The Beacon Drive-in South Carolina
| Address: | 255 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306, USA |
| Phone: | +1 864-585-9387 |
| Site: | beacondrivein.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 6:30AM–9:30PM 6:30AM–9:30PM 6:30AM–10PM 6:30AM–10PM 6:30AM–10PM 6:30AM–10PM 11AM–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
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Jake Hennett
The Beacon Drive-In is unique to Spartanburg and well worth a visit. The ordering and dining experience is one of a kind and can be a bit overwhelming to those who have never been. Once you figure out how everything works, you can properly enjoy the restaurant. The food is great. Massive portions (too big for even 2 people to finish), thick burgers with fresh toppings, plenty of options to choose from, and all for pretty cheap. They only accept cash, but there is an ATM in the lobby. Every item on the menu is probably terrible for you, but it tastes amazing. The ice cream shop also gives you a ridiculous amount of ice cream, but sure to bring at least 3 people if you want to finish the Sunday. Decor is very typical for a drive-in restaurant. The ordering line runs along the length of the kitchen, which means you can see everything going on. The seating is divided into specific rooms and patio areas, with a good bit of room in each. Everything feels slightly greasy, but thats part of the charm. Once you get your food, drinks are self-serve. The guy that you order from and those along the line are pretty cool, however. If youre a native to the Spartanburg area or just passing through on your travels, The Beacon is a required stop. Even though the calorie content will probably exceed what you need in a whole week, everyone should experience it. Recommended: Bacon Chili Cheese a-Plenty and a Sweet Tea
TO
Todd Somers
My co-workers and I travel all over the country and we always try to hit the DDD and MvF places wherever we go so weve had our share of greasy food experiences and none of us minds a little food with our grease now and then. Before we went to Beacon, the locals we were visiting warned us that this place was going to give us an oil change so we were expecting it to be greasy. They also warned us about knowing what we want before we order to avoid getting chastised so we were ready. I ordered the chili-cheese burger aplenty and a side of Hush Poppers to share. The Beacon lives up to its greasy reputation, thats for sure. The poppers were good and the onion rings were good. Nothing special about the fries but the chili-cheese burger was not good. A thin little patty of meat and the chili, I just did not like it. One of my co-workers ordered the pimento-cheese burger aplenty and his response was "its okay." He also commented on how tiny his burger patty was. Now the fun part... when we returned to work, all of us were feeling a little nauseous and for me it stayed through the next day. I think next time Im in the area, Ill pass on Beacon.
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A Private User
I grew up in this town, and have come to the Beacon all my life. Back in the 80s, I remember Easter sunrise services with watermelon and lemonade afterwards. I remember the pallets of huge onions that used to be outside the side door. I remember imitating J.C. for my church youth group. I have many memories there. More bacon hangs out of bacon cheeseburgers from the Beacon than most places put on their burger at all. Their lemonade and sweet tea are sweet and known all over the area. They never get my order wrong. And Ive heard people say that they brought a whole bus load of people in and every single order was right. J.C. and the team are amazing. My fav is the bacon cheeseburger a-plenty with a sweet tea. Also note that their breakfast rocks the house, too. When the new guys bought it several years ago, I was hoping they wouldnt change it. They pretty much kept it all as it has always been (aside from the ice cream stand). Its not in a great part of town, but Ive never had any problems, and it sure is worth the effort. I live 6 hours away now, and anytime I swing by the area, I always go in and get lunch there.
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A Private User
My husband & I went after watching a "CBS Sunday Morning" segment featuring the gentleman that calls out customers orders. Unfortunately he wasnt there, so we didnt get to hear him "call-it." As for the food, we got the BBQ mixed plate to share - YUK!!! The onion rings arent actually rings, but rather strips of breading and onion that have become separated during cooking. French fries were cold....onion "rings" were cold....sliced BBQ was cold and too dry....the BBQ (hash???) was luke-warm - but weird tasting. Cole slaw is on the sweet side. About the only thing good was the sweet tea, and the pecan pie. Obviously I cant speak about the burgers, but apparently theyre not hitting on much either according to previous reviews. Luckily I read these comments before we left home, so I told my husband that it was a 50/50 chance. I am glad we went, but NEVER plan on going again. We just happened to be traveling to Gaffney outlets and decided to go ahead and chance it. I hit dislike on the value because, though their food is inexpensive, if its unedible...then youve wasted your money.
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A Jones
STOP COMPLAINING YANKEES Im third generation coming to the Beacon. My kids will be taken here too. 1940s diner that has NOT changed a bit and thats how we like it. They yell out your order like they always have(so dont be shocked or think its rude.. thats just how it is). The burgers and onion rings are to die for and you likely will eventually if you eat here every day because EVERYTHING is greasy.. typical southern food. Ive never tried anything but the burgers because let me be honest.. once youve tasted the best, why even stray from it? You get a ton of food and the tea is super sweet as it should be. I grow tired of seeing 1 star reviews from idiots who have no idea what this place is or what its about. "Its dirty" "Theres too much food" "They yell". Go back up north PLEASE.. I get so sick of seeing our traditional diners and stores getting run down from reviews by ignorant people who expect an olive garden experience at every restaurant.
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A Private User
For 30 plus years I have heard about the BEACON, finally on a trip to Spartanburg this week my brother and I decided to take the time to have lunch there. It was 11AM Saturday, they were not crowded. Our lunch was the "BEACON BURGER "a plenty" which we shared. The gentleman seen on TV that takes your orde is amazing and so friendly. But the fries were COLD, the Onion Rings were cold and greasy. Had been cooked and kept under "a light" Im sure. The burger could have been good, but it was COLD. The cheese was still cold, not the least bit melted. I was so disappointed, "Wades" was my second choice, Ill definitely go there on my next trip to Spartanburg . Im so sad it wasnt all it could have been, heard it was sold a couple of years ago. They need to revisit their food from the consumers side of the counter. Prices are very reasonable, portions are more than gracious, a shame the food was cold.
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Caleb Adams
Ive heard this place been referred to as an "institution" and "inspiration to all aspiring burger restaurants. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. My better half and I walked into this disheveled and unsanitary establishment with an anticipation to spoil are famished palettes. The pee-pee tea was terrible, so I attempted to get rid of the foul tea with the taste of the burger, a mistake indeed. The meat of the burger was soaked in water, tasteless, and simply low quality. When my adoring wife said “this meat tastes like it’s been soaked in dishwater” I knew it was time to go. We really felt disappointed that people are being misled by the food industry simply because a burger joint has been around for 60 years. Knowledge is power, and I recommend not honoring this place with your hard earned money. We all deserve better quality in life.
