This Delicious Restaurant Hidden On A Rural Tennessee Road Is A True Culinary Gem

Cardin's Drive-In is a local favorite, perhaps not the most "traditional" restaurant of sorts but still one of the most nostalgic extensions of Knoxville. This is where you come to remember quiet summer nights and first loves, where you lick an ice cream cone deep into the burn of the afternoon and order too many fries on a late Friday night. East Tennessee is home to a few diamonds in the rough, and Cardin's is one of them.

Right here is where you experience the 5-star kind of meal rural America subsists on during the heat of summer and chilly bite of winter. Cardin's Drive-In is located in Knoxville, in East Tennessee, and completely has the whole of our hearts.

Locally owned and operated, Cardin's is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, warmly welcoming locals and tourists alike with their down-home comfort food.

This authentic, old-school eatery makes up some of the best hot dogs and cheeseburgers and follows it all up with thick, creamy shakes. This is where 1950's culinary stereotypes meet reality - and we aren't sad about it.

Yummm. We love anything fried up and served warm! You can choose to either be served at your car or you can order at the window and hang out under their picnic awnings on warm days.

We wouldn't be expecting filet mignon, but if you're ready for Frito pie or french fries, you're going to be wildly excited.

Their servings are huge, and there are options for all - whether you stay away from dairy or would rather avoid bread-based sandwiches. The staff is kind, and they work with you to create a fun, welcoming environment rich with delicious eats.

Cardin's may be best known for their ice cream and milkshakes. We're partial to the peanut butter milkshake, but a soft serve cone decked out in chocolate? We'll bite!

You can visit for yourself at 8537 Asheville Highway in Knoxville, Tennessee. We'll see you there, friends! It's bound to be a meal to remember.

After you eat, you may just want to check out this gorgeous Tennessee garden. It's tucked up in the hills of the mid-state, and it's truly a sight to see.