Charlie's Drive-In
Charlie's Drive-In, located at 762 N Wood River Ave, Wood River, IL, has been a beloved local spot for decades. With its longstanding reputation, this restaurant continues to deliver exceptional food and service, keeping loyal customers returning year after year. Known for its retro charm, Charlie's offers a nostalgic atmosphere that harkens back to the good old days, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.
The menu at Charlie's features a variety of satisfying options, but one standout is their fresh, juicy burgers. Made with high-quality beef, the burgers are cooked to perfection and never fail to impress. A must-try is their signature Root Beer, which is crafted in-house for a unique and refreshing taste. For those looking to explore beyond the classic burger, Charlie's also serves an array of delicious fried sides, including crispy fried pickles and cauliflower, adding a fun and flavorful twist to the meal.
A particular favorite among regulars is the "specials" - small burgers reminiscent of White Castle but made with fresh ingredients, offering a delightful balance of flavor and bite. And for those seeking a true taste of nostalgia, there’s no better way to enjoy the restaurant than with a Root Beer float, a treat many have enjoyed after baseball games or family outings for years.
What sets Charlie's Drive-In apart is its commitment to quality and customer service. The staff is consistently praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, making each visit a pleasant experience. However, it’s worth noting that Charlie's only accepts cash, so be sure to come prepared.
This local gem offers great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a touch of old-school charm that keeps customers coming back. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or enjoying a meal with family, Charlie's Drive-In remains a staple in the Wood River community, offering classic American comfort food with a personal touch.
Charlie's Drive-In Reviews
I enjoyed the burger that I got. It was fresh and tasted great. You've got to try their Root Beer. They make it themselves. They also have a ton of fried side options. Everything from fried pickles to fried cauliflower. I haven't tried everything on the menu but I'm sure I will be asap.
Been coming to Charlie's for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid we would come after baseball games and get root beer floats. First thing to know is they only take CASH. No credit cards no Apple Pay just cash. The food is always hot and made to order. The specials which are little burgers that are just a little bigger than a White Castle burger are great. There made with fresh beef. The cheese balls are tasty. They also make there own root beer and it's fantastic. It's a little pricey but it's great food and it's a local business.
Five stars for nostalgia! Horray! I used to come here in high school when Jack-In-The-Box got a little old. The food was just OK, but the rootbeer was amazing! They make their own and put it in frosted mugs and to this day I haven't found a better one. It's nice that places like this still exist. I try to visit whenever I come back to see my family. I even have a t-shirt! Thanks Nichole! On a side note, nobody knows what in the world a "Silver Fros" is. It's a mystery I've been wanting to solve for fifteen years.
Charlies oh Charlies. Cheese Fries, Charlie burgers, Fried Broccoli? Holy Crap a Delicious Heart Attack!! This is THE place to go From April until October. Order their root beer! Seriously. Its better than ANY root beer I have EVER tried! I don't even drink soda! They have awesome Ice, but I don't get it in my Root Beer, but its great too. Seriously try the Fried Broccoli with Ranch Dressing and the Cheese Fries. You won't be dissapointed!
This place was great 30 years ago when I was in high school. Still great service, great food and prices. The server was so super sweet and very helpful with menu suggestions. This is the way all places need to be run. We will be back sooner than later.