Take it Away: Top 10 Drive-Thrus
Drive-thrus have long been a convenient way to get what you need on the go. You can roll up—literally—in some sweats or pajamas without worry, order with minimal interaction, and be on your way. It really is as easy as pie! Here are some top spots to check out.
Established in 2020, Baguette Up prides itself on serving quality food with a side of superior customer service. This drive-thru will leave your mouth watering with their juicy, savory sandwiches—including a filling French Dip Tri-Tip that comes complete with a side of au jus—plus plenty of sides, salads, and desserts.
Amy’s Drive-Thru
1119 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-957-5868, amysdrivethru.com
Amy’s Drive-Thru
Amy’s is dedicated to healthier food choices and sustainability. In fact, their vegetative roof filled with plants and greenery helps their energy performance and shows commitment to a healthier lifestyle. When it comes to their good-for-you grub, there’s something for everyone! The entirely vegan and vegetarian eatery offers a variety of organic and non-GMO food and beverages—including favorites like The Amy (double veggie patty, double cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and secret sauce), plus burritos, fries, milkshakes, and more.
Shady Coffee & Tea
325 Douglas Boulevard, Roseville, 916-742-4117, shadycoffeeandtea.com
Shady Coffee & Tea
With a shaded patio, overhanging lights, and occasional open mic nights, Shady is the perfect pick-me-up pitstop—whether you dine in or avail of their drive-thru. They also treat their customers and their coffee with great care (it’s organically sourced and locally roasted). In addition to the café’s cozy, quirky vibe and lovingly prepared Latte, their food is equally impressive!
KoJa Kitchen
4210 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, 916-259-1513, kojakitchen.com
KoJa Kitchen
Established in San Francisco in 2011, KoJa has been featured on two Food Network shows: Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and Eat Street. Named after a gourmet sandwich that combines Korean and Japanese flavors (hence the name “Ko-Ja”), the restaurant’s bold, eclectic offerings—like the Braised Pork KoJa with miso-coconut braised pork, arugula, a wonton chip, garlic aioli, masago, and lemon wedge—will have you hungry for more. Instead of traditional wheat buns, KoJa uses crispy garlic rice buns to create the fusion fare.
Love Birds Coffee & Tea Co.
4181 Highway 49, Suite 100, Diamond Springs, 530-300-9891, lovebirdscoffeeandtea.com
Love Birds Coffee & Tea Co.
Founded by friends turned lovers, Jasmin and Garrett Sanders believe in generosity and commitment to quality products. They aim to spread joy at their Venetian-inspired café and through their fresh-roasted, sustainably sourced coffee, which supports farmers from seed to cup. In addition to buzzworthy java and signature teas, their menu also features fresh-baked pastries, including a stellar Cinnamon Roll, colorful kids’ drinks, and heartier fare like frittatas.
Taco Exxpress
4885 Granite Drive, Rocklin, 916-259-1233, tacoexxpress.godaddysites.com
Taco Exxpress
If you’re looking for something fast, fresh, and tasty, you’ll find it at Taco Exxpress! With daily specials like crunchy tacos for $2.25 on Wednesdays, all-day breakfast (including a killer Breakfast Burrito that’ll keep you satisfied until supper), and beer, you truly can have it all here.
The Bean Barn
428 Placerville Drive, Placerville, 530-622-2758;
4531 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville, 530-621-0602
4531 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville, 530-621-0602
The Bean Barn
This drive-thru packs a punch with all their delicious beverages, snacks, and blended beverages aplenty. Speaking of the latter, their popular “The Screamer”—a breakfast shake made with chocolate soy protein, fresh banana, peanut butter, and your choice of milk—is a perfect way to start your day.
Baguette Up
2320 Sunrise Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, 916-858-1500, baguetteup.com
Baguette Up
Totem Coffee Outpost
312 Main Street, Suite 104, Placerville, 530-903-3280, totemcoffeeroasters.com
Totem Coffee Outpost
Attention coffee lovers! Totem Coffee Co. recently opened a drive-thru, and it’s open Monday through Friday from 6:45 a.m.-noon. Their goal is to connect grower to roaster and roaster to community, both of which they successfully accomplish through their devotion to quality coffee and espresso (two thumbs up for the Lavender Latte), foodstuffs (many vegan and gluten-free!), and superior service.
Extreme Hummus
7820 Zenith Drive, Citrus Heights, 926-727-2500, extreme-hummus.comExtreme Hummus
Go Greek! This eatery is dedicated to serving delicious, quality food that never fails to satisfy. Locally owned, they offer a variety of options, ranging from gyros, falafels, and wraps to hummus in myriad flavors (spicy chipotle, artichoke pesto, and cilantro jalapeño, to name a few)! Their Beef and Lamb Platter, which comes with the namesake proteins drizzled in tasty tzatziki, plus rice, salad, pita bread, and your choice of hummus, is always a favorite.
Jimboy’s Tacos
708 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-6990; 3431 Coach Lane, Cameron Park, 530-677-2411; 1405 Broadway, Placerville, 530-621-1511; 11065 Folsom Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, 916-852-6076, jimboystacos.comJimboy’s Tacos
From a trailer in Lake Tahoe’s Kings Beach to a popular chain with over 40 locations, Jimboy's has been focused on using fresh, quality ingredients since their humble beginnings in 1954. Now, their parmesan-dusted Ground Beef Taco and grilled burritos have become Sacramento-area staples. With multiple locations, a select few in the region also offer drive-thrus.
by Bella Nolen
Love Birds photo by Dante Fontana ©stylemediagroup. Extreme Hummus photo by Dante Fontana © stylemediagroup. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.