Eat, Drink, and be 'Jerry'

Hamburgers, milkshakes, and fries conjure a classic picture of old 1950s diners. One place that both tourists and locals love to visit is just such a diner on Cervantes Street, near Bayou Bridge. The diner has remained unchanged for many years, with much of the same food and atmosphere as it had back when it first opened. For over 60 years, Jerry's Drive-In has served Pensacola's locals and tourist alike with their famous southern style diner food. Just like the beach or the graffiti bridge, this drive-in has become a staple as a local attraction, and it is a great place to stop and get a hamburger. Jerry Halstead, the owner, said that everyone from blue collar to white collar enjoys their low prices and family atmosphere. Often, during lunch hour, there is even a line. "You can't eat for any cheaper," Halstead said. Cheap is right. From hamburgers costing $1.75 to chicken and country steak dinners costing only $6.75, Jerry's is a place to eat good southern food for just a few bucks. Mullet, gizzards, grits, and fries covered in gravy are just a few of the choices. Old-fashioned milkshakes and floats are also a steal, costing just $2.50. Fitting in with the old-fashioned diner style, the décor is simple yet eclectic. College football curtains hang next to neon beer signs in the windows, while posters, license plates, and funny quotes line the diner's walls. "Everything we have here has been given to us," Halstead said. "Anyone can bring in any décor, and we will hang it up." Though not a drive-in anymore, Jerry's once had a carhop in the back, Wes Hudgens, one of the diner's cooks, said. The upstairs portion of the building houses two apartments where the previous owner Bill Wessel lives. For 50 years, Wessel owned and ran the business, and he still visits the diner almost daily. It's true that the clientele are loyal, but so are the employees. Fay Schneidewind, a waitress at the diner for the past 45 years, has not missed a day of work. "I like people," she said with a smile. With a family atmosphere, great food, and a sense of local spirit, Jerry's Drive-In is truly where everyone goes. To experience Pensacola culture and mingle with locals, or just to taste some amazing bacon cheeseburgers, Jerry's Drive-In is the place to go.

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