This North Carolina Drive-In Burger Joint Is A Nostalgic Bite Of The Past

El’s Drive-In isn’t chasing trends, and that’s exactly why North Carolina locals adore it. Open since 1959, this Morehead City staple still does things the old-school way, with carhops delivering trays of burgers, shrimp, and coastal comfort classics straight to your window.

The smell of sizzling patties and fresh-fried seafood hits the moment you pull in, mixing perfectly with the nearby ocean breeze. Regulars rave about the legendary shrimp burger topped with crunchy slaw, a menu favorite that’s stayed unchanged for decades.

Park beneath the shady trees, roll down your windows, and settle in, because this is a place where time slows down, and tradition takes the driver’s seat. You’ll find El’s Drive-In at 3706 Arendell Street, Morehead City, still proudly serving generations of hungry fans.

1. A Family Legacy That Started In 1959

Elvin Franks opened this spot more than six decades ago with a simple vision: serve fresh, made-to-order food with a smile. His dream turned into a beloved local institution that still thrives today.

Walking up to the ordering window, I noticed old photos hanging inside that showed the restaurant in its early days.

The black and white images featured classic cars parked out front and young families enjoying burgers under the same oak trees that still provide shade. Mark Franks, Elvin’s son, now runs the business alongside his wife, Gail, and their son, Shelton.

You can feel the pride in every detail, from the spotless parking lot to the cheerful greetings.

Family ownership means recipes haven’t changed, quality hasn’t slipped, and traditions remain intact. I asked my carhop about the history, and she lit up talking about how generations return year after year.

Some customers bring their grandkids to the same picnic tables where they ate as children. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident; it’s earned through consistency and care.

This place isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of Morehead City history that continues to feed the community with love and dedication.

2. The Legendary Superburger Carolina Style

My first bite of the Superburger made me understand why people drive miles out of their way for this thing. It’s a five ounce fresh ground beef patty served on a large soft bun, but the magic happens with the toppings.

Mustard, chili, coleslaw, and onions pile high in a messy, glorious combination that requires serious napkin strategy.

The chili has a slight kick without overwhelming the beef, and the slaw adds a cool, creamy crunch. I’d never tried coleslaw on a burger before, but now I can’t imagine going back.

The onions bring a sharp bite that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Every ingredient tastes fresh, not like it’s been sitting under a heat lamp for hours. I watched them prepare my burger through the kitchen window, and everything got assembled right before it came to my car.

The beef patty sizzled on the grill, releasing an aroma that made my mouth water uncontrollably. This isn’t some frozen patty reheated in a microwave; it’s real food made by real people who care.

By the time I finished, chili was dripping down my fingers and I was grinning like a kid. The Superburger lives up to its name in every possible way.

3. The Coastal Treasure Known As The Shrimp Burger

I’ll be honest: the concept of a shrimp burger confused me at first. How do you make a burger out of shrimp?

Turns out, you fry plump, fresh shrimp in a saltine cracker coating until golden and crispy, then pile them on a soft bun with house-made slaw and ketchup. Simple ingredients, incredible result.

The shrimp were tender inside with a satisfying crunch outside, and the slaw brought a tangy coolness that balanced the fried richness. I could taste the ocean in every bite, which makes perfect sense given Morehead City’s location on the Crystal Coast.

The ketchup added just enough sweetness without overpowering the delicate shrimp flavor.

This sandwich has earned a cult following among locals and tourists alike, and after trying it, I joined that club immediately. I ordered a small one to start, thinking I’d save room for other items, but I ended up wishing I’d gone full size.

The shrimp were generous, not skimpy like some places that give you three sad pieces and call it a sandwich. Each bite delivered the perfect ratio of shrimp to slaw to bun.

If you visit and skip the shrimp burger, you’re missing out on something truly special and uniquely coastal.

4. Carhop Service That Takes You Back In Time

My server appeared at my car window within seconds of me parking, notepad in hand and a genuine smile on her face. She didn’t rush me as I stared at the menu board, overwhelmed by choices.

Instead, she offered recommendations and answered my questions with patience and enthusiasm.

Carhop service is rare these days, replaced by drive-thru speakers and impersonal intercoms. Here, you get a real human connection along with your meal.

My server brought my food out on a tray that hooked onto my partially rolled-down window, just like in the old days.

I felt like I’d stepped into a scene from American Graffiti or Happy Days, except this wasn’t a movie set. It was real life in 2025, proving that some traditions deserve to survive.

The carhops work efficiently even during the dinner rush, juggling multiple orders while maintaining friendly attitudes. I watched them navigate the parking lot with practiced ease, delivering food to cars and picnic tables without missing a beat.

They remember regular customers by name and know their usual orders by heart. That personal touch transforms a simple meal into an experience worth repeating.

I tipped her generously because her service elevated my entire visit beyond just good food.

5. Picnic Tables Under Ancient Oak Trees

If you prefer eating outside your vehicle, several picnic tables sit beneath massive oak trees that provide natural air conditioning even on hot summer days. I moved to one after finishing my burger in the car, wanting to enjoy my milkshake in the shade.

The breeze rustled through the leaves above while I watched families gather around neighboring tables.

Kids ran around playing while parents unpacked baskets of burgers and fries. The atmosphere felt communal, like a neighborhood cookout where everyone’s invited.

Squirrels occasionally scampered down tree trunks, hoping for dropped french fries, and seagulls circled overhead calling out their presence.

These tables have hosted countless birthday parties, first dates, family reunions, and casual Tuesday lunches over the decades. I could see names and initials carved into the wood, evidence of young love and youthful rebellion.

Sitting there, I felt connected to everyone who’d ever enjoyed a meal in that exact spot.

The oaks must have witnessed thousands of conversations, laughs, arguments, and celebrations. They stand as silent guardians of El’s Drive-In, providing comfort and continuity.

Eating under those trees isn’t just lunch; it’s participating in a tradition that spans generations and creates new memories with every visit.

6. Recent Renovations That Honor The Past

In January 2025, El’s Drive-In reopened after undergoing significant renovations that modernized the kitchen without sacrificing the classic vibe. They expanded the cooking area and added more fryers to handle growing demand, especially during peak beach season.

I noticed the building looked fresh and clean while still maintaining its retro charm.

The renovations weren’t about changing what works; they were about doing it better and more efficiently. New equipment means faster service and more consistent quality, but the menu and recipes stayed exactly the same.

Mark Franks understood that customers come for nostalgia as much as food, so he preserved every element that makes El’s special.

The iconic signage remained, the carhop service continued, and the outdoor seating under the oaks stayed put. Even the flagpole mount that one reviewer mentioned as their favorite detail survived the rebuild.

Walking around the property, I appreciated how they balanced progress with preservation.

Too many classic restaurants disappear or lose their soul during renovations, becoming generic copies of chain establishments. El’s avoided that trap completely, emerging from the construction period even stronger.

The fresh paint and updated facilities show respect for customers while honoring the legacy Elvin Franks started over sixty years ago.

7. A Menu That Goes Beyond Burgers

While burgers and shrimp steal most of the attention, the menu offers plenty of other options that deserve recognition. I spotted BLTs, grilled cheese, ham and cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, and various seafood plates.

The variety ensures that even picky eaters or people with dietary restrictions can find something satisfying.

Side items include hushpuppies, onion rings, french fries, and that famous house-made slaw that appears on several sandwiches. I ordered onion rings on my second visit, and they arrived perfectly golden with a crispy coating that didn’t slide off.

Each ring had substance and flavor, not just greasy breading around a tiny piece of onion.

The hushpuppies came out hot and slightly sweet, with crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors. For dessert, thick milkshakes in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and cherry flavors provide the perfect finish.

I went with chocolate, and it was so thick I almost couldn’t pull it through the straw.

Real ice cream blended to order, not soft serve from a machine. Every menu item reflects the same commitment to quality and freshness that defines the burgers.

You could visit El’s a dozen times and try something different each visit, though I suspect most people have their favorites and stick with them religiously.

8. The Cash-Only Policy With Convenient ATM

When I went to pay, the server reminded me that El’s operates on a cash-only basis, a policy that’s been in place since 1959. I panicked for a second before she pointed to the ATM located right on the property.

Crisis averted, and honestly, I appreciated the old-school approach.

Cash transactions keep things simple and fast, eliminating credit card processing fees and technical glitches. The prices remain incredibly reasonable, probably because they’re not losing percentage points to payment processors.

My Superburger, shrimp burger, onion rings, and milkshake totaled less than twenty dollars, which seemed almost impossible given the quality and quantity.

The cash-only system also contributes to the nostalgic atmosphere, reminding you that this place operates differently from corporate chains. I watched customers pull bills from wallets and count out exact change, transactions completed in seconds without swiping cards or entering PIN numbers.

It felt refreshingly straightforward in our increasingly digital world.

The on-site ATM means you’re never stuck if you arrive without cash, though it’s smart to come prepared. I started keeping a few bills in my glove compartment specifically for El’s visits.

That small inconvenience is worth it for food this good at prices this fair.

9. Perfect Location Near Beach And Local Landmarks

El’s sits at 3706 Arendell Street, adjacent to Carteret Health Care Hospital and across from Carteret Community College and the Crystal Coast Civic Center. The location makes it incredibly convenient whether you’re a local running errands or a tourist heading to the beach.

I passed it multiple times before finally stopping, kicking myself for waiting so long.

Arendell Street is a main thoroughfare through Morehead City, so you can’t miss the distinctive signage once you know what to look for. The proximity to the hospital means medical staff often grab lunch there, and I saw several people in scrubs enjoying burgers at the picnic tables.

College students from across the street treat it as an affordable dining option between classes.

For beach visitors, El’s provides the perfect stop either on your way to the shore or heading back sunburned and starving. The coastal location influences the menu, especially the emphasis on fresh seafood like the famous shrimp burger.

You can taste the ocean in the food because the ocean is just minutes away.

I appreciated how the restaurant serves both the local community and tourists equally well, never feeling like a tourist trap despite its proximity to vacation destinations. It’s authentically local while remaining welcoming to outsiders like me.

10. Media Recognition And Magazine Features

El’s Drive-In has been featured in Southern Living, Cooking with Paula Deen, Our State Magazine, and numerous other publications over the years. That kind of recognition doesn’t happen without delivering consistent quality and maintaining a unique identity.

I saw framed magazine articles hanging near the order window, proof of the restaurant’s iconic status.

These features bring tourists from across the country who’ve read about the legendary shrimp burger or seen photos of the vintage carhop service. On my third visit, I met a couple from Ohio who’d driven hours out of their way specifically because Southern Living recommended it.

They weren’t disappointed, and neither was I on any of my visits.

Media attention could easily go to a restaurant’s head, leading to inflated prices or diminished quality as they rest on their laurels. El’s avoided that trap completely, staying humble and focused on what matters: good food and friendly service.

The awards and articles validate what locals have known for decades.

This place deserves every bit of praise it receives. I found myself wanting to tell everyone I knew about my discovery, becoming an unpaid ambassador for El’s.

That’s the mark of something truly special, when customers turn into enthusiastic promoters simply because the experience exceeded expectations.

11. Community Involvement And Local Support

Beyond serving great food, El’s Drive-In actively supports the Morehead City community through partnerships with the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, local high school bands, athletic associations, and the Boys & Girls Club. I learned this from talking to regulars who praised the Franks family for giving back consistently.

That commitment deepens the connection between restaurant and community.

When a business has been around for over sixty years, it becomes woven into the fabric of local life. El’s isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a gathering spot, an employer, a supporter of youth programs, and a source of hometown pride.

I saw fundraiser flyers posted near the order window, advertising events for various local causes.

The restaurant could easily focus solely on profits, but the family ownership model encourages broader thinking about responsibility and legacy. Mark, Gail, and Shelton Franks understand that their success depends on a thriving community, so they invest in making Morehead City better.

Local high school students work as carhops, gaining job experience and learning customer service skills.

Athletic teams celebrate victories with post-game meals under the oak trees. That kind of community integration creates loyalty that transcends food quality, though the food certainly helps.

Eating at El’s means supporting a business that genuinely cares about its neighbors.

12. Operating Hours That Accommodate Everyone

El’s Drive-In operates seven days a week with hours that vary slightly by day, generally opening around 10:30 AM and closing between 8:30 and 9:00 PM. I appreciated the consistency, knowing I could satisfy a craving almost any day without worrying about unexpected closures.

Weekend hours extend slightly later to accommodate beach traffic and locals looking for dinner options.

The mid-morning opening time makes it perfect for a late breakfast or early lunch, especially after a morning spent fishing or exploring the coast. I stopped by on a Tuesday around 11:00 AM and found a moderate crowd, enough to create energy but not so packed that service slowed.

Evening visits showed busier scenes with families arriving after work and tourists returning from beach days.

The reliable schedule demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to serving the community consistently. You won’t show up to find a handwritten “Closed Today” sign taped to the window like at some independent restaurants.

The Franks family understands that reliability builds trust, and trust builds loyalty.

I started planning my Morehead City trips around El’s hours, making sure I’d have time for at least one meal there. On my final visit before heading home, I arrived thirty minutes before closing and still received the same friendly service and fresh food as my first visit.