Before the rise of the modern multiplex, drive-in theaters were the ultimate place for a night out. Families packed into station wagons, teenagers piled into convertibles, and everyone made their way to the concession stand for snacks that ranged from classic to downright bizarre. While popcorn and soda never went out of style, many of the quirky treats from drive-in days have faded into obscurity. Some were delicious, others were questionable, but all were a memorable part of the experience. Let’s take a look at 12 forgotten drive-in movie snacks from the past that were deliciously odd.
1. Pizza Cones
Long before portable pizza became a convenience store staple, drive-ins experimented with a handheld, mess-free way to enjoy a slice. The pizza cone was exactly what it sounds like—a pizza crust shaped like an ice cream cone and filled with sauce, cheese, and toppings. It was designed to be eaten one-handed, perfect for moviegoers balancing their food on the dashboard.
While the idea was brilliant, pizza cones never quite caught on outside the drive-in scene. They were tricky to make in bulk, and the crust didn’t always hold up under the weight of hot cheese and sauce. Still, those who had one remember them as a strangely satisfying snack that deserved a longer life.
2. Pickle Dogs
Somewhere between a hot dog and a deli roll-up, the pickle dog was a drive-in favorite for adventurous eaters. It consisted of a whole dill pickle, hollowed out and stuffed with a hot dog, then wrapped in a bun or even deep-fried. The tangy crunch of the pickle mixed with the salty, meaty bite of the hot dog made for a surprisingly addictive combination.
Despite their popularity at certain regional drive-ins, pickle dogs never broke into the mainstream. The strong pickle flavor wasn’t for everyone, and handling a steaming hot pickle fresh off the grill wasn’t the most convenient eating experience. Still, those who loved them swear they were one of the best drive-in snacks ever made.
3. Deep-Fried Candy Bars
Years before state fairs made them a guilty pleasure, some drive-ins experimented with deep-frying candy bars to create the ultimate indulgent snack. Whether it was a Snickers, a Milky Way, or a Three Musketeers, these treats were coated in batter and fried until the chocolate and caramel inside turned gooey and molten.
The biggest problem? They were an absolute mess. On a hot summer night, biting into a deep-fried candy bar could result in melted chocolate dripping down your hands, making it one of the most impractical drive-in foods. Still, the combination of crispy batter and melted candy was worth every sticky bite.
4. Chili Popcorn
Popcorn is a drive-in staple, but some theaters decided to give it an extra kick by seasoning it with chili powder, cheese, and even bits of crispy bacon. The result was a spicy, smoky, and savory alternative to traditional buttered popcorn, perfect for those who wanted something with a little more flavor.
While chili popcorn had its fans, it wasn’t exactly the easiest snack to eat in the dark. The seasoning often left fingers coated in a fiery dust, and if you weren’t careful, a stray chili flake could end up in your eye. As drive-ins became more standardized, this zesty variation on popcorn faded into memory.
5. Toasted Marshmallow Milkshakes
Milkshakes were a drive-in favorite, but some locations took them to the next level by blending in toasted marshmallows. The marshmallows were roasted over an open flame before being mixed into a creamy vanilla or chocolate shake, giving it a rich, smoky-sweet flavor that tasted like a liquid s’more.
Despite their deliciousness, toasted marshmallow milkshakes never became a national sensation. They were more labor-intensive than regular shakes, requiring someone to roast the marshmallows fresh for each order. Still, for those lucky enough to try one, they remain one of the most nostalgic forgotten treats.
6. Peanut Butter and Bacon Hot Dogs
Salty, sweet, and savory, the peanut butter and bacon hot dog was an unusual drive-in delicacy that had a cult following. A hot dog was topped with creamy peanut butter and crispy bacon, creating a bizarre but satisfying contrast of flavors. Some variations even added a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
The idea of peanut butter on a hot dog still raises eyebrows today, which is probably why it never caught on outside the drive-in scene. But for those willing to take the risk, it was a surprisingly tasty twist on a classic snack.
7. BBQ Popcorn Balls
Popcorn balls were already a popular treat, but some drive-ins gave them a savory spin by coating them in a tangy, smoky barbecue glaze. These sticky, crunchy snacks were a unique alternative to buttery popcorn and offered a bold flavor that paired perfectly with a cold soda.
As delicious as they were, BBQ popcorn balls had a major downside—they were incredibly messy. Between the sticky sauce and crumbling popcorn, they were nearly impossible to eat without making a mess. Still, those who grew up enjoying them swear they were worth the hassle.
8. Onion Rings with Ice Cream Dip
Some drive-ins had a quirky take on onion rings, serving them with a side of soft-serve ice cream instead of the usual ketchup or ranch. The idea was similar to dipping fries in a milkshake—the contrast between the hot, crispy onion rings and the cold, sweet ice cream created a surprisingly addictive combination.
This odd pairing never really caught on outside the drive-in circuit, likely because it sounded too weird to mainstream audiences. But for those who tried it, it was a strange but delicious experience that made movie nights extra memorable.
9. Fried Bologna Sandwiches
A blue-collar favorite, fried bologna sandwiches were a staple at some drive-ins, especially in the Midwest and the South. The thick-cut bologna was grilled until crispy and served on toasted white bread with mustard, pickles, and sometimes a fried egg.
While bologna sandwiches were common in diners and at home, they weren’t exactly a glamorous concession stand item. As drive-in menus became more streamlined, this humble yet satisfying snack was quietly phased out in favor of more conventional fast food options.
10. Chocolate-Covered Potato Chips
Long before sweet-and-salty snacks became a trend, some drive-ins experimented with dipping potato chips in melted chocolate. The result was a crunchy, salty, and sweet treat that felt fancy yet familiar at the same time.
Despite their addictiveness, these treats never became a staple, mostly because they were labor-intensive to make in bulk. Still, for those who got to try them, they remain a fond (and slightly decadent) drive-in memory.
11. Corn Dog Nuggets with Maple Syrup
Corn dogs were a drive-in classic, but some locations took things a step further by serving bite-sized corn dog nuggets with a side of maple syrup for dipping. The combination of savory sausage, crispy corn batter, and sweet syrup made them feel like a mix between breakfast and a fairground snack.
While mini corn dogs are still around, the maple syrup dip has mostly disappeared. It’s a shame, because the sweet-savory combination made them a fun and unexpected treat.
12. Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
Drive-in owners were always looking for creative ways to serve burgers in a more portable form, and cheeseburger egg rolls were one of the more unique solutions. These crispy, deep-fried rolls were stuffed with ground beef, cheese, and pickles, making them a deliciously greasy alternative to a traditional burger.
As novel as they were, cheeseburger egg rolls never quite took off beyond a few local spots. The rise of fast-food drive-thrus made traditional burgers more convenient, and these crispy creations faded into obscurity.
Drive-ins weren’t just about movies—they were about the entire experience, and that included the wild and wonderful snacks. While some of these treats have been lost to time, they remain a delicious part of drive-in history, reminding us of a time when movie concessions were just as exciting as the film itself.
