popular choices. It would be a shame to come here, or any drive-in, for that matter, without ordering a shake, malt or sundae.

Eddie’s Drive-In, 36111 Jefferson Ave., Harrison Township, is a 50’s style diner that will take you back in time the instant you drive up. Since opening in the late 80s, the drive-in has been serving traditional American diner staples, like burgers, hot dogs and fries. For authenticity’s sake, the waitresses even whirl around on roller skates!

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Chick Inn Drive-In, 501 Holmes Rd., Ypsilanti, was established in the early 1950s. While you might think that they only serve poultry due to the name, you’d be wrong. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, including a Paul Bunyon Burger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Cheese Steak Hoagie and Sloppy Joe. Of course, there are Chicken Strips, Wing Dings and Chicken Dinners, too. They offer daily specials Monday through Thursday and Saturday, including a discounted Grilled Chicken Sandwich Deluxe.

Bill’s Drive-In, 1292 E. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, is open for three seasons (all but winter) and serves some of the best hot dogs and homemade root beer around. Bill’s has been open for over 80 years, and continues to sell just three staples—hot dogs, root beer and chips. You simply can’t miss the bright yellow building, and there will likely be a parade of cars in the parking lot to help guide your way as well!

A&W Drive-In, 4100 12 Mile Rd., Berkley, promises, “The food’s as good as the root beer!” And let me tell you, in case you’re living on Mars and have never tried it, they have really good root beer. Cruise on in and choose from favorites including Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders, Bacon Double Cheeseburger, Coney Cheese Dog and more. Daily specials are available Monday through Friday and will save you from digging around for extra change in your cup holder. Keep in mind, you can watch the Woodward Dream Cruise (LINK) from here this weekend!

Whether you’re feeling nostalgic for a simpler time or just want to try out more restaurants in the Metro Detroit area, drive-ins are always a good bet! You’ll not only get some great diner food, but you don’t even have to get out of your car to grab it. Delicious food with minimal effort—what could be better?

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