OUR PARTNER
Pink and purple neon lights line the top of the walls, and if you look to the walls you’ll see the faces of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and others. The room has perfectly placed booths that mirror the color schemes of neon, and you feel like you traveled through time as classic hits play like, Pretty Little Angel Eyes and Jailhouse Rock. You didn’t time travel. You are still in Paducah, and it is likely that you’re hungry. And the name of the place you are visiting: Parker’s Drive-In.
Parker’s Drive-In is an atmosphere that is different than most restaurants. Visitors are given the option to dine in at a twinkling cushioned booth or eat in the comfort of their car! Don’t be fooled and assume this is your ordinary diner. Parker’s Drive-In is anything but ordinary and has delicious items for the whole family.
On the day of my visit, the staff and customers were bubbly and joked and talked to other diners as if they were old friends. One customer had even traveled to Parker’s all the way from St. Louis! It just so happened her family is from Paducah, but she was craving the fish sandwich and boasted how it was one of the best fish sandwiches she’s ever had. Others raved about the food before I even ordered. They gushed about the ice cream, the sandwiches, and the 7 egg western omelet! Paul, the owner, was happy to help me select some of the favorite go-to’s at Parker’s.
The Avocado Stuffed Chicken Salad Salad
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, their NEW avocado stuffed chicken salad is the way to go. This chicken salad reminds me of a classic California chicken salad with the sweet notes that come from the pop of the grapes and the dried cranberry raisins, but with a much better twist! The chicken salad is light and fluffy and sits atop creamy and buttery avocado halves that add a velvety texture. Sunflower seeds add to the crunch factor as the savory bacon is crisp and allows the flavors to melt in your mouth. Pair each scoop of chicken salad with crisp salad greens to get that double salad from the name and tomatoes for a truly excellent filling and light dish!
The Angus Steak Burger
Not into salads and looking for something a bit more diner classic, the chopped Angus steak burger may fit the bill. Recommended with “the works” (pickle, lettuce, tomato, onion, condiments and cheese) this burger takes up half the basket and is happily sitting on top of golden crisp crinkle cut fries. Made out of ground ribeye, chuck and sirloin, every bite of this burger was easily followed by another bite! The lightly toasted warm bun a top of the perfectly season, grilled beefy patty, with only four slices of cheese dripping off the sides and melting everything together, paired with tangy pickles and fresh lettuce and tomato. Was I able to finish this meal? No. Did I want to? DESPERATELY!
The Sweets
Let’s say you have a sweet tooth craving, Parker’s has a variety of ice cream flavors, milkshakes, and even brownies, but if you want a staple, the banana split is perfection. A ripe banana, split in half, cradles three mountains of made-in-house soft served ice cream topped with an assortment of different toppings and flavors to choose from. It is big enough to share…if you want to.
The next time you’re driving through Lone Oak or you’re craving a different kind of catering, check out Parker’s Drive-In for classic food with a new and improved twist on flavor and innovation.
I would like to thank Parker’s Drive-In for having me, as well as our sponsor, The Clemens Fine Arts Center. Be sure to attend one of their upcoming shows, find out more information on their website at this link.
