Carlson's Drive In — Restaurant in Michigan City

Don't waste your time (and money!) I lived in Michigan City for over two years and always wanted to go because it seemed to be busy every time we went by. What a disappointment! I went with my husband and a friend last year, and we all got basic hotdog/burger, fries and a drink and it cost over $30! I had a hot dog and for a place that advertises themselves as if they are THE hot dog to eat in MC, it was just okay, just a regular hot dog. They use Eckridge hot dogs; you can get those at the supermarket! Eating in the car wasn't as cool as it appeared to be either, because we were wedged in a parking lot with dozens of other people eating in their cars. We left thinking of what an awesome BBQ we could have thrown at our own house, getting double or triple the amount of food we got there, for less money too. People from Chicago definitely keep this place alive (and I have no clue why). I also laugh as I watch them repaint their Carlson's signs each year (like the one on Woodland) because the price of their hot dog and root beer has gone from under $3 when I first moved here to $3.90 in 2015, and I'm sure it will be over $4 next year. For a single Eckridge hot dog and a glass of root beer (no fries) - are you out of your mind? Suffice it to say that I will not...

Whenever I am in Michigan City I just have to stop by Carlson's for lunch, dinner etc. We visited the area this weekend from southern Indiana and stopped in for lunch. While sitting at a picnic table, waiting for our food we observed the owner of the business yelling at at one of her employees because a customer had not been taken care of. I understand getting upset at an employee if they may not be performing as you may want them to but the way that this lady was yelling at this employee was simply uncalled for. Not to mention loudly telling other employees how bad the young lady was doing. I hope this young lady had a better afternoon as this had to be completely embarrassing for her. I really love the food at Carlson's and I have been a regular customer there for years but because of my observation of how their employees are talked to I will not be coming back. If you are upset at a worker be professional and pull them aside and speak to them like a human being. Have a little class as a business owner and take pride in what...

This place was just okay. The burgers and corn dogs were probably the best things we got! We also enjoyed the root beer even if it's not our favorite. Our food seemed over-fried and tasted a little burnt. We also got the fried veggies, which were veggies that were battered and deep fried, not at all what I expected. Might have needed a change in oil. One thing I was not happy about was the annoyed tone I was met with when I asked about ingredients in some foods. I explained that my son has a couple allergies. We don't ask questions about ingredients for fun, but out of necessity. And no, we don't expect to be able to eat anywhere or for places to cater to us, but it would be nice to just get information instead of being told "I don't know". The waitress was nice about it even if her manager or cook wasn't. She told us they get asked often. If that's the case, I don't know why you haven't asked your supplier about the ingredients...