If you're willing to make a 13-minute drive north of Portland, there's a little mom and pop drive-in that brings back the charm of simpler times. Crinkle cut fries, thick milkshakes, and big juicy burgers have kept Don and Jo's Drive-In going since 1968. This family-owned spot has been dishing up classic American eats with the kind of care that never goes out of style and working hard at keeping this Ridgefield tradition alive.
Burgers, Shakes And More At Don And Jo's Drive-In, In Ridgefield, Washington
Oh man, this is That Oregon Life, so why are you writing about a spot up in Washington? Honestly, for this kind of classic American food, I don't think a 13 minute drive across the border is too long, and others don't think so either. But before we talk about the awesome burgers and real ice cream shakes, the backstory is just as rich as the menu.
The tale of this classic American drive-in began when Don and Joanne Zumstein bought a piece of land across from the tavern they owned in 1968. Together with their young son Mike, they built a new drive-in from the ground up with their own hands. What started as a hands-on family project eventually became a community fixture. Years later, Mike and his wife Connie returned to the business, raising their own children while running Don & Jo’s with heart and dedication.
Doing The Classics Right At Don And Jo's
The draw here is the food, pure and simple. Juicy burgers come hot off the flat top, layered with melty cheese, crisp lettuce, and thick-cut bacon, prepared just like they have been since the old days. Crinkle-cut fries are the perfect sidekick, but it’s hard to ignore the crispy tater tots and golden onion rings, which also taste fantastic.
If you're not into burgers, they also offer grilled cheese sandwiches, fish burgers, and garden burgers. Or sometimes it's just nice to grab fries and a shake from the drive through as a treat without needing a full meal, and this is the perfect place to do that.
The milkshakes at Don and Jo's come in more than 20 flavors, including black raspberry, Almond Roca, and peanut butter, not to mention classics like strawberry and cookies and cream, all thick and delicious.
Want soft serve? Chocolate, vanilla, and a rotating twist flavor are always on deck, because you really can't beat the classics. Speaking of classics, their sundaes are loaded with hot fudge, fruit toppings, and plenty of nostalgia.
Don And Jo's Ridgefield, Washington Information
- Location: 21903 NE 10th Ave in Ridgefield, Washington
- Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 AM - 8 PM, closed Sunday.
- Get more information and check out the full menu at the Don and Jo's website.
For those who crave old-school drive-in eats done right, Don & Jo’s Drive-In is worth the short trip off I-5. From the crisp, golden fries to the thick, flavorful burgers and real ice cream milkshakes, the menu delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether it’s lunch on the go or an excuse to indulge in a malted shake and a basket of onion rings, this classic drive-in keeps things simple, and seriously delicious.