The Spartanburg, South Carolina landmark opened in 1946 as the second-largest drive-in restaurant in the country, following The Varsity in Atlanta. They also still offer curbside service. The Beacon Drive In is the largest single seller of iced tea in the country, serving up 62,500 gallons per year. It’s been a stop for visiting celebrities and especially touring politicians ready for a photo op.
The menu is full of American favorites, but the most well-known is the Chili Cheese-A-Plenty, a chili cheeseburger with a side of onion rings and fries. Also give the pulled pork sandwich or the fried catfish a try. For dessert, the adjoining Dairy Bar serves over 20 flavors of ice cream.
If You Go
The Beacon Drive-In is located at 255 John B. White Sr. Boulevard, Spartanburg, SC 29306. From I-85, take I-26 East and exit #22. Turn left onto John B. White Sr. Boulevard and the restaurant is three miles down on the right. They’re open Monday and Tuesday from 7 am to 9 pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 7 am to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 7 am to 10 pm and on Sundays from 11 am to 8 pm.
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