Throwback diner, has only counter seating. Fresh made to order right in front of you on the grill. Root beer literally comes out of a barrel. Does not have public restroom.

This place is beyond amazing. This takes a lot for me to say but they might possibly have the best burger I have EVER had. The service was amazing and the bathroom is clean. They also cook the food right in front of you so this is pretty cool. Definitely a cool St. Louis landmark. I’ll be back.

Popular neighborhood counter-service burger joint with nostalgic appeal. Basic burgers, fries, chili and shakes served on old-style red vinyl stools. Very limited seating, so if you don't want to wait better get the rest opening.

****Cash Only**** Thin patty with crispy edges but still juicy. This is the best burger anywhere, hands down. A must try if you’re in the STL area!! You will be coming back for more.

You’ve got to go to Carl’s! My double cheeseburger with bacon was really delicious - I loved the crispy edges and it tasted great (and I don’t love American cheese, so that’s saying something!). For the most part, I could not tell there was bacon on it, except for a few bites, because the bacon is really thin. Or maybe it was because I also had mustard and pickles on my burger. Whatever!! Overall it was quite enjoyable. The onion rings? Eh, I’ve had better. Their root beer, though, is another story, they make their own and it is fantastic! Great service. When you pull in the lot, call in your order, and they will tell you when to pick it up at their window. Wear your mask! I ordered mustard and pickles on my burger, and it was the perfect amount of each. Even if this isn’t really your kind of food, if you are driving through the St Louis area, treat yourself to Carl’s, so you can at least say you were there!

Went to Carl’s Drive-in today for lunch. I haven’t been since pre-Covid. It was still as I remembered it. Brought a friend who had never been there and he enjoyed it is as well. What’s better than good old fashioned double cheeseburger with grilled onions, fries and a root beer float to top it off with?

If your looking for a hands down great hidden gem this is it. The burgers are great and everyone has to have a Carl's burger at least once. So good!!! It's a step back in time to the diner style burger days, they get cooked right in front of you. One thing you absolutely have to get is a root beer, it's absolutely the best and pair's perfect with a burger. The staff is great and they are always ready to get you in and out, I stop by any time I'm in the area and am never disappointed.

Nice hole in the wall spot. One of the best most fresh burger I have ever had. Homemade root beer is really good also. They will not disappoint.

This was a staple of my dad's childhood so he brought me to it while we were back in town. I liked the burgers alot as they were cooked to have a crispy taste. The fries were pretty standard, however they do not offer honey mustard which I prefer to other condiments. The root beer is great, but be aware that they don't offer refills on these. It's an well-known, older place that hasn't changed over the years (which is neat), but keep in mind that it means there is very limited seating. The one thing that rubbed us the wrong way was that they offered a free water glass to one of us while we were eating, but when I requested a to-go cup after drinking a root beer, they said they only offered water bottles to go and I'd have to pay. (They have to go cups and after just paying for a drink and spending nearly $50 on 3 adults and 2 kids, I couldn't believe that. Other than that, a great bite to eat

Absolute vibes of a bygone era. Little tiny restaurant with a counter and a few stools. Cash only. Fresh made root beer. Delicious burgers and fries. Highly recommend if you've never been. This place is a true gem.

Fantastic smashed burgers. This place is a tiny little unassuming diner with classic Americana grub. It’s one of the types of places that you walk into and you just know you’re gonna get some good food. Price is a bit high, but worth it. The burgers have repeatedly been called among the best in St. Louis.

Carl’s is Literally the “Cheers” (tv show) of Burger joints! It’s a Wonderful Cozy Quaint little place that is worth every mile to get to from wherever you are coming from or going to! If you are in the St.Louis area & Love Burgers & a welcoming environment then Do yourself a Solid & come here, You won’t be Disappointed whatsoever! The Root beer is also Fantastic & a Family Recipe passed down. I absolutely 100% recommend & my only Regret is not getting some more burgers for my road trip! Thank you Carl’s the experience was memorable & Cherished & Definitely Not my last time coming to visit!

Great food, quick service and cool place! A perfect little spot to stop for a delicious burger!

This place is amazing!!! The BEST smash burgers anywhere and they cook ‘em right before your eyes in an intimate mid century diner setting. If the place is packed, hang in there! The service is fast and perfect for cranking out masterpieces! Also try the root beer! They have their own recipe! Amazing! A must visit when in St. Louis!

Always an incredible experience at Carl's. Been going since I was a kid and always go when in town. Tried the chili three way this time and it was okay but I think I will continue to stick to the burgers and fries (and root beer)!

Wonderful slice of Americana on Route 66. Delicious burgers, root beer in a frosty mug, fast and friendly service, retro ambience.

I love love love America. Simple delicious. Employee's were busy and still very nice. I loved watching them cook . They didn't seem to mind at all. They were busy I think it was great Drive in experience. Prices were great. And the best onion rings ever. Crisp and delicious. The portions were good. The prices were so great order two. You will want left over. Cold cold root beer. Yum I would wait in line if I had too. Tip well these girls were really running the place. Can't wait to go back. D

Great place for a burger!! I have added this to my list of must go places when I'm in the St Louis area. They are a cash only establishment, but have an ATM on site if you forget or like in my case unprepared. 😉

This was my 2nd time eating at Carl's Drive-In. The food was delicious and the root beer out of the barrel was tasty. It's a cash only establishment, so be sure to leave the credit card at home. It gets crowded during prime times to eat during the day. So be prepared to wait for a stool at the counter, or order ahead and carry it out.