Northern Michigan's Drive-In Icons

A retro adventure worth the drive!

With windows down and retro carhop service on the menu, these local icons offer a delicious detour for any road trip.

Clyde’s Drive-In has two locations in the U.P., in both St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie, each with its own personality but the same unbeatable menu. Known for their towering burgers (the Big C might require two hands and a strategy), Clyde’s is a time capsule of roadside Americana. At the St. Ignace spot, you can order your food to-go and drive to the nearby Bridge View Park for a picnic with a view of the Straits of Mackinac.

Also in Sault Ste. Marie, West Pier Drive-In is a local favorite known for its fresh, made-to-order hamburgers and generous portions. Their burgers are cooked to perfection, topped just the way you like them, and best paired with a side of crispy onion rings or hand-cut fries. With an outstanding view of the Soo Locks, this unassuming spot offers a laid-back vibe and some of the tastiest roadside eats in the area.

Further south in Frankfort, A&W Drive-In offers a classic dining experience indoors or outside with a carhop server. This isn’t your typical A&W—it’s a vintage gem where frosty mugs of root beer still reign supreme. Just a short drive from the shore of Lake Michigan, it’s a favorite stop for beachgoers looking for a satisfying bite.

Finally, Don’s Drive-In in Traverse City is a true roadside relic. Neon signs and retro interiors set the tone for a meal that includes real fruit shakes and fresh-made burgers. Don’s is a destination for anyone exploring Michigan’s cherry capital, offering a blend of history and flavor that keeps diners coming back.

These drive-ins aren’t just about the food—they’re about the experience. From savoring a sunset over the water to digging into a meal with a side of nostalgia, northern Michigan’s drive-ins remind us why the classics never go out of style.

PHOTO: Clyde’s Drive-In (ST. IGNACE VISITORS BUREAU)