The Fence Drive - In

4.7 ( 1177 reviews )
$10–20
1605 PA-405, Milton, PA 17847, United States
+1 570-524-2865

If you're looking for a charming dining experience with a nostalgic vibe, The Fence Drive - In is an unmissable stop. Situated alongside the scenic West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Milton, Pennsylvania, this family-owned gem has been serving up classic American fare since 1951, encapsulating the essence of a true drive-in restaurant.

Many reviewers rave about the fish dinner and the signature hot dog, which boasts a blistered, snappy skin—a perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. Seafood lovers will appreciate the scallops and shrimp, while the charming picnic tables and carhop service enhance the experience. Wendy Stengel's regret about not leaving room for a milkshake resonates with many, as the shakes are highly praised for their creamy goodness.

However, guests are reminded to bring cash, as this beloved institution operates on a cash-only basis. While some menu items like the cabbage may not suit everyone’s taste, the overall atmosphere and great service make it well worth the visit. As Lesley Wallace notes, it’s one of the few authentic drive-ins left, providing a unique blend of great food and stunning views.

So, whether you’re dining in your car or enjoying the sun by the river, The Fence Drive - In offers a delightful taste of Americana that should not be overlooked.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings
    • Coffee
    • Comfort food
    • Food
  • Dining options
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Seating
  • Amenities
    • Gender-neutral toilets
    • Toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Trending
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Cash only
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs
    • Kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Parking

Reviews For The Fence Drive - In

Wendy Stengel
Jun 30,2025
Delightful riverside drive in with true car hop service. Don't want to eat in your car? Get your order for any of the outside tables. The fish dinner was tasty. The hot dog was plain and perfect... Blistered and snappy skin and a yielding bun. Bring cash... They don't take plastic. My only regret is I didn't leave room for a shake.
Joe Zglinicki
Jun 25,2025
Very good food, especially the scallops, the shrimp, and the fries. The fried fish, chicken, and the cabbage also were good, just not as good. Not a fan of the lemonade. The cabbage was a good alternative to regular coleslaw, but it depends on whether you like celery seed. Not that there was much in there, but a couple of us are not fans, so we wouldn't get it again. But, honestly, if you're good with celery seed, it was good. Great service! The young ladies certainly were attentive enough, and always were watching for new cars that pulled in. You can sit in your car or at one of the tables that are available. They are normal wooden picnic tables, so the car might be more comfortable for you. Very nice view of the river, especially on a nice day. But be careful backing out of your space when you're done, because there's not a lot of room from the parking lot to the street. Overall, a fun place to visit, with very good food, and great service. NOTE: They are a cash only business, and do not take credit cards. Supposedly there is an ATM on site.
Diane Merlavage
May 24,2025
This place has been open since 1951. It sits along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Pull up car service, picnic tables or indoor seating all have a beautiful view of the river overlooking Lewisburg, PA. They sell seafood, burgers, fries and shakes. They are CASH ONLY! This place is usually pretty busy, expect a bit of a wait. It's very popular with the locals who eagerly wait for opening in the spring. Stop by. It's very charming and a great place to stop on your way to the Campys Theatre in Lewisburg.
TTV_Kittenxo
May 11,2025
This review is for all the negative people who don’t know how to appreciate a FAMILY Owned business that has been standing since 1951. The “famous fish sandwich” on a “hotdog bun” is still the best fish sandwich around in central Pa. & Their milkshakes are just as amazing! Their customer service could improve. “But how happy would you be working in the heat with rude customers like yourself”. They are NOT your typical waitresses, they are NOT there to run back and forth 101 times to your vehicle. They have many other people to care for. But if you could do better, then maybe ask for an application. I will agree on the comment about the seafood basket. It is very dry and always burnt like. Just because it’s seafood doesn’t mean it all cooks at the same time. But people need to appreciate and lift up small businesses more instead of throwing them into the dirt, especially a business that has been standing for generations and more to come. No restaurant is perfect and no owner has ever claimed to be, and every business appreciates their customers, but not all customers are right. - Some even Jesus cant make happy.
Lesley Wallace
Apr 28,2025
One of the few Drive up .. Servers wait on you while you are in your car. Not many resturants left in America like that! Overlooking the scenic Susquehanna River, you can eat while in your car, at a picnic table, or inside. There is a limited menu and, The view is spectacular. A unique dining experience!
Julie Louisa Hagenbuch
Apr 4,2025
One of my very favorite Central PA dining experiences. You can't beat sitting outside by the Susquehanna on a summer evening and enjoying the Fence's fresh cut fries and milkshakes. Just remember they are cash only, and be careful on the road.
Angela Fasold
Mar 18,2025
Such a fun "summer" tradition. We love going to the fence. I typically get the fish sandwich basket with an extra fish sandwich! If I'm lucky I get the spare tartar sauce for my fries when my other gets the fish dinner.
Seth
Mar 9,2025
Wow, what a unique place. Gorgeous riverside views, with indoor and outdoor picnic table seating right next to the river. Fish sandwich and fries were delicious. Affordable prices. Attentive service. Chock full of nostalgia. An off-the-beaten path gem well worth driving to.

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