Hinson's Drive-In — Restaurant in Matthews

We found out about Hinson's through Facebook and wanted to give it a try. We were a bit skeptical since it's off the beaten path a bit but coming from small towns ourselves, places this like usually have the best food. Everyone was friendly and welcoming when we walked in and placed our to-go order. You could tell the patrons are a tight knit group and had their families with them. It was also nice to meet the owner's son who was really proud, as he is the 3rd generation Hinson. They offered us a table to sit at while we waited and that's where the experience got a little questionable - we waited 50 minutes for our order which we could have gotten over, however, 3 parties walked in after us (2 to-go, 1 dining in) and they were given their food first. Then, we were overcharged for what we ordered - $80 for a double chili cheeseburger, chili cheeseburger, BBQ sandwich, 2 chili hotdogs, chili cheese fries, a sample bowl (fries, Mac and cheese bites and hush puppies) and 2 sweet teas. Based on their menu, that should have come up to $62 plus tax. Since we were there so long, we just paid and didn't question it at the time. The food itself kept this review from being 2 stars because the quality really is good. They have small cooking equipment, their flattop being the original from the 1950's, so I understand only being able to do so much at a time but none of our food was hot, just warm, and we ate it in our car in the parking lot. My husband and I own and run a food establishment so we give a lot of grace to other places we try so we really hope this was just an all around off-day.

Either way, we still tipped and because of how good it was even being just warm we may give it another try in the future. We'll just be sure to pay more attention to what they ring...

Let me start by saying that usually when I see a little old run down diner like this I assume the quality of the food makes up for the rinky-dink atmosphere. This is not the case here. I came here with my gf after searching for a good hot dog, and debated driving away after seeing the junk out back, and the flimsy wooden door with no window. We were starving so decided to chance it--wrong decision. The bar is dark and doesnt feel clean. Everyone there had clearly been there for hours and would stay for several more, and we felt very judged on walking in, and had to shimmy past the people at the bar as the seats are so close to the wall that there is barely room to walk. The whole back portion of the place was dark and unused and eerie--and this is at 3pm on a Sunday. The food was fine, overpriced for the small portions you get if anything. Our server leaned over to give us our food and I had to stifle a cough from how much she smelled like smoke. At one point i caught another customers eye by accident, and she immediately apologized for the racist joke she had just made, and that i hadnt heard until she felt bad enough to apologise to me.

I have nothing against the owners--I just want to post this review to provide a counter to the reviews calling this place friendly and welcoming. I didnt get that at all. Definitely think twice if you are looking for a warm and friendly dive bar! This place is nothing short of creepy and maybe even a...

Go "back in time" and experience a remnant hometown, small, family-run DIVE diner which has survived (on its own merits) encroaching highways and development for 60+ years!!!

Highly recommend any of the burgers, or the German sausage and kraut, with a side of onion rings or deep fried mushrooms with horseradish.

Make a point of taking a drive and seeking this place out. You will not be disappointed. Great prices on everything including beer. Laney and Ellie are the perfect hosts/servers/cooks. Super friendly folks who make your feel at home. I plan to go back weekly to try more of the menu. Looking...