So glad we took a quick detour off the highway near Dallas to eat lunch at Theo’s Drive in in Grand Prairie, TX. If that colorful vintage sign doesn’t get you, the friendly service and delish classic burgers will!
We pulled up under the checkmark canopy at Theo’s and initially thought we’d go for the classic car-hop experience, as the waitress came right out to our car. However we smartly realized we were barely into a 10-12 hour journey and this meal was our one opportunity to be OUT of the car, so we went into the low slug cinderblock building. Not as picturesque but good for our road moods.
During our Retro Roadtrip I learned that confessing your tourist ways can often bring pleasant results, so when I told the waitress we had never been there and were just passing through, she recommended we get their classic burger. 2 please, with cheese! After seeing this sign on their property I knew what I had to order to wash that down:
Yep, I got a root beer. Not sure if it was Cre – Mel brand but it was refreshing. I swear I drank more root beer on this road trip than I’ve had in the last 10 years.
Using the downtime waiting for our order, I took a look around the simple building and found evidence of Theo’s history in the grand opening newspaper ad dated 1958. Note the difference in spelling of drive inn and drive in.
(And hey! That’s the canopy that the RetroRoadmobile was currently parked under! Ah, history)
We were on the early side for the lunch rush, so it was a short time until our burgers came, and I’m telling you, even though this was my 3rd or 4th burger into this trip, it was one of the best one’s I had. Texas rocked as far as burgers go.
While I loved how the bright sun made the colors pop on Theo’s well kept vintage signs I was extra pleased to find these videos of them at night with the neon all lit up! Thank you Vanamonde2 on Youtube for capturing these great vintage neon signs in action.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rST1TmqXsRU]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4u__MxE2rM&feature=related]
Theo’s Drive In Restaurant
2626 East Main Street
Grand Prairie, TX 75050-6211
(972) 262-3309
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Hi! Just found your site via MidcenturyMeals. LOVE your site and all your hidden vintagey gems. I love burgers and pimento cheese, and that looks like the best burger I’ve ever seen. I have some family in Greensville and I need to tell them to head there PRONTO!!
Jenny- so glad you found RetroRoadmap! Now I’m craving a pimento cheese burger…mmmm….!
That looks so yummy!
You are spot on with this place. Great Burgers and fries with a lot of nostalgia thrown in. Best around here
Gary – thanks for the reinforcement! We really did love our burgers at Theo’s and the service was nice n friendly. Glad we made the detour, and would do it again if we’re ever in the Dallas area!
Thanks Betty for the Retro Road Map. Growing up in Grand Prairie made the review on Theo’s very interesting. Now I live 75 miels away, but I’m going back to Theo’s. Thanks Again!
Bob – Theo’s was quite a treat, I hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did!
My Dear Retro Roadmap Readers –
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Your hostess, Mod Betty