Parkette Drive-In in Lexington, Kentucky

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.

Parkette Drive-In Sign in Lexington, Kentucky
Parkette Drive-In Sign

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.

Inside of the Parkette Drive-In
Inside the Parkette Drive-In

Parkette Drive-In Sold Kentucky Fried Chicken?

Fried Chicken & Onion Rings
Fried Chicken & Onion Rings

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.

Our Food Spread at Parkette Drive-In
Our Food Spread at Parkette Drive-In
Parkette Poor Boy Double Deck Burger
Famous Poor Boy Double Decker

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.

Chili Cheese Dog
Chili Cheese Dog
Chili
Chili
Hot Brown
Hot Brown (Alfredo Sauce, Bacon Crumbles, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Diced Tomatoes)

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.

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