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American restaurant in Spartanburg, South Carolina
What should I order at The Beacon Drive-in?
What to order
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Beacon Tea
One of the most repeatedly praised items; reviewers call it famous, awesome, very sweet, and light and lemony, with free refills and a nostalgic homemade taste.
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Pimento Cheese Burger
Recommended multiple times for being delicious, big, juicy, well seasoned, and very flavorful thanks to the pimento cheese.
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Hamburger
Frequently mentioned as a classic Beacon recommendation and described as delicious, huge, and part of the restaurant’s iconic appeal.
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4
Onion Rings
Often praised as flavorful, fresh, and a must-have with the A-Plenty plates, though some reviews note they are greasy as expected from the style.
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5
Fries
Commonly recommended as part of the A-Plenty plates, with reviewers emphasizing the huge portions and fresh hot fries.
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6
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Recommended for its smoky flavor, moist texture, great bark, and even better taste when paired with the signature red sauce.
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7
Hush Puppies
Mentioned as a must-have side, praised for being especially good alongside the BBQ and fried seafood.
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8
Fried Chicken
Recommended by a reviewer whose wife loved it, fitting the restaurant’s reputation for rich, crispy comfort food.
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9
Chicken Fingers
Praised for being crispy and tasting great, making them a solid choice among the generous portions.
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10
Baked Beans
Highlighted as exceptionally good and even called the best one reviewer had ever eaten.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 8 PM |
About The Beacon Drive-in
Storied institution serving American diner classics & ice cream to patrons parked in their cars.
Amenities
From the business
- Identifies as veteran-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is The Beacon Drive-in known for?
It is best known for the chili cheeseburger plate, onion rings, and its famous sweet tea, along with a plenty portions that come piled with fries and onion rings. Reviewers also call out the barbecue, especially the pulled pork sandwich with signature red sauce, as a standout local specialty.
What dishes are most recommended at The Beacon Drive-in?
Frequent recommendations include the chili cheeseburger plate, pimento cheese burger a plenty, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, and BLT a plenty. Reviewers also praise the onion rings, hush puppies, peach cobbler, and banana split, with several saying the sweet tea is worth ordering by itself.
What is the atmosphere like at The Beacon Drive-in?
The vibe is loud, fast-paced, and old-school diner style, with counter service and a big, never-ending dining area. Reviewers say it feels like classic Americana, and it suits groups, tourists, and solo diners who do not mind a crowded, energetic room.
Is The Beacon Drive-in good value?
Yes, at about $10 to 20, reviewers repeatedly describe it as a strong value because the portions are huge and the a plenty plates include fries and onion rings. Several comments mention that the prices are beyond reasonable for the amount of food, especially on burgers, barbecue, and fried seafood.
What should I know before going to The Beacon Drive-in?
Expect fast service, but also a crowded, loud room, especially at peak meal times, because many reviewers mention the place fills up quickly. If you want a classic order, the sweet tea, onion rings, and a plenty plates are the most talked-about items, and the restaurant also offers outdoor seating and takeout if you prefer not to dine inside.
Is parking available at The Beacon Drive-in?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is The Beacon Drive-in kid-friendly?
Yes, The Beacon Drive-in is good for kids.
