This North Carolina Coastal Spot Earned Statewide Praise Thanks to One Legendary Seafood Dish
Roll up to 3706 Arendell St and you immediately catch the salt air, the buzz of locals, and the promise of something crispy and unforgettable.
This isn’t just another roadside stop, it’s El’s Drive-In, serving American classics since 1959 and home to the shrimp burger that people will argue is the best in North Carolina.
Carhops glide between parked cars, orders fly from window to kitchen, and every tray lands like a tiny tailgate party on your dashboard.
You might show up hungry, but you’ll stay a few extra minutes just to soak in the scene. If you want the Morehead City experience distilled into one delicious, old-school stop, this is it.
The Legendary Shrimp Burger
First impressions matter, and the shrimp burger at El’s Drive-In makes a grand entrance.
Plump, golden fried shrimp spill out of a soft, lightly toasted bun, tucked against cool slaw that adds crunch and tang.
Each bite snaps with coastal sweetness, a clean fry, and just enough sauce to keep things lively without drowning the show.
What surprises most first timers is the portion size. The shrimp are not shy, the slaw is generous, and the bun holds up without collapsing.
You taste the ocean, the fryer done right, and the harmony of creamy, crispy, and warm that makes this sandwich famous across North Carolina.
Eat it in the car with the windows cracked and the sea breeze rolling through. Napkins are not a suggestion, they are survival gear.
If one dish explains why this little drive in earned statewide praise, the shrimp burger is the whole story told perfectly.
Exact Location and How to Pull In
Finding El’s Drive-In is as easy as cruising Arendell St with a hungry grin.
The address is 3706 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, set along the main drag with ample parking arranged for carhop service.
Pull into a spot, scan the bustle, and wait for a friendly face to take your order right through your window.
There is essentially no indoor seating, which feels like a feature rather than a limitation for a true drive-in experience.
Shaded picnic tables sit nearby if you prefer fresh air and elbow room.
You will see regulars who know exactly where to park, but newcomers fit right into the rhythm in a minute.
Plug El’s Drive-In into your map app and it’ll drop a pin right in the middle of this stretch of coastal comfort. Call +1 252-726-3002 if you want quick confirmation of hours before you roll.
When the sun tilts low and the sky blushes, the lot becomes a little festival of headlights and trays.
A Brief History Since 1959
Longevity tells its own truth at El’s Drive-In. The sign proudly notes American fast-food eats since 1959, and the line of cars mirrors decades of routine and loyalty.
Founded by Elvin “El” Franks in 1959, the drive-in is still run by the Franks family today, with his son Mark, Mark’s wife Gail, and their son Shelton keeping tradition humming.
Renovations and rebuilds have refreshed the space while preserving its road-side charm.
The towering oaks and classic roadside sign stand like small emblems of local pride. New touches feel respectful, keeping what works and polishing what time softened.
The menu still reads like a love letter to Carolina cravings, with the shrimp burger as its headliner. You can taste continuity in the chili, the slaw, and the fry oil that keeps every bite crisp and clean.
History here is less a timeline and more a daily practice of doing the classics right.
Menu Highlights You Should Not Miss
Variety turns a single craving into a full on mission at El’s Drive-In.
The shrimp burger is the signature, but the Super Burger Carolina Style brings chili, slaw, mustard, and onions together like a hometown parade.
Hot dogs have that satisfying snap, and the fish sandwich surprises with clean flavor and a flaky bite.
Sidekicks do serious work here.
Onion rings arrive audibly crisp with a tender interior that never slides off the ring.
Chili cheese fries are pure comfort, a melty blanket over golden potatoes that somehow stay sturdy.
Shakes round out the experience with old school creaminess.
Portion sizes are fair, leaning generous, and you can build a meal that hits every craving for under twenty dollars.
If you are mapping your first visit, pair the shrimp burger with rings and save room for a shake.
Taste, Texture, and Portion Details
Texture leads the conversation with every bite at El’s Drive-In. The shrimp burger lands a crunchy exterior that yields to sweet, juicy shrimp, balanced by cool slaw and a soft bun with light toast.
There is a pleasant salt-and-coast note, and the sauce adds zip without shouting.
Onion rings deserve their own round of applause. The crust fractures with a clean snap, revealing sweet onion that stays put and does not slip.
Fries strike the middle ground between crisp edges and soft centers, sturdy enough for chili or cheese without wilting.
Portions feel honest and satisfying. A shrimp burger with rings can comfortably anchor lunch, while the Super Burger Carolina Style arrives hefty enough to share if you are pacing yourself.
Every tray looks full, smells inviting, and eats cleaner than typical fast food thanks to careful frying.
Service Style and Carhop Experience
Service at El’s Drive-In moves like a well rehearsed dance. C
arhops take orders at your window, double check details, and return with trays that would make a short order cook blush. Even on busy nights, the pace stays calm and the smiles are easy.
Names like Mary pop up in glowing reviews because consistency matters. You feel taken care of, not rushed, but never kept waiting without updates.
Rain or shine, the team keeps the whole lot running with good humor and a knack for remembering repeat orders.
Payment is quick and simple right at the car, but you’ll want to have cash on hand since this long-running spot doesn’t rely on cards.
If you prefer to stretch your legs, shaded picnic tables offer a breezy alternative. The overall vibe says classic hospitality with modern efficiency.
Ambiance, Decor, and Setting
Atmosphere at El’s is a postcard brought to life. The retro drive-in layout, the hum of engines, and the soft chatter from open windows create an irresistible soundtrack.
Picnic tables rest under shade, and the coastal breeze turns every bite into a mini beach day.
Decor leans practical and nostalgic. Clean lines, tidy grounds, and classic signage deliver the right amount of charm without fuss.
Renovations improved function while keeping the soul intact, making the space welcoming for newcomers and locals alike.
Nightfall gives the lot a cozy glow. Headlights frame trays like spotlights, and conversations drift happily from car to car.
It is the kind of setting that makes you linger for one more fry.
Price, Value, and What to Order for $10–20
Value speaks loud at El’s Drive-In without bragging. With a typical spend around $10 to $20, you can build a meal that satisfies without trying.
The shrimp burger and a side of onion rings land right in the sweet spot, with enough room left for a shake if you are feeling celebratory.
For a classic Carolina moment, the Super Burger with chili and slaw keeps both appetite and budget happy. Hot dogs make an easy add on for sharing across the car.
Portions are generous enough that splitting sides is smart and fun.
The best play is simple: pick the star, add a crunchy side, and keep napkins close. What you pay matches what you get and then some, thanks to fresh frying and friendly service.
Value here means flavor per dollar, and the ratio stays impressive.
Hours, Best Times, and Tips for Newcomers
Timing your visit can turn a good meal into a great one.
El’s Drive-In opens at 10:30 AM daily, with posted hours to 9 PM most nights and later to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, though closing time can shift with weather or season. Mid afternoon tends to be calm, while early evening brings a lively crowd and a happy buzz.
Weekdays feel relaxed, though summer weekends draw more locals and beachgoers. If you want a quick on-the-go feast, arrive early after opening.
If you want energy and chatter, aim for sunset when the lot becomes a friendly hangout.
Newcomers should stay in the car and let the carhop come to you. Mention any preferences clearly, like extra slaw or light sauce.
Check the website for any updates, and bring patience on peak nights because good food makes good lines.
A Personal Anecdote and Final Why-It-Matters
One evening after a beach walk, a spontaneous turn put me in a spot facing the oaks and the neon glow.
A carhop balanced a tray like a magician and handed over the famous shrimp burger with a grin.
The first bite sent a crunch that made the whole lot sound quieter.
Cars around me hummed while families compared orders and friends swapped onion rings.
The slaw cooled the fry, the bun stayed firm, and the last shrimp tasted as fresh as the first. It felt like a small ceremony you can repeat any time you need a reset.
That is why El’s matters. Food arrives fast but never feels rushed, and tradition runs deep without turning stiff.
If North Carolina is cheering, it is because a humble sandwich carries the coast in every bite.