Time stands blissfully still inside Carl’s Drive In. The tiny roadside space has remained largely unchanged since its first big remodel in 1962, when they added air conditioning and indoor seating for 16 at the counter.
The restaurant still seats just 16 diners, and the slotted menu board still displays a modest but eternally enjoyable menu: famous griddle-smashed burgers with irresistibly crispy edges; footlong and curly-Q hot dogs; tamales topped with Edmond’s Chile Co. chili; and housemade root beer served in heavy, frozen mugs. Change can be a good thing, but we say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
9033 Manchester Road, Brentwood, 314.961.9652, carlsdrivein.com
This article appears in March 2025.