Sun-Star readers say this small drive-in makes the best burger in Merced County
If you’re looking for a good burger with a side of nostalgia, Sun-Star readers have a spot for you.
A small burger joint in Dos Palos was the runaway winner in our latest Best of Merced County poll.
Butch’s Drive-In, a Merced County staple since 1966, earned 46% of 89 votes in our “best burger” poll. In-N-Out Burger finished second with 13%, just one vote ahead of H&W Family Drive-In. Nine other spots collected votes.
“Butch” Anderson and his father opened Butch’s Drive-In in 1966. It’s at 2625 Blossom St.
Anderson died in 2020, but the restaurant that bears his nickname is still going strong.
According to online reviews, the burger spot has retained its small-town feel, serving tasty burgers at reasonable prices. The staff provides the kind of friendly service you’d at a small-town spot.
Besides burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries and such, Butch’s Drive-In offers shakes, sundaes, banana splits and slushes. It’s open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
“Just a small-town burger joint doing it right consistently. Good food every time,” one Google reviewer said about Butch’s Drive-In.
Merced County’s other popular burger spots
Merced’s In-N-Out Burger, which finished a distant second in the poll, is at 579 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. We usually don’t include chain restaurants in our polls, but In-N-Out is an exception.
Third-place winner H&W Family Drive-In, at 121 W. 16th St. in Merced, is a classic-style drive-in with car-hop service, according to its Facebook page. It’s been a Merced staple since the 1950s. The burger spot was originally part of the A&W franchise and changed its name once it was sold to independent owners.
Here’s who won previously in our Best of Merced County series
- Best Breakfast: Jantz Cafe & Bakery
- Best Burrito: Tony’s Tacos & Catering
- Best Happy Hour: Joystiq
- Best Doughnuts: Rollen Donuts
- Best Pizza: Lover’s Deli
- Best Coffee Shop: Hola Cafecito
