The old-fashioned 1950’s drive-in is an iconic summer experience. Roll the windows back, press a button and let the carhops do the heavy lifting while you and your kids enjoy standard American favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and fries. Don’t forget – it’s not summer without ice cream! Many locations have outdoor seating, so you don’t have to get crumbs in the car (unless you want to.) Forget the drive-thru and instead drive-in to relive a bygone era. Check out these Lake County gems for a blast from the past!
Drive-In Restaurants in Lake County
Shirl’s Drive-In, 2132 N. Lewis Avenue, Waukegan
A 1960’s style drive-in opened in 1987 serving ice cream, sandwiches, and burgers. They are open year-round, 7-days a week, and are open late (until 1 a.m.) on Fridays and Saturdays. Read Natalie’s review.
Dairy Dream Drive-In, 1229 West Park Avenue, Libertyville
Independent, family-owned store serving 28 flavors of soft-serve ice cream, burgers, Italian Beef, Hot Dogs, and more. Serving Libertyville since 1961.
Superdawg Drive-In, 333 S. Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling
The legendary Chicago landmark with the giant boy and girl hot dogs on the roof has a second location in the suburbs. Get a genuine Chicago-style Superdawg (NO ketchup of course!) or one of their other trademark sandwiches like the Whoopskidawg or a Whoopercheesie.
Dogs ‘n Suds, 454 Center Street, Grayslake
Check out their Happy Hour or Wednesday and Thursday night specials in honor of this location’s 50th anniversary. A great place to stop for a bite after hitting the Grayslake Spray Park.
Miller’s Dog ‘n Suds, 517 Washington Street, Ingleside
Celebrating 47 years of service and known for their Saturday night tradition of Cruise Night. They remain family-owned and operated since 1967.
The Freeze, 131 Hawley, Grayslake
Formerly Tastee-Freez, this staple in Downtown Grayslake is now simply known as “The Freeze.” It’s become a family tradition for area families. This walk-up stand has plenty of outdoor seating. Make it a meal with fast food fare along with your soft-serve cone.
Do you have a favorite Drive-In in Lake County that we missed? Tell us about it in the comments!
By Loralie
Hainesville
When Loralie isn’t out exploring with her two pint-sized adventurers you’ll often find her in front of her computer plotting to take over the world (or at least Lake County.) She appreciates good friends, good food, expensive shoes and parents who make two lanes in the drop-off/pick-up line at school. Her spirit animal is The Hobbit. She invites you to join her on her quest for unique distractions, diversions and deliciousness in this county we call home.
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