Pizza Burgers were Amazing. My Mom haven't had a pizza burger since the DOG N SUDS in Harvey, IL. It's been over 30 + years for her. Love the homemade rootbeer and fried veggies. Everything was hot! Portions were large too. If you haven't eaten here, it's a must try!!
Carlson's Drive-in is a Michigan City tradition. A real old fashion Root Beer Stand complete with car hops. I remember going there in the 60's with my parents; then with friends; then after dates for a late night snack after a movie. Then I took my children. Now my kids are grown with kids of their own. We all meet in MC when we make our annual trek to visit family. The chili cheese dogs are the best with their steamed buns. They have all kinds of deep fried veggies: onnion rings, fried mushrooms, fried cauliflower, and my favorite fried zucchini. The root beer is fresh & comes in frosted mugs. They even make a sugar-free root beer. The car hops are super friendly. You can eat in your car or they have plenty of picnic tables you can sit at either under the canopy or in the sun. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!!
Discriminate against people with disabilities and their service animals illegally wouldn’t recommend this hole to anyone
Don’t give this ableist drive in your money. They told me to leave their lot bc I needed my medical alert service dog with me while I was eating at a picnic table. They told me they don’t allow animals, I explained to them that according to the ADA they can’t discriminate against me just because I have a service dog.
Carlson's is a gem in our community! It has been an icon of summertime in Michigan City for decades. Rootbeer floats, chili cheese dogs, breaded mushrooms and bags of salted fries - all invoke memories for me as my favorites there among a big menu. Like of mid afternoon food on the way home from the beach as a teen or young adult, or an evening stop on mild night out for a drive as grandparents, the food at Carlson's is fun and just plain good! It's the kind of place you find yourself saying in March, is Carlson's open yet? And when they close down after the season, it's a bummer. So my advice is go to Carlson's frequently and go now to make those memories and enjoy awesome drive in food!
This place is always amazing! Who knew that warming a hotdog bun could make someone drive ten miles to get their favorite hotdog! Their root beer tastes amazing too!
I have always loved Carlson's. Today is Wednesday, I went there last Thursday morning around 10 because I was craving their grilled ham and cheese sandwich. The man came out and told me they didn't open till 11. I finally was able to get back in there today. When I got home I discovered my grilled ham and cheese was ham on a bun. Although it wasn't what I wanted I ate it because I waited all day to eat for my grilled sandwich. It was just ok. Everyone else's order was correct and tasted good. I don't know if they no longer make them or if the order was placed incorrectly or what, but I need to find a restaurant that knows how to make GRILLED ham and cheese sandwiches.
Haven't been here in about 6 years. Decided to bring my son. Everything but the hot dogs were so gross!! I got an Italian beef that was literally just some rubbery meat (the did bounce when I tried it as a joke) and cheese. I want my son to try chili cheese fries, the fries were obviously store bought and were stale and soggy. You have to pay a dollar for each cup of cheese and chili. The mozzarella sticks were again obviously store bought. The Walmart brand taste better then these did. They were small and you only got 4. I'm extremely disappointed I wasted my money. I will not go back. The positive was the waitress. She was very friendly and bubbley!
Everything I order there is great. I love the online ordering not only does it help the customer but also the waiting staff. Very efficient and quick. Italian beef and cheeseburger we ordered was great. Friendly employees.
Been coming here since I was a kid. Food is always great and the root beer is top notch.