Jack's Drive-In

Anytime I come for California to the Capital District, there are three places you gotta go to. Hot Dog Charlie's, Ted's Fish Fry and of course Jacks! Ever since I was a kid gorwin' up, we went to Jacks. In the old days, they had trays that hung off the window. I remember always getting a burger with chocolate milk. It was the bomb! In the past few years, they've improved the shack and the food hasn't changed. The onions make the burgers awesome. This is a hometown fave...not a chain. It's like the White Castle of the Capital District. My only wish is that they would be open when I visit around the holidays! If you want a good burger at a great price, then Jack's is the place!

I adore this place for what it is - cheap and awesome drive-in food.

My usual - burger with everything, cheese fries, and a side of their onions for the cheese fries.  Plus ketchup on the side please.

Their caramelized onion mix is amazing and really what makes this 5 stars for me.  Without that onion mix, I probably would rate Jack's a 3.

1938, that is when Jack's opened.  So it isn't retro, it is just consistent.  However, they have added sodas and cheese on their fries.  I now live about eight hours away, so when i am anywhere within 50 miles, I am sure to try to get to jacks. I had not been for a few years and finally got back last summer (2011).  It was great, as usual.  The patty smothered in onions that had been cooking since '38 on a spongy roll with just the right amount of grease.  I ate too many and felt them for hours....   I can't wait to get back again.