John's Drive-In, located at 17 N Charleston Ave in Fort Meade, FL, is a charming representation of down-home American dining. Regulars rave about the friendly service and the inviting atmosphere that feels like a step back in time. Patrons like Ashley Sundquist capture the essence of this eatery, highlighting its fair prices and local charm. Among the standout offerings, the Cuban sandwiches and juicy burgers receive high praise, with personal favorites like the gyros and fried green tomatoes also recommended by eager diners like Teri Smith. Sides are equally impressive, featuring crispy sweet potato fries and well-loved coleslaw that perfectly complement the main dishes. While some long-time visitors have noted changes in certain recipes, they still return for the consistent quality of service and classic diner vibe. For those who enjoy the freedom of outdoor dining or eating in their cars, John's Drive-In caters perfectly to both preferences, offering an experience that is as much about the food as it is about community and nostalgia. If you're looking for comfort food done right, this local gem likely won’t disappoint.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Photos
Reviews For John's Drive-In
Ashley Sundquist
Jun 10,2025
Down home country Florida eats. Fair prices. Friendly service. You can’t get more local than John’s Drive-In.
John Veazey
May 13,2025
Loved the Cuban sandwiches and the chicken breast. Great sides like salid, corn and baked potato. Service was great even though they were busy.
Rocky Elliott
Apr 26,2025
John's Drive-In is nice little change of pace. a place to eat sit down outside or inside or in your car enjoy your meal haven't been there in a long time because of the flu bad flu, you know what I'm talking about don't want to mention that bad flu. things change since we've been gone still have good sweet potato fries french fries and the hamburgers are not homemade anymore. it was good but weren't that good not like it used to be. The coleslaw was great ,,onion rings were great, I forgot to take pictures before I took a bite of the sandwich, oh well my wife had the sweet potato fries and a small Miner Burger, I had the large one, still go back and eat there. Has good service there's a female, that has been there for a long time she's a good car hop waitress she's very fast and friendly that comes to your car and waits on you if you sit in your car are you sit in the front of the hamburger place outside or you can go inside, it's whatever you feel like. we always like to eat outside in the vehicle or on the front patio. Like I said forgot to take picture before we was eating we was very hungry and big large sodas so excuse the mess please . I took the pictures after we started eating. Always like that place stop in whenever we go through there what are we doing it again, i don't know when, but thumbs up.
Teri Smith
Apr 16,2025
I highly recommend the gyros and the fried green tomatoes. This is a serious down home type of restaurant, great food and friendly service.
Terrance Judd
Apr 13,2025
Classic Diner Delight This charming diner exceeded my expectations in every way. The retro atmosphere was cozy, transporting me back to simpler times. The food was comfort food at its finest. The burgers were juicy and flavorful, and the fries were crispy. Everything tasted homemade and fresh. Our server was incredibly friendly and attentive. They made me feel right at home and were always there to answer my questions or refill our drinks. If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal in a classic diner setting, this is the place to go. I'll definitely be back!
John
Mar 21,2025
Stopped in John’s drive -In today for some lunch. They had same great looking options, it ultimately went for the fish tacos and fried okra. Little heavy for lunch, but man they were good.
David Herlocker
Mar 19,2025
Miners Den has been around forever. Solid cheeseburger and really good tenderloin like you can find up north. Bigger than the bun style. Worth a stop if you are in Ft. Meade.
Joe Pezzulich
Mar 16,2025
Very nice diner and drive-in. Nice list of daily specials and sandwiches. Entrees come with sides and either soup or salad. Friendly service.
Reviews For John's Drive-In