Welcome to the White River Drive Inn, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of White River, South Dakota. If you find yourself cruising along US-83, this modest eatery is the perfect pit stop for weary travelers and locals alike. With its inviting aura and homey charm, White River Drive Inn offers a warm retreat where everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal.
As you step inside, get ready to indulge in a menu that features mouthwatering classics. The drive-in is particularly renowned for its patty melt—a dish lauded by customers like Jennifer Shank, who describe it as great in its simplicity, making it the ideal lunch choice for those on the go. Beyond burgers, the restaurant also serves a variety of hearty options, including chicken strips, beer battered shrimp, and juicy steaks. The flavors here speak volumes about the comfort food tradition that White River Drive Inn embodies.
Speaking of flavor, the side dishes are equally tempting. From buffalo style to hickory BBQ, the sauces add a kick that's sure to excite your taste buds, and those crispy battered fries are a must-try, as any rushed delivery driver or hungry biker will attest. Customers like T K have found the drive-in to be an "oasis" during long journeys, highlighting the genuine hospitality and friendly service that make it feel like home.
White River Drive Inn truly captures the essence of small-town dining. The unpretentious nature of the establishment—with straightforward service—gives it a unique charm. It’s a place where the community gathers, and friendly faces greet you. Though some reviews mention that the prices may lean slightly higher for certain dishes, they often note the overall experience makes it worth it, with an atmosphere filled with local flavor and character.
So, next time you're in the area or simply passing through, be sure to make a stop at the White River Drive Inn. Sink your teeth into a classic burger or savor the warmth of a cup of flavored coffee, and enjoy a taste of the welcoming spirit of South Dakota. Trust me; it’s a dining experience you won’t want to miss!
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Jennifer Shank
27/08/2025
Nice little local place with a GREAT patty melt. Nothing fancy here - just a good place to stop in for lunch and get back on the road.
Dr. Batoul Hassan
24/08/2025
We stopped in for some lunch. The staff are extremely nice. The burgers are good and the battered fries are really good. It was busy so the food took a little while to come out but we weren’t in a hurry.
T K
21/08/2025
The service here is the most down to earth and friendly that I've found in years! The food selection left me wishing I could eat more than a kindergarten student, but I'll be back to try more! Chicken strips, pickle fries, and breaded cauliflower.. everyone needs some good down to earth delicious food now and then. Especially when taking a break from a 10 hour motorcycle ride! This was our oasis, and it was wonderful! We will be back!
Omar Martinez
13/08/2025
As a hot shot delivery driver, sometimes it's difficult to find good food on the road. But this place has a welcoming environment and it feels like home. The food is 7/10, good not great but the employees and cooks makes the place a 9. Young lady at the counter was straight to the point, pretty helpful but could smile once in a while. Regardless she did a good job, both as a cashier and server. Definitely would go out of my way to eat there again if I was coming back home south to Houston, TX.
Andrew Vernon
04/07/2025
This is a simple cafe in a small town, so this isn't terribly fancy. I enjoyed it, but it's a little overpriced for the food you get. Given the limited options locally, that's probably not unexpected. It does have at of "small town charm" and "local color", so I recommend it largely on that basis. They had a couple daily specials, but of the food was what I would expect in a small town cafe such as this. French fries, tater tots, a variety of sandwiches / burgers, as well as chicken dishes such as hot wings. (Descriptions indicate to me that they may go rather spicy.) Servings were okay (not overly generous), except for a side salad that was a bit small and simple for the price. Service is to order from a window and then the food is brought out to you. The staff wasn't terribly attentive, but they did check on us once while eating.