When you think of a drive thru eatery that specializes in curbside pickup and on-the-go food options, chances are you might be thinking about a national chain that serves frozen beef shipped across the country. You’re probably not thinking about a local fast-casual restaurant that serves slow-cooked homestyle meals locally-sourced from nearby farms, bakeries and coffee shops. In steps Eat Up Drive In, a new concept by Jocque Concepts – the owners of Diego Pops, The Montauk and The Hot Chick in Scottsdale.
Eat Up Drive In is located in Arcadia smack dab in the middle of a flourishing culinary district that includes restaurants like Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, The Porch and The Vig Arcadia, among others. What makes this new restaurant stand out is that it specializes in fast-casual food that you can’t find anywhere else. Forget typical drive thru options like burgers and burritos. Eat Up Drive In offers options like short rib ragu served over homestyle mac ‘n’ cheese, a wood grilled flat iron steak and six different types of baked potato.
Homestyle food slow cooked to perfection
While their Hot Chick Sandwich – adopted from sister restaurant The Hot Chick – is currently the most popular and publicized item on the menu, Eat Up Drive In has so many different variations of fresh proteins, cheeses and vegetables for all food lovers.
One thing that you should make sure to order is the mac ‘n’ cheese. It is served with certain meals such as the afore-mentioned short rib ragu but is also offered as a side. And the old cliché goes, this ain’t your grandma’s mac ‘n’ cheese. It’s served with a creamy mixture of smoked gouda, Havarti and cheddar cheeses to keep your taste buds guessing with every bite.
One of the managers recommended the pulled chicken grinder, so naturally, we had to give it a try. It is a soft but sizeable baguette stuffed with juicy pulled chicken (served cold) and salami, topped with Havarti cheese, tomato, pepperoncini peppers and a delicious vinaigrette. Needless to say, we were not disappointed.
The braised BBQ short ribs are another tremendous option for those of you looking for a hot, homestyle meal. It is served as a part of their single & family meal options, which come with your choice of two sides (hint hint: here’s your chance to order the mac). The slow cooked ribs are served pulled and slathered in a tangy barbeque sauce, which still has my mouth watering as I’m recapping the experience.
Ultimately, Eat Up Drive In is the perfect spot for anyone that wants to pick up food for the family and disguise it as their own home-cooked meal. Come on, we’ve all done it. One thing is for sure, you will not disappoint anyone with this menu.
It should be said that there are a few tables located within the restaurant and plenty of space for outdoor dining if you are looking to sit down and enjoy.
