Sycamore Drive-In is one of those places you like to visit for some great comfort food, such as an old-fashioned hamburger or meatloaf sandwich.
Owner Gary Hicks and his crew have created a nostalgic environment to enjoy some old-fashioned favorites, whether it’s burgers or a densely-packed cone of delicious ice cream.
The restaurant’s history dates back to 1951 when it opened as a Tastee-freez franchise. Gary said the restaurant operated for about a decade as a Tastee-freez before it was purchased by Maxine Matherly. She and her husband operated the restaurant for about 30 years.
The name Sycamore Drive-In is a relatively recent incarnation for the restaurant. The original drive-in area now has been enclosed to form a small dining room.
I should emphasize the smallness of the indoor dining area. There’s a total of four tables with folding metal chairs, and a few extra chairs for those waiting for to-go orders. One of the tables can support a party of four. The three remaining tables are definitely two-seaters. The eatery does a brisk carryout business.
I usually like to eat at the restaurant. If Gary is present, he’ll always stop by the table to say hello. He and his employees are great at making people feel welcome. They know their regulars on a first-name basis.
I like to sit at one of the tables while enjoying my food and the nostalgic, small-town ambiance. While the decoration is relatively sparse in the small dining area, a few touches definitely add personality, such as a collection of vintage soda bottles prominently displayed behind the glass of the front counter.
I enjoyed a recent weekday visit with a friend to Sycamore Drive-in. We placed our order at the cashier’s window. The menu board on display behind the counter features a wide variety of burgers, sandwiches, side items, salads and dinner platters. I like that the menu items are listed with prices that include tax, eliminating the need for any mental arithmetic.
The burgers deserve their top billing on the menu, and Hicks even has his own top-secret recipe for his burgers, which are hand-patted every morning. In addition to the standard Hamburger and Cheeseburger – both single and double versions – the menu offers a Bacon Cheeseburger, Bacon Double Cheeseburger and even a Bologna Burger.
In addition to burgers, the restaurant also offers sandwiches such as Grilled Cheese, Fish, Chicken, Egg, Ham and Cheese, Pork BBQ, Chicken Salad and Club. My favorite, which I have enjoyed on several occasions, is the Meatloaf Sandwich. The restaurant also offers an impressive Club Sandwich.
Other menu items that tempted me included the Deluxe Chef Salad, Chicken Tenders Platter and Hamburger Steak Platter. All the dinner platters are served with fries, salad and toast. In addition, the eatery offers Beans and Cornbread, which are also served with slaw and a side of chopped onions.
On my recent visit, my friend ordered the Double Cheeseburger, while I chose something – the Bologna Burger – I have wanted to try for a long time. I’ve enjoyed the other burgers on previous visits. My favorite is the simple, old-fashioned goodness of the Cheeseburger although I occasionally splurge and try the Bacon Double Cheeseburger.
Of course, you’ll want something to go with your burger. In addition to Crinkle-cut French Fries and Onion Rings, other sides available to pair with a burger or sandwich include Tater Wedges, Fried Mushrooms and Mozzarella Sticks. I paired my Bologna Burger with Onion Rings while my friend chose the fries.
My friend’s Double Cheeseburger featured two juicy patties topped with bacon and cheese. It also included all the toppings – lettuce, tomato, onion and mayonnaise. As always, it was cooked perfectly. The bun held up pretty well, too, as he enthusiastically consumed the burger.
I also liked the Bologna Burger, which consisted of a grilled slice of bologna served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo. This item again reminded me of the value of the nostalgic menu at Sycamore Drive-In. I also enjoyed the ample serving of Onion Rings, which were fried to a crisp, golden brown.
No visit to this nostalgic drive-in can be considered complete without ending with one of the sweet items on the menu. Desserts include ice cream cones, shakes, sundaes, banana splits and Hot Fudge Cake. My friend decided to try the Hot Fudge Cake, which consisted of a slice of chocolate cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, rich hot fudge, several dollops of whipped cream and a cherry on top. This mix of quality components made for a delectable dessert.
Sycamore sells hand-dipped Mayfield Ice Cream, and milkshakes can be made from any of the available flavors or combinations of flavors. I considered one of the shakes, which are fantastic at Sycamore Drive-In, but decided on this sunny afternoon a cone of ice cream might be even better and selected a cone of Butter Pecan Ice Cream.
Another thing I like about this long-time Elizabethton restaurant is the way it appeals across various demographics. Customers included parents with young children, older couples, students and working people grabbing a quick and tasty meal for their lunch break. Several people picked up carryout orders, but a few elected to have a seat at one of the other available tables.
The Sycamore Drive-In definitely serves up some solid, good-tasting burgers, as well as other items. I’ve never had anything on the menu I haven’t liked.
If it’s been a while since you’ve visited, why wait? If you’ve never had the chance to stop by Sycamore Drive-In, make an effort to change that soon.
If you go, let Gary and his staff know they come recommended by the Carter County Compass.
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AT A GLANCE: Sycamore Drive-In, 213 S. Sycamore St., Elizabethton. 547-0166. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Closed Sunday. All menu items $6.95 and under. Credit cards accepted. Carryout available.
Dining Destinations 
Best meal I’ve eaten. Friendly people , great ice cream