15 Drive-In Eateries In Florida You Have To Try For Burgers, Boats, And Beach Views

Florida’s drive-in eateries are the perfect fusion of nostalgia and coastal charm. From retro carhop services to waterfront dining with boat views, these spots offer burgers and more with a side of sunshine. Dive into these 15 must-visit locations, each promising a unique slice of Florida’s culinary and scenic delights.

1. MoonLight Drive-In – Titusville

MoonLight Drive-In radiates pure Space Coast nostalgia. Imagine rolling up in a vintage car, neon lights casting a warm glow on your window tray. This classic spot has served the area since the 1960s.

Expect cheeseburgers, chili dogs, and fries wrapped in a comforting, old-school charm. The thick shakes are a highlight, perfect for a balmy Florida evening.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the retro vibe and comforting menu make MoonLight a must-stop. It’s a time capsule that offers a taste of history with every bite.

2. Graves Drive In – Perry

Graves Drive In, established in 1949, is a nostalgic gem nestled in Perry. Picture black-and-white road-trip photos; that’s the vibe here. The burgers are simple, greasy, and deliciously satisfying.

Expect a straightforward menu with fries and shakes complementing the burgers perfectly. The carhop service adds to the old-school charm, making every visit a trip down memory lane.

Patrons love the authenticity and untouched retro ambiance. For those seeking a taste of the past, Graves offers a delightful culinary journey back in time.

3. Tally-Ho Drive In – Panama City

Tally-Ho Drive In in Panama City is a beloved staple. The building feels like a time capsule from 1960, exuding charm and history.

Thin, griddled patties, crispy onion rings, and creamy milkshakes are the stars of the menu. The nearby St. Andrews Bay contributes a gentle Gulf breeze, enhancing the dining experience.

Locals and travelers alike appreciate the authenticity and simplicity of Tally-Ho. It’s a place where the past meets the present, creating a delightful, nostalgic atmosphere with every visit.

4. Shake Pit – Bradenton

Shake Pit in Bradenton is a cherished spot. Part 1950s burger stand, part post-beach ritual, this eatery draws locals and tourists alike.

The menu stays true to classics with burgers, fries, and an extensive selection of shakes and ice cream. After a day at Anna Maria Island or Bradenton Beach, it’s the go-to place for a satisfying bite.

Outdoor benches invite friendly debates over whose burger reigns supreme, making it a community favorite with a flavor of nostalgia. It’s a delicious way to end a beach day.

5. Mike’s Drive In – Bartow

Mike’s Drive In in Bartow stands as a testament to timeless simplicity. This small-town spot has never seen the need to modernize, and that’s its charm.

Burgers come wrapped in paper, fries in baskets, creating a comforting, nostalgic vibe. The community aspect is strong, with locals catching up in their cars while savoring classic fare.

Mike’s offers more than just food; it’s a slice of Americana where the grill’s aroma mingles with friendly chatter. It’s an experience that warms the heart as much as the taste buds.

6. John’s Drive-In – Fort Meade

John’s Drive-In in Fort Meade is a beloved destination for lovers of retro charm. The low-slung building and curb parking evoke memories of a bygone era.

Burgers, dogs, and fries grace a menu unchanged since the 1960s. The salty, smashed burgers are a highlight, drawing visitors from near and far.

People often detour here on back roads, seeking the throwback experience. John’s isn’t just about the food; it’s about the memories created with each delicious bite. It’s a nostalgic journey worth taking.

7. Coney Island Drive-Inn – Brooksville

Coney Island Drive-Inn in Brooksville feels like a roadside museum. Neon lights and 1950s memorabilia create an ambiance that’s both fun and nostalgic.

While famous for hot dogs, the burgers and shakes are just as noteworthy. Families gather in booths, often staying longer than planned due to the captivating atmosphere.

It’s a place where highway travelers become regulars, lured by the charm of times past. Coney Island offers more than a meal; it’s an experience steeped in history and flavor.

8. Dockside Waterfront Grill – Venice

Dockside Waterfront Grill in Venice is a scenic gem. Set at Fisherman’s Wharf Marina under a giant tiki hut, it offers stunning harbor views.

Burgers share the menu with fresh Gulf seafood, providing a delightful culinary contrast. Boaters can dock right outside, adding to the scene’s charm.

Sunsets here feel almost staged, with cocktails in hand enhancing the view. Dockside is the place where sea meets land, food meets view, and every visit becomes a cherished memory.

9. The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar – Destin

The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar in Destin offers dining with a view. Built directly over the water, it provides a breathtaking panoramic of Destin Harbor.

Burgers and Gulf shrimp are menu favorites, best enjoyed while watching boats and dolphins play. The setting sun paints the sky in spectacular colors, completing the experience.

Boaters can dock conveniently, while diners enjoy vistas from the decks. The Edge is more than a restaurant; it’s a sensory experience that delights on every level.

10. Tailfins Waterfront Grill – Destin

Tailfins Waterfront Grill in Destin is the epitome of “dock, dine, and unwind.” With multiple levels of seating, the harbor views are unparalleled.

The menu offers beach-town comfort food, from burgers to fish sandwiches, and fried baskets. Boats cruising by below add to the ambiance, making every meal a relaxed affair.

Tailfins is a place where the water is always in view, and the food tastes even better by the breeze. It’s a perfect blend of scenery and flavors.

11. Harbor Docks – Destin

Harbor Docks in Destin has been a harborside classic since the late ’70s. Known for fresh Gulf-to-table seafood, it also serves noteworthy burgers.

The deck offers views of charter boats, creating a lively and inviting scene. Patrons enjoy casual plates in a setting where the day’s catch often arrives straight from the water.

Harbor Docks merges taste with atmosphere, providing a dining experience as rich as its history. It’s a staple for both locals and visitors seeking authentic coastal flavors.

12. Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille – Bonita Springs

Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille in Bonita Springs is a blend of island energy and coastal charm. Tucked along the water, it offers boat slips for easy access.

The menu features burgers, fish tacos, and frozen drinks. Mangroves and passing boats set the scene, creating a laid-back, tropical atmosphere.

Gulf breezes enhance the dining experience, making every visit feel like a getaway. Coconut Jack’s is where casual meets picturesque, crafting memorable dining moments.

13. Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant – Captiva

Green Flash Waterfront Restaurant in Captiva offers postcard-perfect views. Whether arriving by car or boat, guests are treated to stunning scenes of the sound.

While the menu leans seafood, burgers are always an option for those craving something grilled. The setting sun over the water paints a picture worth savoring.

Green Flash combines dining with unparalleled vistas, making each visit a feast for the senses. It’s a destination where the meal is as memorable as the view.

14. Buoys Waterfront Bar & Grill – St. Pete Beach

Buoys Waterfront Bar & Grill in St. Pete Beach embodies the casual beach-town vibe. With dock access and coastal bar bites, it’s a favorite among locals and tourists.

The menu features burgers and drinks under the sun, with a dress code of flip-flops and casual wear. The proximity to the water adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

Buoys is a place where shoes are optional, and good times are guaranteed. It’s a quintessential slice of Florida’s laid-back coastal charm.

15. Squid Lips Overwater Grill – Sebastian

Squid Lips Overwater Grill in Sebastian offers a unique dining experience. Built over the Indian River, it boasts a big deck and breezy bar area.

The menu includes burgers, tacos, and fresh seafood, perfect for a casual meal. The wooden walkway over the water invites diners to watch boats and wildlife.

Manatees and dolphins often make an appearance, adding a touch of magic to the meal. Squid Lips is where nature meets nourishment in a delightful harmony.