Hinson's Drive-In

If you are looking for a restaurant that has managed to hold onto the feel of an old-fashioned neighborhood drive-in, Hinson's Drive-In in Matthews, North Carolina, is worth checking out.

Located along East Independence Boulevard, Hinson's has been serving hungry customers for decades. The restaurant traces its roots back to 1954, when twins Ronald and Donald Hinson opened the original drive-in. What started as a traditional drive-in with curb service and car hops eventually became the family-owned local restaurant it is today.

For me, places like Hinson's are exactly the kind of restaurants that make a motorcycle ride more interesting. You don't have to travel hundreds of miles to find something worth checking out. Sometimes a good local restaurant, a motorcycle, and a little time on the road are all you need.

A Step Back in Time

Walking into Hinson's feels different from walking into one of the big national restaurant chains.

There is no need for a fancy menu or a trendy atmosphere. Hinson's has the kind of casual, old-school character that has largely disappeared from the restaurant business. Reviews frequently describe it as a family-run, nostalgic neighborhood spot where the food is cooked to order and customers are made to feel welcome.

That's part of the attraction.

Hinson's isn't trying to reinvent the hamburger. Instead, it concentrates on the basics: burgers, hot dogs, bbq, fries, onion rings, and other classic American comfort food.

And sometimes that's exactly what you're looking for.

What's on the Menu?

The menu at Hinson's is filled with the kind of food you'd expect from a classic drive-in.

The burger selection includes the Hinson Burger, Fire Burger, Garden Burger, and a bacon, mushroom and Swiss burger. There are also plenty of hot dog choices, including the Yankee Dog, Kraut Dog, Sausage Dog, German Dog, and the traditional Hinson's Hot Dog.

The menu goes beyond burgers and dogs, too. Pork tenderloin sandwiches, barbecue sandwiches, grilled cheese, chicken sandwiches, and several other options are available.

Then there are the sides.

French fries, onion rings, fried okra, fried mushrooms, tater tots, mac and cheese bites, mozzarella sticks, corn nuggets, and other choices make it pretty easy to put together a meal.

One thing that stood out while looking into Hinson's is how often customers mention the burgers and hot dogs. Reviews also regularly mention the onion rings and other sides.

A Local Favorite

Hinson's has developed a loyal following over the years.

Some customers have been going there for decades, while others discover it after driving past the restaurant for years without stopping. One longtime customer reported visiting since the 1970s and specifically praised the hand-pattied burgers, hot dogs, and breakfast sandwiches.

That's a pretty good indication of what Hinson's is all about.

This isn't a restaurant that needs to rely on the latest food trend. It has built its reputation by continuing to serve straightforward food to generations of customers.

The family-owned aspect is another part of its appeal. Recent customer reviews frequently mention the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere.

Why Hinson's Makes a Good Motorcycle Destination

For a motorcycle rider, restaurants like Hinson's are fun destinations.

One of the things I enjoy about riding is finding places that have some character. A ride doesn't always have to be about getting to a famous landmark or putting hundreds of miles on the odometer.

Sometimes the destination is simply a good hamburger.

Hinson's gives you a reason to get the motorcycle out, enjoy the roads around the Charlotte and Matthews area, and finish the ride with some classic American food.

It's also the type of place where you can take your time. There's no need to dress up or make a big production out of the visit. Pull in, find a place to park the bike, grab something to eat, and enjoy the atmosphere.

That's my kind of motorcycle stop.

The Old-School Atmosphere

What makes Hinson's particularly interesting is that it represents a piece of the area's restaurant history.

Drive-in restaurants were once a much more common part of American life. Customers could pull in, order a burger and fries, and enjoy a casual meal without the polished atmosphere found in many modern restaurants.

Hinson's has evolved over the years, but it has retained much of that old-school personality.

Today, customers describe it as everything from a neighborhood burger joint to a hole-in-the-wall destination. Those descriptions may sound different, but they point to the same thing: Hinson's has personality.

And personality is something you can't manufacture.

Worth a Stop

If you're in the Matthews area and looking for something different from the usual chain restaurants, Hinson's Drive-In is a place worth putting on your list.

The combination of history, simple food, friendly service, and old-school atmosphere makes it an interesting stop. The menu has plenty of familiar choices, but the real attraction is the experience of visiting a restaurant that has been part of the community for generations.

For motorcycle riders, it's an especially easy place to turn into a destination ride.

Get on the bike, take the scenic route, find Hinson's, grab a burger or hot dog and a side of fries or onion rings, and enjoy a little taste of old-school North Carolina.

Sometimes the best rides don't require a complicated plan.

Hinson's Drive-In

Location: Matthews, North Carolina
Established: 1954
Specialties: Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and classic American comfort food
Phone: (704) 847-9506