FOOD & DRINK
Illustration by Ali Bachmann
Drive-in Dining
A NOSTALGIC ANSWER FOR EATING OUT DURING PANDEMIC TIMES BY SUSAN HARPT GRIMES
I
n this age of social distancing, our primary dining “out” experiences have mostly been limited to delivery, curb-side and drive-thru. Thankfully there is another option, one that isn’t limited to summer, but definitely enhanced by longer, warmer days: drive-in restaurants. A sort of communal dining experience is created at drive-ins, but close proximity is unnecessary. For some, drive-ins may conjure up childhood memories of piling into the back seat of Dad’s car for a late night custard run—or bring nostalgia for gathering with friends on a hot summer night to flirt over burgers and fries. The truth about the success of today’s drive-in may be more about our desire for good food, served simply. The following represent just a few of the great drive-ins in our area.
NITE OWL
LEON’S FROZEN CUSTARD DRIVE-IN
830 E. Layton Ave. 414-483-2524 | niteowlmke.com
3131 S. 27th St. 414-383-1784 | www.leonsfrozencustard.us
Since 1948, the Nite Owl Drive-in, owned and operated by the Roepke family, has been turning out some of the best burgers Milwaukee has to offer. Handmade patties of the freshest beef, sets a limit on the number of burgers they can serve in a day, so come early to ensure you get yours. A few other sandwiches, crispy fries and onion rings, along with luxuriously creamy shakes, malts, and ice cream sundaes round out the menu. The Nite Owl diverges from many other drive-ins in that they use ice cream, not custard, for their frozen treats. Place orders at the window and remember to bring cash as the Nite Owl doesn’t take cards. Some limited indoor seating is available. Open seasonally from roughly mid-March to November.
Leon’s is the gold standard for drive-ins in our area. Owned by the same family since it opened in 1942, generations of Milwaukeeans have flocked to Leon’s for their fantastic chili dogs, incredibly rich custard-based shakes and sundaes, as well as their tasty old-fashioned soda fountain flavors. Order at the outdoor counter and make note that while they used to be cash only, Leon’s does take plastic these days. Happily, Leon’s is open year round, so you can get your drive-in fix anytime.
20 | SHEPHERD EXPRESS
