Retro diners and drive-ins in Ontario

Southwestern Ontario

Rose’s Family Restaurant and The Boonies Drive-In Theatre, Tilbury

Check out Rose’s Family Restaurant on Facebook for handwritten daily specials like homestyle pulled pork poutine, cream of mushroom meatball soup and pizza burgers.

Catch your favourite blockbuster afterwards at this single screen outdoor theatre just south of Chatham-Kent. Movies will be shown Friday and Saturday night, rain or shine.

Locations: 10 Queen Street North, Tilbury and 4625 Richardson Side Road, Tilbury

The Early Bird and Mustang Drive-In London, London

The early bird gets the worm at this popular fine diner. As tables are first-come, first-serve, be sure to arrive early to try their cinnamon roll waffles or classic eggs benedict.

Then, go see a double feature at London’s Mustang Drive-in, a family-friendly (and dog-friendly) local favourite. 

Locations: 355 Talbot Street, London and 2551 Wilton Grove Road, London

The Lake Hound and Starlite Drive-In Theatre Grand Bend, Grand Bend

Open since 1958, this traditional drive-in movie theatre features new releases as well as retro classics on two screens. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after eating at the The Lake Hound, a local landmark serving daily breakfast favourites and homemade comfort food.

Locations: 135 Ontario Street South, Grand Bend and 36752 Crediton Road, Grand Bend

Fritzies Fries and The Oxford Drive-In Theatre, Woodstock

What started as a small fry truck operation over 45 years ago, Fritzies Fries now serves Woodstock’s finest fries (and more) in two restaurant locations.

At Oxford Drive-In Theatre, see the stars under the stars at a family-run, recently restored roadside drive-in.

Locations: 32 Perry Street, Woodstock and 684471 Road 68, Woodstock

Niagara Region

Lester D’s Reel Diner and Skyway Drive-In, Fonthill

Located west of Niagara Falls and south of St. Catharines, Skyway Drive-In features 5 Bucks Tuesdays, where tickets are just $5 for adults and $3 for kids on Tuesdays.

The movie-themed Lester D’s Reel Diner is the perfect diner for film buffs. Breakfast options include the Rise of the Planet of the Eggs or the We Don’t Taco Bout Bruno. For a drink that's out of this world, try the Martian Milkshake!

Locations: 144 Hartzel Road, St. Catharines and 1956 Regional Road 20, Fonthill

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Electric Diner and Starlite Drive-In Hamilton, Hamilton

Take a trip to the 80s and savour a burger and milkshake under the neon lights of Electric Diner. Then, drive on over to Starlite Drive-in Theatre to see a movie on one of their big screens.

Locations: 96 George Street, Hamilton and 59 Green Mountain Road East, Stoney Creek

Fifties Diner and 5 Drive-In Theatre, Oakville

Enjoy a classic 50s dining experience before settling in for a new release at the 5 Drive-In Theatre, a long-standing Oakville landmark.

Locations: 649 Fourth Line, Oakville and 2332 Ninth Line, Oakville

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Angel’s Diner and Mustang Drive-In Guelph, Guelph

Satisfy your hunger at Angel’s Diner, where you can choose from their extensive breakfast menu, barbecue rib combos and dinner specials. Later on, drive just 10 minutes north to catch a blockbuster movie at Mustang Drive-In.

Locations: 23 Wellington Street East, Guelph and 5012 Jones Baseline, Guelph

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Brant Drive-in and Hanover Drive-In Theatre, Hanover

Open until 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. and 7 days a week, Brant Drive-in is a great option for a pre-movie meal or a late-night snack.

Plan ahead when visiting Hanover Drive-In theatre, as they only accept Interac Debit or cash, and the exact amount is appreciated.

Locations: 1597 4, Walkerton and 033277 County Road 28, Hanover

Flashback Diner and Sunset Barrie Drive-In Theatre, Barrie

Movies are bigger and better under the stars at Sunset Barrie Drive-In Theatre. For old-school comfort foods, head over to the retro Flashback Diner, conveniently located just off Highway 400.

Locations: 309 Bayfield Street, Barrie and 134 Line 4 South, Barrie

Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound

Webers and Muskoka Drive-In, Muskoka

Watch a movie while surrounded by Muskoka’s gorgeous pine forest at this drive-in theatre. Make a pit stop first at Webers, famous for its charcoal barbequed burgers, bucket of fries and milkshakes served from a converted train car.

Locations: 8825 Highway 11, Orillia and 1001 Theatre Road, Gravenhurst

York, Durham and Headwaters

Big Momma’s Soul Food and The Stardust Drive-in Theatre, East Gwillimbury

Enjoy a mouth-watering meal of Jamaican patties, jerk chicken or oxtail before movie night at The Stardust Drive-In Theatre.

Locations: 19 Simcoe Road, Bradford and 893 Mount Albert Road, Sharon

Kawarthas and Northumberland

That Place on Cameron and Lindsay Twin Drive-In Theatre, Kawartha Lakes

After lakeside patio dining at That Place on Cameron, enjoy two features back-to-back at the Lindsey Twin Drive-In Theatre.

Locations: 16 Oriole Road, Fenelon Falls and 229 Pigeon Lake Road, Lindsay

Southeastern Ontario

Vic Social and The Mustang Drive-In PEC, Prince Edward County

Planning an outing with friends? Hit the dance floor or play indoor and outdoor games at Vic Social, Prince Edward County’s hottest social retro spot. Have a bite on their outdoor patio before catching a double feature under the stars from June 21 to September 1 at the Mustang Drive-In PEC.

Locations: 166 Picton Main Street, Picton and 1521 Prince Edward County Road 1, Bloomfield

Mavericks and 1000 Islands Drive In, Gananoque

Enjoy double features of the latest Hollywood blockbusters at 1000 Islands Drive In, open Fridays to Sundays.

Grab a table at Mavericks, a friendly neighbourhood restaurant and bar featuring unique burgers, specialty poutines and so much more. It’s open until 1:00 a.m. on weekends, so you can satisfy those late-night cravings.

Locations: 98 King Street East, Gananoque and 345 Herbert Street, Gananoque

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Peter's Restaurant and Bakery and Port Elmsley Drive-In Theatre, Perth

Located between Perth and Smith Falls, the Port Elmsley drive-in aired its first film under the stars in 1953 and has been entertaining families and friends ever since. Fill up first at Peter’s Restaurant and Bakery. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, check out their pies and ice cream sundaes.

Locations: 84 Gore Street East, Perth and 333 Port Elmsley Road, Perth

The Bonanza and Skylight Drive-In, Pembroke

This old-fashioned diner offers all-day breakfast and brunch, crispy boneless wings and hot sandwiches smothered in their famous gravy. After dinner. take in two feature movies back-to-back at Skylight Drive-In, located at the heart of the Ottawa Valley. 

Locations: 119 Pembroke Street West, Pembroke and 199 Forest Lea Road, Pembroke