Drive-In Eats

What’s better than a burger on the road? Dripped sauce, ketchup fingers, summer nights with the windows rolled down and the radio up- drive-in dining is an American tradition- just be sure to mind the crumbs!

Drive In and Dine In

King Louie’s Drive-In

A Wood River staple, the lion logo at King Louie’s Drive-In has greeted hungry travelers and locals for decades with made-to-order classics like King Louie burgers, the Lion Tamer, sandwiches, hot, Coney, and corn dogs, potato planks, fried appetizers, shakes & floats, and King Louie’s famous house-made root beer. King Louie’s is open year-round and offers dine-in and outdoor seating as well as car-hop service right at your car window!

Charlie’s Drive-In

Pull up beside the neon lights of this Wood River drive-in and kick back in your vehicle as the car-hops do the rest! Charlie’s Drive-In brings nostalgia to the drive-in tradition with house-made root beer floats, mini burgers, all-beef hot dogs, fried chicken sandwiches, and straight from the fryer baskets! Bring the kids and don’t forget the napkins!

Village Drive-In

With Barrel burgers, BBQ pulled pork, BLT’s, fried bologna, baskets, and even crab Rangoon, the Village Drive-In of Bunker Hill specializes in comfort food. Have a funnel cake or grab an ice cream and enjoy a simple treat on the covered patio at a picnic table as you watch the cars go by.

Hardin Drive-In

Cross the Joe Page Bridge over the Illinois River and take a break at the Hardin Drive-In. With some of the best takeout catfish in town and a generous menu with everything from burgers to pizza, Hardin’s popular one-stop eatery has entrees and dessert for the whole family. Go out for ice cream or cozy up with a delicious bread pudding- it’s a must-stop location for those traveling the Great River Road!

Enjoy the neon lights and great food at Charlie's Drive-In, Wood River

About the Author

Kayla Howland

Kayla Howland is a local writer and artist who lives in Alton, IL with her Cairn Terrier, Ripley. She enjoys fiction and non-fiction writing, graphic design, painting, drawing and photography. Kayla is a graduate of Southwestern High School and Lewis & Clark Community College. She has worked doing freelance graphic design, photography and commissioned paintings since 2012.