Smitty's Better Burger has been a Hampton landmark since it's opening on March 6, 1956 by Paul and Ethel Smith. It is one of the two remaining independent drive-in restaurants in the 757. For those of you who are a little new to the "retro" world, a drive-in restaurant is the predecessor to the fast food drive-thru. They were very popular during the 1950's/1960's, but began to disappear in the 1970's, thanks to the aforementioned drive-thru.In a drive-in, you park and the carhop (waitress) comes out to your car and takes your order. Here is where you have a decision to make: "dine-in" or to "take out." If you "dine-in," then the car hop leaves a little slip of paper under your windshield wiper telling all the other carhops that this car has been served. Then after a short period of time they bring out your food out on a little red tray that hangs on your window. Then you pay her (don't forget the tip) and eat in your car. When you are done, then turn on your headlights to get the carhops attention. She comes to get your trash and that piece of paper she left. Then you go on your merry way.
If you "take out," the waitress will bring out your order in a paper bag, you pay (with tip) and the waitress takes the paper off the windshield. Then you can either eat there in your car, on the picnic tables on the property, or take to wherever you'd like.
While I've tried several things on their menu and everything is amazing, I personally recommend the "Lunch Special." As of December 4, 2011, it costs a $5.57 with tax for a "Better Burger" (about a 1/4 pound burger) with all the fixings, fries, and a medium soda (or a large tea). I'll take one of these over a fast food chain burger any day. Be sure to ask your carhop what they comes standard on the burger. My only critique is that the burger doesn't come standard with ketchup, you have to ask for it (or put it on yourself) using the bottle that comes on the tray (or the little ketchup packets that come in your to go order). However, that minor inconvenience is well worth a trip to Smitty's. I've personally been going there all my life, so trust me, it's that good. Be sure to check out their website for their entire menu.
Smitty's Better Burger1313 N. King St.
Hampton, Va 23669
(757) 723-0611 (You can call ahead for take out orders!)
Monday-Saturday 11AM-9PM
Sunday 11AM-6PM
1 comment:
I absolutely love Smitty's. I would always get a betterburger and Onion Rings. I haven't eaten there in 10 or more years. Guess I should stop by soon. The other place I loved as much (probably more) than Smitty's was What-A-Burger on Jefferson near Mercury. I know they weren't a drive-in but they had a damn good sloppy burger. Another good place, and I believe was a drive-in was Monty's Penguin. The burgers weren't that great but they had an awesome pineapple milkshake.
Sean
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