This Tiny Drive-In May Just Be The Best Kept Secret In Kentucky
By Andrea Limke|Published August 26, 2018
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Andrea Limke
Author
A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
Convenience has always been appealing when it comes to food and there’s no more convenient of a way to enjoy a tasty meal than at a nostalgic drive-in. These fast food destinations used to be the norm and they wonderfully combined quick service with friendly hospitality. There are still a few classic drive-ins throughout Kentucky, and one can be found in the lovely city of Paducah. It’s not a hidden gem for locals who have enjoyed the Parker’s Drive-In for decades, but this tiny drive-in may still be the best-kept secret in Kentucky.
Parker's is a classic drive-in located in Paducah in Western Kentucky. If you love the nostalgia of the 1950s, then this diner will surely make you shake, rattle, and roll.
Many restaurants once had a drive-in component, but have since done away with it. Thankfully, Parker's has kept their car-side service, so you can pull up, order from a menu, and relax while waiting for your food. If you choose to get out and eat, you can enjoy the picnic tables outside, or head indoors for a unique dining experience.
The interior dining room is just as nostalgic and charming as the drive-in outside. The retro lighting, booths, and even the music playing will take you back to the '50s and a time when most meals out were shared in a place like this.
The items on the menu at Parker's are exactly what you'd expect, but there are a few surprises too. The burgers are a popular choice, and from the looks of the Beer Cheese Bacon creation below, it's not hard to see why. The drive-in offers a variety of burger choices; another fan favorite is the Mushroom Swiss Burger.
There are many other classic sandwiches on the menu, including a patty melt, grilled cheese, and a ribeye steak sandwich that are definitely worth tasting.
Be sure to ask about the specials, especially if visiting at dinner time. Things get extra comforting when the chef cooks up favorites like meatloaf, brisket, and even fried avocados.
Parker's Drive-In is definitely a place to indulge, but there are some healthier options if that's what you're looking for. Salads, veggie burgers, and baked potatoes are all available.
A trip to Parker's Drive-In is incomplete without a sweet treat! A scoop of ice cream in a fancy cone, your favorite soft serve flavor, or even a milkshake are all perfect ways to complete your meal at this tiny, scrumptious Kentucky drive-in.
Parker’s Drive-In has managed to maintain the retro charm of the ’50s and serves up so much good food and ice cream that it’s almost impossible to choose a favorite. Have you enjoyed a meal in your car or inside this tiny drive-in? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share your suggestions for other favorite Kentucky drive-ins too!
Parker’s Drive-In is located at 2921 Lone Oak Rd., Paducah, KY 42003. The restaurant is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, follow along with them on Facebook here.
And for more nostalgic drive-in destinations in Kentucky, check out a list of the best in our previous article here.
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