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All American Hamburger Drive In
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 10 pm
Sun 11 am - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
156 reviews for All American Hamburger Drive In
Review Highlights
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156 reviews in English
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Review from Michael M.
Farmingdale, NY
This is a Long Island institution no doubt. There is a reason why other Fast Food restaurants wont dare open within 5 miles of this place. And there is a reason why it has consistently been voted the best burger joint in America from AOL City search.
I am a big burger eater and to me this is the best burger I have ever eaten. The fresh taste and quality makes this a delicious place to dine at. The fresh cut fries, the milk shakes and the Knish are all fantastic. Add to it the in expensive price and this place is a no brainer.
Most of the allure of this place is taking the food and eating it in the car in the parking lot. They do have an "area" outside if you want. The only complaint I can say is that in the summer people throw food out in the parking lot and it attracts alot of seagulls who usually patrol the beaches nearby.
Most times when I go the lines are huge and that should tell you right there that they are doing something right. As they say try and eat where the locals eat and I certainly recommend this place! -
Review from J M.
Seaford, NY
15 yrs ago this place was the greatest burger place I ever knew.
Fast forward 15yrs later and I can say the place hasn't changed much.
The quarter pounder w/cheese has gone up in price less then a buck. The fries are still great. IMHO I think the fries are better then 5 guys, by a long shot.
The burger now is a different burger then It was back in the 90's. It's very close but it's not the same. Place is still jammed almost everyday all day. It's a local staple and one of those places the locals love to introduce "out of towners" to. Nostalgia and local pride aside, they will always be a better choice then Micky d's. At the end of the day the place is a decent burger joint being elevated to legend status by die hard locals. -
Review from Darcy P.
All American is about the childhood memories that Long Islanders have who grew up in the neighborhood. As for us who DID NOT grow up around here, it's nothing more than trashy, greasy, Makes-Me-Want-To-Vomit slop that I wouldn't even give to my mom's dog.
That is all. -
Review from Rose A.
Seaford, NY
I'm not a fan of greasy foods but everyone just loves it here. Great milk shakes.
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Review from Nora G.
Merrick, NY
I LOVE ALL AMERICAN!!!
I have been coming here since childhood. This place hasn't changed but why should it change when its the best?! It has the best burgers, hotdogs, and tuna on a bun and the milk shakes are to die for! It is packed all the time but moves faster then a drive thru at mcdonalds. My mouth is watering just thinking of it!
The prices are great too! -
Review from Richard L.
Selden, NY
The fast food is just like any other, but when you come here, you experience some of Long Island's history. My co-worker introduced this to me and told me all about its history, as he grew up around the Massapequa area.
The parking lot was full, but when we went in, the service was really quick. I would have rated this 3 stars, but I will give it one more for its quick service. I got my fries and hamburger in less than 10 seconds. The shake came 20 seconds later. For less than $5, I got a hamburger, fries, and a strawberry shake, which isn't bad at all. It is quite a drive from my workplace, but if it was on the way, I would definitely stop here again. -
Review from Mia k.
Massapequa, NY
What's not to love. Best place hand's down for old fashioned burger and fries. Killer good!
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Review from Nicole N.
Bronx, NY
This place does not make a pretty burger. They're pretty gross looking smushed into its metallic wrapper. No lettuce or tomato. No frills.
That being said, there's something about these burgers. They're pretty dang good. And when my best dude comes home from his work overseas, it's always first on his list of must eats.
We always get the double doubles, which are smaller then the quarter pounders. I usually think I'm a big girl and order both like him, but I never manage to finish both. The fries are good too. Really good.
Skip the onion rings and the hot dogs. The onion rings are frozen generic supermarket staples. The hot dogs are an after thought. Probably for the kids that aren't burger fans. Dumb kids.
NOTE TO CUSTOMERS: After you place your order and have paid, move the hell out of the way! Move clearly away from the line of have-yet-to-orderers, and wait for your number to be called. Every time I go there, you can't differentiate whose on line or not. It's always hectic. And mostly because those who have ordered are hovering around the window waiting for their food. Move!!! They yell the order numbers plenty loud enough for everyone to hear. Rant over.
My apologies to the severely hearing impaired who must stay near the order windows in order to be able to hear their number called. Disregard my stink eye. -
Review from Sharon F.
I have lived in this town for the last 16 years of my life and have been going to All American at least that long!
The food is decent, but more than anything it is a memory of my childhood.
What I have sampled:
Pretty much everything on the menu in the past 16 years.
The usual order:
Quarter Pounder with Cheese (delicious)
Small Fries (awesome, best fries in Massapequa)
Small Rings (standard, but delicious)
Overall I will always return to All American when I am feeling nostalgic and need a boost!Listed in: Long Island
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Review from Jeremy F.
Worcester, MA
Good Food? Check.
Good Prices? Check.
The Fast Food Legacy of Long Island? Absolutely.
This minuscule hotdog/hamburger joint features one of the smallest menus out there. Some say that the place is stuck in the 1950s with their prices. These are all good things. The first trip to All American is a rite of passage, especially for those who come from miles away. In my high school we had the "All American Challenge": One lunch period (39 Minutes) to leave school, get to All AMerican, get food, eat it, and get back. Many tried, most failed, but none regretted it. Thick milk shakes, delicious fries, delectable cheeseburgers (be sure to try the hidden menu item- a half pounder). AOL CityWatch calls it the number one hamburger to try before you die. I don't agree with most things on AOL, but they got this one right on the money.
The negatives:
It's small, so you might be waiting a little bit for your food. Even when the line is out the door it moves quickly, so you never have to wait that long.
It doesn't have much seating, but there's always the small area out front or inside your car. These few negatives do almost nothing to nudge this down from 5 stars. -
Review from Laura B.
Glassboro, NJ
Can't wait to visit Long Island again for some delicious All-American! The best burger I've ever had - ever!
It has the speed of a fast food drive thru, but the quality of a much fancier place.
If I were to give it less than five, it would only be because it's not closer to me! -
Review from Vinessa L.
Farmingdale, NY
Do you want classic style All American Food for classic American prices?? Go no further!
I've been going to All American for years. It is a classic place with a 50's style. You can get food for 2 people for under 8.00 that's not a crappy 1.00 menu selection. They have hamburgers, grilled cheese, shakes, soda, fries, chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches..etc.
I don't know how they do it , but their grilled cheese, all it is is cheese on a bun with pickles but somehow it tastes like heaven to me. ( I ask to add the pickles which i highly recommend)
Their shakes are also delicious. And to me they have THE best fries out of any fast food place.
If you go here do not expect it to not be crowded, it's crowded year round. On down time you may be able to get lucky and get no line! The lines always move fast. Just pick a line and go with it. They get your food pretty quick.
Be sure and ask for ketchup if you want it as they don't have a self service bar.
This place is a fun, cheap place to go and the food is tasty. -
Review from Nicole S.
Massapequa, NY
All-American is legendary on Long Island, and with good reason since it's the place with the best burgers on the island.
Gotta get the Double Double every time I go, absolutely delicious. I don't know how they do it, but whatever you're doing All-American....keep it up. Love the fries, love the shakes. Cheap and affordable, just remember to bring CASH, since they don't take credit cards. And to boot, there are always somewhere from 15 to 50 people waiting to order and yet you're able to order and get your food in just about 5 minutes! -
Review from Monicalyn P.
Long Island, NY
A Long Island staple, this burger/fry/shake place is the bees knees. Everything is extremely cheap and the atmosphere is awesome. There are a few tables outside and no indoor seating. (Not that I ever eat there, I usually drive down to Alhambra and eat waterfront)
The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, knishes, grilled cheese sandwiches, fish sandwiches, fries & onion rings. Drink-wise they have water bottles, fountain drinks and AMAZING thick shakes (vanilla, chocolate & strawberry).
There is always a long line but it goes fast and it is definitely worth the wait!Listed in: Long Island Staples
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Review from Matthew M.
Smithtown, NY
Can't believe these prices still exist in NY. Non fast food dollar hamburgers? $1.50 for a shake? Sure the burger and the hotdogs suck, but when you're hungry and you're a poor college student, this is a hotspot. The shakes are amazing, so next time, I'll just rack up on those and skip the dried up minuscule burgers...ONLY CASH
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Review from Chris T.
A must have on Long Island.
You will not have a burger like this anywhere else. It's an island wide favorite and if you are nearby you have to stop by for a quarter pounder or double double. The strawberry milkshake is superb and the fries are so greasy it's disgustingly delicious.
Let this place be your guilty pleasure like it has been for so many of us. -
Review from Billie F.
I'm in love with their burgers! So good and simple. This is the place to go if you just want an tasty good old fashioned burger. They put just the right amount of onions on them:)
The place has the feel if an old 50s drive in. And anytime I've ever been there it's been PACKED. The food us cheap. My boyfriend and I have gotten 2 large orders of onion ring, 3 cheeseburgers and a quarter pounder with cheese for not even $11!
Definitely worth trying at least once. -
Review from Nick H.
Let me begin by saying that All-American Burgers is good...no doubt about it. The fries are good, the burgers are good, and the milkshakes are good, but that's where the praise for the food ends. What this tiny, always crowded burger joint serves is food that is honestly not much better than your local McDonalds. But enjoying a burger at this place is not really about the food, it's about the atmosphere, and this retro "drive in" style joint has a ton of it. The line moves quickly and the food is ready even faster, but make sure you bring cash as credit cards are not accepted. Seating is LIMITED, so if you are not lucky enough to snag a table at the small seating area outside, your car is the only option. You will see people from all walks of life at this place...families with young children, obnoxious teenagers, bikers, elderly couples, and everyone in between. I know many people rave about this place and rightfully so. In Nassau County, where generic fast food restaurants are just as much part of the landscape as our local beaches and our green suburban lawns, places like All-American Burger stick out. But sometimes hype and word of mouth have a way of distorting the truth, and in the case of restaurants like this, the hype never matches reality.
People talk about All-American Burger as if it the best burger place in the entire world, and while I agree that the food here is quite tasty, the reality is that this is your typical run of the mill McDonald's quality hamburger...nothing more, nothing less. But, if you are looking for something much different from the boring fast food places in your area, a trip to All-American Burgers will surely hit the spot. -
Review from k o.
Manhattan, NY
The best burgers.... Wooow. There is always a line because the food is so good. But dont worry it moves very fast.
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Review from Ari B.
Valley Stream, NY
Burgers are great, shakes are great, what more could you ask for? Love it.
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Review from Heather S.
Brooklyn, NY
I was born and raised on Long Island. I spent many summer days at TOBAY and many summer nights driving through suburbia looking for things to do. But in all my years as a Long Island girl I had never been to All American. Some looked at this as positively blasphemous.
That all changed in May of 2010. After a short day at the beach me and a few friends decided to head over to All American and I got to see what all the hype was about.
Wow.
Burgers, fries, onion rings, milk shakes... all so good... all so inexpensive. I wasn't in a McDonald's, Burger King, Whataburger, but I was still in fast food heaven.
I've decided that I would make All-American a once a year experience. This year I arrived on Memorial Day weekend and gorged myself on a double burger, fries, onion rings, and a sweet vanilla milk shake. I didn't regret any of it.
I'll see you in 2012 All American!Listed in: Long Island Gems
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Review from Courtney M.
Seaford, NY
This is a cute cheap and great place to get burgers. Funny story (this happened to my mom) we actually befriended 2 British Girls b/c of this place. Long story short over heard they were going to walk from the train station to here and back with all their luggage (they were musicians) b/c they were told these were the best burgers on this side of the pond.
Being nice as my mother is, she offered them a ride there, they thanked us with a small concert and now I'm waiting for my first visit to see them again to try their fish and chips now. -
Review from Tom O.
Long Beach, NY
This is the most overhyped Roy Rogers burger I have ever eaten in my life! I cannot tell you how many people I had to listen to tell me how great all American burger is when I told them where to find the best burger on long island/queens, but they are/were severely misguided.
The best part of the trip were thick chocolate shakes; they were great and yet no one ever spoke of those.
Worth going just to say you've "done it," but the only aspect making an argument for a return would be the price. It's priced right, I cannot argue that, and I would probably be giving it a 3 star review were it not for the magnitude of merits that I had to hear from all of the All American fanboys and fangirls out there.Listed in: I Waited for THIS?!
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Review from Allison C.
Manhattan, NY
Whether you're here reliving the times you ate here in your youth, or you're a kid dragged here by parents reliving their youth, or you're just reliving the youth you never had as a 1950s kid, this place hits the spot for delicious, greasy fast food and authentic nostalgia.
It is virtually unchanged in the past 40ish years, with prices staying pretty low too. Their burgers are good, their fries are AWESOME. The milkshakes are excellent too. The onion rings are only okay.
There's not much space outside to eat- get a table if you can, on a nice day.
I've brought a few people who didn't grow up in the area and they were disappointed. It was greasier than they thought, or the burger quality didn't knock them out.
Listen: the place is great because of the combination of soul-satisfying fast food, cheap prices, and it being a freaking institution on Long Island. I like coming here and ordering the same thing my father came and ordered on his lunch period in high school, from the same window, in the same exact building. If you can appreciate that kinda thing, and you are craving some good fast food, you are sure to enjoy it.
Last time I went, I got amusement walking up to the place: I passed no fewer than 6 cars in a row, all with men chowing down alone behind their steering wheels. -
Review from Justin C.
i dont know how i've never reviewed this place.
this is a Long Island staple. if you live on the island, i do not care how far you are, you must get in the car, spend however long on the road, and get your but to All-American.
there is a reason they win best burger on the island year in and year out. nothing comes close, not five guys, not jakes way back when, nothing. its going to be extremely upsetting if/when this place ever closes.
everything here is good, the quarter pounder with cheese, fish filet with tarter and cheese, their fries, whew, so good, so are their knishes (you can ask them to slice it and stuff with cheese or put mustard in it. but the big secret, their shakes are delicious, strawberry is a must.
the best, even though they recently just raised their prices, the last time I went, ordered a quarter pounder with cheese, strawberry shake, knish and filet, cost me less then $10, come on, tell me where that happens.
go, now! -
Review from Grace C.
Nostalgia. Our high school would have the all-american run. 42 minutes to get to there and back to school before our off-period ended. Or a place to grab a meal after the beach. Those were the days.
Just stopped by for a spontaneous run! Hits the spot. Nothing like shack shake and probably not like in-n-out, but gotta love a good burger and fries for such a cheap price.
*cash onlyListed in: Long Island Summer
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Review from Robert E.
Lake Grove, NY
What a crazy thing! To read all these reviews and then when I go there today, expecting... I don't know what. I've known about All American Drive-In for a long time but for some reason, and I really can't figure out why, I've never eaten here before today (01/11/11). I found myself on Merrick Road in Oceanside and hungry, ...and since I had to head to Melville anyway, All American just seemed to be a great idea to appease my rumbly belly.
I can't really say anything too bad about this place but I will let you know that if you go there expecting a 'Burger Epiphany', you're going to be sadly disappointed. The burgers are good and a great value but don't expect them to be pleasing to the eye, both my burgers were smooshed inside the foil paper sleeves in which All American served them.
I ordered two Quarter Pound burgers with Cheese and added a second slice of cheese to each as well as extra ketchup and extra pickles. A regular burger comes with ketchup, onions, & pickles. These were very good, especially for the price.
I wanted to get the full experience so I was toId to order fries and they were really good. Not hard to tell these were fresh potatoes not too long ago. I also asked how the onion rings were and was told they're very good, so I ordered a small (comes with 6, large comes with 9 rings). I was not impressed, they tasted like a typical fast food onion ring like you'd get at White Castle, McDonald's or Burger King. I guess I was expecting a batter-dipped fresh onion slice from what seems like the anti-fast food anti-franchise. They weren't disgusting, just very generic. Oh, I know! I've been trying to place what they remind me of while typing this review and I remember getting onion rings like these at the concession stands at the beach.
Anyway, It was also suggested to get a shake and the young man behind the counter mentioned that Vanilla was his favorite so I decided to give that a whirl. I left with at least one very excellent experience. The young man mentioned that the shakes are very thick so use two straws, I'd never thought of that before. Worked really well and I didn't look like an idiot trying to suck a thick, half -frozen shake through one tiny straw. The shake was very good but not OMG! good.
I must've been extremely lucky since I walked in and there was absolutely no line. If I'm hungry and in the area, I'd definitely go again but I wouldn't drive all the way out there unless it was more about the ride than the food. When I'm seeking "Burger Heaven", I'll visit Jackson Hole on Bell BLVD in Queens. When I'm looking for a good burger at a great price, All American will be a good stop. -
Review from Michael P.
Port Jefferson, NY
You guys rating this place poorly regarding the burger size and quality are wrong. This place is not to be compared with five guys or some gourmet burger place. To start, a burger here is 1/4 the price of a five guys burger. The burger is excellent for what it is, and it is not a 1000 calorie grease explosion like five guys.
It would be like if I went to Manhattan and rated McSoreley's 1 star for only having 2 kinds of beer and no fancy microbrews.
If you came here thinking that you would get a $5-$10 1/2 lb gourmet burger for $1, sit in comfort inside in a DRIVE IN you were mistaken and should not rate it poorly due to your misconception. The fact is that this is a fast food place plain and simple, and they do it better than anyone in that class. They get extra credit for not putting in a dining room, making value meals or selling gold leaf burgers because they are sticking to their roots! Next you guys will be asking for a hookah bar inside, and wheat-grass shots.
Back when McDonald's was just a burger stand in Illinois, this place and many others like this were around serving burgers, fries and shakes. The rest are now all gone, and replaced with formulaic fast food chains. This place remains and despite being jam packed all day long they have never sold out, never opened more locations, and kept very cheap prices.
The beef is fresh never frozen, they make their fries from real potatoes on the spot and the shakes are fantastic. So yeah your burger is going to be the same size as a McDonald's but this is a fast food place from the same roots that has never changed. You end up paying less than chain places, getting fresh food, and soaking up tradition. This is definitely a destination location, a landmark, and a real place that never sold out!Listed in: Authentic Places
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Review from Jenny S.
Nassau, NY
The food and the prices are great! The prices are so low and you definately get that old fashioned feel. This place is packed in warmer months because it just screams summer.
However, consider they make a killing in cash only business there is no excuse for the disgusting hideous tables out front. It would be fantastic to sit outside and eat, but the tables are unsafe and usually broken.
It's a shame, because they deserve at least another star. -
Review from Michael C.
Brooklyn, NY
I am the second generation to go to this place in my family, and I have to say that this really is the best Fast food Hamburger joint i have ever been too. 5 Stars all the way and if you like cheesburgers, Make sure to order the double double! no thinking necessary.
Simply put, you wont be disappointed!
The food is Legit, and the price is right!!!! -
Review from Andrew J.
Seaford, NY
I've been here many many many times. It's always a treat to have and a guilty pleasure. You can get a lot for your buck. I am a fan of the quarter pounder with cheese and their fries are the best!
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Review from Max M.
Massapequa, NY
Always a great experience eating at All American. There's not much you can say that others haven't already mentioned...excellent food at ridiculous prices. Although prices have been creeping up a bit over the years, still low. And with the plethora of burger spots that have been popping up over the years, there are actually tastier burgers out there.
*note: DONT get the regular little $1 burgers/cheeseburgers, get the double-double or quarter pounder with cheese. Trust me on this one, the bad reviews here are probably from the little burgers. They are night and day.
The menu here is rock solid, everything is excellent! The fries and shakes are pure bliss! -
Review from Christine K.
Huntington, NY
The food wasn't all that great. I had the burgers and fries and the hot dog. I tried it all, but it seemed like it was sitting out all day in the warmth then cooked, I couldn't finish it. The bread seemed a bit stale. A friend worked there and apparently they drop some of the food on the floor and put it back. I found out after I gave it a try and stopped eating there.
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Review from Mike D.
In a time where 5 Guys Burgers seem to be popping up in every town, All American is the original. I've been coming here since I've been a kid where I grew up only 10 minutes away.
I had a dentist appointment this morning out in Massapequa and all I could think about was what I was going to order at All American after wards. I came by around 1130AM just before the big lunch rush. I ordered a quarter pounder with cheese, double double which is 2 cheeseburgers, one large fry, small order of onion rings and a small pink lemonade. It ran me about $10. What a bargain for the amount of food you get. Usually I would eat it in my car in the parking lot especially on such a beautiful day, but I had to stop by Mom's so I ate it at her place. It's impossible not to dig your mitts in the greasy bag at every traffic light and start munching on the fries.
The burgers are so friggen good. The bun looks like someone stepped on it, but I swear I wouldn't want it any other way. The pickles and ketchup totally make it. You don't even need ketchup for the fries. They are one of a kind that I couldn't even compare them to any other. Look you are going to feel like a total slob eating it, but you have to every once in a while. So worth it.
This place is one of my all time favorites, it's a landmark and am proud that it resides in my former hometown. There's not a lot of seating, only a few tables out front, but who cares? Do yourself a favor and take a ride out there on a nice day. I don't care if you live in Manhattan or Jersey, it's totally worth the experience. It brings you back to the 1950's. -
Review from Robert D.
Wantagh, NY
obligatory all american review
this place is great, perfect place to stop after the beach or just to grab a burger and fries on the cheap. prices are comparable to chain fast food burger joints, but the burgers are a little better and the FRIES ARE A MUST!!! i am lactose intolerant, but the shakes get raves from my friends and family.
If you are visiting the south shore of long island from somewhere else, you should put this on your list of places to go. inexpensive, VERY cool, quick and cool. while there is nothing extraordinary about "all american" (except the fries, they are THE BEST around) there is something about this place that makes it a true landmark.
if there is a long line, don't get discouraged; they are really really good at dealing with the volume. don't be shy, work your way towards one of the middle 2 cashiers. you'll place your order in mere seconds and you will be eating the best fries around moments later. i've seen lines out the door and still had my food in under 3 minutes. -
Review from Holly M.
Portland, OR
Let's be real. Dirt cheap prices equals low grade meat, cheap processed cheese, and lots of grease. Type of food that sits heavy in your stomach and clogs every artery.
That bring said if you indulge every one in a while it is that perfect comfort food to eat all your problems away. Fries were good, salty and hot. -
Review from Ashley B.
Being a huge burger fan, I drove a half hour to the south shore of LI to try All American. I was under the impression that this was a burger joint similar to Five Guys. It's basically pretty good fast food.
First of all, there's no place to sit. You go in and order your food in a tiny little room thing. There are a couple tables outside but being that I'm a girl, I was too cold to sit outside. So I had to sit in my boyfriends car and eat on my lap like a fatty.
Like I said, it's pretty much fast food. No lettuce, no tomato. Just a teeny tiny burger patty on a smushed, sad-looking bun. Was it tasty? Yes. Is it better than McDonalds? Yes. But I came looking for a real burger, not $1 fast food (literally, my burger was one dollar).
I hate to say it, because I love that All American has been around forever, but Five Guys is better. -
Review from Frank D.
Suffolk, NY
This place is top notch for what it is, a hamburger drive in. It does not get much better.
I can taste the double double and side of fries now.
Wife loves the grilled cheese and chocolate shake.
This place should be on every Long Islanders "Must Stop" list. -
Review from Billy L.
Brooklyn, NY
Amazing prices, quick service, and burgers and milkshakes from a time where fat was fabulous make this roadside eatery a must on the way out east or back to the city.
Try a double cheeseburger and a black and white shake to fill you up. If they ever try to close this place and put in a Burger King, a riot is going to ensue. -
Review from Rocky F.
Middle Island, NY
A quarter pounder and a b/w milkshake for under $5! You can't go wrong with this retro 50's style drive in joint
