The return of drive-in dining: Keller’s and more drive-ins where retro reigns
Keller’s, Frosty for retro drive-ins
Hey, Bud! Does Fort Worth have any drive-in burger places like Keller’s Drive-In in Dallas? Sonic is getting old, and we aren’t comfortable eating out in public just yet.
— Alex, Fort Worth
Storm’s in Hamilton, Burnet and Lampasas has been a Texas tradition since 1950, and it’s still great. Frosty Drive N on U.S. 377 in Denton opened in 1954 and was once a must-stop for everyone traveling north to Oklahoma. It’s still a retro favorite at 1002 Fort Worth Drive..
I haven’t checked on Theo’s Drive-In at 2626 E. Main St. in Grand Prairie, but it’s known for retro style. Of course, Top Notch Hamburgers in Austin remains the best-known retro drive-in.
Making a chicken tikka masala run
Hey, Bud! Can you do something to help Maharaja Indian Restaurant? Business has slowed down, and I’m worried about our little local restaurants.
— Frances, Fort Worth
Maharaja, 6308 Hulen Bend Blvd, is the granddaddy of local Indian restaurants, and now it’s an easy drive away on the Chisholm Trail Parkway. On a Monday takeout run, I found that for less than $20, the Maharaja dinner with chicken tikka masala, lamb curry and saag paneer is a good value and easy to share. Jalapeno-mint naan is a good add-on. (Be patient if you call.) Order takeout from your favorite local restaurants.
Openings are slow
Hey, Bud! When is [fill in the blank] going to open?
— Lots of readers
I know folks are itchy for things to be normal, but they’re not. Many workers have come down sick. Others don’t want to risk exposure. So, it’s tough to get construction projects finished, then it’s tough to get final inspections, and then it’s really tough to hire and staff a restaurant. The same rule applies to both construction and restaurant service these days: Be patient.
This story was originally published July 22, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
