Welcome to Yesterdays Drive-In
At Yesterdays Drive-In, nestled in Carmi, Illinois, culinary nostalgia meets vibrant flavors. This family-friendly eatery has made its mark with a diverse menu, delighting diners with everything from crispy fish baskets to savory barbecued meats, all cooked to order. Renowned for its signature slaw and hearty southern comfort dishes, the drive-in ensures a satisfying experience for every palate. The unique carhop service adds a touch of nostalgia, while picnic tables invite visitors to enjoy their meals amidst the charm of yesteryears. With a commitment to quality at reasonable prices, Yesterdays Drive-In stands as a beloved local gem waiting to be discovered.
Yesterdays Drive-In: Reviews & Ratings
Always fun to go there. Good food at a reasonable cost. We drive 30 miles one way to eat here.
We're lucky to live so close to this family-friendly drive-in restaurant! Delicious, varied menu with something for everyone. We love the fish. It's battered and cooked to order. We're also fans of the slaw, which has been popular to diners since the 1950s. You can get a fish basket or sandwich. You can't go wrong. Fresh barbecue sandwiches are always available. On the weekends, Yesterday's offers delicious brisket and ribs fresh from the on-site smoker. The restaurant is exclusively carhop now. There was a small dining area prior to the pandemic. There are picnic tables available for warmer weather. You can always call in your order and carry-out. If you want lunch, my advice is to call ahead and pick it up. The restaurant is crazy busy around noon. My only negatives would be, as with many places, there is a lot of staff turnover. Be patient with the carhops. The food is with the wait. Also, the restaurant closes early evening, so keep an eye on the clock! If you're in Carmi, stop by and try something delicious.
This place also caters. It often caters for my work and we all love it!!! Their food is amazing and they include a lot in their layout. Many of my co-workers also buy their holiday meals from here.
Fast and friendly service. Good food and excellent prices. We love the old fashioned atmosphere. So much on the menu. I can't wait to go back and try something else.
We decided to try here because they made us a very nice meal for the NWTF. Today my wife had the chicken strips basket. I am a avid pork bbq guy. For some reason at the last second I ordered the brisket and onion rings. Quite possibly the best brisket I ever ate. Color, texture, taste was exactly what brisket is supposed to be.. We will stop here again if we are ever back this way. You won't go wrong eating here.
Ate at this gem while traveling. Absolutely loved how it’s frozen in time from the 1950’s. The food was great and the customer service was very friendly. Glad I got to drop by!
It was an awesome place to eat it was our first time me and my husband loved it has pulled pork sandwich was awesome my BLT was awesome and we both had a chocolate shake and it was awesome
This is a fun little drive in with great and fast service and good food. The menu was a little weird because it didn’t have prices listed but the price of the food wasn’t bad so it didn’t matter. I enjoyed my chicken strip basket and my dad loved his catfish.
Location
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709 Oak St, Carmi, IL 62821, United States Hotline: +1 618-382-8741
Welcome to Yesterday's Drive-In — a Retro Culinary Gem in Carmi, IL!
Located at 709 Oak St, Carmi, IL 62821, Yesterday's Drive-In is not just your typical fast-food joint; it’s a nostalgic trip back to the days of classic drive-in dining. Here, the essence of American comfort food is woven into every dish, served up fresh and fast by friendly carhops who navigate the bustling rhythm of a cherished local favorite.
As you glance over the menu, the first thing that strikes you is the sheer variety. There’s something for everyone, making it a prime spot for families and friends alike. From kidz meals like the succulent Cheeseburger priced at just $5.19 to classic sandwiches like the beloved Triple Hamburger at $4.09, the prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality offered. You're also bound to find a favorite among their fried offerings, such as the Corn Dog for a delightful $1.99, or a hearty Breaded Chicken Sandwich for $4.59.
- Catering Options: Yesterday's Drive-In offers catering services that don’t disappoint, making it a go-to for holiday meals and workplace events, a fact praised by regulars.
- Unique Dishes: Don't miss their signature fish, cooked to order and enjoyed since the 1950s. The fish sandwich or basket comes highly recommended by patrons for its texture and flavor.
- Weekend Specials: Come for the brisket and ribs freshly smoked on-site, attracting meat lovers all around, as noted by satisfied diners.
Customer reviews sing praises of the fast and friendly service, creating an inviting atmosphere where you can relish the old-fashioned vibe while enjoying the modern convenience of carhop service. As Rick Etheridge delightfully shares, "Always fun to go there. Good food at a reasonable cost. We drive 30 miles one way to eat here," encapsulating the essence of loyalty to this local treasure.
Whether you're a local or passing through Carmi, Yesterday's Drive-In guarantees a fantastic food experience. The buzz around lunchtime is vibrant, so consider calling ahead to avoid the rush. With picnic tables available for those warm weather days and a laid-back ambiance, it's an ideal spot to tackle cravings with family and friends or simply enjoy a meal on your own.
Overall, Yesterday's Drive-In is more than just a restaurant; it's a delightful culinary stop that celebrates the beauty of simple, quality food with a side of nostalgia. Don’t forget that the restaurant closes early in the evening, so plan your visit wisely!
Give it a try, and discover why so many diners keep returning for more delicious moments at Yesterday's Drive-In!