Few restaurants in North Carolina are third-generation, family-owned and operated establishments. El’s Drive-In in Morehead City is one of them and the menu at El’s is as legendary as the restaurant itself.

You'll find El's Drive-In at 3706 Arendell Street in Morehead City, where it has been since the first day it opened the doors all the way back in 1959.
Google Maps/ El's Drive-In
Folks drive from all over to get at the drive-in's famous food.
TripAdvisor/rogersober
A number of burgers grace the modest menu, including the regular burger — prepared just the way you like it. Or, if you think you can handle the sheer volume, get the super cheeseburger.
El's also offers other burgers that you just won't find many other places.
Google Maps/Myron Schroeder
The shrimp burger (shown) and the oyster burger cater to those craving seafood. And the pizza burger is a resounding "yes, please," for anyone craving pizza on a bun.

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El's hasn't change much since opening in 1959. Outdoor seating graces the enormous piece of real estate the building occupies.
Google Maps/Joel Elliott
Shady spots offer shelter from the sun while devouring your meal.
Aside from burgers, El's Drive-In dishes up a variety of seafood and fried chicken platters.
Google Maps/Ruthi Kappes
The fried oystsers (shown) are a fan favorite.
Pair them with French fries or onion rings to round out your meal.
TripAdvisor/MK C C
If you get the French fries, you can have them smothered in cheese and also add a huge scoop of chili.
With burgers, fried chicken, BBQ, and fried seafood, there's something at El's Drive-In to please everyone.
Google Maps/Sherry McCaw
Be sure to leave room for one of El's Drive-In's famous milkshakes, though. But be forewarned: they're addicting!

One of North Carolina’s oldest restaurant establishments is a legendary stop everyone should experience at least once. El’s Drive-In has been serving three generations of families over the last 60-plus years. Is yours one of them? We’d love to hear your thumbs-up review of El’s in our Facebook comments!

El’s Drive-In is open Sunday-Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Over on the other side of the state, another long-running drive-in is a must-visit, too! Located in Bryson City, check out The Old-Fashioned Drive-In In North Carolina That Hasn’t Changed In Decades.

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Featured Addresses
3706 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA