Ardy & Ed’s Drive In is one of Oshkosh’s most distinctive old-school attractions, and its history goes well beyond the retro aesthetic. The drive-in opened in 1948 as the Southside A&W Drive In, when it was one of only a few drive-ins in Oshkosh. Edward and Ardythe Timm took over in 1960, and in 1972 they made it an independent restaurant, renaming it Ardy & Ed’s Drive In while continuing to serve its signature draft root beer.
Today, Ardy & Ed’s still delivers the classic drive-in experience with carhops on roller skates, burgers, fries, malts, floats and its famous draft root beer made fresh daily. It has also become a destination for classic-car fans, with specialty car nights and other events bringing vintage vehicles to the lot. But there’s another reason movie buffs may recognize the place: Ardy & Ed’s was used as a filming location for the 1990 cult comedy Meet the Applegates, alongside fellow Oshkosh institution Leon’s Frozen Custard.
