Moore's Drive-In in Summerville: Classic Burgers and Shakes Since 1952

A South Carolina burger landmark that still does it the old way

Moore's Drive-In in Summerville has been serving burgers and milkshakes from the same location on Main Street since 1952. You order at the counter, pick a seat in the dining room or on the screened porch, and eat food made to order—no heat lamps, no assembly line. The burgers come thin and crispy-edged, cooked on a flat-top griddle, and the milkshakes are hand-mixed in a steel cup. It is one of the few drive-ins left in South Carolina that operates the way drive-ins did when the format was new.

The restaurant sits in downtown Summerville, about 30 minutes northwest of Charleston. Summerville itself is a planned town from the 1840s, built around a grid of oak-lined streets and a town green. Moore's fits into that history—it is old enough to feel like part of the place, but not so old that it has become a museum. Families who ate there as children bring their own children. The staff knows regulars by name.

Key Takeaways

• Moore's cooks burgers fresh to order on a griddle, not under heat lamps, and makes milkshakes by hand in a steel cup.
• The restaurant has operated from the same Summerville location since 1952 and retains its original counter-and-booth layout.
• Seating includes the dining room, a screened porch, and outdoor picnic tables, with parking directly in front.
• Hours and menu items can change seasonally, so calling ahead is worth doing if you are making a special trip.

What to order and what to expect

The signature burger is a single patty, thin and well-done, with a crispy edge from the griddle. You can add cheese, bacon, or both. The bun is soft and slightly sweet—the kind that absorbs the meat's juices without falling apart. Fries come hot and salted, and the milkshakes come in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, made thick enough that the spoon stands up in it.

The menu is short by design. Beyond burgers, you will find hot dogs, a few sandwiches, and sides like onion rings and hushpuppies. Soft drinks come in glass bottles if you want them that way. The restaurant does not serve alcohol, and there is no table service—you order, pay, and carry your tray to your seat. Prices are low enough that a burger, fries, and shake for two people costs less than a single entree at most Charleston restaurants.

Seating and atmosphere

The main dining room has a long counter with red vinyl stools and booths along the walls. The screened porch overlooks Main Street and is the most popular spot on warm days. There are also picnic tables outside under the trees. The decor has not changed much since the 1950s—red and white tile, vintage signage, a jukebox in the corner. It feels like stepping into a photograph, but it is not staged or self-conscious about it.

The crowd is mixed: construction workers on lunch break, families with young children, teenagers after school, and people who have been coming for decades. It is not a destination restaurant in the Instagram sense—there are no craft cocktails or deconstructed plates. It is a place where the food and the setting are the same thing, and that is the point.

Location and parking

Moore's sits at 1220 Main Street in downtown Summerville, directly on the main commercial strip. Parking is in front of the building and along the street. The restaurant is walkable from Summerville's town green and from other downtown shops and galleries. If you are coming from Charleston, take US-17 north toward Goose Creek, then turn east on Main Street into downtown Summerville. The drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Summerville itself is worth exploring if you have time. The town green has walking paths and benches. Nearby are antique shops, art galleries, and other local restaurants. Many visitors combine a trip to Moore's with a walk through the historic district or a stop at one of the local parks.

Hours and seasonal changes

Moore's operates year-round but hours can shift with the season and with staffing. The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and weekends, but it closes on some holidays and may have reduced hours in winter. The best approach is to call ahead before making a trip, especially if you are traveling from a distance or planning to visit on a holiday.

The menu itself stays consistent, but daily specials or temporary items sometimes appear. Again, a quick phone call can tell you what is available on the day you plan to visit.

Why Moore's matters in South Carolina's food culture

Drive-ins were a central part of American life from the 1940s through the 1960s. Most have closed or been converted into something else. Moore's is one of a shrinking number that still operates as a drive-in—a place where the building, the equipment, the menu, and the service method are all original to the format. That makes it a living piece of South Carolina's mid-century history.

The restaurant also represents a way of cooking that has mostly disappeared: food made to order, in small batches, by people who have been doing it the same way for decades. In a state where barbecue joints and Lowcountry seafood restaurants often anchor local identity, Moore's represents a different but equally important strand—the casual, everyday burger stand that fed generations of working people and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a burger delivered or order ahead for pickup?

Moore's operates as a walk-up counter restaurant with no delivery service. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, but there is no formal ordering system. The restaurant is designed for you to come in, order, and eat on-site or take your food with you.

Is Moore's good for a large group or party?

The restaurant can accommodate groups, but seating is limited and it fills up quickly during lunch and dinner rushes. If you are bringing a large party, calling ahead to give them a heads-up is a good idea. The screened porch and outdoor tables offer the most flexible seating for groups.

Does Moore's have vegetarian or dietary options?

The menu is meat-focused, but you can order a cheese sandwich or ask about other modifications. The best approach is to call and ask what the kitchen can prepare for your specific needs.

What is the difference between Moore's and other burger places in the Lowcountry?

Moore's cooks to order on a griddle and has been doing it the same way since 1952. Most other burger restaurants use modern equipment and assembly methods. Moore's is also one of the last true drive-ins in South Carolina, which is part of its identity and appeal.

Is there a kids menu?

Moore's does not have a formal kids menu, but children can order smaller portions or simpler items like plain burgers and fries. The staff is used to accommodating families and can work with you on portion sizes and preparation.