Carlson's Drive In in Michigan City - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

I got the chili cheese dog, onion rings and root beer. The chili cheese dog was okay. Didn't really like the chili but the onion rings were huge and filling. The root beer was heaven and loved it. My friend got the cheese fries and the cheese wasn't that good. It reminded me of the cheese and crackers cheese. I would still go back though

Me and my wife went there. And it was just as I remember as a kid. We had a wonderful time

Out of burger Patty's and handed us a dirty sticky menu yuck 🙃 so much for that!!!!

I have been going to Carlson for 40 years and still love going there. The food was great

This was incredible!! The whole experience OUTSTANDING! chicago dog a 10! Onion rings a 10! Root beer a 10! So fun, and nostalgic!!

Stopped today a little after noon with my toddler nephew. We sat at a picnic table for nearly 15 minutes and was never approached or greeted by any of the four servers who were working. All four did look in our direction multiple times but never approached. We left and took our business elsewhere.

Great food , great service and clean area

Good food, good prices, good service, good root beer.

So good! Love the food and service was great, good experience to show the little about food trays on the window!!

It always fun and the girl hops always dressed in their nice little crossing jackets matching shoes. Courteous wrong with your favorite hot dogs and sausages ice cold root beer / drinks. Provide 2 hours earlier than 11:00 just to experience again the great Drive-In feeling

My family and I were in the area and got hungry and decided to look up some local restaurants and to our surprise we found this gem of a restaurant that makes their very own homemade root beer and cream soda respectively& serving hot dogs,hamburger, fries,onion rings,grilled chicken and fried fish sandwiches 🍔🍟 .. And the best part is that, it's an old school,"Drive-in" restaurant that has the waitress come up to your car and take your order. Brings everything out to you and places it on a tray that hangs off of the driver's side car window ! I've only saw this on movies and TV shows from back-in-the-day! So very cool to experience this by gone era of service 😁 We gladly give you all six thumbs up from my entire family & I👍🏽👍🏽👍🏻👍🏻👍🏼👍🏼Keep up the great work & we can't wait to visit again!!!!!!!!

Reminded me of my hometown drive in! We had lunch here and left very satisfied. I ordered a corn dog, rootbeer, and fries. My wife ordered a hotdog and onion rings. My daughter ordered a hotdog and the cheese bites. We all enjoyed our food and it was extremely inexpensive! Will definitely be back if we come back in town!

Dogs weren't very good.... Couple were cold...

Excellent food, as always!! Service also as good.😊👌🏻😁

My Chicago dog was super tasty. Fun to have a car hop bring food to our car window.

1st. time trying this drive- in with my family, and we were very surprised. Our food was on point and delicious! 😋🌭🌭🍺 Thank you to the owner and staff for a very nice experience. Yes, I will recommend this drive-in to all. 👍🏾😋🌭😎

One of my favorite places to go eat at

We decided to try this place on a whim and we were definitely not disappointed! We pulled up to a parking space and were immediately greeted by our waitress. Being first time customers, she gave us all the time we needed to look over the menu (which is visible from your vehicle). She asked that we flash our lights when we were ready to order and came straight away when we did. We had a BLT sandwich, mozzarella sticks, an Italian sausage sandwich, and a pizza burger. All of our food was made fresh and tasted great! We took our food to go but if you eat there, there are picnic tables available or they can clip a tray onto your vehicle's window area. The prices were very reasonable. They accept cash or card and you just giving the waitress your form of payment - you never have to leave your vehicle if you don't want. A fun place to visit

Great little place to visit! Food was phenomenal and can't wait to come again!

Great staff! Food is great! I love the drive-in dining.

Still the best known secret in M.C.

Nice place, service was great and polite.

I am not one to write reviews but damn who is giving this place 5 stars. It was disgusting. We got to the port sometimes, I mean it just hot dogs. The standards are not super high but this was gross. First off they claim it's all beef hot dogs but it was a gray mushy hot dog. The chili was some again some mushy very cinnamon-y chili. The fries were not cold yet somehow didn't taste fresh. The root beer was so so, not the strongest flavor or highly carbonated. The glasses were nicely cold. They gave us a cup to-go for the kids, some napkins and straws. But for my child that couldn't eat the bun because of allergies, the manager literally told the girl working she wasnt allowed to bring us a "food boat". The workers were attentive and kind, there is a cute enough little picnic table area by the parking lot but damn the food was gross. Well literally never be back.

I had a Rootbeer float, it was great. Corndogs are wonderful. Fantastic

Carlson's food is really good. Their prices are fair.

Found this place last year while lost on a family vacation . Now, i stop here every time im in the area

Carlson’s is a fantastic restaurant for a quick lunch. I love dining in during the summer. The Chicago and Kraut dogs are both great! The onion rings are perfectly crispy; however, I would skip the fries as they are a bit soggy.

Guys, I am NOT a root beer fan in the slightest. However this is the ABSOLUTE BEST root beer of all times. It's not served with ice, but it doesn't need to be as it would take from it's characteristics. Perfect carbonation and the absolute most creamy taste you will ever have. If you stop here and order it, you will want nothing else. It's about 4 bucks for a 32 ounce but worth every penny!

So good! 2nd day in a row of great service and great food. The dogs are really good!

Loved sitting outside table and good service

Good food but devastating price$

Great little place to stop in for lunch. Hot dogs and fries with all the fixings. Homemade Root Beer as well.

Great food. Pricey but worth it.

Another go-to place for those local to the area or visiting out of town. Great rootbeer and cream soda. I am a lover of their Chicago style Hotdogs and fries. You can eat in your car or the picnic tables located under a shaded area. Has a restroom available. No highchairs are available for those with all children, but don't let that stop you from experiencing this vintage style drive-up! 😎

Very kind and polite young ladies there who take your orders. Food is great

Old school feel. Ok food and great root beer

Awesome place with the best homemade cream soda.

This place is a hell hole. The new owners (Chris and Laura Imperato) are verbally abusive to staff in front of customers, so imagine how they are behind closed doors. I've been a regular for 10 years. Ever since new ownership I can see people staring from the building pointing at cars laughing seemingly judging customers. These people include employees AND the owner Chris Imperato. It is clear that it's encouraged. Even in the photo used for the establishment the tray is NOT clean. The business has gone down miserably. NEVER support this business. I will not be returning.

I grew up eating here and the food never disappoints. Gotta get the chili cheese dogs!

Delicious food, but a little pricey.

Incredible service with a smile every time. Delicious root beer and a Chicago dog for lunch. Need to try other menu items but this is also my go to.

The food tasted pretty good. I only have 2 complaints. It's way overpriced and the pop was flat. I ordered mozzarella sticks and if you wanted a little cup of marinara it cost extra😳 my regular cheese burger was small. A double cheeseburger was more than 7 bucks and no different than a mcdouble. That's without french fries btw. I will not be going back.

What's a fun place. Good dogs, great fries.

The best burger with chili and onion rings than I've had in a long time. Very friendly service and efficient.

I had not been here in years, and they still have the best root beer ever! The chili cheese dogs were as yummy as I remembered, and the service was fast and super-friendly!

Chili dogs seems to be overcooked it's not the same as it used to be I've been going to Carlson for almost 50 years and these new owners are the worst owners that I've ever seen 😢

Carlson's is a gem in our community! It has been an icon of summertime in Michigan City for decades. Rootbeer floats, chili cheese dogs, breaded mushrooms and bags of salted fries - all evoke memories for me as my favorites there among a big menu. Like of mid afternoon food on the way home from the beach as a teen or young adult, or an evening stop on mild night out for a drive as grandparents, the food at Carlson's is fun and just plain good! It's the kind of place you find yourself saying in March, is Carlson's open yet? And when they close down after the season, it's a bummer. So my advice is go to Carlson's frequently and go now to make those memories and enjoy awesome drive in food!

Never a bad experience. Their cheddar cheese balls and marinara are hands down my favorite

Love this place I'm always looking forward to come eat here whenever I come to town.

The girls were very nice service was great the food was delicious all in all a good trip

Love this when my kids and I visit lighthouse outlets! Very nostalgic ♡

We've started a tradition to come out to Indiana for Apple picking and then Carlson's. Their root beer is my favorite, not too sweet, not too medicinal, just perfect flavor. Their burgers are great, especially for the price. The atmosphere is super fun too. So if you're in the area forget the national chain and come support this destination spot!

Haven't been there in a while but when I went recently they final take card and not just cash. Thank You. Know I can come more often.

Excellent job had 10 people in our party. Everything was great server was excellent overall great job.

A standard drive-in diner that has decent root beer.

Love the old time atmosphere. The food was good. The onion rings were amazing!! Over all I will return when I'm back in Michigan City.

Local drive-in. Good food and prices.

I love this place! The food is simple & Delicious. Always get a gallon of rootbeer to take home. Get the big root beer float bc if you don't, you'll wish you would have.

Who doesn't love a drive in? Fast and great food. Bubbles Ice Cream across the street.

A throwback classic. Honestly worth a trip to MC.

Love their burgers and root beer.

Great place for car service. Food was good.

Spent $27.00 dollars for 1 bacon cheese burger 1 Chicago dog 1 French fry 1 bacon lettuce tomato sandwich 2 drinks The food was not very good at all First time coming here, and it will be the last. At least i gave it a try...

Drive-in, good food, out door tables and inexpensive!

The Chicago dog was PERFECT! Their onion rings are old school flavored - AMAZING! The Root beer in a glass mug is worth stopping in on its own. The car hops are friendly and helpful. Service was fast too! Can’t wait to go back!

Grew up eating here. They have the best chili cheese dogs I've ever had, but a little pricey for a hot dog

Still amazing…..haven’t been here for a long time. Still hasn’t lost its luster. Food is fire love their beefs with the Marina sauce! Just a reminder some things don’t change. Will definitely be coming back and bringing the whole family! Thank you for the awesome hot food and great ladies!

I stop here everytime I come back from Indiana with my kids it’s the awesome and the root beer is the best nothing else to really say!!!!!

This place just is a staple. I love this place

I didn't like the fact that the cc has extra fee but also the cc has tip option starting at 15% and there's no clear way to add custom.

Good burgers and really great cheese cubes. We didn't love the homemade root beer or cream soda but it was OK. Great service, We will eat there again.

Great food and service. Eat in your car or plenty of picnic tables to use as well.

Typical American fare in a throwback drive-in atmosphere. Fun little place to go for a hot dog and a root beer.

Great little vintage style drive in.

The food was cold and it sucked.

The food is expensive but tasty. The service can be slow if it's busy. It's fun to go to a drive in though!

Food really sucks never order a Italian beef from here it is nasty never again would come here again......

If you're looking for a classic drive-in experience, Carlson's Drive In is a must-visit. This local gem offers some of the best burgers in town, with juicy, perfectly cooked patties that are topped with all your favorite fixings. The homestyle chili is also a standout, with a rich, hearty flavor that is perfect for a chilly day. But what really sets Carlson's apart is their fresh-brewed root beer - it's absolutely delicious. Served in a frosty mug, it's the perfect complement to any meal. The staff are friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for the quality of the food. The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, with a nostalgic vibe that will take you back in time. Overall, Carlson's Drive In is a must-visit for anyone looking for great food and a fun, unique dining experience.

Awesome food and even better Root Beer!

Carlson's Drive-In in Michigan City, Indiana, is celebrating 75 years of venerable service that features its own fresh-brewed root beer, home-made chili and BBQ pork and a time-honored tradition of all-beef, bun-length Eckrich hot dogs. Located at 118 West Coolspring Avenue, at Franklin Street, owners Laura and Chris Imperato operate a four-star business that is open from 11 to 7 daily from early February through early October. Talk about tradition. When was the last time you visited a drive-in with car hops? Then, again, when was the last time you visited a 1950s drive-in? What is most distinctive about Carlson's is its distinctive tasting root beer, brewed daily and made from a recipe that hasn't changed since Harry Truman was president of the United States, a creamy foam-topped root beer served in 16-ounce frosty mugs. Love the root beer. It reminds me of my high school days in the 1950s, when A&W and Dog N Suds sold wonderful tasting root beer in frosty mugs. Carlson's menu also includes hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Polish sausage, pork tenderloin, pork BBQ, fish filet, Italian beef, fried chicken and grilled chicken. So what did my wife and I order, besides tall mugs of root beer? My wife had a hot dog with ketchup (yes, ketchup), mustard, relish and onion. I had a Chicago-style hog dog with relish, mustard, tomato, onions, pickle spear, sport peppers and celery salt. No ketchup, thank you. And I couldn't resist a chili dog with house-made chili. Carlson's brings back so many fond memories, when drive-ins were popular gathering places for teenagers who were driving cars for the first time.

Always a good place love the homemade rootbeer

Food was ok not like it use to be & I’ve NEVER seen a Colored person working there out of all the years I’ve been going!

A bunch of girls standing around but I had to walk up after 10 minutes for someone to take my order. And it's not busy whatsoever.

Great service, nice atmosphere but it's very pricey and quite honestly, the food was the worst part of the visit. Just not worth it

The chicago dog was good. The chili cheese dog was ok. The root beer was good. The pizza burger was too dry. Still a decent place to try out the chicago dog.

By far the best root beer stand i have ever been to. The staff are always so friendly. I definitely will be coming back

Absolutely recommend this place! The root beer is amazing, and the burgers are great.

Wonderful Service Great Food Love the Root beer!

Prices are to high for low quality food not recommended there Italian beef is nasty

Best rootbeer 🍺 ! Food good as well!

Americana at its best. Great food , homemade root beer in big glass mugs, car service, this place had it all.

We just went after dinner for a rootbeer float

Food was delicious and everyone was so friendly! Will be returning :)

I have been there often and the girls who work at Carlson's are the Best. The food is excellent. Service is top notch.

I LOVEit when my human takes me here. A snicky snack and a car ride....the best rootbeer ever, even the tiny humans have baby beers in little mugs! Miss Millie gives it 4 paws up for a full on belly rub! #michigancitymillie approved!

Great all around, food and service

A Chicago Style Dog has a Poppy seed bun and they have a sign that says they use Chicago's Rosen buns! NO POPPY SEED BUN FOR ME AND I'M STILL UPSET! It's not a Chicago Style Dog unless it's got a Poppy seed bun! Otherwise, they'd have got five stars from me!

Wonderful experience! The last couple years the food has really increased in quality, it's so delicious now! We had Bre as our waitress and not only was she super nice she was very attentive and even chatted with my 7 year old. She was very personable and I felt like I've known her forever. I had to of course get a gallon of the best root beer I've ever drank. A+ experience ❤️

If you want to destroy a 75 year old icon like carlsons keep doing what they are doing. 3 Chicago dogs all bun small dog seems like that's the norm there , a fry and 2 root beers 20$ . Had our 1 stop for the year.

Drove 25 minutes one way to get there because their website says they are open and got there and they're closed for the season it would be nice if they would update their website.