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Moveable Feast: Drive-In Restaurants

Moveable Feast: Drive-In Feasts
the drive in restaurant taylors falls
The Drive In Restaurant in Taylors Falls, Minn.
MPR photo/Luke Taylor

For our weekly feature, "Moveable Feast," Rachel Hutton of Minnesota Monthly joins John Birge to talk about where to go and what to eat in Minnesota.

Beautiful summer evenings may encourage us to seek a tasty treat served with a side of nostalgia — inspiring John and Rachel talk about drive-in restaurants this week.

One of Rachel's favorites is the Galaxy Drive In on Highway 7 in St. Louis Park. Although she admits it's somewhat of a sacrilege, Galaxy is just a few blocks off the Southwest Trail, making it a great Bike-In (although what better way to burn some calories?).

Galaxy was called Wagner's for many years until the guy who created Rainforest Café bought it and converted it to Galaxy, which now has a funky, futuristic space theme combined with a retro, 1950s drive-in theme. Galaxy serves the usual burgers and fries, but pronto pups and cheese curds are also on the menu. It also has fire pits with s'mores kits on offer, which are fun for kids.

If you want to get further afield, Rachel likes the Drive In Restaurant located in Taylors Falls, Minn.; it's easy to spot, as it's the one with the giant root beer mug spinning on a stick out front. Rachel recommends a root beer float — the ice cream is soft serve, but it's still pretty good. Afterwards, you can go on a boat cruise or on a hike in nearby Interstate State Park, along the St. Croix River.

Representing St. Paul, John recommends the Dari-ette, a drive-in on the city's East Side that serves burgers and hot dogs, but also a range of Italian food.

Audio for Moveable Feast is produced by Mike Pengra.

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