Located along West 16th Street in downtown Merced, California, H & W Drive-In is a cherished local landmark that delivers an authentic, nostalgia-filled 1960s drive-in experience. Operating on a site with decades of history, this family-friendly mom-and-pop joint serves up made-to-order classic American fast-food favorites—from juicy burgers on fresh buns to crisp crinkle-cut fries, thick hand-spun shakes, and rich house-brewed root beer. Guests can enjoy traditional car-hop service brought straight to their vehicles, order at the walk-up window, or relax in the shaded outdoor dining patio.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom; car-hop service allows dining directly in your vehicle
Atmosphere & Vibe
Nostalgic 1960s drive-in vibe, casual, community-oriented, and welcoming
Parking
Free dedicated parking lot and free street parking with generous space
Payment Methods
Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC Mobile Payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Pet & Family Policy
Family-friendly with a specialized kids’ menu; dogs allowed in outdoor spaces
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Authentic Nostalgic Vibe: Experience classic car-hop service where attentive order takers deliver your meal directly to your car, capturing the charm of an old-school 1960s drive-in.
Made-To-Order Freshness: Every order is prepared fresh on the spot. Burgers are cooked juicy and served on soft, fresh buns along with piping hot, crispy fries.
Signature House Root Beer & Freezes: Renowned throughout Merced for rich, house-style root beer with a crisp bite, classic root beer floats, and 32oz ice cream freezes.
Standout Menu Favorites: Local favorites include the Double French Burger served on French bread, Avocado Cheeseburger, Pastrami Burger, Patty Melt, and generously loaded Tuna Submarines.
Shaded Outdoor Dining: Features a comfortable, shaded patio area ideal for enjoying a quick lunch or dinner under the open sky.
Exceptional Value & Hospitality: Celebrated for warm, smiling staff and generous portion sizes at prices that offer fantastic value for families and road trippers.
