Mikey's Drive Thru: Classic Burgers and Shakes in Summerville
What Mikey's Drive Thru Serves and Where to Find It
Mikey's Drive Thru is a casual burger stand in Summerville that specializes in hand-formed patties, milkshakes, and the kind of no-frills service that keeps people coming back. The menu centers on burgers made to order, crispy fries, and thick shakes in flavors that rotate seasonally. You order at a window, grab your food, and eat in your car or take it with you—there's no indoor seating, which is part of the appeal for people who want quick, straightforward food without the sit-down restaurant experience.
The restaurant sits on a main road in Summerville and has operated as a local fixture for years. Parking is street-side or in a small lot, and the setup is designed for speed. Most orders come out within 10 to 15 minutes, even during lunch or dinner rushes. The staff knows regulars by name, and the atmosphere is unpretentious—you'll see families, construction workers, and teenagers all ordering at the same window.
Key Takeaways
- Mikey's makes burgers to order with hand-formed patties, not pre-made frozen ones, which means slightly longer wait times but noticeably fresher taste.
- The shake menu changes with the seasons, so asking what flavors are available that day is worth doing if you have a specific craving.
- There is no indoor dining—you eat in your car, at a picnic table if available, or take your order home.
- Cash and card payments are both accepted, though it's worth confirming current payment methods before you arrive.
The Burger Options and How They're Made
Mikey's burgers start with fresh ground beef formed by hand each day. You can order a single or double patty, and the kitchen will cook it to your preference—rare, medium, or well-done. Toppings include the standard lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, plus cheese options like American, cheddar, or Swiss. Bacon is available as an add-on, and the burger comes with or without mayo and mustard depending on what you ask for.
The difference between Mikey's and a chain burger comes down to that hand-formed patty. Because the meat isn't frozen and pressed into uniform discs weeks in advance, the texture is looser and the flavor more pronounced. The downside is that orders take longer—if you're in a genuine hurry, a chain might be faster. But if you have 15 minutes and want a burger that tastes like someone actually made it, Mikey's delivers.
Specialty burgers rotate on an informal basis. The kitchen will sometimes offer a burger with a fried egg, or one topped with chili and cheese, or variations that depend on what the cook feels like making that day. Asking what's available beyond the standard menu is worth doing, especially if you're a repeat visitor.
Sides and Shakes
Fries come in regular or large, and they're cut fresh and fried in-house. They arrive hot and salted, with a crispy exterior and soft interior. You can order them plain or ask for cheese fries, which come topped with melted American cheese. Some people order a burger and fries combo, though pricing varies depending on what you choose.
The shakes are thick and made with real ice cream, not a soft-serve mix. Flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry as permanent options, with seasonal additions like peach, mint chocolate chip, or peanut butter. Shake sizes range from small to large, and they're substantial enough that many people share one. The shake menu is worth asking about each visit, because the rotating flavors are one of the reasons regulars keep coming back.
Pricing and What to Expect
A basic burger runs in the mid-range for a local burger stand—less than a chain's premium burger but more than fast food. A double burger costs a bit more than a single. Fries are inexpensive, and shakes are priced per size. A typical order for one person—burger, fries, and a shake—will cost between $12 and $18 depending on what you choose and current pricing.
Mikey's does not publish a full menu online, so calling ahead if you want to know exact prices or confirm they're open is a good idea. Hours are typically lunch and dinner, closed on certain days of the week, though this can vary seasonally. The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards, so either payment method works.
When to Go and What to Know
Lunch rush runs from around 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. If you want to avoid a line, mid-afternoon or after 8 p.m. are quieter times. Weekends are busier than weekdays, and summer brings more traffic than winter. The window-service model means you'll be standing outside while you wait, so weather matters—bring an umbrella on rainy days or plan to sit in your car.
The restaurant is popular with people who work nearby and want a quick lunch, families with kids who enjoy the casual vibe, and burger enthusiasts who appreciate the hand-made approach. It's not a destination restaurant that draws people from across the region, but it's exactly the kind of place that becomes a regular habit once you discover it.
Parking and Accessibility
Parking is street-side or in a small adjacent lot, with enough spaces for typical traffic. The ordering window is at ground level and accessible from the parking area. There are no stairs to navigate to reach the window, though the lot itself is paved and uneven in places. If you have mobility concerns, calling ahead to confirm the best parking spot is worth doing.
The restaurant does not have indoor seating or restrooms available to customers, so plan accordingly. Some people eat in their cars, others take food home, and a few eat at nearby picnic tables if the weather is good. This setup works well for people who want quick food but not ideal for those who need to sit down for an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order online or by phone?
Mikey's operates as a walk-up window service, so you order in person. You can call ahead to ask about current menu items or confirm they're open, but you cannot place an order by phone. Arriving during off-peak hours means shorter waits if you want to avoid crowds.
Are the burgers made fresh or frozen?
The patties are hand-formed fresh each day from ground beef, not frozen. This is why orders take longer than at a chain, but also why the burger tastes noticeably different. The meat is ground in-house or sourced fresh daily depending on the day.
What if I have a food allergy?
Tell the staff at the window about your allergy before ordering. The kitchen is small and not a dedicated allergen-free space, so cross-contamination is possible. For severe allergies, this may not be the safest option, but the staff will do their best to accommodate reasonable requests.
Do you have vegetarian options?
The menu is burger-focused, so vegetarian options are limited. You can order fries and a shake, or ask if the kitchen can make a cheese sandwich or other non-meat item. Calling ahead to discuss what might be possible is the best approach.
Is there a kids menu?
Mikey's does not have a formal kids menu, but smaller portions and simpler burgers can be made for children. Pricing for a kid-sized burger is usually less than a full-size order. Ask at the window what the kitchen can do for your child.