Carl’s Drive-In

One of the best burgers in the St. Louis area! CASH ONLY (or an ATM inside) One of my favorite spots to go for an old school simple dining experience. Karli‘s only has about 16 barstools, so you may have to stand or eat outside, but it will not disappoint. Inside feels like time traveling back to the 50s or 60s into an all American diner. Obviously, you need to get a smash burger, add cheese, or make it a double. The add-ons are extra, but worth it. They also have hotdogs, tamales, corn dogs, chili, and many more items. The fries are cooked to perfection, fresh and crispy. Burgers are always made fresh fresh meat. Don’t forget to try their old school root beer, or make it a root beer float. Be sure to bring cash because they are CASH ONLY come up, but they do have an ATM inside.

I went out on a limb and had the foot-long chili cheese dog, a double cheeseburger and chili three ways I figured since I drove an hour to get there I might as well try as much as I could. The food and the staff did not disappoint, both were excellent, super friendly and seemed to get along great. The food was outstanding. I had a large root beer and the taste of that root beer took me back to the early 1970s. It was so incredibly good. It was like travel all on its own. As I said, I drove an hour to get there and I will be making that drive again and again. Outstanding!

Carl's Drive In is a stand alone hamburger place on the outskirts of St Louis. It's easy to get to but parking can be a pain here with a tight alleyway to get through. Their hours are short, and unfortunately they closed 25 minutes before 4pm when we got there so we were turned away before their posted closing which was very disappointing. I've heard their food is amazing from a few people, but it looks like we won't get to try it.

Carl’s is an institution and if you love burgers and root beer then Carl’s is not to be missed. The burger I had was perfectly cooked and had crispy edges and juicy in the center. We arrived at 1:15pm and waited 20 min to sit down and worth the wait.

They had extra special pickles today!! We got here right before they closed early because their A/C was out! Very happy we were able to eat some delicious burgers & fries! Fresh food made to order! Will come back as often as we can!!

Good was great. Staff was very nice. Atmosphere is very cute. But...Tiny portions. Burgers are small. Onion rings were small and there were 7-8 in an order. So order more than you think you need. Also their "make it in house" root beer is just IBC. Making it in house is just combining soda with syrup like every fountain drink ever.

8 bar stools on each side. It was loud warm and no personal space. Burger was good. Onion rings were good but but only 6 to an order. Was not worth the drive from the city. If I go back I will get my order to go.

Dropped in right after open on a rainy Sunday morning. EXCELLENT burgers and onion rings. Staff were personable and fun. This may have been our first time, but it sure won’t be our last!

Stopped in yesterday after a Cards game (win!). Counter service with the opportunity to sit near the grill if you like to see your food get made (I do). Root beer from a barrel and a tasty burger. Staff are not particularly talkative but if you're there for the food that's all you'll need. Cash only so don't forget to have some on you, though they do have an ATM if you forgot.

If you have a hankering for a cheeseburger, fries and a root beer this is the place to go! Carl's has been around forever, so they have had time to prefect everything on the menu. First, know they only take cash. They do have a small ATM situation if you don't have cash. Second, there is only seating for 16 inside, split up on both sides. They have recently put out a couple picnic tables for extra seating. Third, no bathroom. Go before you go. Our family has enjoyed Carl's for generations. Walk in grab a barstool and take a load off. The menu is small but still hard to pick from because everything is delicious! Everything is cooked right in front of you fresh off the grill. I usually start off with a root beer in a cold frosty mug. They have been using the same recipe for years, It's so good! The kiddos love to enjoy a root beer float. Then order a cheeseburger with fries or onion rings. You have to wait a minute to eat when your food is served because it's that hot from the grill. The servers and cook work together like a well oiled machine to get orders out quickly. The small town 50s style diner vibe is such a nice change of scenery from big restaurants. I like to go during the.week after lunch time so it's not super busy. Just know it's worth the hype!

I have been going to Cart's for 43 years. I know this because I first went there when I had just moved to St. Louis. Through a few different owners, the food quality is consistent, the ambience unchanged and I've always been treated like a friend. My kids grew up on it and now the grandkids. When I go there, I get the question of did I visit Carl's East or West. You would have to go there to understand. Anyway, what more can I say! Get a burger, tamale, hot dog or anything else and you won't be disappointed! Always get a large root beer! Just enjoy this quaint little place!

We have always loved Carl's! We had taken a break for a while and just visited again. I ate here a few times weekly when I was pregnant. All I craved was a root beer and burger. We brought my daughter and she loved sitting at the bar. A few things: It's cash only. There is an ATM machine inside that you can use. Bar space is limited. There's a bar with 7/8ish stools on either side of the grill area. It's an eat and run sort of spot. People are squeezing in between you to order and pay so don't go in a bad mood!

St. Louis staple. Don't sleep on the tamales with chili. I can never leave this place without a with Ronnie's rocky road for the journey home.

Carl's Drive In is a family staple of ours and has been for generations. My grandfather used to say "you'll never find a better burger". From the small quaint atmosphere, to the quick speed of the inside hustle, you can't go wrong when you need a classic smashed burger. It's cash only and the food is extremely reasonable. We always get the double cheeseburgers with everything (lettuce, onion, pickle, tomato, mustard and ketchup). You can get some additional toppings also if desired. We love the fries with cheese and the onion rings are delicious! The service is always quick and if you go enough, the same staff there to greet you and working their tails off to serve top notch burgers every single time! If you haven't been and live in St. Louis, it's a must!! Add it to your list, you won't be disappointed!

Forever delicious! I've been coming to Carl's my entire life, and it's just as amazing as I remember it. It's a small spot, so I definitely recommend going during non traditional meal hours to snag a spot. We went around 2pm for a late lunch and got a seat with no trouble. If you are craving carls during a lunch rush, they take phone orders for pick up. Their menu is simple which is part of the traditional appeal. Solid diner food that's made with love! I ordered a double cheeseburger with pickles and some fries. My dad ordered a chili cheese dog and onion rings with their famous root beer. The burger was amazing- smashed and made on the griddle which gave it the crispy edges. The fried were great (and probably some of the biggest/ longest fries I've ever had lol). My dad really enjoyed his chili cheese dog, and I loved how crispy the onion rings are. I had a sip of the root beer and it was fabulous, crispy, and cold. They serve it out of a big barrel in the middle of the restaurant which is fun. They do not take cards, but they have an atm located there to take care of that issue which is great- saves a trip to the bank in a pinch. Staff was kind and welcoming.

Heading on my way out of St.Louis, and someone at Greenlight Rock Hill told me I had to stop here before I left. I wish I knew it was cash only- because I didn't get to leave as big of a tip ad I wish I could've. Service was so fast. The cheeseburger and fries were delicious. The diner felt like a step back in time.

I wanted to love it! I loved the atmosphere of the business. The service was meh, the customers were nice, everyone was welcoming the next person to take their seat or told them they could sit next to them. The burger was okay, the fries were good and the root beer was way too sweet for my liking. It was a cool experience, but it may be over hyped. I love the new parking though so it's a more organized chaos.

I've been eating here since Carl what is the owner, Frank and as it continues... The food is always fresh and good, but to read a review of an owner, making fun of a bad review makes me not want to come back! It just shows the immaturity of the latest owner ... Until he decides to change that review, although I know nothing of that person, I will not be returning. Someone who's been a retail for a long long time, you never criticize a customer for stating a bad review... Someone should've told you that a long time ago . I feel like I'm having to teach you... Apologize and move forward !!!

Great and cheap place for a quick bite! Came in on a Friday night around 5:30 pm and placed a to go order inside. A burger, onion rings, and an ice cream sandwich came out to only $14! All the food came out super quick and the burger was actually DELICIOUS! Onion rings were good but were an extremely small portion (I'm talking like 4 or 5 in a bag small). Overall enjoyed my experience and would go back again. The waitresses were also pretty nice in the short interaction i had with them. They don't take card so i recommend getting cash beforehand. They have an "ATM" at the front but it's really just a machine that charges your card and gives you a receipt back for the charge so no way to get change back.

Food was cheap!! With this economy it matters . Fast and friendly small but intimate I like it. It's like a neighborhood gem

Carl's is an absolute classic! The smashed burgers here are cooked perfectly. Just the right amount of crispy edges while still keeping an amazing beef flavor. The fries are great, the homemade root beer is the only soda I ever order, and my kids love the hot dog.

This burger joint off Manchester is so good and fresh and and consistent. I love having lunch at Carl's Drive in. The interior is small and gives you a such a personal dining service experience while being able to speak to the staff while they cook prepare you burgers

Awesome cheeseburger. I got a double and the patties were perfectly cooked and crispy thin on the edges. The fries were pretty good but couldve used a little more cooking. The mini corndogs were fun to try. Would definitely come back. Great service.

I stopped in today randomly and to my surprise it was empty. Not often you find this place with room to breathe. It's everything you've heard from other reviewers-- good as hell, yet simple as hell. The staff are accommodating and always moving. The location is intimate so you're able to see everything that's happening. Same crew every time I'm here and they get the job done. Never a complaint and always willing to go above and beyond. I've had pretty much everything on the menu but the burgers reign supreme. My total was $18 for 2 burgers, an onion ring and a Large root beer. Can't beat it. Want to take the kids out for a quick burger? Skip McDonald and Wendy's and all the other places. Quality over speed. They'll love you forever!

Once again very nice place and they also have very good food and drinks and great service. Merry Christmas

Editing my review. My total 1-star rating was obviously weighted, as food is more important than service. It could be the best service in the world, but there is no point in going back if the food sucks. Based on the attitude in the owner's response, I will change it "0 stars," but it has to remain technically 1 since I can't actually give 0. That is why I mentioned originally the original star was for the good service rather than giving "0." That the paper plates that can't even fit a burger and fries did not actually go into my rating; I was just providing information to potential customers to know what to expect, as a review should. Oh and pretending like fries can't be salted due to being "too fresh" is the most laughable of all, along with their "awards." Original review: Giving 1 star for the service, which was fine. They were ready to take my order before I was seated. The fries were bland, as they add no salt (I later realized they have serlf-service salt shakers on the counter, but if you don't add it immediately, it doesn't stick), but at least they were fresh, since they are served 3 feet from the fryer. The burger patty was the thinnest I've ever encountered in my life. I think it would take a triple burger to make up one of Steak N Shake's, and the price of doing that would be ridiculous for what you get. Most bites I couldn't tell there was any meat in there, and I'm not joking at all. Burgers are served on a burger-sized paper plate, and fries are served in a to-go style fry bag on top of a napkin as a plate. They have a sign saying it was named the best burger in 2013 that it looks like they typed up and printed it in Word with no mention of who supposedly said this.

Proper diner burger. Proper diner service, quick friendly even when they're busy (I've never not seen them busy). I feel like it's time to go back.

These smash Burgers are the best in St. Louis. The service is extremely quick and food is served fresh off the grill. Menu and Seating very limited as there is counter seating only. Tiny throwback building from the 50's but very clean and delicious

Got the Double Cheeseburger loaded up. Loved the ketchup, which I was told it's 33% ketchup. Now I'm on the hunt. Beef was great as well as the toppings. Looks like it hasn't changed in 50 years. Definitely a burger spot!

Food is always good. It's one of my favorites. Prices are affordable. It's small inside but great take out.

THE BEET ROOT BEER THERE IS! The food is amazing and the services is great very fast. The restaurant has an 1950 feel with the keg of root beer and quick paper bag serving style

Great burgers & fries. A must try. Love that you sit at a counter & can watch your order being put together. And everyone is so nice.

Carl's is a classic. That being said, I think that their food is just okay. I don't love their burgers or fries so much that I have to go all the time. I do enjoy their root beer. It's a fun place to go if you want that old time feeling. It's a nostalgic place for so many of us, and that's why I go back.

I will never go here again! Theses waitress are racist! I was there before 5 people and they didn't acknowledge me at all everyone got their food before me and when I told her she got order wrong she proceeded to roll her eyes and with her hand takes the condiment out, I was allergic to it and she still charged me for the burger, don't come here. They need to close down

Wow this is really a STL staple! I love the real old fashion burgers here! If you want just a real good cheeseburger this is definitely the spot. Made fresh and right in front of you. Thin and crispy but juicy in the center. It's just amazing. The services is good. Just a few ladies. It's a small drive in two doors and every limited seating but very worth trying.

Been going to Carl's since I would visit my Grandma, whose home was very close. We used to get the root beer. Today I had a single burger with grilled onions, tomato and lettuce. It was grilled fresh, took a little longer than going to a chain restaurant. I expect the atmosphere to be two small counters of people eating their lunch, so I patiently waited and ate in my car. Just fine. Love the root beer. Rich and creamy. I have never ordered any of their other foods, meets my craving for a freshly prepared burger. Price reasonable and a single was just right for my appetite. Hate it when the meal is sized for a high school football player. No left overs. Will always be coming back.

Dining in at Carl's is an experience. With its tiny, double-sided interior and a single row of bar stools, it's fast paced and memorable. I got a double cheeseburger, large fries, cheese sauce, and root beer. It came out to about $14 - pretty good value. The it was all delicious, especially their smashburger which some say they invented. If you're a burger fan, it's definitely worth dining in at least once for the experience alone.

Carl's is a rare holdover from former days that maintains the great experience of having good burger joint food. Great shakes. So happy the are still here and now open on Sundays!

The best burgers in stl. And also the best root beer. It comes to you fresh in a chilled mug.

Take a step back in time in this classic diner with counter service seating. Crispy edge flattop burgers, golden fries / onion rings, and root beer in a frosty mug. Cash only. An American icon on Route 66 for a reason. Stop in the mid afternoon to avoid the rush and enjoy every bite!

Best burger and root beer floats in St Louis, no doubt. MyBurger, Smashburger, and Shake Shack wish they could be Carls, but they can never match the taste and authenticity on Route 66.

Never disapoints. Root Beer is as good as I remembered. Smash burgers, yum. Perfectly crispy edges. I love their onion rings too!

The absolute worst service I've had in a long time, especially considering that they were extremely slow. It wasn't even the charming kind of rude, they were just being unnecessarily nasty. The food was fine, but overpriced for a burger stand. We were hoping to find a hidden gem, but ended up being disappointed. 3 stars because they're mediocre at best. I won't be back

It's Carl's, they are awesome. Can not go wrong with a cheeseburger, fries, and root beer of course.

as you might expect, the service is pretty mid, but the burgers really hit the spot! we got the triple cheeseburger and polished the whole thing off pretty fast. the best burger i've had in some time.

Best Burgers in STL! New owners have down great job updating the space. Quick friendly service. TWO THUMBS WAY UP!!!

Cash only was a PITA only because I was traveling. Food is pricey, especially for the portions. Milkshake was good though.

The burgers and root beer steal the show. Seriously, the best burgers in STL. I could have them every day and they would never get old. Do yourself a favor and stop here for lunch sometime soon.

What a disappointment i guess covid or something has taken its toll because this place is no longer the slice of hamburger heaven it was not that long ago. Burger was dry, not juicy, onion rings were not fresh and less than half a sack. But the real charming new feature is the rude service. Perhaps they haven't heard there are other places to get good burgers (that are still actually really good). I'm sure many will lament the loss of this treasured restaurant when it closes. But the losss is already there, if things don't change dramatically. The rest is just inevitable. Pity.

The people who work there are always so rude. The last time I was there one of the employees snapped that I better move my car. What? I didn't want to bump into the AC unit in back. I have tried and tried. I cannot go back there, just not worth the nasty attitude. Also the hamburgers are often very very thin and overcooked.

Honestly one of the most overrated places in the city. I know some people have grown up with this, or whatever, but some people also grow up with racism, if you know what I mean. Total was almost $30 for two burgers (one only a single), two small cheese fries, and two root beers. This is like Five Guys pricing, but I at least have a full belly after Five Guys. The portions are MEASLY. I thought it was insane that all my food fit in the tiny bag they gave me. Of course it fit, the portions of fries is laughable and the burger itself is comparable to the quarter pounder from Sonic. I would actually prefer the Sonic burger because it is under $4 dollars, opposed to twice the price here. Now, pricing is one thing, but all three ladies that were there had the WORSE attitudes. I thought maybe I had went into one of those diners where they're very rude to you, or something. I have no idea what they say on, but it must've been long and sharp. If even one of the women had the slightest tinge of customer service and warmth, I would be much happier about patronizing this place. I came here years ago at the recommendation of a friend whose dad always brought them here (go figure, that sentimentality once again) and remember feeling unimpressed. Recently, I saw someone raving about the burger on a group, and I've been having a burger kick, so I decided to come give it another shot. Wow! What a waste of time, honestly. If you don't want to read all of this, here are the highlights: -Price is in no way worth the portions, service, and general experience of the entire place. -Cheese sauce made me gag. It was genuinely the worst cheese sauce I've ever had, and I eat most things. I also don't waste cheese sauce I pay extra for... well, this cheese sauce belongs in the garbage. It's insane these people sell that crap off. I mean seriously, I want to know where they bought it, and if they made it, I want them shut down for it. It was vile. -Root beer was fine. In no way even good enough to come back for that. It's under carbonated, and a good chilled can A&W poured in a glass should do the trick. Trust me. -The women that work here. Are. So. Not. Nice. Taking your order, they are abrupt and rude. Maybe since I was carrying out they assumed they weren't getting tipped? They didn't get tipped because I would get better service from a White Castle. Something about them also rubbed me in the wrong way, like the movie "Get Out" way. If you get it, you get it. Place is a waste of time. 2023 pricing for 50's quality diner food. Not the good kind.

This place is such a nostalgic spot for me. I've been coming here for years since high school! My go to is a double cheeseburger with everything on it (lettuce, pickle, onion, ketchup, mustard) plus a side of large fries. The place may not look like much, but the food definitely makes up for it. The ONLY downside is the service is kind of bad. The woman there can be really rude when serving you.

I went when I was young with my mother, a prominent memory when we went being that an older white woman had been yelling at her staff and being loudly rude towards him our entire visit. if you've been, it's a very tight space and it's warm, especially in the summer when it's jammed pack. So needless to say I'd someones loud and saying rude things the entire room can hear it. Though my mom didn't remember anything but that, I thought my childhood self has enjoyed the food at the very least. I went back today considering some food. assuming they were no cash only by the sign that said atm, I went over and got twenty dollars and printed my ticket. I sit down and the lady stared at me sorta exasperatedly and goes "what can I get for you?" I said I'd just have the check since I got cash from the area marked "atm" I'm not sure if I read a rule on the instructions that said so but she nastily let me know "you're only suppose to use that if you're getting something. Guess they only like patrons of a specific aesthetic of skin.

Great smashed burger place in Saint Louis definitely don't miss out on this place , but not for dine in honestly

You've got to go to Carl's! My double cheeseburger with bacon was really delicious - I loved the crispy edges and it tasted great (and I don't love American cheese, so that's saying something!). For the most part, I could not tell there was bacon on it, except for a few bites, because the bacon is really thin. Or maybe it was because I also had mustard and pickles on my burger. Whatever!! Overall it was quite enjoyable. The onion rings? Eh, I've had better. Their root beer, though, is another story, they make their own and it is fantastic! Great service. When you pull in the lot, call in your order, and they will tell you when to pick it up at their window. Wear your mask! I ordered mustard and pickles on my burger, and it was the perfect amount of each. Even if this isn't really your kind of food, if you are driving through the St Louis area, treat yourself to Carl's, so you can at least say you were there!

There just aren't restaurants like Carl's anymore. Carls is a combination of excellent food, tradition and the experience. The ideal Carls experience walking in one side, see that the other side has fewer people and walking around the building to the other side. Then, your order will be taken while you stand and wait for space at the counter. Your food will be ready just after a seat opens up. You MUST order a cheeseburger and large root beer in a frosted mug. Nearly all the staff has been there for decades and it is like a small family. The best food, the best experience, the best people.

Downright rude here !!!!!! The restaurant was half full and I sat down with some colleagues to get food. One didn't order any food but still sat down. Well, they rudely forced him to stand up and leave his seat when another customer came in to eat - even though my colleague was there first with us!!! Food is meh, takes awhile, and they're straight up not nice here. Apparently people come here because they did when they were a kid. And that should be the only reason one should even step foot here....if that's even a valid reason to come to Carl's.....