A & W Drive In

Travelling across the US, it was a joy finding a place like this that has probably brought happiness to people on the road for many years.

I came to Thermopolis to check out the hot springs, but before I arrived at the state park, A&W Lanes had a greeting party outside to welcome us to town. After spending several hours at the spring, I came back to A&W--starving. The place certainly filled that need.

After seeing the A&W chain restaurants everywhere, though never trying one, I had no idea what they were like or if this one was connected with that chain. (After checking out the website, the menu is definitely different.) Walk in, sit down, and see something I have never seen before--a phone at each table to order by. This place is classic.

Though the ambience was mid-century, the menu wasn't. There were classic fountain drinks, shakes, and burgers, but also a large selection of what seemed to be their own creations. Forgot the name of the burger I ordered, but it was topped with mozzarella, an onion ring, jalapeno poppers, and garlic mayo. Maybe something else too, but it was great. Good fries and ice cream too.

Would have bowled a few games, but had to hit the road.

This is one of those iconic places you need to not miss. We only had malts and ice cream, all were just what you'd expect, but the place is amazing inside. It's what drive ins should have stayed before they were turned into the corporate crap they are today (not you, In-N-Out).

They've got a gigantic burger, 8 pounds of meat alone starting at $50 that I was dying to try but didn't have the crew for it. If you've got a group spend the hour it takes and get one of these monsters. The story alone would be way better than anything else you'd get.

Best A&W I've been to.  I hear it was one of the originals. More like a restaurant than fast food.  Order at your table by phone.

Tip: get the bacon double cheeseburger.