One drive-in on this list still makes waffle cones the same way its founding family did over a century ago. Another lets you call in your order from a phone mounted right beside your booth.
I love that these details survived. Phones got smart, cars got quiet, and somehow carhops still bring burgers to your window in Virginia.
The menus read like a time capsule with ketchup on it. Think slaw dogs, patty melts, blueberry milkshakes, mason jar shakes, and hot fudge cake.
One spot even sits under a pink roof you can spot from the highway.
I can’t imagine a better excuse for a road trip than chasing these places from the coast to the mountains. Each one serves its nostalgia a little differently.
So which one gets your first honk, and how many shakes can one weekend hold?
1. Doumar’s Cones & Barbecue
Your milkshake comes with a side of ice cream history here. Doumar’s calls itself a landmark stop dating back to 1904, and the waffle cone story is a big part of its fame.
Staff still make waffle cones the old way, and you can watch how it’s done. That’s a pretty sweet bonus for a burger run.
Of course, you can stay in your car for the full drive-in treatment. Carhops bring your order right to the window, so there’s no need to leave the driver’s seat.
Prefer a table? Inside seating is available too, which works nicely on chilly Norfolk evenings.
The burgers are simple and griddled, with classic toppings. Fries and hot dogs round out the basics, and the menu also offers a pork barbecue sandwich and a steak sandwich.
Then comes the soda fountain side of things. You’ll find homemade ice cream milkshakes, floats, fresh sodas, and limeade.
Got room for something bigger? A banana split and hot fudge cake wait at the end of the menu like a happy dare.
Doumar’s opens Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 11 PM, which makes late cravings easy to handle. It closes on Sundays, so plan your waffle cone mission for another day.
Saturday afternoons and evenings tend to be the busiest stretch. If you want a calmer visit, weekday mornings are usually quieter.
Prices stay friendly, and service moves quickly. For a Virginia spot this old, it still feels pretty lively.
Address: 1919 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517
2. Wright’s Dairy-Rite
Picking up a phone to order fries sounds odd today. At this Staunton classic, it’s half the fun.
Inside, you can slide into a vintage booth and call in your order with a booth-side phone. It’s a playful throwback that kids and grown-ups both seem to enjoy.
Would you rather stay in the car? Wright’s Dairy-Rite also offers car-side service, and it’s a true drive-in rather than a drive-thru.
Your food comes straight to your vehicle. Outdoor seating is another option when the weather behaves.
The star of the burger lineup is the Superburger. The patty melt is another solid pick if you like your burger on grilled bread.
Sides deserve real attention here. Crinkle fries come out crispy, and the breaded onion rings are real, not frozen.
Not in a burger mood? The menu also covers chicken baskets, fried shrimp, and fish sandwiches.
Now, about the shakes. Wright’s makes real shakes and malts with ice cream, plus soft serve and banana splits.
A malt with onion rings might be the best kind of balanced meal. Nobody has to know it isn’t a salad.
Hours run from 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11 AM to 9 PM on Sunday. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings bring the biggest crowds.
Morning and early afternoon visits tend to be calmer. That gives you more time to enjoy the booth phone without a line behind you.
Address: 346 Greenville Ave, Staunton, VA 24401
3. Dude’s Drive In: Drive-Up Takeout Available for Cars and Trucks of All Sizes!
Any restaurant that welcomes cars and trucks of all sizes right in its name clearly means business. Bring the sedan, the pickup, or the big family hauler.
Dude’s runs on old-school carhop service. You pull in, wait a few minutes, and someone collects a round of orders before bringing food to your window.
Simple, right? It’s the kind of system that has worked since long before apps existed.
The burgers are made with real fresh hamburger. They tend to be big, juicy, and wonderfully messy, so grab extra napkins.
Crinkle fries make a natural partner. Chili hot dogs bring a saucy option for anyone who wants to switch things up.
To cool down, order a milkshake. It’s the classic finish to a car meal, and it pairs nicely with salty fries.
Here’s a twist many drive-ins don’t offer. Dude’s opens at 7 AM, so breakfast is on the table too.
Hours run Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 7 PM. Sundays are closed, so plan around that.
There’s no indoor dining room. Instead, a shelter with picnic tables lets you stretch your legs if you want fresh air.
Restrooms aren’t available, which is worth knowing before a long drive. Plan a stop elsewhere along Roanoke Street if needed.
Friday and Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest. Monday is usually the quieter day in Christiansburg.
Address: 1505 Roanoke St, Christiansburg, VA 24073
4. DJ’s Drive In
Honey butter at a burger joint? In Floyd, that sweet little surprise is part of the DJ’s Drive In charm.
This nostalgic Americana diner serves classic comfort food with fresh burgers leading the way. Crinkle fries and mac and cheese make tasty company on the side.
The milkshakes are homemade. That alone makes the trip into this small mountain town feel worthwhile.
How you eat is up to you. Friendly carhops can serve you in your car, or you can grab a seat outside.
Dine-in and takeout are options too. Curbside pickup helps if you’re heading somewhere scenic with your lunch.
Floyd sits in the Blue Ridge area of Virginia, known for its music and artsy small-town feel. A drive-in meal fits right into that relaxed rhythm.
Service moves quickly, and the staff keeps things friendly. That helps when hunger hits halfway through a country drive.
Save some room for dessert. The menu leans into sweet treats, and a shake might not be the only temptation.
Timing matters here. DJ’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Sundays and Mondays are closed. Plenty of road-trippers have probably learned that the sad way.
Friday evening is usually the busiest stretch. Weekday mornings are calmer if you prefer an early lunch with less waiting.
Catering is available too. Imagine your next party with drive-in burgers on the menu.
Address: 701 E Main St, Floyd, VA 24091
5. Hob-Nob Drive In
Blueberry milkshake, anyone? That flavor alone could justify a detour to this corner of Southwest Virginia.
Hob-Nob Drive In sits in Gate City and leans proudly into old-time charm. You can order and have food brought out to your vehicle, or dine inside if you’d rather.
Hamburgers are a major draw. Juicy burgers share the spotlight with a cheeseburger steak, which sounds like a burger that went to college.
Hot dogs carry big fame here too. The slaw dog is a local-style favorite worth ordering.
Looking for something different? Huge baked potatoes, a grilled cheese with tots, and a salad bar broaden the menu.
Then there’s the dessert lineup. Creamy soft-serve, sundaes, cobbler, and hot fudge cake make a strong case for skipping straight to sweets.
And yes, the signature milkshakes deserve their reputation. Blueberry stands out, but you’ll find other flavors too.
The place often gets packed. Saturday afternoons and Sunday evenings tend to be especially busy.
For a quieter meal, aim for late morning on a weekday. Doors open at 11 AM.
Hob-Nob runs Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. It’s closed on Mondays.
Service is quick and friendly, even with the crowds. That’s handy when a hungry car full of family starts chanting for fries.
Address: 2256 Daniel Boone Rd, Gate City, VA 24251
6. Tom’s Drive-In
Waitresses at Tom’s once took orders on roller skates. The skates are retired, but the car-window service rolls on.
This classic Pulaski drive-in carries a 50s and 60s feel. Somebody will take your order from your car, and your meal arrives without any fuss.
Prefer to stretch out? You can eat inside or grab a picnic table outdoors.
Burgers come generous, and cheeseburgers get plenty of love. They’re the kind of no-frills meal that tastes better with the windows down.
The chocolate shake is a standout. Other milkshakes earn praise too, so don’t feel locked into one flavor.
Breakfast is part of the menu here. That gives Tom’s a little extra range beyond the usual burger hours.
Wallets will be happy too. Tom’s sits among the most budget-friendly stops on this list.
Hours run Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM. Saturday closes a bit earlier at 6 PM.
Sunday is a day off. Plan your Pulaski shake run for earlier in the week.
Friday afternoons into the evening are usually the busiest. Saturday morning tends to be the calmest window.
The spot stays clean and relaxed, with friendly staff. It’s easy to see why families and groups make it a regular stop.
Curbside pickup and takeout work well for travelers. Delivery is also offered when you’d rather stay put.
Address: 620 S Washington Ave, Pulaski, VA 24301
7. Fenderz Drive In
Some milkshakes need a bigger straw. Fenderz hands them out, which tells you a lot about how thick things can get.
This Collinsville spot is a fun 1950s-style diner with a drive-in setup. The name itself sounds like it rolled off a classic car.
Burgers are fresh and made to order. Cheeseburgers rank as a favorite, and homemade fries come right alongside.
Feeling bold? Junkyard Fries bring a loaded twist to the side dish game.
Handmade onion rings are another strong pick. Chili dogs also make the menu if you want a little mess with your meal.
Now for the shakes. The peanut butter milkshake is a popular choice, and the lineup gets a lot of enthusiastic praise.
Try to save room for dessert, though. That’s harder than it sounds after a burger and fries.
Service runs quick, and the staff keeps things friendly. The diner feel stays relaxed rather than rushed.
Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 AM to 7 PM. Friday and Saturday stretch to 8 PM.
Sundays and Mondays are closed. Mark that down before you head toward Martinsville and Collinsville.
Evenings tend to be busier, especially Friday and Saturday. Late morning on weekdays offers a calmer start.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Outdoor seating is available too, nice for a sunny Virginia afternoon.
Address: 3627 Virginia Ave, Collinsville, VA 24078
8. Debbie’s Drive-In
A burger named after the restaurant usually means the kitchen is proud of it. At Debbie’s, that’s the Debbie Cheeseburger Deluxe.
Pair it with a foot long hot dog, and you’ve got a famously strong combo. Your appetite might need a pep talk first.
This South Hill stop feels like an old-school drive-in. You can walk up or use the drive-through, then enjoy your food at outdoor seating.
The menu goes well beyond burgers. Fried chicken, chicken tender plates, and a BBQ plate all make appearances.
Curious eaters can try the bologna burger. It’s a Southern-style classic that doesn’t show up on many menus anymore.
Kids may zero in on corn dog nuggets. Grilled cheese is another easy win for picky eaters.
Ice cream plays a big role here too. Milkshakes and a variety of frozen treats make dessert a serious decision.
Hot fudge cake also earns a spot on the menu. Sharing is optional, but encouraged if you ordered the foot long.
Prices stay reasonable, and the service is friendly. That’s a nice combination near busy Interstate 85.
Debbie’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM. It closes on Sundays.
There’s no restroom on site, so plan ahead. Busy times often hit Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Address: 327 W Atlantic St, South Hill, VA 23970
9. Tasty Treats Drive In
Look for the pink roof. In the mountains of Dickenson County, it’s the easiest way to find Tasty Treats Drive In.
This family-owned and family-operated stop serves old-time drive-in favorites. It also adds a few fun surprises.
The big one? Mason jar milkshakes, which feel playful and a little country in the best way.
Loaded teas are another popular pick. They’re a colorful choice if you want something different from a shake.
Burgers get serious attention here. The double bacon cheeseburger is a huge stack that may require two hands and a plan.
Curly fries and slaw make great sidekicks. Together, they create a classic Appalachian drive-in plate.
Getting your food is flexible. Call-ahead orders, pickup, curbside, drive-through, and delivery are all offered.
Breakfast and brunch also show up as options. That makes the pink roof a handy landmark in the morning too.
Tasty Treats keeps longer hours than many spots on this list. It’s open seven days a week.
Monday through Thursday and Sunday run from 11 AM to 8 PM. Friday and Saturday stay open until 9 PM.
Friday afternoons and Saturday evenings bring the busiest crowds. Sunday mornings tend to be quiet.
Friendly workers round out the experience. For a final stop on a Virginia drive-in tour, a mason jar shake feels like a perfect toast.
Address: 3965 Dickenson Hwy, Clintwood, VA 24228
