Discover this place
City Drive-In is a charming restaurant nestled in Spruce Pine, NC, offering a cozy atmosphere that invites both locals and tourists alike. Known for its fresh BBQ and delicious comfort food, patrons indulge in mouthwatering burgers, hearty breakfasts, and creative sandwiches, all served with a side of friendly service. The venue shines with its wheelchair accessibility, outdoor seating, and vibrant live music, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a meal with family or friends. The stellar selection of beers and irresistible milkshakes elevate the experience, while the classic, nostalgic vibe keeps diners returning for more.Photos
Amenities & More
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Reviews for City Drive-In
Review highlights
Based on 416 reviewsCity Drive-In is widely praised for its warm, inviting atmosphere that combines nostalgic drive-in charm with updated indoor and outdoor seating options. Reviewers frequently highlight the quality of the food, especially their burgers, fried dishes, and local brews on tap. The service is noted as friendly and attentive, though some mention the unique ordering process between buildings. Patrons appreciate the blend of classic Southern flavors with a homely vibe, making it a favored stop for both locals and visitors. Consistent themes include excellent food, a welcoming environment, and a dedication to maintaining a community-focused experience through attentive staff and quality offerings.
A real homey and warm atmosphere. You could either sit outside by a fire or indoors. It was to cold, so we sat inside. I noticed the bar had several local brews on tap. My wife had the Philly Cheese Chicken Sandwich with Hushpuppies and I had the Fish and Chips. The fish was fried perfectly, and the home fries were incredible. I was able to have some of my wife's Hushpuppies. They were incredible. We are definitely going back. They also have live music nights that we are interested in as well. I need to go back to sample the beer.If you are coming through or near Spruce Pine, you need to stop. Great food fairly priced. Enjoy!
I worked there for a long time when I was younger. I just revisited for the first time in probably 12 years. Different people with a little bit different food, but overall I was very pleased with both the service and the food. Lots of great memories here also. Highly recommend this place.
City Drive-in has the very best of the classic cook out burgers. We decided to take the hour and a half drive to Spruce Pines just because when you want a city Drive-in burger there is no substitute. The Chuckwagon is a go-to, but I highly recommend the Mushroom Swiss burger.We sat at the outside porch seating and the BBQ cooking near by had up planning our next visit***Pro tip....after eating walk around a couple of the nearby antique shops and work off a little of your lunch/dinner then swing back by for a peanut butter milkshake
Absolutely awesome place to stop for lunch. Recommended to us be one of the nearby residents. Started out life as just a drive-in, but has recently expanded to include a small bar/inside seating area. Food was excellent and service was really good too. One of the odd aspects of the setup is that the waitstaff have to go outside to the other building to put in orders and pick up food. The building is not the most well-insulated, because even in April it was pretty chilly. But between a wood stove and other heaters, it was warm enough. Just a very cool, unique place to eat. Will worth the trip.
Good food, awesome owners and staff! Our favorite place
Fantastic food and service. Highly recommend. …
I’ve been eating here since I was a kid & even though I’ve since left the area, I always find myself coming back “home” for a cheeseburger all the way and a peanut butter milkshake! Also, the chuckwagon sandwich is an underrated gem. 10/10 would recommend!
Really friendly place and a great Sloppy Joe! Beer is cold also.They gave me a free beer koozie. Nice!
Write a review
Share your experience with the community. Your honest feedback helps others find great places.
Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday (Today) 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tuesday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Wednesday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Friday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday Closed
Location
Own this business?
Claim this listing to update info, respond to reviews and reach more customers.
Claim listingMore places in North Carolina
Discover more places like this
Browse thousands of bars, restaurants, cafés and more — wherever you go.