Restaurant review
Porky’s Drive-In
1890 University Ave W
Saint Paul, MN 55104
(651) 644-1790
I have an Achilles heel for hamburgers. When I get stressed I start craving hamburgers. When I want comfort I turn to hamburgers. Finding a pub with a micro brewed beer and a great hamburger is like finding the Holy Grail or Nirvana. Now, there isn’t anything fundamentally wrong with a hamburger though you can dress it up as healthy by using turkey, buffalo or tofu with soy cheese and a whole grain spelt bun, but I’ll be over at Porky’s where grease and oil soaked plain white wrappers are the order of the day.
I have lived in Minnesota for all of my 41 years and had never been to the Saint Paul institution known as Porky’s, until last night. Porky’s is an old fashioned drive-in burger joint that has been around since 1953. This is the place in the warmer months to check out classic muscle cars from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s. Porky’s and the classic car community have been mainstays along University Avenue in Saint Paul for decades. Every Saturday night from May thru October starting at dusk you can see the classic hot rods, Chevy’s and Ford’s cruising up and down the street. Car enthusiasts from all over bring lawn chairs and coolers to watch a bygone car era go by. Porky’s lot is always crammed with cars and I used to say to myself. “I need to get over there and actually eat the food”.
Last night I knew nothing but a burger would cut it for dinner. I was on my way to spend the evening with friends and one of them asked me to swing by a liquor store for some beer. I planned my trip to coincide with Porky’s drive through. I’m glad I did. I ordered a double cheese with bacon and BBQ sauce and a side of onion rings. Real beef, real cheese, and real bacon came wrapped in a plain white paper wrapper. An onion ring was gently placed atop the bun sprinkled with sesame seeds. My first bite was scrumptious. The onion rings were also the real deal. Real onions dipped in a real batter and deep fried in real oil. I must say, a Schell’s beer to wash it all down made my dinner a Minnesota Meal. I’ll not kid you, the burgers are anything but healthy, the onion rings are divine. I say indulge in moderation. Oh, and you folks in Northeast Minneapolis? You can now get your Porky’s on mere blocks away from Central Avenue and 18th.