Smittys In & Out is exactly the kind of old-school drive-in that is getting harder and harder to…read morefind. Tucked away in Elma, Smitty's has that classic small-town, roadside burger-joint appeal that makes stopping there feel like part of the experience rather than simply grabbing another fast-food meal. The simple drive-in setup, casual atmosphere, and straightforward menu give the place a genuine nostalgic charm.
The prices are another big reason to like Smitty's. You can get a satisfying burger-and-fries meal without feeling like you are paying premium modern day inflation price. The same burger fry and shake would be 50%-100% more in cost in Tacoma or Seattle. The portions are generous, and the food delivers the kind of comfort-food experience you want from a local drive-in.
The burgers are definitely the highlight. They are flavorful, have that grilled taste, and have that classic burger-joint taste that you just don't get from the big national chains. Whether you go with a basic burger or something more loaded, the quality and flavor make it clear that Smitty's knows what it is doing. The menu also has plenty of classic sides and other options if you want to mix things up.
The wait time was perfectly reasonable for a small, popular drive-in. Smitty's prepares food to order, so you may have to wait a little longer than you would at a typical fast-food chain, but that is a tradeoff I am happy to make for hot, fresh food. It never felt like an unreasonable wait, and the friendly staff made the experience even better.
The service was good. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and welcoming, which adds to the small-town character of the restaurant. There is something refreshing about getting good food from people who actually seem happy to have you there.
Overall, Smitty's is a great example of what a local drive-in should be: old-school atmosphere, reasonable prices, tasty burgers, fresh comfort food, friendly service, and a relaxed small-town feel. It may not be the fastest stop in town, but the combination of quality, value, and nostalgia makes it well worth the visit. If you are passing through Elma, Smitty's is absolutely worth stopping for.