Meet Pat Tracey! Pat is an Oshkosh local with so many insider tips to share with you! Come along with Pat as he explores Oshkosh's hidden gems, along with places and events that make Oshkosh unique (while getting a good laugh)! Follow along with Pat as he discovers Oshkosh -- read more here..!
Life is Better with Drive-Ins
When I’m in a mood to be carefree and fancy-free, Oshkosh always delivers! At the very tip top of my fun list is cruising town in a Chevy Belair convertible eating retro foodie favorites at a drive-in restaurant like Guy Fieri. Somehow the car, the fresh air, the freedom of the open sky, and the vastness of the drive-in menu ...well, I dig it!
Lucky for us, we’ve got two iconic drive-in choices: Leon's Frozen Custard on the northside and Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In on the southside. Oshkoshians have been enjoying Leon’s since 1947, and Ardy & Ed’s since 1948— who specialize in two Wisconsin staples, custard and root beer, respectively. Both restaurants offer formidable menus of time-tested food that can be consumed while sitting in your car. Jeez I love Oshkosh!
Leon’s Frozen Custard
Leon’s has perfected the art of creamy custard, and it’s a must-try for anyone passing through Oshkosh. I’ve personally been enjoying Leon's Frozen Custard for 30 years! Pop quiz, what’s the difference between ice cream and custard? Custard includes egg yolks as an ingredient, which gives custard a creamier, richer, better flavor! Leon’s serves up vanilla, chocolate, and an always-amazing flavor of the day. Consider visiting Leon's Facebook page daily at 11am to discover today’s flavor!
It gets even better! Mix in the retro-themed neon storefront, carhops in poodle skirts, and a menu that has something for everyone. Popular classics like the Big Bopper Burger and Hot Turkey sandwich are a great start, but let's be honest about why we’re here, OK? These are the sundaes of our youth: Banana Split, Tin Roof, and Dusty Trail! Let’s go, friends! Leon’s is open til 9pm nightly.
Ardy & Ed’s Drive In
Roller-skating carhops, frosty mugs of root beer, and a soundtrack straight from a jukebox—welcome to Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In! This Oshkosh gem serves up authentic retro vibes alongside classic comfort food. First things first: the root beer. It’s not just any root beer; it’s the real deal—drafted and frosty. Sip it from a chilled mug, and suddenly, you’re part of a timeless tradition.
Ardy & Ed’s Greatest Hits food menu is solid gold. It’s always hard for me to pick one item, and when that carhop skates up to you, the pressure is on. On my last visit I was indecisive and defaulted to the Traditional Hot Dog and whoa! what a fun surprise. I've had a few hotdogs in my day and this is a #1 hit. I paired the dog with a butterscotch malt made with real malted milk and for a minute there….I was Elvis! Ardy & Ed’s is open at 10:30am daily, Wednesday thru Sunday, March to December. Hope to see you there:)
Pat’s Tips
- Leon’s Turtle Sundae is the gold standard by which all other Turtle Sundaes are judged. Get the large size, this is no time to think small.
- Bring Fido to Leon’s and ask for a pup cup! Dogs love custard!
- Ardy & Ed’s has a tiny inside counter where 5 people can squeeze in and eat. It’s like a museum, stop in during off-peak times and check it out, ideally with a root beer float!
- Don’t miss Ardy & Ed’s Cruise Nights. Picture vintage cars parked under the starry sky, families sharing laughs, and the aroma of grilled goodness wafting through the air. It’s a scene straight out of a retro postcard. Summer 2024 dates: May 23rd, June 20th, July 18th, August 22nd, all events 5-9 pm.
For More Information
Ardy & Ed’s Drive In | 2413 S Main St, Oshkosh, WI 54902
Leon’s Frozen Custard | 121 W Murdock Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901
