Retro Drive-In Food

Name:

Date:

Instructions: Roll down the window and remember the carhops, trays, and delicious food from the golden age of drive-in restaurants!

1.
What was attached to the car door to hold your food at a classic drive-in restaurant?
A
A folding table
B
A dashboard holder
C
A window-mounted tray
D
A magnetic shelf
2.
What was the name of the employees who brought food to your car at a drive-in restaurant?
A
Drive-up servers
B
Carhops
C
Window girls
D
Car waiters
3.
Which drive-in chain, founded in 1941, became famous for its foot-long chili dogs and carhops on roller skates?
A
Steak 'n Shake
B
Dog n Suds
C
A&W
D
Sonic
4.
What thick frozen beverage was a specialty at many drive-in restaurants in the 1950s?
A
Frozen custard
B
Slurpee
C
Milkshake
D
Smoothie
5.
What was the standard way to order food at many drive-in restaurants before carhops came to your car?
A
Honking your horn
B
Using a speaker box/intercom
C
Walking to the counter
D
Flashing your headlights
6.
Which root beer brand was most closely associated with drive-in restaurants and served in frosted glass mugs?
A
A&W
B
Hires
C
Barq's
D
Dad's
7.
What classic drive-in food item consisted of a hot dog wrapped in a cornmeal batter and deep fried on a stick?
A
Pluto pup
B
Corn dog
C
Corn pup
D
Pronto pup
8.
What type of fries, cut extra thin and served in a paper bag or basket, were a drive-in specialty?
A
Curly fries
B
Shoestring fries
C
Steak fries
D
Waffle fries
9.
What decade is considered the golden age of drive-in restaurants in America?
A
1940s
B
1960s
C
1950s
D
1970s
10.
What condiment trio was standard on every drive-in tray alongside your burger and fries?
A
Mustard, mayo, and hot sauce
B
BBQ sauce, ranch, and ketchup
C
Ketchup, mayo, and Thousand Island
D
Ketchup, mustard, and relish
11.
Which drive-in chain was known for its 'steakburgers' and combined a restaurant with a car service model?
A
Steak 'n Shake
B
Rally's
C
Checkers
D
Five Guys
12.
What frozen dessert, similar to ice cream but denser and richer, was a specialty at many Midwestern drive-ins?
A
Frozen yogurt
B
Gelato
C
Sherbet
D
Frozen custard
13.
What was a popular drive-in dessert that consisted of soft-serve ice cream dipped in a chocolate shell that hardened instantly?
A
Chocolate shell sundae
B
Dipped cone
C
Dilly Bar
D
Blizzard
14.
What was the typical gathering time for teenagers at drive-in restaurants on weekend evenings in the 1950s?
A
After school
B
Sunday afternoons
C
Early evening
D
After the movies or games on Friday and Saturday nights
15.
What classic onion-based drive-in appetizer was made by slicing a whole onion, separating the rings, battering, and deep frying them?
A
Onion rings
B
Blooming onion
C
Onion petals
D
French fried onions

Answer Key

Question 1

C. A window-mounted tray

Window-mounted trays (or window trays) were hooked onto the car's rolled-down window by the carhop, creating an instant table for eating in your car.

Question 2

B. Carhops

Carhops, named because they would 'hop' onto the running boards of cars, were the servers at drive-in restaurants. Many wore uniforms and some famously served on roller skates.

Question 3

D. Sonic

Sonic Drive-In (originally Top Hat Drive-In, renamed in 1959) became America's largest drive-in chain, famous for its carhop service and extensive menu.

Question 4

C. Milkshake

Thick milkshakes, often served in tall paper cups or frosted glasses, were the signature drink at drive-in restaurants. Flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry were standards.

Question 5

D. Flashing your headlights

At many drive-ins, you would flash your headlights to signal the carhop that you were ready to order. Speaker box ordering systems came later at some chains.

Question 6

A. A&W

A&W Root Beer stands, starting in 1919, served their root beer in trademark frosted glass mugs at drive-in locations across America. The frosty mug became their signature.

Question 7

B. Corn dog

Corn dogs were a staple of drive-in menus, state fairs, and roadside stands. The batter-dipped, deep-fried hot dog on a stick was the ultimate American portable food.

Question 8

B. Shoestring fries

Shoestring fries, cut extra thin and fried until golden and crispy, were a popular drive-in specialty. They were often served in small paper bags or red plastic baskets lined with wax paper.

Question 9

C. 1950s

The 1950s was the golden age of drive-in restaurants, coinciding with America's post-war car culture boom, the growth of suburbs, and teenagers' desire for hangout spots.

Question 10

D. Ketchup, mustard, and relish

Ketchup, mustard, and relish were the holy trinity of drive-in condiments, available in small paper cups or squeeze packets alongside every burger, hot dog, and fry order.

Question 11

A. Steak 'n Shake

Steak 'n Shake, founded in 1934, was known for its 'steakburgers' made from T-bone, sirloin, and round steak. Their slogan was 'In Sight, It Must Be Right.'

Question 12

D. Frozen custard

Frozen custard, made with egg yolks for extra richness, was a specialty at many Midwestern drive-ins like Ted Drewes in St. Louis and Kopps in Milwaukee.

Question 13

B. Dipped cone

The dipped cone featured soft-serve ice cream dipped in a chocolate coating that hardened on contact with the cold ice cream. Dairy Queen popularized this treat at their drive-in locations.

Question 14

D. After the movies or games on Friday and Saturday nights

Drive-in restaurants were the social hub for teenagers on Friday and Saturday nights. Kids would cruise in, show off their cars, meet friends, and hang out until closing time.

Question 15

A. Onion rings

Onion rings were a beloved drive-in staple, served golden and crispy in a paper-lined basket. They were the perfect companion to burgers and shakes.

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