Tom's Drive In
Appleton, WI • ★ 4.3 (1186 Google reviews)
The Story
The neon glow of Tom's Drive In paints the evening sky, a cheerful beacon of simple pleasures and good old-fashioned eats. Car windows roll down, letting in the sweet smell of fries and a happy hum as families pull up for a taste of Americana. With every swirl of ice cream and satisfying crunch of a burger, it feels like summer never ends in this cozy Appleton spot.
From the Counter
Recent Google reviews
Christy Coenen
★ 5 • 4 months ago
Mac and his team were extremely friendly. We had a fundraising event for the giveback nights. I would strongly encourage this location in this team. They went above and beyond to make sure all of the guests were very happy and the food was wonderful and out very quickly.
Jodi Koller
★ 2 • 2 months ago
My family has always loved Tom's food, so much that I pick up food through the drive through once a week. I have been very disappointed with the service lately. The last 2 times I went, including today, there was something completely missing from my order and I had to go back to get it. Now people were waiting on food and I had to eat cold food. There also has been a handful of times they put the wrong condiments on my burgers. I paid extra for lettuce that I didn't ask for. One time the Tominator 2 I ordered only had 1 meat patty. I didn't get what I paid for. I shouldn't have to check my bag, much less, my receipt before I leave. Also, I would think that a refund or coupons would be offered. Your employees are friendly, but an apology isn't enough when orders are screwed up so often. I appreciate that they're starting to read back the order, but it doesn't even matter if the food is missing.
Tyler James McConnell
★ 4 • 5 months ago
4/5 stars – Tom’s Drive-In: Solid food, but the vibe’s shifted Tom’s Drive-In on College Ave in Appleton is still a classic spot for a quick burger, fries, and shake—can’t deny the food holds up. The double cheeseburger is greasy in the best way, onion rings are crispy, and the root beer float hits the nostalgia button hard. Service is usually fast at the window, and it’s convenient for a late-night craving or post-game stop. Prices are reasonable for what you get, and the place stays busy, so you know it’s doing something right. That said, it doesn’t quite have the same old-school, laid-back drive-in feel it used to. Back in the day, it was pure Appleton tradition—families, car guys, straightforward American comfort without any extras. Lately, there’s a noticeably gayer, more flamboyant energy creeping in—brighter colors, louder music choices, staff with more attitude and flair. It’s like the vibe from Rascal’s (that bar down the way) is spilling over the property line and bleeding into Tom’s. Nothing against anyone living their life, but for a lot of us who came here for the traditional, no-frills Midwestern drive-in experience, it feels like the soul of the place got a makeover that doesn’t quite fit the original recipe. Still worth the stop if you’re craving the classics and don’t mind the updated atmosphere. Food’s good enough to keep coming back, just not the same timeless hangout it once was. 4 stars for the eats, docked one for the vibe drift.
Bec Mei
★ 5 • 4 months ago
We enjoy this Toms location the most. The younger staff always seems motivated and happy to be there. In the past year it seems to have improved with quality of the food that comes out. Mac, the manager, is always eager to answer any questions and makes sure what the customer orders is what they want. We never have to wait super long for orders anymore and they always come out accurate now! Bonus of this location is that it is walkable for so many!
