This Classic Virginia Drive-In Serves Burgers The Same Way It Has For Generations
Pulling into the parking lot at Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue feels like stepping through a time portal, except the burgers are real and my appetite is very much present-day.
Located at 1919 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, this landmark has been slinging simple, satisfying food since 1904, and honestly, I think they’ve perfected the art of not fixing what isn’t broken.
Car hops still balance trays on your window, the griddle still sizzles with the same rhythm it probably had decades ago, and my cheeseburger arrives wrapped in paper that promises zero pretension and maximum flavor.
I’ve eaten here more times than I can count, and each visit reminds me why some traditions deserve to stick around.
Walking through those doors or pulling up to a parking spot, I know exactly what I’m getting, and that predictability feels like comfort food for the soul.
Every bite at Doumar’s tells a story of consistency, community, and a stubborn refusal to chase trends when the original recipe still works perfectly.
Let me walk you through what makes this place worth every single visit.
A Legacy That Started With Ice Cream Cones
Abe Doumar invented the ice cream cone at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, and that single moment of culinary creativity launched a family business that still thrives today.
Walking into Doumar’s, I can almost picture Abe rolling that first waffle into a cone shape, probably with no idea his descendants would still be serving customers over a century later.
The original cone-making machine sits right there in the restaurant, a beautiful relic that still cranks out fresh waffle cones with the same mechanical precision it had generations ago.
I’ve watched that machine work, mesmerized by the rhythm and the sweet smell of batter hitting hot iron.
This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a living museum where the past and present share counter space.
Every cheeseburger I order here carries the weight of that history, and somehow, that makes it taste even better.
Cheeseburgers That Refuse To Get Fancy
My usual order at Doumar’s is a cheeseburger with everything, and by everything, I mean the classic toppings that don’t need a culinary degree to appreciate.
The patty hits the flat-top with a satisfying sizzle, gets flipped at just the right moment, and emerges with crispy edges and a juicy center that soaks into the soft bun.
Cheese melts over the beef in a gooey blanket, while chopped onions, mustard, and relish add layers of tang and crunch.
I’ve tried burgers at trendy spots with truffle aioli and artisan brioche, but nothing beats the straightforward honesty of a Doumar’s cheeseburger.
It arrives wrapped in paper, no fancy plate required, and I unwrap it like a gift I’ve been waiting for all week.
Each bite reminds me that simplicity, when done right, beats complexity every single time.
BBQ Pork Sandwiches That Steal The Show
While burgers might be the headliner, the BBQ pork sandwich deserves its own standing ovation.
Tender pulled pork gets piled onto a soft bun, topped with a scoop of coleslaw that adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the smoky meat.
I’ve ordered this sandwich on days when I wanted something different, and it never disappoints.
The pork pulls apart easily, each strand soaked in a vinegar-based sauce that cuts through the richness without overwhelming the natural flavor.
Coleslaw isn’t just a garnish here; it’s an essential part of the experience, adding texture and a slight sweetness that balances the tang.
I usually grab extra napkins because this sandwich gets gloriously messy, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
It’s the kind of meal that makes me forget about everything else for a few blissful minutes.
Hot Dogs With Perfectly Chopped Onions
Hot dogs at Doumar’s come with onions chopped so fine they almost melt into the mustard, creating a topping that’s more like a savory relish.
I’ve always appreciated this attention to detail because it means every bite gets an even distribution of flavor instead of one giant onion chunk dominating the experience.
The dogs themselves have that satisfying snap when you bite down, a sign they’ve been griddled just right.
At $2.40 each, they’re an absolute steal, and I’ve been known to order two or three without a second thought.
Mustard and those finely chopped onions are my go-to toppings, though the menu offers other options for anyone feeling adventurous.
Watching the kitchen crew prep these dogs is like watching a well-rehearsed performance, each person knowing exactly what to do and when.
Milkshakes That Define Thick And Creamy
Ordering a milkshake at Doumar’s feels like a rite of passage, especially when it arrives so thick the straw stands straight up.
I’ve tried the chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, and each one delivers that rich, creamy texture that only real ice cream can provide.
They even offer seasonal flavors like pumpkin, which I tried on a fall visit and immediately regretted not ordering a larger size.
The shake comes in a classic metal cup, cold enough to make condensation drip down the sides, and I always drink it slowly to make the experience last.
No artificial flavors or shortcuts here, just pure, straightforward milkshake perfection.
I’ve left many meals at Doumar’s with a brain freeze and zero regrets, which I consider a sign of a job well done.
Crinkle-Cut Fries That Hit The Spot
Fries at Doumar’s are the crinkle-cut variety, golden and crispy with just enough salt to make me reach for another handful before I’ve finished the first.
I’ve read reviews mentioning inconsistent seasoning, but every order I’ve received has been perfectly salted and hot enough to require a brief cooling period.
They arrive in a paper container, stacked high enough that I always feel like I’m getting more than I paid for.
Pairing them with a cheeseburger creates the classic American combo that never gets old, no matter how many times I order it.
I’ve tried dipping them in ketchup, fry sauce, and even milkshake, because why not experiment when the fries are this good.
They’re simple, unpretentious, and exactly what fries should be.
Car Hop Service That Brings Back The Past
Pulling into a parking spot and having a carhop attach a tray to my window feels like stepping into a 1950s movie, except the food is real and the nostalgia is palpable.
I’ve watched these servers navigate the busy parking lot with trays balanced perfectly, moving with a grace that comes from years of practice.
They take orders with a smile, deliver food promptly, and never make me feel rushed, even on the busiest Saturday afternoons.
The tray hangs securely on my partially rolled-down window, creating a makeshift dining table that turns my car into a private dining room.
I’ve eaten inside too, but there’s something special about staying in my car and watching the organized chaos unfold around me.
This service style is rare these days, and Doumar’s keeps it alive with genuine care.
An Atmosphere That Celebrates Simplicity
Inside Doumar’s, old photos line the walls, each one telling a piece of the restaurant’s long story.
I’ve spent time studying these images, trying to imagine what Norfolk looked like when this place first opened its doors.
The decor isn’t trying to be trendy or Instagram-worthy; it’s just honest and functional, with booths that have probably seated thousands of families over the decades.
Regulars chat with staff like old friends, creating a community atmosphere that makes first-time visitors feel like they’ve stumbled onto something special.
The energy inside is controlled chaos, with servers calling out orders, the griddle sizzling constantly, and the cash register dinging in a steady rhythm.
I love watching the kitchen crew work because they move like a choreographed team, each person knowing their role without needing to communicate.
Prices That Feel Like Time Travel
Everything at Doumar’s falls in the $1 to $10 range, which feels almost impossible in today’s economy.
I’ve walked out with a full meal, including a burger, fries, and a shake, for less than $15, and that kind of value keeps me coming back.
Hot dogs at $2.40 each are priced like it’s still 1990, and I appreciate that the family hasn’t jacked up prices just because they could.
This affordability means I can bring friends, order multiple items to try, and still have money left over.
They do charge a small credit card processing fee, which I understand and don’t mind paying for the convenience.
Fair prices combined with generous portions create a dining experience that feels respectful of customers’ budgets.
I’ve never left Doumar’s feeling like I overpaid for what I received.
Hours That Welcome You Almost Every Day
Doumar’s opens at 9 AM and stays open until 11 PM Monday through Saturday, which means I can satisfy a craving whether it’s late morning or late evening.
They’re closed on Sundays, which I respect because even legendary restaurants need a day off.
Monday through Saturday service gives me plenty of opportunities to stop by, and I’ve visited at various times to see how the experience changes.
Morning visits are quieter, perfect for a leisurely meal, while evening crowds bring energy and a sense of community.
The long hours mean I’ve never had to plan my day around their schedule; they’re just always there when I need them.
Knowing I can count on Doumar’s being open almost any day of the week brings a comforting predictability to my dining options.