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

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

Ruth's Drive-In in Sumter has been serving burgers and milkshakes from the same location since 1946. You order at the window, eat in your car or at one of the picnic tables outside, and get food that tastes like it did seventy years ago—because the recipes haven't changed. The burgers are thin, crispy-edged, and cooked to order. The milkshakes are hand-dipped and thick enough that the spoon stands up in the cup.

The restaurant sits on Sumter's main commercial strip and looks exactly like what it is: a small-town drive-in that has outlasted shopping malls, chain restaurants, and every other competitor that tried to replace it. Locals bring their kids and grandkids. Visitors from out of state find it by accident and come back on purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Ruth's has operated continuously since 1946 at the same Sumter location, with original recipes and a working drive-in window.
• The menu centers on thin burgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, and hot dogs, with no fryer food or modern additions.
• You can eat in your car, at outdoor picnic tables, or take food with you—there is no indoor dining room.
• Hours and exact menu items vary by season, so calling ahead before a long drive is worth the time.

What to order and what to expect

The signature burger is a thin patty with a crispy, almost lacy edge where the meat meets the griddle. It comes with mustard, onion, and pickle on a soft bun. You can add cheese, bacon, or both. The burger is not large—it is designed to be eaten in two or three bites—and many people order two. The hot dogs follow the same philosophy: small, simple, and cooked right.

Milkshakes come in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. The server dips ice cream into a metal cup, adds milk and syrup, and blends it by hand. The result is thicker than a machine shake and tastes like actual ice cream rather than soft-serve mix. A single shake is enough for two people to share, though most don't.

The menu does not include french fries, chicken sandwiches, or salads. There are no combo meals. You order what you want, pay for it, and that is the transaction. This simplicity is part of why Ruth's has survived when other drive-ins closed: the kitchen does one thing and does it well.

How to visit and where to sit

Ruth's operates as a drive-in window, meaning you pull up to the order window, give your order, pay, and receive your food in a bag. You then either drive to a parking spot and eat in your car, or walk to one of the picnic tables on the property. There is no indoor seating and no dining room. On warm days the picnic tables fill up quickly. On cold days, most people eat in their cars.

The parking area is small and fills during lunch and dinner rushes. If you arrive between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., or between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., expect to wait for a spot. Off-peak times—mid-afternoon or after 8 p.m.—move faster. The drive-in window itself usually has a short line, but the wait depends on how many orders are ahead of you.

Location and hours in Sumter

Ruth's Drive-In is located on Sumter's main commercial corridor, making it easy to find if you know the address. The restaurant is in downtown Sumter, near other local businesses and within a few minutes of Interstate 20. If you are passing through Sumter on the way to the coast or to Columbia, Ruth's is close enough to the highway that a detour takes only a few minutes.

Hours change with the season and sometimes shift without notice, so calling ahead is the safest approach. The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner but may close earlier in winter or stay open later in summer. Calling the restaurant directly before you drive gives you current information and lets you know if they are busy.

Why Ruth's matters in South Carolina food history

Ruth's Drive-In is one of the last working drive-in restaurants in South Carolina. Most closed between the 1970s and 1990s, replaced by fast-food chains and sit-down restaurants. Ruth's survived because it never tried to become something else. It did not add a dining room, did not expand the menu, and did not modernize the kitchen. The same window, the same griddle, the same recipes.

For people interested in mid-twentieth-century American food culture, Ruth's is a living example of how a small restaurant operated before fast food standardized everything. The thin burger and hand-dipped shake were the default in 1946. Now they are rare enough to be worth a trip.

Nearby attractions in Sumter

If you are visiting Ruth's, Sumter has other reasons to spend time in the area. The Sumter Opera House hosts theater and music performances. The Sumter Gallery of Art shows regional and traveling exhibitions. Lakewood Park offers walking trails and a lake for fishing. The Sumter County Museum covers local history and is free to visit.

Ruth's is also a reasonable stop if you are driving between Charleston and Columbia, or between the coast and the Midlands. The restaurant is close enough to Interstate 20 that you can exit, eat, and get back on the highway without much time lost.

What to bring and what to know before you go

Bring cash or a card—Ruth's accepts both, though calling ahead to confirm current payment methods is a good idea. If you are eating in your car, bring napkins or paper towels; the burgers are small and neat, but milkshakes can drip. If you are sitting at the picnic tables, bring sunscreen in summer and a jacket in cooler months.

The restaurant does not have a website or social media presence, so information comes from calling or visiting in person. This also means hours and menu items may not be listed anywhere online. A quick phone call before you drive saves disappointment if the restaurant is closed for a private event or has changed its schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or do I have to order at the window?

You order at the window when you arrive. There is no phone ordering or advance ordering system. During busy times, the line at the window can be short or long depending on how many orders are being prepared, so arriving during off-peak hours moves faster.

Is Ruth's open year-round?

Ruth's operates year-round, but hours change seasonally and may shift without notice. Calling ahead before a long drive is the best way to confirm the restaurant is open and to find out current hours.

Can I get a large burger or extra fries?

The burgers are a set size and designed to be small and simple. There are no fries on the menu. You can order multiple burgers or add toppings like cheese and bacon, but the basic burger size does not change.

Is there indoor seating or a restroom?

There is no indoor dining room. You eat in your car or at the outdoor picnic tables. Restroom availability depends on the day and season; calling ahead to ask is the safest approach if you need one.

What is the price range for a burger and shake?

Prices are low by modern standards, but exact amounts change over time. Calling the restaurant directly gives you current pricing for burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes so you know what to expect.