The Very First Drive-Thru Restaurant In Ohio, Kewpee Hamburgers, Has Been Delighting Diners For Over 90 Years

The first drive-thru restaurant in Ohio is worthy of your dining bucket list.

Kewpee Hamburgers in Lima, Ohio is a little-known legend in the fast food world and a beloved treasure among locals. Complete with delicious burgers, frosted malts and a giant baby—yes, a giant baby—dining here is an experience every Ohioan needs to have at least once.

The very first Kewpee Hamburger shop was actually located in Flint, Michigan in 1918. Today, the only Kewpee Hamburger shops that remain are all located in Lima, Ohio.

Although the White Castle chain is often believed to be the first fast food restaurant on the scene in America, Kewpee Hamburgers actually appeared just a few years earlier.

Known for their delicious burgers topped with whatever you choose, Kewpee Hamburgers first came to Lima in 1928.

Fun fact: It's rumored that this iconic little hamburger shop actually served as inspiration for the Wendy's franchise.

The last Kewpee location opened in the 1980s and is the largest of the three. It can seat up to 180 customers and is located on Bellefontaine Avenue.

Today, there are a total of three locations in Lima, each serving up affordable, yet delicious fast food in their humble orange booths. Soak up the sweet nostalgia! It's easy to see why Kewpee is one of the best retro restaurants in Ohio.

On any given day, it's common to see a line at the drive-thru, so be prepared to wait a little while even if you don't plan on dining in.

Just look for the iconic giant baby and you'll know you've found the best fast food in town.

We recommend getting a side of fries and a malt as well—because that's what makes a burger complete, especially at Kewpee.

A regular hamburger here is just $2.20 and many of the toppings are free of charge. A small frosted malt here is just $1.40.

Of course, if you can manage, you'll want to save room for some fresh baked pie.

You can get it by the slice for $2.00 or purchase a whole pie for $9.50.

Kewpee Hamburgers is located at 2111 Allentown Rd., Lima, OH 45805, 111 N Elizabeth St., Lima, OH 45801 and 1350 Bellefontaine Ave., Lima, OH 45804. Have you ever been here before? If so, share your memories and menu recommendations with us! To learn more about this iconic fast food restaurant in Ohio, visit their website here.

For more awesome, local restaurants in Ohio, check out our previous article: These 11 Small Town Ohio Restaurants Will Serve You The Best Meal Of Your Life.