Time Drive In Restaurant in Sumter: Classic American Burgers and Shakes Since 1947

A Sumter institution serving burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes from a vintage drive-in window

Time Drive In Restaurant has operated continuously in Sumter since 1947, making it one of South Carolina's longest-running drive-in establishments. The restaurant sits on Calhoun Street and still operates as a walk-up window service, where you order at the counter and eat in your car or at one of the few outdoor picnic tables. The menu centers on hand-formed burgers, hot dogs, and thick milkshakes made the traditional way—the kind of straightforward American food that has kept locals and travelers returning for over 75 years.

The building itself is modest and unadorned, which is part of its appeal. There are no frills, no table service, and no attempt to modernize the experience. You get what you came for: a burger cooked to order, a cold drink, and the sense that you are eating at a place that has watched Sumter change around it while staying essentially the same.

Key Takeaways

• Time Drive In has been operating since 1947 and remains a walk-up window operation where you order and eat in your car.
• The menu focuses on hand-formed burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes made fresh, with no frozen or pre-made components.
• The restaurant is located on Calhoun Street in Sumter and operates during limited hours, so check ahead before visiting.
• Outdoor seating is minimal but available at picnic tables, and the experience is designed around the classic American drive-in model.

What to order and what to expect

The burger is the signature item. Time Drive In forms patties by hand each day and cooks them on a flat-top griddle. A single burger comes with your choice of toppings—mustard, ketchup, onions, pickles, and lettuce are standard. The double burger is popular for those wanting more meat. Prices are modest, reflecting the no-frills operation and the fact that nothing here is mass-produced or shipped in frozen.

Hot dogs are also made fresh and cooked to order. The milkshakes are thick and creamy, made with real ice cream and syrup, and come in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Drinks include fountain sodas and iced tea. The menu has not expanded significantly over the decades, which is intentional—the restaurant does one thing and does it well.

Service is quick because the operation is simple. You walk up to the window, tell the person taking your order what you want, pay, and step aside while it is prepared. Most orders are ready within five to ten minutes. The outdoor tables are first-come, first-served, and on warm evenings they fill up with families and regulars.

Hours, location, and how to find it

Time Drive In is located at 18 Calhoun Street in Sumter, in the downtown area. The restaurant operates during limited hours—typically lunch and early dinner on weekdays, with reduced or closed hours on some days. Hours have shifted over the years, so it is worth calling ahead or checking for current information before making the trip.

Parking is available directly in front of the window, and you can eat in your car or at the picnic tables outside. The location is walkable from downtown Sumter if you are staying in the area, though most visitors drive. There is no website or social media presence, which is consistent with the restaurant's old-school approach.

Why Time Drive In matters to Sumter's food history

Drive-in restaurants were a dominant form of American dining from the 1930s through the 1960s, and most have closed or been converted into other businesses. Time Drive In is a genuine survivor—not a themed recreation or a nostalgia restaurant, but an actual operating drive-in that has served the same community for more than seven decades. The building, the service model, and the menu all reflect the era in which it opened.

For visitors interested in mid-century American food culture or Sumter's local history, Time Drive In offers an authentic experience. You are not paying a premium for atmosphere or novelty; you are eating at a place where the atmosphere and the food are inseparable from its actual history.

What to do nearby

Time Drive In sits in downtown Sumter, within walking distance of other local businesses and attractions. The Sumter Opera House is a few blocks away and hosts performances and events throughout the year. The Sumter County Museum, also downtown, covers the region's history from pre-colonial times through the present. Nearby restaurants and shops make the downtown area worth exploring before or after your meal.

If you are passing through Sumter on Interstate 20, the drive-in is a short detour from the highway and offers a break from chain restaurants. The experience of eating at a working drive-in—especially one that has been in the same location since 1947—is something you cannot replicate at a modern fast-food establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Time Drive In operates on a walk-up basis with no phone orders or advance reservations. You arrive, order at the window, and wait while your food is prepared. During busy times, there may be a line, but the operation moves quickly.

Is the restaurant open every day?

No. Hours vary and the restaurant is closed on some days. Call ahead or check for current hours before visiting, especially if you are traveling from out of town.

Can I bring my family with kids?

Yes. Time Drive In is family-friendly and designed for casual dining. Kids can eat in the car or at the outdoor tables. The menu is simple and straightforward, with items most children enjoy.

Is there indoor seating?

No. The restaurant operates as a window service only. You eat in your car or at the outdoor picnic tables. There is no indoor dining area.

What payment methods does Time Drive In accept?

Most small, long-established restaurants in South Carolina accept cash, though some also take cards. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods are accepted.