Panther Drive In

I don't remember how I found this place but it is so worth the detour. The ice cream is delish! The portions of food are all over sized for a small price and the nostalgic feel is awesome. I love how it is always full of locals and gets packed with team jerseys before and after each sporting event!

When you drive the same route over and over again, once in a while you want to divert and try a more scenic route.  That is how I discovered the Panther Drive In in Polo, MO

Two blocks south of the intersection of 116 and 13 Highways, this little spot was a step back in time for me.  When I discovered it, it was already in full swing with the locals. lots of cars around and always busy. it was a nostalgic type of ice cream hut/drive in with the slanted glass front, and the walk-up ordering windows that slide, so they can shove the food out to you, and slam them shut before the flies can get in.

The pork tenderloins were huge and quickly jumped to the top of my list as the most desired place for a "killer loin".  It has been holding that spot for many years.. All other sandwiches that I have had since then were compared to the Panther.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to return to Polo for quite some time, and was a little distressed when I found that the place was now on Facebook, to announce a change in management and had undergone a remodeling to enclose the front of the building, adding a small dining area, where before there was only your car for seating.

Recently I had some extra time as I passed close to Polo and decided to divert over and assure myself that it was still the "king" on my list.

I arrived to find an unfamiliar farm-like building.  Entering I was a little taken aback that the glass front and sliding ordering windows were still there, even the concrete step in front was still intact; now just inside. A facial facade was in place around the front and side of the building, housing about 5 tables.  I took hope that I was about to experience the pork utopia that I so needed.

Alas, note to self....the term "new management" when used on a beloved establishment translates into "don't bother anymore"
My tenderloin was about half the size it used to be. I have torn the meat in the attached photo to show that it was actually a fairly thick section of meat, and all in all wasn't horrible, but by no means as good as its predecessors.
The bun was  not toasted, and was slathered in a sauce that looked like thousand island dressing.....YUCK!  I am not a mayonnaise fan.It only belongs on poultry. I went back to the window and asked for mustard. The usual toppings used to be ketchup, mustard, onions, pickles and lettuce. Using a french fry I scraped the sauce off, taking most of the onions with it.

I had bragged about this place to a fellow yelper, and have been planning a weekend trip up for the over-all pork experience.  That trip has been cancelled. I'm afraid this 5 star operation has suffered in its transformation, and has fallen to a 3.