Cheap Eatn': Clyde's

Cheap Eat'n 

This week's selection for the Great Lakes Clipper Cheap Eat'n restaurant review has been an institution for great treats in the Eastern U.P. for over 40 years. Clyde's Drive-In has been open since 1969 with locations in St. Ignace, Manistique and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
 For many downstate Michiganders, Clyde's in St. Ignace (just off US 2) is the first mandatory vacation stop after crossing the Mackinac Bridge. It is a true drive-in with car hop service and only a few booths and stools inside. The red tray mounted on your car window is a symbolic reminder that summer is here, even if you have to roll up the window to stay warm or avoid pesky mosquitoes in your car .
The Sault location is on Riverview Ave. just off the beaten path of tourist-lined streets and locks and has a great view of Sugar Island. Sea gulls entertain customers as they land on car hoods and feed on left-over french fries.
The Manistique location, on Chippewa Ave. the only one open year-round, is less tourist-oriented and more of a secret of locals. It is right next store to Manistique Papers so it tends to be a factory-worker's burger oasis.
I've been to all three locations over the last 30 plus years and have never been disappointed no matter what I've ordered. Delicious burgers reign here. My favorite is the Pizza Burger which isn't what you'd typically get elsewhere. It is a pizza burger patty but instead of the marinara sauce, Clyde's puts whatever burger toppings  you want- ketchup, mayo, or even lettuce. Sounds strange but mayo and lettuce on a Clyde's pizza burger is delish. My husband loves their Olive Burger. He's also enjoyed Clyde's famous "Big C". This is the famous burger that has long been considered the "best burger in the U.P." These burgers are made with 100 percent ground beef. I've also been impressed by their pasties. Their cheese curds and fries (with gravy) are fantastic.
What's amazing is that even with throngs of tourists, Clyde's is always fast and cheap.
Check out their FaceBook page to view a menu.

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/208/1056519/restaurant/Michigan/Clydes-Drive-In-Manistique"><img alt="Clyde&#x27;s Drive-In on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1056519/biglink.gif" style="border:none;padding:0px;width:200px;height:146px" /></a>