Mac's Drive-In in Sumter: Classic Burgers and Shakes Since 1946

A Sumter institution that still does burgers the old way

Mac's Drive-In has been serving burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes from the same location on Sumter's Hasel Street since 1946. The restaurant operates as a classic drive-in with a small indoor counter and a parking lot where you can eat in your car—the original way these places worked. The menu is straightforward: hand-formed beef patties, crispy fries, and thick shakes made with real ice cream. Nothing has changed much in nearly 80 years, which is exactly why people keep coming back.

The building itself is modest, with a red-and-white exterior and a covered order window. Inside, a handful of stools line a short counter. The real draw is the consistency: the same recipes, the same approach to cooking, the same casual atmosphere that made drive-ins a centerpiece of American car culture. Mac's survived the rise of fast-food chains by staying exactly what it was.

Key Takeaways

• Mac's Drive-In has operated continuously since 1946 at 2609 Hasel Street in Sumter, making it one of the state's oldest continuously operating drive-ins.
• The menu focuses on hand-formed burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes made with real ice cream, with no significant changes to recipes or preparation methods.
• You can order at the window and eat in your car, at the indoor counter, or take food to go—the restaurant accommodates all three.
• Hours and seasonal closures vary, so calling ahead before a visit is a practical step, especially on holidays or during winter months.

What to order and what to expect

The signature item is the burger: a quarter-pound patty hand-formed daily, cooked on a flat-top griddle, and served on a simple bun with your choice of toppings. The fries are cut fresh and fried to order, which means they take a few minutes but arrive hot and crisp. Milkshakes come in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, mixed thick enough that the spoon stands up in the cup.

Hot dogs are also available, prepared the same way—simple, well-cooked, and without pretense. Prices are low by modern standards, which reflects both the era the restaurant belongs to and the fact that Mac's has never chased trends or expanded into a chain. A burger, fries, and shake will cost less than the same meal at most fast-casual restaurants.

The indoor counter has a handful of seats and a view of the griddle, so you can watch your food being made. The parking lot has space for a dozen or more cars, and many regulars eat in their vehicles the way drive-in customers did in the 1950s. The atmosphere is unhurried and social—locals know the staff, and the pace of service reflects that this is a place to linger, not rush through.

Location and how to get there

Mac's Drive-In sits at 2609 Hasel Street in Sumter, a few blocks from downtown. From Interstate 95, take Exit 42 and follow US-15 north into the city. Hasel Street runs east-west through a residential area, and Mac's is marked by its distinctive red-and-white building and the parking lot out front. Street parking is also available if the lot is full, though that is rare.

The restaurant is about 45 minutes from Columbia and roughly an hour from Charleston, making it a reasonable detour if you are passing through the Midlands or heading to the coast. Many visitors treat it as a deliberate stop rather than an accident—a place to experience what a working drive-in from the 1940s actually feels like, rather than a themed recreation of one.

Hours and what to know before you visit

Mac's operates during lunch and dinner hours, typically opening mid-morning and closing in the evening. Hours shift seasonally, and the restaurant may close on certain holidays or during slower winter months. Calling ahead is the most reliable way to confirm the restaurant is open, especially if you are making a special trip.

The restaurant does not take reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times are usually short, even during lunch rush, because the operation is designed for quick service. Payment is cash or card at the window or counter. The restaurant is not large, so on busy afternoons you may wait a few minutes for a table at the indoor counter, but the parking lot can accommodate overflow.

Why Mac's matters to Sumter's food history

Drive-ins were a defining feature of American food culture from the 1930s through the 1960s, and they have largely disappeared. Most were replaced by fast-food chains or closed entirely as car culture shifted and suburban sprawl changed how people ate. Mac's is one of the few that never closed, never franchised, and never modernized its menu or methods—a living example of how a small restaurant can survive by doing one thing well and staying true to what it was.

For visitors interested in South Carolina's food heritage, Mac's represents a specific moment: post-war Sumter, when drive-ins were social gathering places and a burger and shake were an affordable outing for a family. The restaurant has become a destination for food historians, road-trip enthusiasts, and anyone curious about what American casual dining looked like before chains standardized it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or do I have to wait in line?

Mac's operates on a walk-up or drive-up basis with no phone orders. You order at the window or counter when you arrive. Wait times are usually short, but during peak lunch hours you may wait 10 to 15 minutes, especially if you want to sit at the indoor counter.

Are there vegetarian options?

The menu is meat-focused—burgers, hot dogs, and sides like fries. The restaurant can make a grilled cheese or similar items if you ask, but it is not a standard menu offering. Calling ahead to discuss options is a good idea if you have dietary restrictions.

Is Mac's open year-round?

The restaurant operates most of the year but may have seasonal closures or reduced hours during winter months. Holiday hours also vary. Calling 803-773-0410 before your visit is the best way to confirm the restaurant is open.

Can I bring kids?

Yes. Mac's is family-friendly and has been a casual dining spot for generations of Sumter families. The indoor counter and parking lot both work well for children, and the menu has simple, familiar food.

What makes Mac's different from a regular burger restaurant?

Mac's is a working drive-in, not a sit-down restaurant or fast-food chain. You can eat in your car, at the counter, or take food to go. The recipes and cooking methods have not changed since 1946, and the restaurant has never expanded or franchised. It is a historical artifact that still operates as a restaurant.