Description and review of Cookie’s Drive In, an old-fashioned family-owned burger stand serving hungry Sacramentans since 1956.
Twice recently Cookie’s Drive In came to my attention. The first time was in a conversation with my fellow neighborhood association board members. The second, a Sacramento Bee article reported on the result of its “best milkshake” in town poll.
It had been eons since I last patronized Cookie’s Drive In, so I decided it was time to pay Cookie’s a visit.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
Cookie’s Drive In Menu
Named after the wife of the first owner, Cookie’s is an East Sacramento institution. Located on the corner of 57th and H Streets, it serves both classic and exotic burgers and a wide variety of sandwiches and sides.
Cookie’s serves classic shakes as well as soft drinks, slushies, frosties and soft serve ice cream. Be sure to check out the list of “weekly specials” posted near the walk-up window.
Note: Cookie’s Drive In does not have a website, and while a Facebook page was created in years past the next step (posting) was never undertaken.
Service
Cookie’s Drive In is currently “take-out” only, or you can dine outside at one of several tables perched on the sidewalk along the sides of the building/adjacent to the parking lot.
Service is fast at Cookie’s Drive In, but many patrons prefer to call in their order before heading over to pick it up. It can get very busy, and the line outside the walk-up window lengthy, at certain times of the day.
A hand written note posted on the take out window advises patrons to have their cash in hand. Another hand written note advises that there is a $.60 service charge for use of a debit card.
What to Order?
I had not made up my mind what to order prior to arriving at Cookie’s Drive In on a rainy Saturday. The menu had not changed since I was last there, that I noticed, with the exception of the (still affordable) prices.
I narrowed down my choice between a burger, the Philly Cheese Steak, a Patty Melt, or the “Weekly Special” Pastrami Sandwich. The Pastrami Sandwich was on my list as a result of the rave review given it during the conversation referenced above.
I was next in line so I quickly settled on the Patty Melt with small fries ($7.95 + $1 for grilled onion), and a small vanilla shake ($4.75). I paid, and was given a buzzer that would alert me when my order was ready. I waited less than ten minutes before my buzzer went off.
Cookie’s Drive In Review
Now, you may be wondering why Cookie’s Drive In charges extra for grilled onions when grilled onions are what makes it a Patty Melt. I don’t know the answer to that question, but it is what it is. All I can say is the Patty Melt was delish and as good as I remembered.
Likewise, the shoe-string fries were very tasty. They were crisp on the outside, cooked just right on the inside, and not over-salted. French fries are not something I order often, so these were a real treat.
I had to order a shake to go with my meal having read so recently the results of the Sacramento Bee poll. The shakes at Cookies Drive In are served with an extra wide straw for a reason. My Vanilla Shake was thick and creamy, and totally worth however many calories it may have had!
Best Milkshake in Sacramento (2023)
In the recent Sacramento Bee poll, Cookie’s Drive In came in 4th place after Willie’s Burgers – only one vote shy of tying for 3rd place.
Leatherby’s Family Creamery took the #1 spot, followed by 2nd place Whitey’s Jolly Kone (West Sacramento).
To Sum Up
To sum up, Cookie’s Drive In is the “real deal” when it comes to an old-fashioned burger joint. This explains in large part, in my opinion, as to why it continues to thrive to this day.
Comments on Cookie’s Drive In?
Favorite menu items? Stories about Cookie’s Drive In from your youth? Other relevant comments?
Cookie’s Drive In Snapshot:
- 5640 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
- (916) 457-8353
- Monday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.); Closed Sunday
- Parking lot
- Outdoor seating (limited)
- Vegetarian Friendly (several options)
- Cash or debit card (w/convenience fee)
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