Maid-Rite — Restaurant in Springfield

I decided to try a place I hadn't tried before. Something close to work. I arrived at the window and the man on the other side explained the history of the place, which was mildly interesting. I had looked at the menu online and saw they had pulled pork sandwiches. Unfortunately, they told me that they don't serve those, so I settled for a "Maid-rite" and fries.

The fries tasted like potato-flavored grease sticks. I hoped they would become more appetizing as I ate. I was mistaken.

The "Maid-rite" was a small sandwich. The buns were small and an abysmal amount of ground beef was on it. There was a mixture of onion and an unidentified yellow substance that I believe was mustard or butter. The sandwich tasted like meat flavored grease on a bun. The meat lacked any real seasoning and it was very lack luster. I can understand if the burger and fries were $2, but I would never spend $5 for...

This is the "original" Maid-Rite. The menu is simple (4 combo options), but prices seemed high (but I guess everything seems that way anymore). For a hamburger-size Maid-Rite sandwich, handful of fries, and frosty mug of root beer, it was $11 (2024). So, the portion and quality was a bit low compared to price. Service was quick and friendly. The inside could stand to be updated. The owner (I think) was very friendly and explained that this particular Maid-Rite is "the" original from the 1900s/1910s. The inside seemed a bit cluttered and old; I understand wanting to keep the authenticity of the original, but having boxes and books and various junk stacked in a corner gives a very cluttered, unkept feel. Nonetheless, the...

Down the street from me, the owner told me it is a historical landmark (first drive-thru in the US!). I got the special (2 sandwiches, fries, and a drink), sandwiches were smaller then I expected. The Maid-Rite sandwiches were tasty and fresh, along with fries being crispy. For the price I paid in terms of quantity, compared to what I could get for the price (~$8) elsewhere, unfortunately I have to knock off a star (a half star would be more appropriate in my opinion).

Owner is SUPER SUPER nice, very friendly and quick staff and service. Asked if I tried the root beer, I said no, and then gave me a free sample of their root beer. As other have stated, it was REALLY good. I may go back and try the float sometime, check...