Big A is known for its “gourmet” root beer, which stars in refillable root beer floats (some have described the experience as “bathing in vanilla”). It’s also got a cute car-hop setup, complete with “deluxe” burgers and “county fair” style corn dogs.

Tahoe’s classic drive-in has been rocking since 1961, welcoming classic cars in the summer. The Tahoe burger has an avalanche of mushrooms and onions, milkshakes are mixed up with Kit Kats and Oreos, and the soft-serve swirls reach dizzying heights.

Pick’s might be the oldest stop on this list — it says it dates back to 1923 when it was a root beer “refresher” or roadside stand during the Prohibition. The original windows still latch up at the sides, to hand out burgers, dogs, shakes, and fries.

The freshest addition from the Gott’s group opened just last year with big vintage style. The Station is a refurbished gas station, washed white with green trim, and she’s a beaut. Plus, the snacks are wine country quality — third-wave cold brew, fluffy focaccia sandwiches, and, oh yeah, they’ve got good pie. 

Taylor’s Refresher was a classic drive-in dating back to 1949; the Duncan brothers took over the lease in 1999 and ultimately renamed it Gott’s Roadside in 2010 (which led to some family feuding). Today, Gott’s has expanded to more than half a dozen locations, but the original is still a quintessential roadside attraction in wine country. There are burgers and shakes, starring local Niman Ranch beef and Straus dairy, but also ahi burgers and tacos, half a dozen salads, and sweet potato fries.

Yes, the brand behind the popular frozen burritos also has a drive-thru. Leave it to California to lead the way with veggie fast food, including burgers, pizza, salads, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

It may not have the best burger in town, but Mel’s is an icon in San Francisco, first established in 1947 and featured in American Graffiti and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? The original location on Van Ness, which welcomed more than a hundred cars in its heyday, no longer exists. But the Geary location brought back that classic carhop service, a response, they say, to the COVID era.

This “gem in the rough” was founded in 1955, and is still serving burgers (quarter pounders), “bigger” burgers (third pounders), curly fries, onion rings, and soft-serve shakes.

This popular mini-chain has drive-thrus serving Hayward, San Lorenzo, and San Pablo. It’s known for the Hot Cheeto burrito, which looks like a serious handful, served in the wrapper. And there are rumors of quesabirria action on the weekend, so keep an eye on those menus.

Taqueria Senaida is a drive-thru institution in Hayward, with cars lining up for fresh and affordable Mexican and Tex-Mex since 1979. Go for those crispy, hard-shell tacos.

Not technically a drive-in, but a roadside stop in an abandoned train car, Gorilla Barbecue serves legit barbecue to the foggy stretch of Highway One in Pacifica. Fans dig into the three-meat combo of smoked ribs, brisket, and hot links, with sauces and sides.

This Mexican favorite is a go-to drive-thru for San Jose, where locals roll through the drive-thru, especially late at night, loading up on carnitas and carne asada.

Anton and Zahie Nijmeh first opened in 1966, starting with burgers, then slowly switching to falafel, gently telling customers over and over, “try it, you’ll like it.” Fifty years later, it’s a falafel institution. And yes, it was featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s show. (You knew Guy was going to pop up in here somewhere.)