Review: The Chatterbox Drive-In {Augusta, NJ}

So I’m a little behind with this restaurant review.

You’ll forgive me, right?

Ok, good, let’s move on.

It all started with a spontaneous let’s-g0-find-cows adventure. It was a Friday afternoon, I had off, and we were itching to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.

It’s certainly not the first time we’ve gone looking for cows.

And it won’t be the last.

Fo’sure.

After we got our cow fix, we had worked up quite an appetite, and popped in to The Chatterbox Drive-In.

Mostly because it was on the way home. And looked kid-friendly. And was new-to-us.

We were drawn in by the 50s vibe. Spacious interior. Bright colors. Throw-back decorating.

Fun, right? A happy space. Perfect for kids. And families. And everyone else.

When I saw a picture of that purple car inside the restaurant, I immediately texted it to a friend of mine. He’s a total gear head and I knew he’d appreciate it. I think he said it was worth upwards of $100k, but don’t quote me.

This was, after all, over a year ago.

Bad blogger.

But good blogger that takes food notes!

Omgoodness, look at that shaggy mop on her head. She was in serious need of a hair cut. Or a hair clip. Or both. She looks so little.

The kids’ meals (hamburger, cheeseburger, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, breaded macaroni & cheese wedges, hot dog, pierogies, pasta) are $5.99 and include a drink and a choice of side items. Madeline went with applesauce and chicken fingers. True to their theme, the kids’ meals come out in little classic cars – loved that. (You can also buy extra cars for fifty cents a pop, if you’d like to take one home. You know, a clean one that didn’t house your french fries)

As far as the rest of the menu, it’s all your diner favorites and more. An extensive burger selection, salads, wraps, appetizers, chicken sandwiches … even a lobster roll sandwich that I totally have my eye on for next time.

I went with a standard cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. The burger was cooked perfectly, with just a little bit of juice running through my fingers as I bit into it. Which is my favorite. There is no denying the supreme goodness of a burger that’s been char-broiled.

Although their vibe is definitely 1950s, they have clearly embraced the current social media trends and can be found on facebook and Twitter.

On the weekends, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, they have old-school car-hop service, that will bring your food right to your car. They have bike nights and cruise nights regularly, allowing their diners to take a fun trip down memory lane. They also have a Diners Club card to reward frequent diners, and they have awesome milk shakes. Just ask Nick.

He’s a sucker for a milk shake.

When his Mama lets him have one.

If you’re in the area, or looking for a fun spot to check out with the kids, pop back in time … and into The Chatterbox Drive-In.

1 State Highway 15
Augusta, NJ 07822
(973) 300-2300