This Virginia Burger Joint Is So Tucked Away, Locals Say Its Double Cheeseburgers Are Pure Perfection
Norfolk, Virginia hides a true treasure that has been serving up mouthwatering burgers since 1904. Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue sits quietly on Monticello Avenue, drawing crowds who know the secret to finding perfectly griddled double cheeseburgers.
Locals swear by this old-school diner that combines drive-in nostalgia with food so good, you will wonder why you ever ate anywhere else. I stumbled upon this gem last summer and immediately understood why generations keep coming back for more.
A Legacy That Started With Ice Cream Cones
Doumar’s opened its doors in 1904, making it one of the oldest continuously operating food stands in America. Abe Doumar actually invented the ice cream cone machine, which became his claim to fame at the St. Louis World’s Fair.
His family brought that innovation to Norfolk and built a business that would survive over a century of changes.
Walking into Doumar’s feels like stepping back in time to when diners were the heart of American culture. The original cone-making machine still operates inside, churning out fresh waffle cones. You can watch it work while waiting for your burger, connecting you to a piece of culinary history that few places can match.
The Double Cheeseburger That Locals Worship
Simplicity defines the double cheeseburger at Doumar’s, and that approach works beautifully. Two beef patties get griddled to juicy perfection before being topped with melted cheese, fresh onions, and tangy relish.
Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just pure burger satisfaction that reminds you why classics became classics in the first place.
Regulars rave about how the beef tastes like actual meat, not some processed mystery patty. The cheese melts perfectly into every crevice, creating that ideal gooey texture. Each bite delivers balanced flavors that make you slow down and appreciate good food done right, without any pretentious toppings getting in the way.
Drive-In Service That Brings Back The Fifties
Car hops still work at Doumar’s, bringing trays that hang right on your car window like something from a vintage movie. Pulling into the lot and ordering from your vehicle creates an experience that modern fast food joints cannot replicate.
The staff moves with practiced efficiency, delivering food quickly despite the constant stream of hungry customers filling every parking spot. I brought my teenage daughter here last spring, and she could not believe people actually ate like this decades ago. Watching the controlled chaos inside through the windows proved almost as entertaining as the meal itself.
Everyone works together like a well-oiled machine, making shakes, plating burgers, and running food out to waiting cars with impressive speed.
Prices That Feel Like Time Travel
Hot dogs cost just $2.40 each at Doumar’s, while most menu items stay under ten dollars total. Finding quality food at these prices seems impossible in today’s economy, yet this family-run spot keeps things affordable.
Generous portions mean you get real value, though ordering several items to fill up remains easy since nothing breaks the bank. The restaurant does add a small credit card processing fee, but cash works just fine if you want to avoid it.
Fair pricing combined with fast service makes Doumar’s perfect for families, students, or anyone tired of spending twenty bucks on mediocre drive-through meals. Quality food should not require a second mortgage, and Doumar’s proves that point beautifully every single day.
BBQ Pork Sandwiches Worth The Trip Alone
Tender pulled pork arrives perfectly seasoned with just enough smokiness to remind you this place knows barbecue. Fresh coleslaw tops each sandwich, adding crunch and coolness that balances the rich meat beautifully.
Many customers actually prefer the pork to the burgers, which says something considering how beloved those cheeseburgers are around town.
The meat pulls apart easily, never dry or tough like some barbecue joints serve. Each bite combines smoky, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that work together harmoniously. You can add hot sauce if you want extra kick, but the sandwich stands strong on its own merits without needing much help at all.
Milkshakes Made The Old-Fashioned Way
Real ice cream gets blended into every milkshake at Doumar’s, creating that thick consistency you remember from childhood. Chocolate and strawberry flavors shine as customer favorites, though seasonal options like pumpkin appear during appropriate times of year.
The shakes taste rich without being overpoweringly sweet, letting the quality ingredients speak for themselves clearly. Soda fountain drinks also get made fresh, including cherry cokes that taste nothing like canned versions.
I ordered a chocolate shake during my first visit and barely made it halfway through before admitting defeat. These shakes require commitment, arriving in generous portions that could easily satisfy two people sharing one glass together happily.
Hot Dogs With Perfectly Chopped Onions
Snap into a Doumar’s hot dog and you will understand why regulars order them by the dozen. The dogs have that satisfying casing snap that signals quality, not cheap fillers. Mustard and onions come standard, with those onions chopped incredibly fine so they distribute evenly across every bite without overwhelming the meat flavor underneath.
At $2.40 each, grabbing multiple hot dogs makes perfect sense when hunger strikes hard. The simplicity lets the quality shine through without unnecessary toppings masking inferior ingredients.
Crinkle-cut fries served alongside arrive hot, crispy, and well-seasoned, making the complete meal feel like comfort food should taste every single time you order it.
A Family Tradition Spanning Generations
Couples have first dates at Doumar’s that turn into marriage proposals years later, then bring their own children back decades after. The restaurant serves as a living timeline for Norfolk families who mark life milestones with cheeseburgers and shakes.
Staff members treat regulars like family, remembering orders and asking about grandkids with genuine interest that chain restaurants cannot fake. Nostalgia permeates every corner, from the vintage decor to the unchanged menu that grandparents recognize immediately.
This authenticity draws people back repeatedly, creating loyal customers who would riot if anything changed. Doumar’s understands that some things should stay exactly as they are, preserving a piece of American dining history for future generations to discover and cherish.