Whenever I’m on one of my road trips, any drive-in restaurant is a must-stop. So stopping in at Parkette Drive-In (1230 E New Circle Rd, Lexington, Kentucky) was not much of a surprise.
While we’re on this topic, check out my page about drive-ins (click here) still operating in the United States.
Joe Smiley opened the Parkette Drive-In on November 11, 1951, but their beautiful sign wasn’t built till 1957. Since then, the building seems to have undergone some structural changes on the backside in what appears to be a former garage area.
Joe also created their signature Double-Decker hamburger called the Poor Boy.
Parkette Drive-In Sold Kentucky Fried Chicken?
I know that once upon a time, the Parkette served Kentucky Fried Chicken back when Colonel Sanders would franchise his chicken recipe to any interested restaurants.
I came here to try their double-decker, but the fried chicken sold me on how good their food is.
Finally, I was face to face with the beauty that is Parkette’s Poor Boy Double Decker. After my infatuation began to wear off, I took a big bite.
Two bites in, and I was in heaven. My wife looked at me with the I thought we were sharing face when I went in for the third bite.
After polishing off my half, she enjoyed its almost identical sibling.
We ordered a few other things to share from the Parkette Drive-In menu, like the chili cheese dog, chili, and Hot Brown.
The Parkette is one of those places that deliver on the food and the nostalgic experience. I love them for that.
P.S.: If you’re keeping score at home, Parkette Drive-In was in Season 10 of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
