Categories: Food & Drink

This 1940s diner is one of Calgary’s most iconic hangouts

Throwback diner time? Yeah, we thought so too. Whether you recreate a scene from Grease, share a milkshake with your boo, or pretend you’re part of the Riverdale crew, it’s pretty hard to have a bad time at a burger ‘n’ shake wonderland. The one we’re focusing on today just happens to be one of the best: Inglewood Drive In!

This place has been crushing it for years on end. It opened way back in the 1940s, and though it’s no longer a real drive-in, we love it anyway. How could you not, with half a dozen booths and cute TBT photos of the neighbourhood on the walls?

Elsie the Elephant is a factor you can’t miss. Sporting a 1950s aesthetic, she’s a piece from the Calgary Zoo’s younger days. However, she’s spry as ever, dressing up for all occasions. (Catch her rockin’ a hat and tassels over Stampede.)

Now, onto the food. The Drive In hand-makes all their burger patties in-store using 100% pure Angus beef, one thing we love. They’ve got veggie ones too, french fries with special seasoning salt, and more.

We’re personally big suckers for the crispy onion rings and bacon-bit topped hot dogs. Honestly, we’re not even sure there’s a real weiner under there, but we appreciate the no-holds-barred approach to toppings. Go big or go home, right?

And of course, Inglewood Drive In does soft serve ice cream. Can’t finish a throwback meal without a classic cone, are we right? Now go forth and live in the past, Calgary. It’s good for you.