Celebrate summer at these 5 Twin Cities area drive-ins

Here's where to get burgers, corn dogs, malts and more classics.

June 11, 2021 at 4:14PM
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Clays Galaxy Drive In in St. Louis Park is dog-friendly. (Rick Nelson • Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Clays Galaxy Drive In

Flashy, fun and canine-friendly. The burger-, sandwich-and salad-focused menu also has a flair for deep-fried delights: cheese curds, mini corn dogs, chili fries, fish and chips, even a deep-fried banana sundae.

3712 Quebec Av. S., St. Louis Park, 952-277-7777, claysgalaxy.com

Dari-Ette Drive-In

This East Side landmark serves the standards — the fresh banana malt is a must — along with a roster of Italian American favorites, including spaghetti, rigatoni, meatball sandwiches and garlic cheese toast.

1440 E. Minnehaha Av., St. Paul, 651-776-3470

Minnetonka Drive-In

Conveniently located on the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, this classic covers all the bases, with burgers, sloppy Joes, fried chicken, ribs, BLTs, corn dogs and root beer floats. Don't miss the Thursday night classic cars extravaganza.

4658 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park, 952-471-9383, minnetonkadrivein.com

Peppermint Twist

Well-appointed picnic grounds and a kids' play area make for a family-friendly destination. Menu highlights include a dozen burgers and 10 chicken sandwiches, plus creamy shakes, from peppermint to fresh raspberry.

115 Babcock Blvd., Delano, 763-972-2572, thepepperminttwist.com

Wagner's Drive-In

Jim Wagner's old-school establishment boasts a bunch of best-in-show items, including broasted chicken, California-style burgers and crinkle fries, and Reuben, barbecue beef and pork cutlet sandwiches.

7000 W. Broadway, Brooklyn Park, 763-533-8262, wagnersdrivein.com

about the writer

about the writer

Rick Nelson

Reporter

Rick Nelson joined the staff of the Star Tribune in 1998. He is a Twin Cities native, a University of Minnesota graduate and a James Beard Award winner. 

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