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Situated right on 327 N Main St in Gordon, Nebraska, Covered Wagon Drive In is a delightful fast food restaurant and ice cream shop that offers a refreshing twist on classic American comfort cuisine. This beloved spot has quickly become a must-visit for travelers and locals alike, serving up a menu brimming with hearty burgers, crispy sides, and indulgent ice cream creations that satisfy cravings from every angle.
The culinary offerings at Covered Wagon Drive In truly stand out for their variety and flavor. Whether you're in the mood for a perfectly cooked quarter pounder bacon burger or a savory mushroom and Swiss cheeseburger, each dish is crafted with care and made to order. The fries, tater tots, and corn nuggets add a crispy, golden texture that complements the juicy sandwiches perfectly, creating a satisfying symphony of tastes and textures.
What really sets this drive-in apart is its extensive beverage and dessert menu. From classics like Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mt Dew, and Sierra Mist to indulgent, gourmet ice cream creations such as Banana Split, Heath Bar, Butterfinger, and Reese’s Pieces milkshakes, there's an irresistible treat here for every palate. Imagine the decadence of a cold vanilla milkshake on a warm day or a rich German Chocolate shake melting in your mouth — it’s the kind of simple joy that turns an ordinary pit stop into a memorable experience.
The atmosphere at Covered Wagon Drive In is charmingly nostalgic yet efficient, perfect for road-trippers like Mercedes Moller, who found relief and delight during long stretches of limited food options. It’s an inviting spot where you can expect friendly service and reasonably quick wait times—even during busier hours—as Jessica Johnson noted. This combination of speed, friendliness, and high-quality food is a winning formula that elevates the typical fast food drive-in experience.
Patrons consistently praise Covered Wagon for its value and taste. William C. Albert perfectly summed it up by saying it’s “fast food but way tastier than Mickey D’s,” emphasizing the freshness and flavor of the made-to-order burgers and standout cheese curds. Meanwhile, Kathleen Henley appreciates the wide menu offering and affordable prices, making it clear there’s something for everyone here, whether you need a quick snack or a full-on meal.
What touches the heart the most about Covered Wagon Drive In is how it feels like more than just a stopover — it’s a comforting pause in your journey, where the familiar tastes of a classic American drive-in meet the warmth of genuine hospitality. Chris SanClemente’s discovery of the place on a road trip home encapsulates that spirit perfectly: turning what could have been a bland fast food choice into a truly satisfying and memorable meal.
If your travels take you through Gordon, NE, Covered Wagon Drive In is not merely a convenient lunch break. It’s a destination to savor rich, flavorful burgers, crispy sides, and deliciously creative shakes that bring a nostalgic joy to your taste buds without breaking the bank. This small-town gem invites you to slow down, indulge your cravings, and experience a local drive-in with heart, soul, and unmistakable flavor.
My boyfriend and I were on a roadtrip back to South Dakota after a stay in Colorado. If you don't know, there are very limited food options on the stretch between the two! We found Covered Wagon after some searching and are so happy we found this gem! I had a mushroom and Swiss and he had a quarter pounder with a side of French fries and tots. Everything was amazing! I was not expecting to be so pleased that I felt the need to write a review but here I am! I hope we find our way on this path again some day, and hopefully others out there do to!
This was a unique little place to stop on our way through Nebraska. We came at 7:30 pm, so the wait time wasn't bad. I can imagine it's different during the dinner ruch. They have quite an extensive menu with a lot of options. I had pulled pork--a little heavy on the BBQ sauce. The fries were a little mushy, but it's fine if you like them that way. I sort of do. The burgers were nothing special, but they're also not super expensive. I would come here for the experience at least once if you're curious, but it probably won't become a favorite.
First of all, what a great find! We had the 1/4 pounder bacon burger, fries, a vanilla milkshake and a fountain soda. On our way home from WinterWonderGrass 2024 we were getting a bit peckish and the only thing to eat nearby was McD’s or Subway… we just weren’t interested. So, I started searching town to town on google maps along our route until I saw this drive-in, in Gordon, NE. The pictures of the old style menu told me that we would love this place. We stopped by and WOW, best burgers, best fries, best fountain soda and milkshake ever!!!! Even if it is out of way, you should stop. We will be coming back at least twice a year as we go back-and-forth to Steamboat.
Really wanted to leave a quick review because I saw that the most recent reviews for this place don't give it the props I think it deserves. This drive thru has SO many options at great prices, there is really something for everyone. I got a cheeseburger, corn nuggets, and a banana pudding cyclone. The cheeseburger didn't rock my world but it was tasty and definitely fit the bill for the price. The corn nuggets and cyclone however were amazing and I am already trying to figure out a way to work this drive thru into a later trip so I can get them again. Everything was just under $14. Don't let some of the recent reviews keep you from stopping by, this place is definitely worth the visit.
Stopping through town and after a quick scan of restaurants in area decided to make a quick stop here. It's fast food but way tastier than Mickey D's!! Ordered quarter pounders that were delicious , very tasty made to order. Cheese curds were awesome as well. If your looking for a fast bite that's really good, stop here.
Over 50 years running, still a quick and great place to stop. They Pup Cups for your best friend. They know Ice cream.