This Colorado Drive-In Burger Joint Is So Nostalgic, Locals Say It Brings Back The Good Old Days

Pull off Highway 6 and you’ll step straight into a sizzling time capsule: Vicco’s Charcoalburger Drive-In, where smoke-kissed patties meet small-town charm.

The grills have been sizzling since 1953, and the stories taste almost as good as the burgers. Locals swear a single bite teleports you to Friday nights, neon lights, and classic road-trip vibes.

Ready to relive the good old days without the grainy home videos? Let’s dig in.

The Charcoal Sizzle That Started It All

First things first, that charcoal aroma hits like a jukebox playing your favorite track on repeat. Vicco’s works its magic over real flame, building a smoky crust that seals in all the beefy joy. Each bite is juicy, slightly messy, and delightfully unapologetic.

The bun toasts just enough to hug the patty without mushy drama. Crinkle-cut pickles add a tangy cheer squad, and the cheese melts like it signed a non-compete with gravity. Order at the window, grab a picnic table, and watch the highway hum. It’s roadside theater, co-starring your lunch.

Burgers For Every Mood (And Creature)

Craving options? Vicco’s menu reads like a choose-your-own-patty adventure. Classic beef holds court, but buffalo and elk swagger onto the scene with lean, robust personality. Turkey shows up for the lighter crowd, while vegetarian patties prove herbivores can party, too.

Add green chili, stack doubles, or flirt with a triple if you dare. That toasted bun keeps it all together like a reliable best friend. Customize sauces, toss on jalapeños, and chase smoky notes with crisp lettuce. Verdict: every mood has a burger, and every burger has a moment.

Fries, Rings, And Chili Things

Let’s talk sides, because these supporting actors steal scenes nightly. Onion rings arrive golden, audibly crunchy, and perfect for dunking in ranch or house sauce. Fries come straight, curly, or smothered in green or red chili—half-and-half if you’re indecisive or simply extra.

Cheese curds squeak approval, and fried mushrooms occasionally make menu cameos, deserving a standing ovation. Portions are generous, so bring friends or an ambitious appetite. The tray fills up fast; your willpower, not so much.

Add a Diet Coke or classic cola for fizz-tastic synergy, and you’ve got harmony in a basket.

Shakes That Bring The Chill

When the grill’s heat gets real, the shake station steps in like a frosty superhero. Thick, creamy blends swirl classic flavors, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, plus occasional surprises. Sip through a wide straw and feel the retro satisfaction as it slowly climbs.

Pair with salty fries for that sweet-savory mic drop. The texture lands between spoonable and sippable; patience required, regrets unlikely. It’s the dessert handshake that seals your Vicco’s pact. Pro tip: grab a shake to-go and let the highway be your milkshake runway.

Drive-In Vibes, Postcard Views

Roll up, window down, appetite up, this spot nails the vintage drive-in rhythm. The walk-up window keeps things classic, while a covered patio offers year-round seating with mountain views that remind you you’re in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Highway hum becomes soundtrack, mountains set the stage, and neon accents sprinkle mood lighting. It’s fast-casual, not frantic; bring patience during rush hours. The décor nods to yesteryear without turning kitsch. Snap a photo, then let the burger steal the frame.

Local Legend, Since Way Back When

Longevity isn’t just bragging rights; it’s flavor wisdom. Vicco’s has been fueling Glenwood Springs for decades, building loyalists who treat it like a culinary landmark. Generations swing by after river runs, ski days, and road trips, retelling sauce-laced memories.

Reviews rave about the char, the portions, and the friendly crew who keep orders cruising. Recent ratings remain positive, reflecting loyal fans even when lines stretch and patience thins. That’s the trade-off for greatness: a little wait for a bite worth remembering. History tastes better with grill marks, don’t you think?

What To Order If You’re New Here

Indecisive? Start strong with a double beef, cheese, and smoke sauce, no overthinking required. Add onion rings for crunch therapy, then split chili fries half green, half red to cover both spicy bases. Thirsty? Grab an ice-cold soda or a chocolate shake if you’re feeling celebratory.

Want to flex? Try the buffalo or elk burger for lean, flavorful swagger. Cap it with a patio seat and a view of the passing parade. Congratulations, you’ve done Vicco’s right.

Plan Your Pit Stop Like A Pro

Timing is everything, friend. Vicco’s runs 9 AM to 9 PM daily, but prime times mean longer waits, so aim off-peak for lightning-fast trays. Meals run roughly $10–$20 per person depending on sides and shakes, with portions that make detours worthwhile.

Find it at 51659 Highway 6 & 24, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, just off I-70’s frontage road, and call +1 970-945-6652 if you like old-school verification.

The website lists updates, and yes, the covered patio is clutch in cooler months. Bring cash or card, bring hunger, bring good vibes. You handle the playlist; they’ll handle the sizzle.