Restaurant Review: Carlson's Drive-In in Michigan City, Indiana

Looking for a unique place to eat while visiting the Lighthouse Mall or Indiana Dunes in Michigan City, Indiana? Make sure to stop by Carlson's Drive-In, located at 118 W. Coolspring Avenue (the southwest corner at the intersection of Franklin Street and Coolspring). This year will be Carlson's 61st year of operation. The restaurant was the namesake of Bill and Fran Carlson, who bought the property in 1947 and operated a tented roller skating rink with a modest refreshment stand. The menu at that time consisted only of hot dogs and cold beverages. After twelve years of the bitterly cold winters, the Carlsons' decided to replace the skating rink with a root beer stand. The stand, with its considerably expanded menu, would open in the spring and close in the late fall. In addition, they employed traditional carhop service at their restaurant.

They successfully ran the restaurant until 1977, when they retired and sold the business to their butcher, Marty Rebac. Marty chose to keep the Carlson name and operate with the same traditions which made the restaurant one of the town's favorite. He ran the restaurant until 2001, when it was purchased by the present owners, John and Lori Hermann. Although he is retired, you can still see Marty today brewing the root beer and preparing the stand for the daily lunch rush.

Diners: Myself (ZsaZsa), Chet, and C.J.

When we arrived for lunch, it was literally like stepping back into the 1950's. The restaurant offers picnic tables for outdoor seating. However, we chose to eat in the car. Customers who drive-in simply have to roll their drivers side window up slightly (to allow for the hanging food trays) and turn off the ignition. The carhop waitress greeted us with a smile and asked to take our order. Although the menu is surprisingly diverse (tacos, pork tenderloin, Italian beef sandwiches, and much more to go along with drive-in staples such as hot dogs and hamburgers), I was urged by Chet to try the hot dog. He grew up in the area and has raved about them for years. All three of us ordered a hot dog and fries, as well as a mug of root beer.

Chet's description of the hot dog was spot on. They are 100% beef, bun-length Eckrich dogs, which were fresh and full of flavor. The fries were crisp. However, the highlight of the meal was the root beer. The flavor is unlike any I have tasted. It came as no surprise when I noticed on their pamplet the root beer is brewed fresh daily and then carbonated. Most other fast food restaurants just add the root beer syrup to carbonated water. The root beer was served in a frosty mug to add to the nostalgic effect.

The price of the lunch was $12.90, and we left a $2.10 tip for a total cost of $15. Not bad for the three of us. When we were ready to leave, all we had to do to get our waitresses attention was start the car. She rose briskly from the bench in front of the stand, took our tray, thanked us, and asked us to come back soon. As we drove away, I turned to Chet and said, "We will."

The rating: Out of "Must Bite"(Excellent), "Bite this"(must try), "Take a Bite"(hit or miss),"little bites"(go at your own risk),and "This bites"(sucks)....we give Carlson's Drive-In an overall rating of Bite This.