Welcome to Sunrise Drive-In
Sunrise Drive-In is a hidden gem located at 3624 E Palmetto St in Florence, SC. This cozy restaurant embraces a retro vibe that transports you back in time, offering an authentic local dining experience. With a no-frills approach, this place is loved for its casual atmosphere and friendly service. The menu features hearty comfort food that satisfies cravings any time of day—from breakfast to dinner. Try their famous onion rings and perfectly cooked fried chicken for a delightful taste. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or having a meal with family, Sunrise Drive-In feels like home. Its affordability makes it a popular choice for groups, locals, and tourists alike.
Popular dishes
Restaurant Gallery
About
Sunrise Drive-In sits on the bustling E Palmetto Street, where the spirit of Florence truly shines. This family-run establishment embodies the charm of southern hospitality. With its quaint, nostalgic décor, it feels comfortable and welcoming. The restaurant prides itself on being accessible, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating, making it an inclusive spot for everyone.
Open daily, Sunrise Drive-In caters to a variety of dining preferences, from solo visits to family outings. The casual atmosphere allows patrons to relax while enjoying delicious meals. Inside, the vibe is cozy and uncluttered, with local diners enjoying their favorite dishes, contributing to a genuine sense of community. The enthusiastic staff contributes to a delightful dining experience. Customers frequently remark on the friendliness of the service, further enhancing the neighborhood feel.
Parking is hassle-free, with plenty of free space available—just another perk of visiting. As a local staple, this spot often attracts both regulars and newcomers looking for satisfying home-cooked meals. It’s common to see folks catching up over steaming bowls of steaming comfort food or digging into generous plates of fried delicacies, creating a buzz of familiarity and community.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
The highlight at Sunrise Drive-In is undoubtedly the onion rings. Customers rave about them, noting they are hands down the best anywhere. They are crispy on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside, making them a must-try with any meal. The crinkle-cut French fries are another favorite, often ordered half-and-half with onion rings for an irresistible combo.
People also appreciate the variety of comfort food options. Whether it’s the perfectly cooked fried chicken, succulent hamburger steak, or delightful barbecue sandwiches, there's something for everyone. The generous portion sizes allow for satisfying meals, often with enough leftovers for later.
A bonus is the friendly service; the staff knows many customers by name and provides warm, welcoming service, creating bonds that feel like home. Price-friendly meals attract many families, making it a beloved local spot for kids and adults alike.
Most Disliked
One common critique revolves around the restaurant’s old-school ambiance, where some diners find the decor a bit dated. While many enjoy the nostalgic feel, a few prefer more modern dining environments.
During peak hours—especially on Fridays—service can get overwhelmed. Some patrons report longer wait times, particularly during dinner rush. To avoid this, plan visits during less busy times, like Thursday evenings, when the crowds thin out.
Occasionally, certain menu items may not be available, as turnover is based on daily preparation levels. Customers desiring specific favorites must keep this in mind when arriving.
Reviews
Matt F.
This is one of my absolute favorite spots. Walking in feels like he went back in time 40 years. This isn’t a fancy place, but it is a place where you can feel like a local for sure. They have a cleared distinction in having the single best onion rings that I’ve ever had anywhere. Their french fries are crinkle cut that are crunchy in the outside and like mashed potatoes on the inside. They will mix them half-and-half with your onion rings as a side if you wish. I’ve had many of the things off the menu, including the burger, barbecue sandwich, fried chicken, and many others. All of it is excellent. The staff is extremely friendly, and the food is always excellent. The prices are very reasonable, and it comes with the absolute highest recommendations.
Rebecca S.
For years I have loved coming to Sunrise for a good meal. The staff is very welcoming and the food is always fresh. You get a good amount for the price you pay and I always have leftovers! The owner Nick is very friendly and the ladies at check out are as well and very sweet. Chrissy, one of the waitresses, always provides the best service for me and my family and we love coming to see her. Thank you for staying such a warm and welcoming place for a great meal!
Somer C.
Great service, food, prices, and LOCAL establishment
Justyn H.
Amazing, perfectly cooked, fresh fried chicken. 😍😍😍 and our waitress was very wonderful!!! (Even when the jerk next to us was impatient and rude, she was still very patient and polite, as was the rest of the staff...moreso than I would have been!!) Everything was great. Thank you!
SkyDreamer
Good little local mom and pop place to get some food. It is basic, but good. You do get a bit of a break on the price if you pay with cash, this is old school
Hayley L.
Their food was delicious and their servers were so kind and i would recommend the cheese burger box that's what I got and it was amazing.
Shane C.
Used to eat here when we lived in Florence. First time eatting here was at least 40 years ago. Stopped in a few days ago for after moving away back in 99. The food was just as good as before. Looks like the owners son is running it now. I remember him being there way back then helping. The service was good. The place was clean. I got the hamburger steak with red sauce with fries, slaw, onion rings and a roll. It was just as good as it was the last time I was there. We will definitely be back.