Classic Summer Treats
By Chris Murphy
Just like when you go to a baseball game, it is all about the hot dog. When it is Graffiti Summer, it is all about the burgers, fries and shakes, and of course a good hot dog too. Modesto USA has some classic places to enjoy a meal, whether you are taking your car out, or going on a date. So peel out and check out some of these cool classic places to grab a bite. We have amazing classic drive-ins.
Graffiti Dog
Three cheers to Linda and Rex who went right on to the 10th St Historic Cruise Route and opened up a gourmet hot dog shop and named it Graffiti Dog, There is a complete menu of Graffiti themed items, served up fresh and you can enjoy your food in a classic diner experience complete with a VW on the wall and classic car photos. My fave is the Cruise Route dog with sauerkraut. So yummy. You need to try each and every item and they even serve a delicious Beyond Dog. You can even get a Dole Whip. www.graffitidogs.com 10th St Paza
A&W
The 14th St A&W is one of the few originals left. The Papa Burger, the frosty mug of root beer, Coney Dog, and now even cheese curds all delivered by car hops on roller skates is the perfect Graffiti Summer experience. Pull up, press the button, turn on the radio and away you go. With regular car shows and Elvis karaoke on Friday evenings, it is a slice of ModsetoCana you need to experience. @awmodesto on Facebook 14th and G, Modesto
Sonic Drive In
Sonic is single handedly keeping the drive in restaurant and car hops alive across the USA. Sonic is a great Graffiti Summer hangout and when you pull up, roll down the window order up a SuperSonic Burger, tots, shake or a slushie and some tots through the speakerbox, you get a great Graffiti Date meal. Located at Orangeburg and McHenry, it is a perfect spot on your cruise experience. 1420 McHenry Ave www.facebook.com/Sonic.Drive.In.4881/<www.facebook.com/Sonic.Drive.In.4881/>
Scenic Drive In
One word – “Knockout”. This is the burger of burgers and the drive in that was a hangout for the guys at Foreign Car Service that included Allen Grant, George Lucas, Chuck Billington and Wes Gustafson and others is still one of the best drive-ins around. Order up a Knock Out, Fries and large fresh banana shake and you have a Graffiti-ready meal and you get to hang out in one of Modesto’s classic hang outs. You can call in your order at 209-577-4040 and beat the line. This is a Modesto do not miss. 1161 Scenic Drive www.facebook.com/Scenic-Drive-In-113859211978662/<www.facebook.com/Scenic-Drive-In-113859211978662/>
Sno-White Drive In
One of the most wonderful things is a chocolate dipped cone and you can get one at SnoWhite. There are two SnoWhites in Modesto one on 1841 Yosemite Blvd and the other on 911 Paradise Rd. They have a Colossal Burger, you can get customer numbers of patties and their shakes and floats are amazing. There are also locations in Riverbank and Oakdale.
www.snowhitedriveinca.com
www.facebook.com/Sno-White-Burgers-198300790211076
www.facebook.com/pg/snowhitedriveinparadise
State Theatre
The State was the place to be during the cruise, as the late movie would get out and the traffic on J was still running strong. Many a Modesto mover and shaker got their start working at the State. Today, the sound system is amazing and the theatre transports you to another time and it is as good as ever. Don’t miss American Graffiti showing June 1 and Grease Sing a Long on June 8 and make sure you order some popcorn. www.thestate.org
Fast Eddy’s M.O.A.B.
Fast Eddie Gibson’s Meal On A Bun, M.O.A.B. has been making the great food the very same way since 1952 at the same location at 1223 Tully Road. Please check out our FoodView for the MOAB history on page XX.
Perko’s
If you haven’t been to the locally owned Perko’s in June, they celebrate Graffiti Summer in a big way. Many of the servers are dressed up, the menu is classic all year long and they have amazing shakes and burgers and there are many convenient locations. www.perkos.com
Bob’s Giant Burger
Lincoln center got 10 times better when Bob’s moved in. These burgers are huge and the classic diner experience is the perfect break. They have a whole wall of counter seating and you will be so happy you stopped in. 1801 H St. www.facebook.com/bobsgiantburger/
Hot Rod Diner
Vroom Vroom. There is a small chain that operates a classic diner with great entrees, milk shakes and a full service munu with entrees for everyone. All of this in a cool classic Graffiti theme. Plus they have meeting room spaces and they welcome our local Elvis tributes too with locations in Ceres and Turlock. www.facebook.com/hotroddinerceres/
Run Around Sue’s
If you are hankerin’ for a little adult time on your Graffiti experience, we recommend Run Around Sue’s on Mitchell Road. Big menu of classic, and strong, cocktails served up in a fun classic environment and they have karaoke nearly every night of the week. 1419 Mitchell Rd www.facebook.com/runaroundsuesca
Webs Drive in
One of Modesto’s Originals is still going strong on 7th St. Home of the Big Ben, Web’s makes a tasty burger. The crinkle cut fries are some of the best and with it’s location on 7th St, and another on Yosemite, a great burger is not far away. 625 7th St 209-524-3539
Share Your Graffiti Summer
There are so many beautiful pictures from Graffiti Summer and please make sure you tag your pics #modestoview and #graffitisummer and #ModestoUSA and we will help share them too and we may even put them in ModestoView.
