The Dish on South Carolina Drive-Ins

By Deb North

“Yes, I’d like a cheeseburger, please, large fries and a Cosmopolitan—I mean a strawberry shake, please,” pleads Carrie Bradshaw from a rural drive-thru in the Sex and the City episode, “Sex and the Country.” A born-and-bred Manhattanite, Carrie could hardly stomach a world beyond bistros, brunches, and cocktails. But for those raised outside the bright lights and big city, drive-in dining isn’t just acceptable, it’s sacred ground.

I grew up on Bebe’s hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, a Northside Chicago walk-up food stand where patrons debated sports and politics while getting schooled in condiment etiquette (no ketchup on a dog, ever—or you’re kicked out of “da house”). Fast forward two decades, and here I find myself in South Carolina penning prose on another beloved regional tradition: vintage drive-ins that celebrate local flavors, quirky condiments, and a side of nostalgia.

Lowcountry drive-ins may lean in favor of mayonnaise-based toppings more than ketchup, but their pulse beats with the same rhythm, rattle, and hum of kitchen and patron chatter. From hushpuppies to honey mustard, here’s a tour of tasty drive-ins across the Lowcountry, each steeped in rich history and character.

Sno-Cap Drive-In: Est 1965

618 West Ave.
North Augusta, SC

In 2006, a little-known, low-key country singer named Taylor Swift popped into Sno-Cap, sang a few twangy songs and signed autographs at the diner’s red swivel counter. No word on whether Swift snacked on the all-beef “long dog” with vinegar and sno-slaw or her reported all-time favorite: fried chicken tenders with ranch dressing. 

Sno-Cap recently received a retro-chic renovation, expanding its parking lot to better serve its loyal carhop crowd. The six-ounce steakburger joined the menu and became an instant A-list hit—especially when chased with a classic root beer float. Swift hasn’t been spotted since humble beginnings but vowed to return. Maybe in another era.

Sugar-n-Spice: Est 1961

212 Pine Street
Spartanburg, SC

Follow the zigzaggy neon arrow and you’ll find a place where Greek heritage meets southern comfort and classic car shows. Sugar-n-Spice serves up everything nice from roast beef aplenty, spicy beef souvlaki, marinated beef tips and tender kabobs that transport you back in time. Whatever you do, don’t skimp on dessert—especially a slab of decadent hot fudge cake. Your wallet and your tummy will thank you. 

Frosty’s Griddle and Shake: Est 2019

501 Mallery Street
St. Simons Island, GA

While technically across the Georgia state line, this swanky drive-in earns its spot on the SFM list. Frosty’s speaks to everything expected in a vintage eatery: griddled burger stacks, thick milkshakes, Pac-Man and pinball machines, and a soundtrack of ‘70s jukebox hits. 

Its most famous burger is the DL3 named after part-owner and professional golfer Davis Love III. The two ¼ pound butcher-blend beef patties are covered with a skirt of oozy yet crispy homemade Pimento cheese, topped with pickles and onions on a griddled buttered bun. Guests love to add the house Frosty sauce, a pink, tangy blend of French dressing, Duke’s mayonnaise, and Crystal hot sauce that brings a cult-like fan base.

The Drive-In: Est 1957

135 E. Palmetto Street
Florence, SC

Formerly known as the 301, this Florence staple was founded by Greek immigrants and remains a local treasure with fast counter service and a convenient drive-in next door. Star attraction? Fried chicken in all its crispy, juicy forms. Whether you choose the lightly breaded sandwich, a four-piece plate, or even finger-lickin’ livers and gizzards, it’s a crunch-fest down to the last bite. Don’t forget the zesty house-made 301 sauce and dare to finish the meal with a “Clarinet”, a fizzy sweet-and-sour blend of cherry cola and lemonade. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! 

Dixie Drive-In: Est 1959

600 Montague Ave
Greenwood, SC

At Dixie, your server won’t take notes—just your order—which they commit to memory. No pads, no pens, no matter how complex. The grilled cheeseburger is a hot ticket, often accompanied by “half-and-half” sides: crinkle-cut fries and sweet onion rings stacked high like a tumbleweed connection to the sandwich.

Also taking flight on the menu is the Dixie Bird Dog, an oversized chicken tender nesting in a hot dog bun topped with cheese, bacon, and honey mustard. Yes, it sounds weird, but patrons love the craveable combination.

Clock Drive-In: Est 1954

1844 Wade Hampton Blvd
Greenville, SC

Cash is king and the only form of currency accepted at Clock Drive-In. A large rotating clock marquee harkens back to simpler times; the hand-lettered and numbered whiteboard menu offers honest food at honest prices. The Big Boy Burger with double-dipped onion rings once cost just 54 cents. Time and money may have changed the math, but not the charm.

Carolina Drive-In: Est 1954

105 Rutherford St
Greenville, SC

While more modern in appearance than its retro rivals (it even takes reservations), Carolina Drive-In holds tight to its Greek roots. The patates tiganites, or Greek-style fries, are double-wide and twice fried, seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano, lemon zest, and crumbled feta cheese. The meat-plus-three menu offers a Mediterranean twist to southern staples: fried chicken, hamburger steak, or roast pork plus collard greens, mashed potatoes, and cornbread.

Beacon Drive-In: Est 1946

255 John B. White Sr. Blvd
Spartanburg, SC
Our final stop brings us full circle on the tour to Spartanburg’s iconic Beacon Drive-In. Here, ordering a meal is half food, half performance. Staff yell orders to nearby cooks, adding a dash of theater to the wait.

Beacon is proudly greasy—it’s part of the craveable charm. TV personality Guy Fieri of Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives called their a-plenty burgers “money” as he likes to affirm. Beacon sells more sweet tea than any other single restaurant in the USA; this sugary southern staple is served in a giant cup packed with shaved ice. Go ahead and grab the plastic straw to slurp it down with pride.

The Road Less Traveled

Drive-ins across the South don’t just serve meals, they serve stories with memories. In a world that’s always running, these spots invite us to slow down. They preserve regional flavors, immigrant roots, low-key attitudes, and slow-simmered memories that don’t come in a to-go box. 

Take the Lowcountry road less traveled. Roll down the window. Speak your peace. Order the weird menu item. Say grace. Savor the flavor. Tip your waitstaff. And don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for those who continue to smile while serving you. Cheers to good times and good vibes.