The drive-thru just makes our lives so much easier. If we’re too tired to cook or to sit down to a meal in a restaurant, we merely have to slide into line at our favorite drive-thru restaurant and order. A few minutes later, we’re on our way with a quick and tasty meal. Did you know the very first drive-thru in the world is said to have been Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri? If you’ve not been yet, you’re in for a scrumptious treat. This old-school burger joint grills some of the best burgers in Missouri.

Billed as having the world's first drive-thru window, Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield first opened its doors in 1947.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg
This is one of those retro restaurants in Missouri that deserves a spot on every bucket list.
Tucked in a former gas station, the historic burger joint got its name from a simple error. Owner Sheldon "Red" and Julia Chaney ordered a sign that only fit the letters HAMBURG. Alas, the burger joint became known as Red's Hamburg.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg
Known for its burgers and fries, served with an ice-cold root beer, Red's Hamburg was a popular neighborhood stop for decades. However, it shut its doors in December 1984, three years shy of its 50th anniversary.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg
The once-bustling burger joint sat empty until it was demolished in 1997. Red passed away just weeks later; Julia died in 2006. That seemed to be the end of the story except... it wasn't.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg
Red and Julia Chaney's legacy of Red's Hamburg would live on with the return of a recreated Red's Giant Hamburg.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg
Co-owners David Campbell and Greg Iott oversaw the rebuilding of the restaurant, only the 21st-century version is bigger, so it can accommodate more diners.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

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Red's Giant Hamburg, complete with the drive-thru window that helped make it famous, opened once again in August of 2019.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg
Today, you can dine in or take out and enjoy the same old-fashioned burgers and fries of yesteryear.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg
If you're a fan of burgers, you're sure to fall head over heels for these. They're some of the best burgers in Missouri.
A quick peek at the menu, in fact, is sure to get your stomach growling in anticipation. You have a few Redburgs from which to choose - single, double, triple, jumbo, or sooper. Or, go meatless with the vegan burger.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg
Even if you're not in a burger frame of mind, you'll find something tasty on the menu. How about a pork tenderloin or a chicken sandwich?
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg
The menu also features hot dogs, chili dogs, chili fries, and chili cheese fries.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg
Hungry? Check out the menu on the official website of Red's Giant Hamburg. Or, head over to the Facebook page of Red's Giant Hamburg to learn more.
Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Have you been to Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri? The old one or the new one? Or both? Do you think this old-school burger joint grills some of the best burgers in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a fan of hiking and history, check out these 11 Missouri hiking trails that lead to incredible pieces of history. For even more amazing hiking trails in Missouri, head over to AllTrails.

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More to Explore

Nostalgic Places In Missouri

Beth Price-Williams | January 14, 2024

Where else can I find some of the best burgers in Missouri?

With its nostalgic feel and impressive menu, Red’s Giant Hamburg certainly deserves a spot on all of our bucket lists. But don’t stop there. Here are some more spots that grill some of the best burgers in Missouri:

  • Gordon’s Stoplight Drive-In in Crystal City grills the best smash-style burgers in Missouri.
  • Whether you’re craving burgers or BBQ, you won’t find better than at Dana’s BBQ & Pit Stop in Branson.
  • Sink your teeth into a burger at Kirby’s Sandwich Shop, a Sikeston favorite since 1907.
  • Build-your-own burger at Stacked in St. Louis or, if you prefer, order from one of the other burgers on the menu.
  • Order the smokestack burger, if you’re in a burger kind of mood, when you visit Beer Kitchen in Kansas City.


Are there any retro places in Missouri?

Yearning for a stroll back in time? Missouri’s got you covered. Enjoy a trip down Memory Lane at these retro spots in Missouri:

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Featured Addresses
Red’s Giant Hamburg, 2301 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65807, USA