J & L Drive-In in Port Alberni

4422 Gertrude St, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 5K5, Canada

★★★★★
(1287 reviews)
Categories: Hamburger restaurant Fast food restaurant

About

J&L Drive-In is a 60s inspired Drive-In Restaurant located in Port Alberni. Bringing you a blast from the past since 1969!

Address
4422 Gertrude St, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 5K5, Canada
Plus Code
754R+H4 Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada
Time Zone
America/Vancouver

Business Hours

Sunday
10:45 AM–7:30 PM
Monday
10:45 AM–7:30 PM
Tuesday
10:45 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
10:45 AM–7:30 PM
Saturday
10:45 AM–7:30 PM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet Assistive hearing loop
Offerings
Coffee Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed

Photos

$J & L Drive-In
4422 Gertrude St, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 5K5, Canada

Reviews

4.6
★★★★★
1287 reviews

Most Mentioned

school (50) nostalgia (24) poutine (19) island (14) mushroom burger (13) car hop (11) spicy fries (10) fish and chips (9) seafood platter (7) port (5)
5 stars
903
4 stars
280
3 stars
71
2 stars
9
1 stars
24
★★★★★
September 30, 2024

The chicken burger and the double decker were AMAZING best burgers we've had in years. The spicy fries were good but not spicy at all. Waitress was friendly and very fast! Will definitely be going back sooner than later

★★★★★
September 13, 2024

You need to pull in knowing you'll get exactly the burger you'd expect at a drive-in. If you do that, you'll love it. Surprisingly good for the price and location. I thought they might lean on the novelty and offer up crappy food, but I was grateful to be wrong. Definitely a worthwhile experience to add to the list. :)

September 7, 2024

I was super excited to try the beef dip but what I got was the driest meat I’ve ever had that was just stuffed inside an old hotdog bun. I paid $15 just for this which wasn’t much bigger than my tablespoon. Not cool guys.

★★★★
August 28, 2024

While I was really impressed by the way they serve the meals and enjoyed it, I think the quality of the burgers was just Okay and could have been better and with more flavours.

★★★★★
August 9, 2024

One of the best burgers I've ever had. The ratio of sauce, cheese, meat and toppings is perfect. Nothing is over powering. The bun is soft. It's not so big you can't even take a bite. And the drive in aspect is really fun. I hope this place is around forever. Everytime I drive through port Alberni I make a point of stopping. Thank you J & L.

★★★★★
April 16, 2024

Fun little place. Haven't been there in years. Very nostalgic. Food was great gotta have a J&L burger. Spicy poutine was good my only complain is more cheese curds! Will definitely be back!

★★★
May 13, 2023

Cool, old school drive-in vibe! The service was fantastic! We really enjoy the spicy fries and cheese burger. I had the mushroom burger and was okay, I personally was not a fan of the sauce. Everything else was okay. I still recommend going here and getting something to eat. It's a pretty cool experience!

★★★★★
April 7, 2021

Nostalgic and an experience in and of itself. Prices are good. Service prompt, friendly and efficient. The food was ready so quickly after ordering, and was delicious. I was hesitant about getting a veggie burger, but it turned out delicious. And the onion rings, prawns and poutine were well fried and seasoned. The strawberry milkshake was thick, creamy and delicious. Check it out if you're in the area!

★★★★★
December 1, 2024

Really gives the smaller town burger and fries spot you re looking for. Reminds me of a place around Alberta called Burger Baron, similar vibe and food. Will go back when I m in Alberni again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 24, 2024

Fantastic legendary burger joint. No stop on port alberni is complete without a stop here! :)

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Delicious hamburger!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Great burger !! Great service!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Best burgers around

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

This is the best restaurant in Alberni (according to a local). I thought my burger was very good. Vegetarian options: There are Beyond and Veggie burgers.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

We always stop in here for a burger when visiting or passing through town. Old school - simple menu and we love it! Food

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Burger sauce is heavenly

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Wonderful!

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Overall great experience

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Oh My!!! I have never been there before Love the fact it still has car hop service! And the food tray that hangs off the window( Please) . Apparently its been there since the 50s , not sure on the date I couldnt get over how reasonable the price are! . The staff sure hustle + amazing customer service !!. The burgers where soooo gooood , fries perfect Nice that our food came out nice + hot So coming back Great Business

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Such a great throw back to days gone by. Waitress was an absolute delight and the food so good, I can t wait for my next visit. Food : 5/5

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Old school drive in style restaurant. All the food is great. We love the spicy fries and chocolate shakes!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

This is exactly how you imagine a drive inn to be. Excellent food, great staff. Recommended

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Great price and the burgers are fab.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Such a hoot to come here on roadtrips. Food is delicious and its a fun experience!

★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

I went to this place all the locals rave about it. I don t get it. It s like a Walmart no name Patty, cooked on a regular grill. The fries are meh. I mean it s a cute concept with the drive-in and everything that food is below average. Especially for the price.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Best burger ever. I had the J and L special.

★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Great food and service. Best burger Ive had in a long time!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Just like the old days minus the rollerskates. Friendly staff, good food, all in the comfort of your vehicle. Definitely will be going again

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

We ordered the beef dip, cheeseburger, fries and poutine. The cheeseburger and poutine were delicious. Great spot to grab a quick bite. Its also just fun to do a drive-in. I havent been to one in years.

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Had the seafood platter & it was much better than I expected. Killer fries. Love the window service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

A true retro experience rarely found. Good simple food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

Great burgers. Quick and fast service. The deep fried pickles are yummy as well. Burgers and sided are separate in the menu. I find the burger is more than filling for a regular person to eat. The side of fries is easily shared between 2 people.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

Best burgers in town!

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

So cool to go to a drive in. I havent been to one in 40 years. Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Honestly just a classic burger joint with such a cool old school feel to it, definitely recommend this place

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Absolutely fantastic, do I ever wish there was one in my backyard! Wasn t sure what to order as it was my first time, server was very knowledgeable and helped me walk through my menu options. We had a double bacon burger, chicken tenders, poutine and a milkshake, all to which far exceeded my expectations for a drive in, diner or fast food joint. I know I m going to be craving this until my next trip back. Must go, whether you live nearby or are on the hunt for a great food spot!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

J&L special burger was super tasty, spicy fries were good too. The ice cream float was a bit disappointing cuz its just those little cup ice creams and you dump it into the drink yourself

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

Fast!! Delicious!!

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Food service was great. Loved the seafood platter with the scallops, shrimp and cod. Daughter said the deluxe burger was yummy. Onion rings are amazing also. Will come back again before leaving for Ucluelet

★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

Old school drive in - the way it used to be. Cool tradition to keep going plus the food was comforting and delicious. Worth checking out for the experience if youre in Port Alberni.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

Very quickly very affordable and big portion and cool experience from 1990 remodened

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

A great place to get the nostalgia of back in the day!! Grandgirls thought it was awesome.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

absolutely Delicious food!! I loved it!

June 22, 2024

Lots of grease that tasted like it was from something else. I had the j&l burger, it wasnt worth the hype. The hot dog on top was cold and kind of stanky. The fries were alright, not freshly cut, the service was just ok she was a bit snarly the whole time and it made me feel uncomfortable, I probably will go somewhere else nest time instead. Dietary restrictions: nothing about gluten free or sugar free etc, everything is really unhealthy as well otherwise, but can be a good cheat day.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

This place is awsome. Best fast food burgers around. And the drive in service? Ware else can you get that..!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Awesome drive in. Great food. Fast service. Killer floats.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Great nostalgia of the Drive in era. Food ordered at your vehicle window. Served on a tray that hangs off the window just like in the olden days. Excellent food.

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Great staff, great service 100% recommended

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Loved the old school drive in vibe. Food was surprisingly good considering the price wasn t sky high. Servers were attentive and quick. If you don t feel like eating in the car, there are a handful of picnic tables around. Will definitely go back whenever I m in town.

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Love this drive in restaurant, best food ever, my favs are the Bacon Cheese burger with fries, side of gravy & a Real chocolate milkshake. A must place to try.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

Food was good experience the best my son didn t know these places existed

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

Delicious as always

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

As always, food is good and service is fast. Well worth the trip for us from Nanaimo as we were doing other things as well.

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Love the mushroom burger from here

★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

Classic burgers, fries, and onion rings. Decent prices. Brings back memories of eating in the car as a kid with my parents.

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Best chicken club in town! Great friendly service. Support your local drive in, not the fast food places.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

Love this place. Old style burger drive in service. Deluxe burger was delicious as were the fries. Great stop over spot on our way to and from Tofino. Thanks!

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

A local favourite for years. Great food, good prices. Served right to your car window by lovely servers. Weve tried a lot of different restaurants all over town and this is another good one. Parking: Traditional drive-in style fare.

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Amazing staff and food eat here all the time its one of my favorite places in port alberni and its just off of highway 4/Johnston rd. Parking: Not much parking hard to find a spot during summer

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

burgers were affordable and amazing

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

J&L burger is one of the best burger in the Victoria island

★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

So cool this is still around :)

★★★★
March 22, 2024

Old fashioned drive in been coming here for more years then I care to remember burgers are still great

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Parking: Its a drive-in restaurant, plenty of parking Food

★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Super cool joint. Only downside is no gluten free bun or lettuce wraps for us celiac people. But otherwise awesome little spot.

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

The last real drive in around & amazing burgers

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Such reasonable prices for some delicious food. Love the nostalgic feeling of a drive up restaurant. The staff was friendly and attentive.

★★★
February 22, 2024

Meh its just a burger joint to me, overpriced for what they offer. Vegetarian options: There arent any really. Food : 3/5 |

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

Great local place. Awesome burgers. Classic nostalgia from the inception of the idea of a drive-through burger joint. More importantly, the food is great.

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

Its always great fast service with awesome food. I grew up in Port Alberni, so whenever we go back, we try to stop for food

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

Takes you back to the 70s. Authentic drive in dining experience

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

Love the classic drive in ...amazing fries!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Parking: Drive-in style restaurant Wheelchair accessibility: Dont even need to get out of your vehicle Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

#REALMEAT #FRESH #HAMBURGER Dietary restrictions: Need diabetic dishes.... No carbs Burger with lettuce for bun or Carbs turn to sugar

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Food is really good and its fun going to an old style 50s drive in diner. Watch what you order though because your meal can get pretty expensive with everything added on.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

What a fun way to grab a burger! Drive up, order taken, food delivered quickly and yummmmm! So cool....so retro. A must try. I have friends who ride from Nanaimo just to visit J & L.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Exciting drive-in concept and cheap prices but burgers not very tasty. Good fries and nice service.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Pretty decent, it was quickly made and it was busy, very good

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Love eating in car like olden days

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great customer service, great food and fast.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Best onion rings I ve ever had

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Good food, great service and a great little spot thatll take you back to a time when things were simple and delicious. Stop in if youre in town!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

+1 for the J&L special

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Everything about J&L was amazing. Burgers were awesome, fries were real fries, milkshakes to die for. When we asked for a footlong hotdog for our 2 dogs, they brought in 2 separate containers for them all cut up in bite size for them. The best experience in a long time. Thank you J&L

★★★★
December 22, 2023

Authentic atmosphere. The burger was great. Overflowing quantity of fries.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Stopped by this classic drive in burger bar on the way to Tofino. The service was very quick and efficient! The food was alright and priced very well. We got the mushroom burger, cheeseburger, chips, and chocolate milkshake.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The classic car-hop burger drive-in. Love it !

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

One of the last drive in dine ins around . The food is always delicious. Reminds me of in and out burger . So simple so

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Food was ok great for a quick bite.. friendly staff quick service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Unique dining experience, great food and amazing servers.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We drive for hours just to have lunch at this place, a true classic.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Excellent experience. Very friendly staff, affordable food and it was delicious. Would 100% go again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great food..good prices....love the drive up service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Stop by for a burger fries and shake

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Best place to go in town. Bar none!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Servers are amazing

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

One of the only drive in restaurants left. Awesome food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

One of my favourites when driving through Port. If you want a loaded burger this is the place. Old school drive up, turn on your headlights and be served restaurant. A must try once to satisfy your fries and a burger craving.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

A friend recommended to go here, but I had no idea what was in store. Never have I ever met someone so obsessed with J & L s Drive In; and it s me. Jeez, what does J & L stand for? Joy and Love?!?!?

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Fun little experience! Burgers taste great at a reasonable price! Service right to your car. They dont have pictures or descriptions of the menu though, besides that was awesome

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

How fun. Didnt know there were any driveins left. Service was top notch. Food was great and reasonably priced and lots of it. Milk shake.hit the spot. Well done

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Hand made burgers that are Quite good. Friendly staff. And a nice environment. Definitely worth making your own opinions.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Such a great experience! The food and prices are outstanding. Milkshakes were creamy and delicious!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

amazing! i got the cheeseburger there and its was probably there first good burger Ive ive had in awhile but, the spicy fries arent spicy but, differently recommend if your in the area and looking for a place to eat.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Love it!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Amazing!! Took me back to my teens, love the car hop service!! Coke float was fantastic!! Loved the pile of fries!! Food

December 22, 2023

The 12 hotdog is 3-4 regular wieners and was horrible and the seafood platter leaves a little to be desired....

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great food and staff

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Fabulous food great service fun atmosphere but its on a main road so its noisy. But fun to have the old fashioned food at your window!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

this place is my go to for cheat days. the burgers there are amazing, and the prices are very reasonable. nothing but good things to say about it!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Pretty neat experience! Like a drive thru but you park and a waitress will come and take/bring your order. Typical fast food taste.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Absolutely fantastic burger and classic old school onion rings. Going to be stopping here whenever were around Port Alberni for sure.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Very, very nice staff, very friendly service and delicious foods

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

A fantastic classic drive in vibe! Always worth a lunch stop on the way through Port. I recommend this place to everyone heading out to Torino!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Huge portions! Great tasting food!Drive Inn experience!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Always been the best

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Old school fun and also.has vegetarian options!

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I wanted J&L Drive-in to be better than it actually was. The service was great, but the food lacked something. My burger was tasteless and had too much sweet pickle relish based sauce on it. The fries with gravy were good as well as the onion rings. Maybe Im missing something?

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Always consistent, always great! Iconic drive-in restaurant!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Always a must go stop J&L drive in...

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Fast and good food although the burger was a little salty for me

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Milkshake, burger, onion ring

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

they forgot my fork

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great service. Food is exactly what you think it is.

Local Guide
December 22, 2023

All it is a drive thru burger shack. I can make better burgers at home. The spicy fries taste like fries you buy at costco. Definitely not worth the hype

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great food.and service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Parking: Drive-in Food

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Always on point!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Always delicious!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great 50s style drive-in-and-get-served in your car restaurant. The waitress was super nice and burger with fries was great. Its not even that expensive.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Probably the best burger Ive had in a long time! Onion rings were also pretty good, but the burger was the star of the show!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

You cant really go wrong with a decent burger for $8. Im a bit of a burger snob but the mushroom burger was a good enough snack for the price that I was satisfied

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

If you like old school drive-ins youll love this place

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Loved the feel of this place reminded me of old movies Ive watched and the food was epic!!! Great burgers and big serving of fresh cut fries definitely no complaints

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Very delicious home made style food with good price

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Delicious as always

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great place to go

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Neat experience, but the food was just okay.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

As a European you definitely have to go. Great service and good honest food for a fair price

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Very nice old school drive in. Had a mushroom bacon burger best I ve had in a long time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Best chicken burger I have ever eaten

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Loved the old school vibe. Have been wanting to bring the car and get a window burger!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

JL burger is pretty epic! Best burger I have had in a long time! Vegetarian options: Nice vegi patty burger. They have that gross beyond beef burger too. Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Service was efficient and friendly. The burgers were tasty, not greasy. The J&L special burger, is huge! Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Its the only restaurant I try and hit every time I go to Port Alberni! Great burgers and shakes!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Love the drive in, even in late fall ( on a mice day). Food didnt disappoint. Very pleasant, quick service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

This place is awesome! A blast from the past! I always try to stop here whenever Im in Port Alberni or driving through. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

I tried J&L 3 years ago and I am hooked !!! I bring family members from out of town here and THEY are hooked !!! The waitstaff is friendly and professional. The food is amazing !!! I will be a regular from now on Parking: Plenty of parking Kid-friendliness: My puppies LOVE the waitstaff (my kids)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

This place is amazing!! Been going here for decades whenever I come to Port to visit family and it never disappoints. Great food with that classic old school drive in diner feel. Great people too! Looking forward to coming back to Port as our first stop is always J&L.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Good food and good price. I was actually surprised. Good stop for lunch on the way to Tofino.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The burgers make me think of the diner s I visited when I was a kid. I really love the onion rings also. Has a classic drive in feel. They could offer real milkshakes and add some colour to the building but the base is good

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Old school REAL Drive-In !! Authentic service, food, and vibes! J&L is a bit of classic nostalgia, if you are rolling through Port Alberni its an absolute must stop

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Love the food nice place for a drive-in when I have the hot rod on the road/ but tonight was the worst service ever I pulled up helped a person with dead battery then waited for them to take order 5 cars later that came after me and left I honked my horn and asked why she ignored me then she takes my orders bab bad bad

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Cool place to go. Food is good. Onion rings were slightly overcooked last time and burger had way to much sauce. But otherwise we really enjoy going

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great spot 4 quick meals.