Cheri-Top Drive-in
Muscatine, IA
Photo courtesy Don Gardner

The Cheri-Top Drive-In has welcomed Muscatine customers since 1956, with carhops still bringing meals out to parked cars. Founded by Walter and Louise Kleist, it became known for giant pork tenderloins, homemade onion rings and soft-serve treats.

The small building, covered parking and cherry-topped sign preserve the kind of drive-in atmosphere that disappeared from many towns.

UPDATE: Cheri-Top remains in business as Muscatine’s last traditional carhop drive-in. Its familiar building and roadside sign continue welcoming customers each season. 06-26

Princess Drive-in
Tahlequah, OK
Photo and info courtesy Greg West

The Princess Drive-In stands along Highway 82 south of Tahlequah, where travelers head toward Lake Tenkiller. Burgers, fries and onion rings made it a convenient stop for locals, campers and boaters.

The vintage sign is the attraction here. Straightforward lettering and an old-fashioned roadside presence offer plenty of character without a giant corporate logo. Also known as Princess Restaurant, the place became a familiar meal stop in Oklahoma’s hill country. 08-06

UPDATE: The building and sign remain. The business has operated in recent years, though ownership and schedules have changed at times. 06-26

Charcoal Oven (Gone)
Oklahoma City, OK
Photo courtesy Bill Jackson

The Charcoal Oven had served Oklahoma City for nearly sixty years when this view was taken. Opened by David Wilson in 1958, it became known for charcoal-broiled burgers, onion rings and Chick-a-Doodle-Doo chicken sandwiches.

Its smiling-chef sign supplied another reason to stop along Northwest Expressway. Bold mid-century styling made the drive-in easy to recognize, but redevelopment was approaching. The restaurant was scheduled to close in September 2016. 09-16

UPDATE: The original closed on September 11, 2016, and was demolished. A later revival closed in 2025. The historic sign was saved and donated for preservation, though

its current display status remains unconfirmed. 06-26