Jay, who has lived in the Waukesha area for nearly 20 years, is an active volunteer who serves on numerous local boards and committees. He’s married to Colleen with three kids having gone through the Waukesha schools. He is the VP of a local distribution company and currently serves on several area Boards.
While it’s often difficult to put a dollar value on a great experience, I recently had a wonderful encounter at John’s Drive-In in Waukesha. For the low, low price of $2.67 (plus tax), a world class mug of root beer and hot dog were enjoyed!
John’s Drive-In has been at 1317 Arcadian Avenue since 1937. While their menu has expanded over the years to suit changing tastes, it feels good to go back to the basics: hot dogs and root beer.
A friend and I recently enjoyed a warm, sunny lunch at John’s. We were immediately greeted by a gregarious woman behind an old, wooden sliding screen. We begged for an opportunity to peruse the hand-lettered menu board. Our order was taken instantly and we were directed to the side window to wait. After 2-3 minutes, our order was called out and we retreated to one of the 10 picnic tables covered in red and white gingham tablecloths.
Fortunately, we had chosen the “here” (vs. to-go) option for our root beer. This ensures you receive your root beer in a chilled mug. And that mug makes a tremendous difference in the root beer lover world. My medium root beer had condensate dripping down the outside of the mug. This wet mug allows for the perfect blend of foam and liquid. Incredibly smooth, the foam seems to act as an appetizer for the chilled auburn liquid that follows. Obviously the product of years of experimentation, John’s has achieved Root Beer Euphoria. I suggest ordering one size larger than you would normally - it’s that good!
There are many sandwich and snack choices. Our selection of brats and dogs seemed “just right” for the occasion. The brat had all the grill markings of an open flame, and was accompanied by a bakery fresh bun. My dogs were rolled in wax paper and served on steamed buns. Both choices were a wonderful complement to our mugs of root beer.
John’s is a “throwback” place where the food and drinks take center stage. The menu offers enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. You can even purchase “John’s Drive-In” t-shirts. Travelin’ from afar? John’s has root beer in quarts, ½ gallons, and gallons to-go.
The “John’s Drive-In” experience in Waukesha is waiting for you!
If you have a “hidden gem” of your own, email me and we will do our best to showcase it.
