Showman/restaurateur Steve Schussler has made two admirable moves where the former Wagner's Drive-In is concerned. Last year he bought the property and transformed the sagging summertime hangout into the quirky Galaxy Drive-In.
This year, he took on new operators, Stephanie and Mike Olson, familiar to State Fair-goers as owners of the popular Blue Moon Dine-In Theater.
With the Olsons running the show, the place is as spotless as ever, and the food tastes great.
The burgers feature thick, hand-formed patties (the turkey and ground bratswurst versions are especially tasty) and crowned with toppings that range from thick-cut smoked bacon to zesty sauerkraut.
A few other touches not often seen inside the drive-in circuit: a trio of sausages from Kramarczuk's, topped with grilled onions and peppers. The ice cream sodas feature hand-scooped ice cream, not dull soft-serve. Chipotle-laced mayo and caramelized onions dress up the ultra-thick BLT, and the Coney dogs are slathered in a hearty chili. Prices are higher than your average A&W experience, but the you-get-what-you-pay-for rule totally applies.
Yes, the hokey 1950s planetarium names continue to riddle the menu ("Saturn's onion rings," "Roswell top-secret ingredients"), the fun s'mores kit for four is still available for the fire pits in front of the restaurant, dogs remain welcomed guests and service is so chipper you'll wonder if there's an Amway presentation in your immediate future.
- Galaxy Drive-In
- 3712 Quebec Av. S., St. Louis Park
- 952-277-7777
- www.galaxy-drivein.com
- Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun.
Singing, ceremonies and straw hats: Olympics opening ceremony in Tahiti centers Polynesian culture
![Viva Froeming, left, touched the face of friend Virginia Goering as her twin sister Vera Sims looks on. The three ladies, all 101 years old, have been](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZRFTXJFYUVHBTFGD4UNQNYTEGI.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Three 101-year-old friends recall fond memories in 1940s Alexandria
Celine Dion makes musical comeback at Paris Olympics with Eiffel Tower serenade
![Former Gophers diver Sarah Bacon, right, will compete with Kassidy Cook in the women's 3-meter synchronized springboard competition at the Paris Olymp](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/N37HMV3KY5CYPB4SIMTKQVIH7M.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)