H & W Drive-In

H & W Drive-In

121 W 16th St, Merced, CA 95340, United States

+1 209-722-8595

Fast food restaurant, Restaurant
(1862)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Located in the heart of Merced, CA, H & W Drive-In is a cherished fast food restaurant that expertly blends nostalgic charm with hearty, satisfying flavors. This classic drive-in captures the spirit of old-school American diner culture, serving up an extensive menu that’s sure to delight both locals and travelers seeking a genuine taste of comfort food.

From the moment you arrive, the vintage vibe is unmistakable—shaded outdoor tables offer a welcoming spot to enjoy your meal, while the friendly service recalls a time when food was made fresh, not rushed off the line. Regulars rave about the quality and authenticity here, highlighting that every dish is made to order, ensuring your food arrives hot and bursting with flavor.

The menu is a treasure trove for burger enthusiasts and fast food lovers alike. Standout choices include the Double French Burger and the Avocado Burger, both loaded with fresh, flavorful ingredients that make every bite a delight. For those who crave a little more spice, the Jalapeno Cheese Burger and the Extra Jalapeno Cheeseburger pack a perfect punch. The Patty Melt and Steak Sandwich bring a sophisticated twist to classic sandwiches, while the Hot Pastrami and Pastrami Burger and Fries offer a smoky, savory flavor that keeps customers coming back.

No visit is complete without sampling the irresistible side dishes. Crispy, golden Onion Rings and perfectly seasoned fries perfectly complement the mains. The Jalapeno Poppers and Zucchini Sticks provide delightful, crispy textures that elevate the meal experience. And dessert lovers will appreciate the creamy nostalgia of the root beer float, a signature treat that pairs beautifully with any burger.

The Child’s Hamburger, simple yet flavorful with mustard, ketchup, and pickles, makes this spot family-friendly, while the Guacamole Burger and Veggie Burger offer satisfying options for vegetarians and those seeking a southwestern flair. Meals like the Double Cheeseburger come complete with fries and a medium soda, offering excellent value and a classic flavor combo.

What truly sets H & W Drive-In apart is the feeling of stepping back in time, combined with the undeniable care that goes into every dish. Customers like Kyle Lowman praise the quality and affordability, enjoying not just the flavors but also the pleasant atmosphere. Vaibhav Bajaj highlights the convenient, shaded dining that makes it a great stop while traveling. Marilyn Gtz’s heartfelt recommendation and praise for the avocado cheese burgers and shakes speak volumes about the consistent, satisfying experience here. The nostalgic ambiance even draws appreciation from regulars like Kris Hernandez and Timothy Te, who note the homemade freshness and local charm, making this more than just a meal—it’s a culinary visit to a bygone era with every bite.

Whether you’re craving a juicy, well-seasoned burger, a perfectly crisp side, or a cool and creamy root beer float, H & W Drive-In delivers an authentic fast food experience—with flavors and atmosphere that feel timeless.

Service options
Outdoor seating On-site services Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee Quick bite
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    10:30 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    10:30 AM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Kyle Lowman
    3 week ago

    First time going here and it was amazing, much like the other reviews I definitely plan on coming back. The prices weren't too bad and the horchata and the root beer float along with the double bacon cheese burger meal with the French burger with bacon was super good. The fries and ranch dressing was excellent, I also tried to take close and clear pictures of the menu because there wasn't any pictures that were very easy to read

  • Vaibhav Bajaj
    1 month ago

    Great place to stop while traveling. Food was delicious, service was great, and shaded tables to sit. I got the veggie burger and family fries

  • Marilyn Gtz
    1 month ago

    This place is by far my most favorite burger place! We ordered 2 avocado cheese burgers, and they were delicious! Very well cooked. And I also ordered 2 shakes. One was a chocolate shake and the other one was vanilla. Everything had a delicious taste. I will be coming back very soon I highly recommend this place. Update: prices went up.

  • Kris Hernandez
    2 month ago

    Love the atmosphere of this place. Gives off great nostalgic vibes from the past of old drive-in fast food places. The food is delicious, and though it may take a good while to get your order, even if there aren't many customers, that just further proves that everything is made fresh and made to order, so you'll never get cold food that's been sitting under a heat lamp like most fast food places nowadays. Staff are fantastic, always have a great demeanor and service with a smile to everyone. My only personal problem is I usually pay with card, as I don't carry cash with me, and I hate that I don't have the option to tip the workers. And they definitely deserve it! I'll have to make a note to carry extra cash on me to tip them the next time I pay with card. Overall, a great place, great food, lovely atmosphere, and I'd highly recommend.

  • Timothy Te
    3 month ago

    Nice old school drive in restaurant. According to the delivery driver for my restaurant this place used to be an A&W Restaurant and just by looking at the sign alone it shows. The foods good and the service is even better, you can tell this is a locals place. The bacon cheeseburger is good and their root beer has a bit of a bite compared to the smoothness of the A&W root beer. Overall it’s a nice little burger joint in town and I don’t think anyone would be disappointed coming here.

  • ab6485
    3 month ago

    Today I had a very delicious Double Bacon Cheeseburger at H & W Family Drive In. I also had a large order of fries and a 32oz Root beer freeze. Lunch sure hit the spot today! It’s been years since I’ve eaten here.

  • Lan
    3 month ago

    H&W Burger in Merced is a true gem, a blast from the past that proves some things only get better with age. From the moment you pull into the parking lot, you can feel the decades of history in the weathered building, but don't let the exterior fool you. This isn't a place that's let itself go; it's a place that's aged gracefully, like a fine wine or a classic car. The menu is as straightforward as it gets, a testament to the fact that they've been doing one thing exceptionally well for a very long time. And the prices? Absolutely unbeatable. In an era where a fast-food combo can cost you an arm and a leg, H&W offers a taste of nostalgia and quality that won't break the bank. You get a burger that is genuinely better—juicier, more flavorful, and clearly made with care—than anything you'd find at a big chain. It's a taste of how burgers should be, not how they've become. The patio seating is the perfect complement to the whole experience. It's an unpretentious, comfortable space where you can enjoy your meal under the open sky, surrounded by the quiet hum of a neighborhood drive-in. It's the kind of place where you can feel the community, where every bite feels like a small celebration of a simpler time. H&W Burger isn't just a restaurant; it's a Merced institution, a living piece of history that continues to serve up a better burger for a better price. It's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality, value, and a little bit of old-school charm.

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.