The Best Classic Drive-In Restaurants Around the Treasure Valley

There are some meals you just don’t forget.  Maybe it’s eating fries out of the bag before you get home. Maybe it’s a thick chocolate shake on a hot summer day. Or maybe it’s pulling into a parking spot, rolling down the windows, and enjoying dinner without ever leaving your car.

Drive-in restaurants are a piece of Americana, and thankfully, we still have several around the Treasure Valley that keep that tradition alive.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Image via Google Maps

Westside Drive In

1929 W State St. & 1113 E Parkcenter Blvd- Boise

If you’ve lived in the Treasure Valley for any length of time, chances are you’ve been here.  Westside has become an Idaho icon, famous for its burgers, finger steaks, and, of course, the legendary Ice Cream Potato. It even caught the attention of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

If you’re introducing someone to an Idaho classic, this is a great place to start.

Google Street View

Big Bun Drive In

5816 W Overland Rd, Boise & 4999 N Glenwood St, Garden City

Sometimes simple is exactly what you’re craving.  Big Bun has been a Treasure Valley favorite for decades with juicy burgers, crispy fries, onion rings, and thick milkshakes that just taste like summer.  It’s one of those places where generations of Idaho families have made memories together.

Cory- Townsquare Media Boise

Roe Ann Drive-In

929 S Washington Ave, Emmett

If you haven’t made the drive to Emmett lately, here’s another reason.  Roe Ann Drive-In has been serving Gem County since 1958 and still offers one of the most authentic old-school drive-in experiences you’ll find anywhere in Idaho. Pull into a parking stall, pick up the vintage phone, place your order, and wait for a classic burger, fries, or one of their famous shakes to arrive.  Honestly, it’s worth the drive just for the experience... and the food!

Google Street View

Wheeler's Handout

215 Caldwell Blvd, Nampa

For over 70 years, Wheeler's has been serving their delicious, signature "long" burgers to hungry folks around Canyon County and the entire Treasure Valley.

Google Street View

Big Jud’s

1289 S Protest Rd, Boise & 3030 E Overland Rd. Suite 100, Meridian

While technically not a Drive-in, when we're talking about legendary burgers around the Treasure Valley, you can't leave out Big Jud's.

They’re famous for oversized burgers that have challenged hungry customers for years, but even if you’re not tackling one of the giant burgers, the regular menu delivers exactly what you’d expect from a great hometown burger joint.  Bring your appetite.

burger with lettuce and tomato

 Summer Is the Perfect Time for a Drive-In

There’s just something about eating outside, listening to the radio, watching the sun go down, and enjoying a burger and a shake after a day at the lake or out exploring.

Maybe it’s the nostalgia... or maybe it’s simply because summer is too short not to enjoy a burger, fries and a shake!