Bill's Drive in

Hot dog restaurant · Ypsilanti

Bill's Drive in

Hot dog restaurant · Ypsilanti

1

1292 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198

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Highlights

Bill's Drive-In is a beloved roadside gem where carhops serve up delightful chili dogs, cheeseburgers, and homemade root beer, all at unbeatable prices.  

Featured in Eater
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1292 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 Get directions

$

Information

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1292 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 Get directions

+1 734 485 2831

$

Features

takeout
dine in
delivery
payment cash only
reservations
reservations required
outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 7, 2025

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"This seasonal roadside destination was founded by William “Bill” Bristol. Its founding date is debatable. Detroit Coney says that the mustard-yellow hut began appearing in local directories in the early 1950s, while this Ann Arbor News says the spot dates back to 1935, and this Live in the D segment places Bill’s as opening in 1939. Bill’s still features car hops who approach customers’ vehicles to take their orders. Orders are served on car trays. Offerings are basic. Select a coney topped with chili that some say is sweeter than others, loosey sandwiches, and house-made root beer." - Serena Maria Daniels

Michigan’s Most Iconic Coney Island Diners - Eater Detroit
View Postcard for Bill's Drive in

Evan Mouradian

Google
Amazing food at insanely low prices. The service was great, our server was very nice and impressed us with how he could perfectly remember the orders of 5 people plus a dog. I definitely wish to return here often from now on.

Rick Bame

Google
Nothing beats Lafayette, however… These coneys are dynamite! 🧨 The price point is terrific. I enjoyed being able to pick these up Vs having to use a fork and knife. I like the mug root beer. Last, but not least in this category… Bill’s speedy service is second to none! Great job guys! As the great Arnold says… I’LL BE BACK!

Todd Farrand

Google
Bills is a classic hot dog stand. I couldn't even park my motorcycle fast enough and somebody was there to take my order. It was as if somebody turned back the hands of time. I sat at a picnic table, they don't have other seating but it is a hot dog stand after all. I had two coneys and a medium root beer. The coneys could have had a little more crunch to them but they were good and the root beer was delicious and I would guess homemade.

Patrick M. O'Connor

Google
I've heard of Bill's fresh root beer and so I had to stop in for lunch when I had the opportunity. The chili dogs were good and the root beer was delicious! The pricing was very affordable too.

Christine Rzepka

Google
We loved Bills! Great hot dogs. Loved the chili. Loved the quick friendly service. Great to people watch. Good RootBeer. If your in the area or on your way to or from Firekeepers Casino stop in, it was the 1/2 way point for us. Lunch or Great hang over food!

Steve Mcmahel

Google
Back after 44 years. Soooo glad they are still in business. Taking my stash of dogs and root beer back to NC.

Joshua Polaczyk

Google
Incredible place. The prices are unbeatable. I mean .80 cents for a mug of root beer. They make their own chili and root beer. The root beer is the star of the show. The onions are insane as well. My recommendation is the B-dog. Find a picnic table and enjoy yourself. We fed 6 people for $26. You cannot beat that.

Alaysia Schock

Google
LOYAL COSTUMER FOR YEARSS!!!I'm honestly hurt and disgusted I go to get a root beer float for the first time got to the bottom of it and sucked up a bitten off FINGER NAIL Absolutely FOUL!!!! And unhygienic!!! I’m very sad I will never be going back to enjoying funnies and root beer but people can’t resist the urge to bite their finger nails on the job near food.VERY Disappointed

Autumn M.

Yelp
Bills are great every time! The root beer is amazing along with the chilli dogs. The staff brings the food out to your car and they are always pleasant. You can eat in your car or sit at one of the picnic tables. It is cash only so remember to stop at an atm first.

Tom M.

Yelp
Used to love this place since I was a kid, but the hotdogs I had today were tough to bite through. I will try them one more time, but they have definitely changed brands of meat. Guys, you better fix this fast!

Casey S.

Yelp
Been going here since I was a kid. Amazing hotdogs and root beer! Cash only is kind of a pain, but on the bright side, if I could use my card, I'd end up coming wayyyy too often.

Quinn N.

Yelp
Best hot dog I've ever had in my life. Almost drowned in the root beer because it was so delicious.

Stephanie A.

Yelp
Trying out this hot dog stand I heard about. The hot dogs and loose burgers taste so good. The chili is owe my god good.The root beer float is yummy and delicious. Please stop by when you can. And they come straight to your car to take your order and bring it back.

Jim O.

Yelp
Probably quite a good thing that I don't live closer to this place. Would be here very often and that can't be completely healthy. However it was amongst the best coney dog, loose burger and old style homemade root beer! Quick service - order taken from the car. Cash only, but very reasonable prices.

Raelyn B.

Yelp
Great hotdogs, service. And just a great place to get hotdogs !!!! Thanks for being kind

Jon S.

Yelp
Swung through on a Wednesday night. Drove the family out for some dogs and root beer. First time here- very impressed. Would like to call it a road side hot dog shack, but I do not want you to think it's run down... place is running like a fine Italian sports car. Before you park the car a person greets you in the parking lot. Menu is simple. Dogs. Chips. Root Beer. Food comes out quick. CASH business. Quick. Simple. All-American. You eat in your car. Food comes quick. Root Beer is 10/10. Can buy it but the gallon, or order by Aug (and enjoy with a car side window tray) or have them drop a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a root beer float. Kids loved the hot dogs. Has to order more. I went with the loose burger and the b dog. Delicious. Want to try a silly bun (steamed I think?) and a chili dog. Place is cheap- all items are 1-4 dollars. Food comes out fast. Car runners are quick and efficient. Eat in your car. If anything, stopping in for the novelty of a drive in hotdog stand should be enough to dine here.

Bill B.

Yelp
Best chili dogs and root beer ever!!! No wonder they have been in business 81 years. You don't even have to get out of your vehicle. Roll the window down and there will be someone taking your order. The price is so low you will think you just went back in time.

Amanda P.

Yelp
I love this place and it's close to my house. There is no lobby you cannot go inside but what's better than sitting in your car and having someone come up to your window and asking how they can bring you some food and on the cheap? They only serve hotdogs, chips, and drinks. Nothing deep-fried, but the hotdogs are great. They're very meaty. Don't seem overly greasy. The buns are steamed and the Coney's have a nice spice although I would like more meat in my sauce and that's only because I'm used to Flint style coneys and dogs from Detroit which have a more ground hamburger texture. But the sauce is tasty and they don't overload you with onions and you can't beat the price. I got four Coney dogs and two bags of chips for $11 and I got to stay right in my car. However it is cash only just so you know! P.S. I should've gotten a picture of my Coney dogs, but I inhaled them. Sorry.

Kristi E.

Yelp
Great loose burger dog with all the fixin's! Great service and friendly staff. Fun day trip from fenton. Drive in service.

J J.

Yelp
Chili dogs and root beer done right. That's really the only way to describe Bill's. Only a couple menu items, but so good.

Addss S.

Yelp
Quit disappointed. Sent my fiancé and sisters boyfriend to go and grab dinner. When they got home they explained how they felt prejudiced against. They are both African American and felt as though the gentlemen that took their order was treating them as though they weren't going to pay. They felt very unhappy with the situation and truthfully so am I.

Kate G.

Yelp
Best hot dogs in the world. Super fast service. So polite, staff is always "on". Also root beer is homemade and it slaps. Might seem like a simple dive but it's unfussy, unpretentious perfect food

Patty H.

Yelp
So we decided to eat here after the news made a big deal about it. The servers were super nice but the wait was a nightmare, and the dogs were just okay. The news once a gain is fake news.....

Todd V.

Yelp
Been coming here for over 30 years, and it never disappoints! Hot dogs are simple, yet perfect. The root beer is second to none!

Debbie M.

Yelp
AMAZING!! Rootbeer is the best l have ever had. Chili dogs were so good. Our 7 year old granddaughter came with us. She said in a 1 out of 10 she gives you a 500!! Now that's saying something lol. We will be back.

Jack H.

Yelp
Horrible rude staff and cash only. If I could give zero stars I would. We left immediately. It's 2023 everyone uses credit cards/debit cards. Get with the 21st Century.

Linda V.

Yelp
Great food and service. Plus the root beer is great. Great employees. Love eating outside.

Dave B.

Yelp
Best hot dogs around they have been selling hotdogs and root beer as long as I can remember,

Deanna D.

Yelp
I love this place. They have a picnic table for eating outside otherwise you can just eat in your car. The staff come up to your car and grab your order. Make sure to bring cash I don't think they take cards here. The hot dogs are so good and the root beer is homemade. Definitely enjoyable and the prices are very reasonable.

Angela W.

Yelp
It's a walk up to your car service which I'm not a huge fan of, but the prices can't be beat. I placed my order at the window because I was waiting for my daughter (at school) to decide what she wanted after seeing their short menu and the guy who immediately came to my window said he'd be back in a minute but never did. I told the gent what I wanted and he yelled it to another guy in the back. I gave him my cash (they only take cash) and received my change. After I placed my order I went back to the car. He handed me the jug of root beer, and everything was crammed in the bag as it was to go. I checked the order and it was missing a hot dog. I went back to the counter to let him know, and he charged me for it. Now...there's no receipt to verify that this was paid for or not, nor is there a pad to see what was ordered. I just paid the money and left. Overall it's a good place to stop at if you're nearby, and the prices are good - plus you get your food pretty quick. Just make sure you get what you paid for before you leave if you're getting a to-go order.

Anita B.

Yelp
Love this place! Service is great! Been going here for over 45 years and it is consistently good

Blake T.

Yelp
It's spring time, so you know it's Bills Season! Great Dogs and Root Beer while listening to the ball game

Katherine P.

Yelp
Heaven. The dogs are perfect! I held the ketchup and relish so only chili and onion, then added cheese. Looks are deceiving because one is extremely filling but sometimes you just have to get two! :) Friendly staff (make sure to tip) and the food comes quickly. Definitely order the root beer- it's fantastic! Creamy and not extra carbonated like most. Will definitely be coming back. Cash only so swing by the ATM on your way!

Brian B.

Yelp
Quick service! Outstanding dogs and Root Beer! Always love coming here! Love the carhop service!

Rachel L.

Yelp
Very good hot dogs with the best root beer in town. Chili Dogs are delicious!! definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants a good old fashioned coney or loose hamburger

Amanda B.

Yelp
Absolutely love this place!!! Great food and friendly service. Prices are always low. Cheapest fast food ever!

Keisha O.

Yelp
Hot dogs and floats were so good! I had to grab some while visiting from out of state. Drive up service is always quick and polite.

Helen B.

Yelp
Its the BIGBYELLOW HOUSE ON MICHIGAN AVE If you want the BEST Homeade Rootbeer and you can get a small or Large heck or a Gallon to go this is your Place! You Pull into the Big parking lot The Guys come to service you and they sell, the BEST CONEYS, CHILL DOGS ECT, andnchips You can sit i your car and watch cars cruz Michigan Ave., or sit out at a Picnic table. Alway br kind and Leave a tip if possible the guys are busting their Butts. This is my Go to with my Granddaughter after daycamp on Grandma duty . Thank you For your Service

Ashley G.

Yelp
I love anywhere I can take my dog! And Bill's Drive-In is always friendly to us when we meet up with other humans and their dogs, whether we are in our cars or on the picnic table!

Derek D.

Yelp
It took me some time to get used to the style of chili dogs this place serves but I did and me and the wife come here all summer we also love the root beer they make here it is so good. I told the owner you know what you need here he said what do I need and I said you need Joey Chestnut the hot dog eating champ. He got right in my face and said "You're damn right I do!" We just laughed at his response he was so funny.

Robyn T.

Yelp
You ever have one of those moments where you are mad at yourself for driving by a place for years and never trying it? Then once you try it you realize how much better your life could have been if you had discovered it earlier? Yeah, that's how I feel about Bills. I lived in the Ann Arbor/Ypsi area for over 13 years. I have had millions of chances to visit Bills. I now live in Boston and was back for a visit, and happened to stop for an afternoon bite, because we don't get coney's in Boston and I didn't want to go all the way downtown Detroit to Lafayette. I ordered a coney without onions (chili, cheese, mustard) + a root beer (which is homemade). Maybe the mood, the weather, or the timing was just right, but I could tell by the first bite this was the best one I've ever had. The bun is wonderfully steamed and soft, the dog itself was incredibly tasty, the cheese was a sauce vs. shredded, and the chili...wow, I don't know what all goes into that chili, but clearly the recipe has been perfected over the years. I asked around and was told they will not sell the chili on it's own - it has to come on a dog. This place is no joke! Now knowing what I have been missing all these years, I want to encourage those who are reading this not to make the same mistake. I promise it will be worth your time. They are cash only so just make sure you come prepared. I will always make a point to come to Bills when I am back visiting family. It's one of those things that are definitely worth all the calories.

Jessica V.

Yelp
Once again, Yelpers come to the rescue! We made a quick trip to DTW to drop off our daughter for a flight, and had a jonesing for chili dogs somewhere between the airport and Kalamazoo. We found this highly recommended place, and made a stop for lunch today. Founded in 1939, this is a definite YELP FIND! Let me tell you - this is one of the best root beer stands we've been to. The extra bonus is that the chili dogs are delicious. The hot dogs are inexpensive, and are a GREAT DEAL. It isn't an all beef hot dog, but it is quite tasty, served in soft bun. On the main hot dog, you can get chili, onions, mustard, ketchup, and relish. Add cheese for 25 cents extra (it is not shredded, but a saucy cheese like you get at a stadium). There was just the right amount of every ingredient - perfect proportions. There are other hot dog options, but we stuck with the original. You will probably want to eat more than one, they are so delicious. Awesome service! There was only one waiter, but he is FAST, friendly, and has an excellent memory (give a great tip!). If he is wearing a fitbit, he's definitely getting his steps in! When he came back around after we finished, he asked if we wanted to order more. I asked if many people did so, and he replied with a laughing affirmative. Nice. The root beer was frosty and tasty. We each got a float and they were amazing. There was a huge scoop of ice cream, along with fresh draft root beer, at a price that can't be beat. You can get it in a to-go cup, or in a frosty mug. GET ONE for each of you - you won't want to share... You can eat in your car, or there are 3 picnic tables on the premises. We don't like to eat in the car, so this was a welcome sight. Tip: Cash only. Come prepared! Lastly, this place is clean and well-kept. It is freshly painted, has a clean parking lot, and is the home of the owner's family that lives right there with the business. You know that this is their life and their passion. There are three houses on the premises - the owner's, a house for the grandkids, and a house for the mom. This doesn't have a lot to say about the food, but it DOES have a lot to say about the people that own and run this business.

Jean B.

Yelp
i saw your flyer and was interested until I saw animals are allowed not for me, food and animals don't mix and little children aren't safe my son almost had his nose bite off when he was eating I was right there too sorry, think about this please no harm in warnings thank you

William C.

Yelp
Best Hotdog in Ypsilanti hands down fast service good people good comuny I absolutely love the food

J N.

Yelp
Great Chilli dogs! Do I need to say more. Well that being said to keep social distancing food order is taken from your car and delivered to your car giving a drivein feel.

Kimberley I.

Yelp
I grew up with this place and these are the best hotdogs in the world! Keep up the good work guys! Thanks P.S. The car hop guys do a excellent job taking orders and keeping them straight during busy times.

Annette J.

Yelp
$6 and some change for two chips, two coneys and two root beers? Sign me up! Root beer is creamy, sweet and smooth and served in a frosty mug (you can get it to go if you want too but isn't it better from a mug?). Coneys were a messy delight. Smothered in chili, finely diced onions and mustard on a plump hot dog. Ask for extra napkins, you're gonna need them. No fries. Just bags of Ruffles chips. I hadn't had Ruffles in a long time, I think, so I was extra into them. Service is simple. Pull up and a fella will come to your window and take your order. Since there isn't a whole lot of prep involved your order comes out pretty quickly. A tray rests on your window and you go to town. It's tasty, cheap, and easy as pie. Can't beat that! I saw someone a car over from us get a root beer float and I told my husband I wish I had seen that was an option before we ordered. But it was nice to try the root beer straight up this first trip. Next time, float. I'm coming for ya!

Al M.

Yelp
At one time, it seemed like every city, regardless of size, had a hot dog stand where you could also get a cold mug of foamy root beer with your pair of dogs. Today, these gems seem to be few and far between, replaced by legions of faceless McDonalds, Burger Kings and Taco Bells. Bill's Drive-In has been a fixture on Ypsi's eastern stretch of Michigan Ave since 1939...that's an incredible 80 YEARS! Bill's also provides car-hop service of sorts with millennials running across the parking lot delivering the goods to your car. I ordered "...One of each"...which, in Detroit, means on one dog and one "Loose" - ground hamburger meat layed into a hot dog bun. Smother those babies with chili and white onions and you're home. Wash it all down w/ a glass mug of foamy root beer. Bill's...80 years...5 stars.

Sheri A.

Yelp
THE BEST DEAL AND DOGS AROUND! Quick service, amazing dogs. No frills no dudes just chips and dogs. First spot we hit when we come back to MI after winter travels. Try the root beer- you will not be disappointed

Kit S.

Yelp
Great food best root beer wonderful service go any chance I get if you get a chance absolutely try

Michelle P.

Yelp
Ypsilanti Staple!!! Root beer is amazing!!! Gotta try if your from out of town!! You won't regret it!!

Patrick C.

Yelp
This a very low key seasonal drive-in hot dog stand on US12 in Ypsi Twp. Really good coney dogs and handmade rootbeer. Chips are the only side dish. The carhops are quick and freindly. More menu selections would earn another star.

VinUM2004 ..

Yelp
Ask for Wally when you go. If he's not available request "Twinkle-toes". They're both gluttons for punishment.

Ron W.

Yelp
It seems that since time began, Bill's Drive-In has been a gathering place on Ypsilanti's East Side for decades. While the hot dogs they serve are far closer to a "Chicago Style" dog, than a Coney Island like you would find in New York, the hot dogs that Bill's has are locally second to none. I have always loved the chili dogs this place serves up, which is really more like a paste, than the real chili with beans that other hot dog stands serve to their patrons. My only complaint is that Bill's Drive-In doesn't offer classic foot-longs. However, if you love homemade Root Beer like I do, this place makes some of the best I've ever had. I just wish they would serve ice cream like A&W still does. There's nothing like chili dog with a Root Beer float. Sadly, Bill's Drive-In only accepts cash, as they have done for ages. This means no Apple Pay, or ordering with an app, or even the use of debit cards. However, the kids that work there do like tips, as they are working their way school, or saving up for college.

Parma J.

Yelp
The world melts away when you're having a couple of these beautiful sexy dogs! Classic as it gets!

Kyra G.

Yelp
My favorite place to go for a quick snack. Awesome hotdogs, awesome rootbeer. Fast, friendly service and great prices.

Bo L.

Yelp
It's Bill's. What can I say? You see that little yellow house on the side of the road... go and be happy! Get a two dogs with chili, mustard, and onion.

Richard G.

Yelp
I love bills there hot dog chili dogs are tasty mouth watering yummy to my tummy! The root beer is the best in the Ypsilanti city the service is the greatest and Best the price is low for the comfort food! You get I say bill has the best food in all Ypsilanti