This Tiny Drive In May Just Be The Best Kept Secret In Illinois
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published August 06, 2018
×
Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
There’s an old restaurant in Illinois that is so well-loved it has infiltrated the hearts of locals for many generations. This tiny drive in restaurant in Pekin is a quick blast from the past everyone will enjoy whether they’re 5 or 55.
Here is a classic fast-food paradise that belongs on your bucket list of nostalgic spots to eat. Check it out:
The family that owns this timeless drive in restaurant has been working wonders since about 1969 when the property was purchased by Don and JoAnn Cranwill.
Cranwill's Rootbeer Stand has been under the operation of the couple's children since 1996. To this day, it is still a classic drive in where you can order and enjoy your meal in your car.
The restaurant is known for classic American fare as well as homemade root beer. Always served in a frosted mug, this delicious drink is bound to take you back to the good old days.
Menu items include sandwiches like burgers, tenderloins, and pulled pork. You can also get hot dogs, salads, onion rings, baked potatoes, and nachos. Everything is made to order and cooked to perfection each and every time.
Remember to save room for dessert. Ice cream treats like hot fudge sundaes, banana splits, and more await. You can also get root beer floats, cones, shakes, and malts.
This little-known drive in is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Whether you sit at the counter or out in your car, you'll be immersed into a vintage dining experience that you'll never want to end.
Cranwill’s Rootbeer Stand is located at 5409, 1713 S 2nd St., Pekin, IL 61554, and you can get more information on its Facebook page.