11 North Carolina Drive-Ins That Look Just Like They Did In The ’70s
North Carolina doesn’t let go of tradition easily, and its old-school drive-ins are proof. Scattered across the state, these spots still serve burgers, fries, and milkshakes the way they did generations ago.
There’s no rush here, just paper menus, scratch-made food, and a sense of place that hasn’t changed with the times. Some have been family-owned for decades, with recipes and routines passed down like heirlooms.
Whether you’re pulling up in a pickup or sitting under a neon glow at a picnic table, these drive-ins offer more than a meal. They serve a slice of North Carolina the way it used to be.
1. South 21 Drive-In, Charlotte
Picture this: cherry red booths, checkered floors, and a jukebox that actually works. South 21 Drive-In refuses to budge from its retro roots.
The original neon sign still buzzes outside, casting that familiar glow over the parking lot. Inside, waitresses balance trays of thick milkshakes and hand-formed burgers.
Every detail screams authentic 1970s charm, from the vinyl seats to the vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia covering the walls.
2. Bar-B-Q King, Charlotte
Orange and brown color schemes might sound questionable today, but Bar-B-Q King wears its earth tones proudly. The original location maintains its groovy aesthetic without apology.
Families still slide into those familiar orange booths, ordering from menus that haven’t changed much in decades. The barbecue pit sends smoky signals across the neighborhood.
Walking inside feels like stepping through a time portal where disco was king and everything came supersized.
3. Cardinal Drive-In, Brevard
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cardinal Drive-In serves up small-town charm with a side of nostalgia. The building looks exactly like it did when bell-bottoms were fashionable.
Local families have been coming here for generations, ordering the same menu items their grandparents enjoyed. The atmosphere remains refreshingly unchanged.
Mountain views provide the perfect backdrop for this slice of Americana that refuses to modernize its winning formula.
4. Dairy Center, Mount Airy
Andy Griffith’s hometown knows how to preserve the good old days. Dairy Center maintains its original charm like Mayberry never left television.
The ice cream counter stretches across the front, displaying flavors in metal tubs just like decades past. Teenagers still gather here after football games and school dances.
Everything from the tile floors to the spinning stools whispers stories of simpler times when a vanilla cone solved most problems.
5. El’s Drive-In, Morehead City
Coastal breezes carry the scent of fried seafood and ocean salt past El’s weathered exterior. This beachside institution looks like it survived several hurricanes without losing its character.
The building’s faded paint tells stories of countless summer vacations and family traditions. Inside, nautical touches blend with classic diner elements.
Fishing families and tourists alike gather here, sharing tables that have witnessed decades of coastal conversations and fresh catch celebrations.
6. Kermit’s Hot Dog House, Winston-Salem
Hot dogs and nostalgia make perfect partners at Kermit’s, where the menu board still uses removable plastic letters. The building wears its age like a badge of honor.
Regulars know exactly which booth offers the best people-watching opportunities. The grill sizzles with the same sounds that filled the air decades ago.
Everything here celebrates the simple pleasure of a perfectly dressed hot dog enjoyed in surroundings that never went out of style.
7. Blackwood’s Drive-In, Kings Mountain
My grandmother used to take me here every summer, and honestly, nothing has changed except the prices. Blackwood’s Drive-In preserves small-town dining traditions like a museum exhibit.
The same families run the kitchen, serving recipes passed down through generations. Wooden paneling and vinyl booths create that unmistakable retro atmosphere.
Local high schoolers still cruise the parking lot on Friday nights, continuing traditions their parents started decades earlier.
8. Tommy’s Drive-In, Dallas
Don’t let the town size fool you. Tommy’s Drive-In packs serious retro punch into its compact space, maintaining every detail from its groovy heyday.
The original owners’ philosophy of “if it works, don’t fix it” shows in every corner. Formica tables and chrome details gleam under fluorescent lighting.
Locals treat this place like their personal kitchen, gathering for coffee and conversation that flows as freely as the syrup dispensers.
9. Char-Grill, Raleigh
Urban development surrounds Char-Grill like skyscrapers around a time capsule, but this Raleigh institution refuses to modernize. The drive-through window still operates with old-school efficiency.
College students and office workers line up for burgers grilled over real flames. The building’s brick exterior and simple signage scream authentic vintage charm.
Late-night crowds appreciate the unchanged atmosphere where good food matters more than trendy decorating schemes or fancy marketing gimmicks.
10. What-A-Burger #1, Kannapolis
The original What-A-Burger location wears its founder status proudly, maintaining every design element from its 1970s opening day. Orange and white stripes still wrap the building like a candy cane.
Inside, customers slide into booths that have supported thousands of family dinners and first dates. The atmosphere celebrates burger joint simplicity without pretension.
Racing fans from nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway stop here, continuing a tradition that connects generations of NASCAR enthusiasts.
11. What-A-Burger #13, Mount Pleasant
Location thirteen maintains the same retro magic as its Kannapolis sister, proving that good design never goes out of style. The familiar orange and white pattern welcomes hungry travelers.
Small-town charm amplifies the nostalgic atmosphere, where everyone knows everyone and orders rarely need explanation. The grill produces the same distinctive flavors that built the chain’s reputation.
Families gather here for celebrations and casual dinners, creating new memories in surroundings that honor the past perfectly.