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The Beacon Drive-in
Welcome to The Beacon Drive-in, a beloved staple in the Spartanburg culinary scene that's been serving up delicious comfort food for decades. This charming establishment is not just a drive-in; it's a nostalgic journey into the heart of classic American dining, where hearty burgers and crispy fried delights reign supreme. If you're looking for a meal that not only satisfies but also ignites your taste buds, The Beacon is the place to be.
As you approach The Beacon Drive-in, you'll find a vibrant atmosphere filled with the bustling sounds of happy diners and the sizzle of food frying. The menu boasts an array of mouthwatering options, but it’s their burgers that frequently steal the limelight. Customers rave about the “Aplenty” servings, which feature massive portions of fries and onion rings alongside succulent burgers, making lunch and dinner a veritable feast. Caleb Roberts noted that his burger was "one of the best he ever had," showcasing the high food standards the kitchen maintains.
But it’s not just about size; it's the flavor that truly captivates. Reviewers like JD Carp mention the well-seasoned pimento burger and the juicy fried chicken, emphasizing that the taste is both what you crave and what you expect from an all-American diner. Indeed, Michael Mills draws a fascinating comparison to the famous Varsity in Atlanta, confirming that The Beacon captures the essence of a “classic burger joint” with a funky flair.
Local favorites such as fried chicken livers and seafood—especially the flounder—are also crowd-pleasers, with Shawden Williams delighting over the perfectly fried dishes. The use of high-quality frying fat adds an unbeatable flavor that many claim makes The Beacon's fried food among the best in the U.S. Norman Brooks couldn't agree more, noting that this old-time restaurant feels like home, where staff members make everyone feel like a local, even if they are just passing through.
While some diners have experienced less-than-stellar service on occasion, as pointed out by Caleb Roberts, most find the friendly attitude of the staff shines bright, especially during busy hours when the energy is high. It’s this blend of southern hospitality and hearty food that makes each visit memorable. Katie May shared her joyful experience of how staff took extra steps to engage with her baby, adding a personal touch that is often missing in modern dining.
In conclusion, The Beacon Drive-in offers not just a meal, but a full sensory experience that celebrates the deep roots of diner culture. With its generous portions, friendly service, and irresistible flavors, it’s a must-visit for anyone in Spartanburg or just passing through. So whether you dine in for the bustle and noise or opt to take your feast to go, one thing is for sure—you'll leave with a satisfied belly and a smile on your face. Come, eat, and enjoy the deliciousness that is The Beacon Drive-in!
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“ The food here was amazing. One of the best burgers I have ever had in my life. Some of the staff were great and friendly and some seemed like they did not want to be there and were slightly rude. The atmosphere when we went was not the best, may have just been a bad day. Might be best to get the food to go, but definitely a great meal. ”
“ Classic "Aplenty" type burger joint that's been serving Spartanburg for decades. We finally visited while traveling in the area. It was exactly like we imagined. Over the top piles of food with a fun staff member calling out your order to the back. This is similar to the Varsity in Atlanta. The only complaint was that the food could have been seasoned more. It took a lot of salt sprinkling to make the onion rings and fries just right. The pimento cheese burger was really tasty. Can't go wrong with that. ”
“ A long overdue review. Life happened. The best fried food in the US. The Beacon still uses fat to fry their food. That taste cannot be beat. It's an old time restaurant. The staff makes everyone feel like a local, but the vast majority of the customers are locals since it's a bit off the beaten path. The portions are HUGE! Eating here must be what it's like in heaven. I had the hamburger steak and it was wonderful. However, for the first time I had their baked beans and they are the best I've ever eaten in my 76 years. I mean, WOW! The onion rings BURST with flavor. It's a good thing The Beacon is 3,000 miles away or I'd weigh 900 lbs. Oh, the prices? The best value of any restaurant I've visited in years. ”
“ The food was what you want and expect. Got the pimento burger all the way and it was big, juicy and well seasoned. My wife had the fried chicken and she loved it. Definitely would recommend only getting one meal with the “a plenty” fries and onion rings. One plate can feed an army. We’ll be back! ”
“ First time visiting The Beacon and it was a hit! They give you SOOO much food! My son ordered a burger, I ordered a small flounder (2 piece) and my hubby ordered fried chicken livers. All of our meals were A Plenty, which means they came with fries and onion rings. The restaurant is a true diner, so it's loud and fast paced. The staff is kind and the food is GOODT! My fried flounder and those hush puppies ‼ ”