El's Drive-In

4.7 ( 2901 reviews )
Checking... 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
3706 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, United States
+1 252-726-3002
El's Drive-In, located at 3706 Arendell St in Morehead City, NC, is a quintessential fast-food gem that delights both locals and visitors alike. Praised for its cheerful atmosphere and friendly service, many patrons, like Tracy D., express their love for the spot, highlighting it as a perfect stop before hitting the beach. The extensive menu is a feast for the senses, featuring everything from the savory BBQ plate to mouthwatering cheeseburgers and chicken tenders. Customers rave about the freshness of the food, particularly noting that frying oils are changed daily, ensuring that each bite bursts with flavor without any lingering old taste. The shrimp plate, as described by Jonathan Choi, is a standout favorite, leaving diners happily overwhelmed. The relaxed drive-in experience adds to its charm—guests can savor their meals comfortably while enjoying the outdoors or people-watching, as Ronnie Parrish aptly describes. With options like homemade slaw and bacon readily available, it's a treasure trove for fast food lovers. Overall, El's Drive-In embodies the heart of casual dining with its delicious offerings and spirited atmosphere, making it truly deserving of its stellar reputation.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers kerbside pickup
    • Offers takeaway
    • No delivery
    • No dine-in
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves late-night food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
    • Has table service
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
    • Has Wi-Fi
    • Free Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
  • Payments
    • Cash only
    • Accepts cheques
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For El's Drive-In

Tracy D
May 25,2025
Love Love Love El’s ! Always Smiling Faces ! Always Delicious. My favorite place to stop on the way to , during and a Great Goodbye to the beach ! A Must Stop ! Picnic tables are Great , clean public bathrooms. I personally love all the different types of birds also . 5 stars from me
Jonathan Choi
May 19,2025
So good I had to review with the meal still in my lap. Got the shrimp plate (18 as of April 2025) and ate until I could barely drive home. Absolutely delicious.
Ralph Wood
May 10,2025
A uniquely favorite place. Extensive menu of grilled and fried food. A whole new upgraded inside, for easier service. The oils they use for fried food are changed out daily so there is no old taste to it. The gals who bring the food really hustle and should be tipped well. The only minor complaint is the skinny straws. I keep some bigger ones with me for that issue. It's a popular favorite.
Amy Reilly
May 2,2025
I was visiting my daughter who is stationed in Cherry Point and my friend who lives in this area took me to some hidden gems. Let me tell you this was one of the highlights of my trip. The food was fantastic!! The employees were equally so, from the servers to the cooks. Please pass along these words to the employees for me and they will understand.......#karen#richard Can you ship to Florida?
Ronnie Parrish
Apr 21,2025
Great lunch spot. Just drive up and wait for car hop to take your order. Sit back, relax, and people watch while you eat.
Zach Gallman
Mar 28,2025
Loved it here! Kids loved it so much they begged to come back for lunch the day after eating there for dinner. The burgers and bbq sandwiches were delicious. The staff work hard and are friendly. A place to remember for the family!
Susan McCandless
Mar 17,2025
I am so glad that El’s in Morehead has reopened bigger and better than ever. This place has been a family favorite for over 50 years for shrimp burgers, oyster burgers and of course, the Super Burger. I have to stop here every time I am in the area. I love El’s!!!!
Shana
Feb 19,2025
EL’s is a must have when your in the area, or even when your not! The food is always fantastic it’s always worth the drive & the service ALWAYS impeccable! 10/10 would recommend!

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