14 California Drive-In Burger Joints That Locals Swear Deserve To Last Forever
California’s car culture isn’t just about cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway—it’s about pulling up to a classic drive-in, ordering a burger from your window, and tasting a piece of history.
I still remember my first bite at a retro drive-in spot: the sizzle of the grill, the smell of grilled onions, and the unmistakable joy of eating a messy burger in the front seat.
These 14 legendary burger joints aren’t just restaurants; they’re time machines that locals hope will never shut their doors.
1. The Apple Pan (Los Angeles)
Walking into The Apple Pan feels like stepping through a portal back to 1947. This place doesn’t need fancy décor or flashy ads—just a horseshoe-shaped counter, some worn-in stools, and burgers so simple they’ll make you question every overcomplicated meal you’ve ever had. Cash-only might seem old-fashioned, but it’s part of the charm that keeps regulars coming back decade after decade.
Their hickory burger is legendary, piled high with pickles and a secret sauce that’s been whispered about for generations. The fries are shoestring-thin and perfectly crispy, and the pies? Don’t even get me started—they’re baked fresh daily and disappear faster than you can say “apple.”
Locals treat this spot like a sacred temple of Americana, and honestly, they’re not wrong.
2. Original Tommy’s (Los Angeles)
If you’re scared of messy food, Original Tommy’s isn’t for you. Their chili burgers are a glorious, sloppy disaster that requires at least a dozen napkins and zero shame. Since opening its first stand, Tommy’s has been feeding late-night crowds, post-game fans, and anyone craving something unapologetically indulgent.
The chili is thick, spicy, and loaded onto every burger like it’s the main event—because it is. You’ll find yourself scraping every last bit off the wrapper because wasting even a drop feels criminal. Pair it with their chili fries, and you’ve got a meal that sticks to your ribs (and maybe your shirt).
This roadside shack proves that sometimes the best food comes from the humblest places.
3. Hodad’s (San Diego / Ocean Beach)
Hodad’s is what happens when surf culture and burger perfection collide in the best way possible. The walls are covered in license plates, the vibe is pure California cool, and the burgers? They’re towering masterpieces that require both hands and a serious appetite. I once tried to finish their bacon cheeseburger in under ten minutes—spoiler alert: I failed miserably.
Every patty is grilled to juicy perfection, stacked with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and all the fixings you could dream of. The buns are soft yet sturdy enough to hold the whole glorious mess together. Pair it with a thick shake, and you’ve got yourself a beach-day feast.
Ocean Beach locals guard this spot fiercely, and after one bite, you’ll understand why.
4. 101 Drive-In (Willits)
Hidden up in Northern California, the 101 Drive-In is a rare gem where you can still order from your car like it’s 1955. This place doesn’t try to be trendy or modern—it just delivers honest, delicious burgers with a side of pure nostalgia. Driving through Willits without stopping here feels like a crime against road trip tradition.
Their burgers are thick, juicy, and cooked fresh to order, with that unmistakable char-grilled flavor that chain restaurants can never replicate. The onion rings are golden and crispy, and the milkshakes are thick enough to require some serious straw-sucking effort. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and you remember why road trips are magical.
Locals treasure this spot like a family heirloom.
5. Bob’s Big Boy (Burbank)
Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank is the retro king of Southern California diners, complete with towering neon signs and carhop service that makes you feel like you’re living in a classic movie. The Big Boy statue out front has become a landmark, and weekend car shows turn the parking lot into a rolling museum of vintage vehicles. I’ve spent more Saturday nights here than I care to admit, and I regret nothing.
Their signature double-decker burger is an engineering marvel—two patties, cheese, lettuce, and that famous special sauce all balanced perfectly between three buns. The onion rings are thick-cut and addictive, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
This place isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a cultural institution that deserves to stand forever.
6. Gott’s Roadside (St. Helena & Bay Area)
Gott’s Roadside takes the classic drive-in concept and gives it a farm-fresh, modern twist without losing any of the charm. Strung lights overhead, picnic tables scattered around, and burgers made from locally sourced beef—this is California dreaming on a plate.
Their Ahi burger is a standout, but the classic cheeseburger still reigns supreme with its juicy patty and perfectly melted cheese. The shakes are thick, creamy, and made with real ice cream, not that artificial stuff. Everything here feels thoughtfully crafted yet refreshingly simple.
Bay Area locals know this spot delivers quality without pretension, and that’s why it’s earned its place in burger history.
7. Old Time Drive-In (Sun Valley)
Old Time Drive-In doesn’t bother with fancy frills or Instagram-worthy décor—it just serves big, juicy burgers and hand-spun shakes straight to your car window. This Sun Valley staple has been doing things the old-fashioned way for decades, and there’s zero reason to change. Sometimes simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, especially when your burger is this good.
Each patty is thick, flavorful, and cooked to order, with toppings that are fresh and generous. The shakes are made the traditional way—spun by hand until they’re thick enough to stand a spoon in. No shortcuts, no gimmicks, just quality food delivered with a smile.
Regulars swear by this place, and once you try it, you’ll be joining their ranks.
8. Angelo’s Burgers (Anaheim)
Angelo’s Burgers is a time capsule straight out of the 1980s, complete with vintage charm and a vibe that makes you want to roll down your windows and crank up the oldies. Located in Anaheim, it’s the kind of place where parents bring their kids to show them what fast food used to look and taste like. I brought my niece here once, and she couldn’t believe burgers could taste this good.
Their cheeseburgers are stacked high with fresh ingredients, and the pastrami burger is a local favorite that’s worth every calorie. The fries are crispy and golden, and the shakes are thick enough to require serious effort. Everything about Angelo’s screams nostalgia in the best way possible.
This spot has earned its loyal following one delicious burger at a time.
9. Foster’s Freeze (Multiple Locations)
Foster’s Freeze is California’s original soft-serve and burger stop, and that retro blue-and-white sign still makes hearts skip a beat. With locations scattered across the state, it’s a beloved institution that’s been serving up frozen treats and tasty burgers since the 1940s. My grandparents used to take me here after Little League games, and I still get the same order: cheeseburger, fries, and a swirl cone.
Their burgers are simple but satisfying, with that classic grilled flavor that never gets old. The soft-serve is creamy, smooth, and the perfect way to cool down on a hot California day. It’s comfort food at its finest, served with a side of pure nostalgia.
Foster’s Freeze is proof that some things should never change.
10. Rick’s Drive-In & Out (Pasadena)
Rick’s Drive-In & Out has been a Pasadena neighborhood staple since the 1960s, and stepping into this place feels like hitting pause on the modern world. Time seems to stand still here, where the burgers are made the same way they’ve always been—fresh, simple, and absolutely delicious. Locals treat Rick’s like their own personal secret, even though everyone in town knows about it.
The cheeseburgers are juicy and flavorful, with a perfect char that only comes from years of grill mastery. The fries are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and dangerously addictive. Pair it with a classic shake, and you’ve got a meal that never disappoints.
Rick’s is the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with burgers in the first place.
11. Culver’s Drive-In (Redlands)
Culver’s Drive-In in Redlands is a local secret that flies under the radar, but regulars wouldn’t have it any other way. This hidden gem keeps folks coming back for double cheeseburgers and thick malts that taste like they were made in someone’s loving kitchen. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be—the food speaks for itself.
Their double cheeseburger is stacked with perfectly seasoned patties, melted cheese, and all the classic fixings you crave. The malts are rich, creamy, and made with real ice cream that coats your mouth in the best way possible. Everything here is made to order, so you know it’s fresh.
Redlands locals guard this spot like treasure, and after one visit, you’ll understand why they’re so protective.
12. Jim’s Burgers (East LA)
Jim’s Burgers in East LA brings classic carhop vibes and portions so huge you’ll need a friend to help finish. This place has stood the test of time by doing one thing exceptionally well: making burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and downright unforgettable. I’ve been coming here since high school, and the quality has never wavered.
Their burgers are thick and loaded with toppings, from crispy lettuce to tangy pickles and a special sauce that ties it all together. The pastrami burger is a fan favorite, piled high with tender, smoky meat. The fries are perfectly crispy, and the shakes are thick enough to require some serious effort.
East LA knows good food, and Jim’s has earned its legendary status one burger at a time.
13. Zeke’s Drive-In (Downey)
Zeke’s Drive-In in Downey is known for its fresh-off-the-grill burgers and nostalgic roadside feel that takes you back to simpler times. This spot doesn’t chase trends or try to reinvent the wheel—it just delivers solid, delicious burgers with a smile. Downey residents have been loyal to Zeke’s for years, and that loyalty is well-earned.
Each burger is cooked to order, with juicy patties that sizzle on the grill and fill the air with mouthwatering aromas. The toppings are fresh, the buns are soft, and everything comes together in perfect harmony. Their onion rings are crispy and golden, and the shakes are thick and creamy.
Zeke’s is proof that classic drive-ins still have a place in modern California, and locals hope it never goes anywhere.
14. Hamburger Habit (Santa Barbara)
Hamburger Habit in Santa Barbara is a timeless coastal stop where simple, flavorful burgers meet ocean breezes and good vibes. This spot has been serving locals and beachgoers for decades, and the formula hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to. I’ve spent countless afternoons here, burger in hand, watching the waves roll in.
Their burgers are straightforward but packed with flavor—juicy patties, fresh veggies, and a toasted bun that holds everything together perfectly. The fries are crispy and salty, and the location makes every meal taste even better. There’s something magical about eating a burger with the ocean nearby.
Santa Barbara locals treasure this place, and it’s easy to see why it’s stood the test of time with such grace.