Today's installment in my summer-long quest brought me to Buster's Drive-In. I got the half-pound burger (two quarter-pound patties), large fries, and a chocolate shake. All was delicious. The one drawback was that they mixed my order up with someone else's, and I had to wait an extra few minutes for my meal to be prepared. Mistakes happen, and this was not a huge deal, except my shake was no longer as cold as I like it. Otherwise, it's a great meal, and I will return. read more

See all

Love it there I don't however care for the wait time sometimes because they get very busy and sometimes the staffing store as far as interaction goes read more

Who can afford $8 for a hot dog in this still hyperinflationary Obiden economy? The quality of these expensive hot dogs has declined.

This place has gone downhill over the last few years. I used to go with my grandmother every summer but after Covid everything changed and it is gross now. The burger I got was burnt and tasted gross. read more

A nice, cool summer day for some reason made me want a hot dog. So, Buster's it was. There are no frills about this place. It's a drive in. You park, walk up, order, pay, wait, and get your food. But the food, is definitely the star. I was quickly greeted by the cashier, and placed my order. A simple one: 2 hot dogs with sauerkraut and spicy mustard. It came to me quickly, and I enjoyed them outside in the beautiful late summer weather. The hot dogs had a nice snap to them, with the sauerkraut and mustard complimenting the spices in the hot dog. Did I mention no frills? Well, there's your no frills review. Good food, good staff, good time! read more

The chocolate ice cream was gross, it was a dark chocolate appearance. It taste like it didn't have no cream or milk whatever they use to make ice cream basically ice with no cream . I don't know to explain it but it was gross. Had to throw the whole ice cream away read more

Really has gone downhill over the last ten years. Tried them this past summer and was just disappointed in the hot dog quality and how it was made. Something has definitely changed with their hot dogs. read more

Very Disappointed! For over 40 years, we would often stop at Busters when we went to Terryville. It was usually a highlight of the drive. We enjoyed the good food that was always served and the outdoor seating. We've noticed over the past couple of years, the quality go down. Today, it appears they may have bottomed out. We ordered 2 Clam Rolls and Onion Rings only to be told they don't have Clam Rolls, just Lobster Rolls at $18 each. We questioned the cashier because the huge menu board beside us clearly said "Clam Strip Rolls $8.50" She first offered boxed clams then finally asked someone in back who informed her they do have Clam Rolls. We got our food & hurried home because it was so hot outside. Upon opening the rolls, we found over-cooked, dried-out, chocolate brown "clam strips" in barely toasted rolls. One of the rolls wasn't even full size. The Onion Rings were so oily, you could practically wring them out. Most of them were thrown away. If you remember the Buster's of years gone by, just keep going right by this one. It's nothing like you remember. read more

Buster's Drive In - Burgers Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

See all

Well, I was craving onion rings and what I got was basically raw onions, with a bit of fried batter. I've ordered onion rings from here before and they were delicious, I don't know what happened but please do better. These are the worst onion rings I've ever tasted. read more

Buster's Drive In - The worst onion rigs I've ever experienced - Burgers Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

Good food. Great outdoor eating space. Generous servings of fries. I would definitely go back.

Buster's Drive In was a staple in my childhood and my grandfathers favourite place to grab a quick bite to eat. I happen to drive by this place by chance while taking the back roads back to Buffalo and figured it's been long enough and it's time to return to this place. Buster's is the type of place that you approach a window, order some food, and then get to eat it outside. The menu here is pretty typical for a hot dog/hamburger style place with plenty of different options for both as well as a bunch of side dishes like onion rings and French fries. I settled on ordering a plain long dog (this man doesn't need toppings on his hot dogs), with some French fries and a chocolate milk shake. Don't get me wrong, none of this food was out of this world, mouth watering, or incredible, but what Buster's does is give you the classics at good prices and good quality. My hot dog was very good, the French fries were tasty, and the milkshake was as classic as it could be. Overall, I really enjoyed having Buster's for the first time in probably a decade and I'm super stoked that they are still open. If you live in the Bristol/Terryville area and want a fast quality bite to eat, come give Buster's a try! read more

Buster's Drive In - Solid meal on the go! - Burgers Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

Juicy burgers & firm fries Michigan hot dogs, greatest milkshakes Wonderful service & outdoor picnic tables for dining. read more

Last year my mother had food poisoning after eating the fried clams. They were also obviously a cheap frozen variety that was different from years past. The prices on their website are not current. As of last year it was almost $7 for a hot dog with meat sauce. There are many better places to spend your money!! read more

Went to Buster's Drive In tonight w/ the wife. We both ordered cheeseburgers and shared a large Sweet Potato FF. My wife also got a coffee flavored milkshake. Burgers were pathetic -- gristly, burnt and dry. Bland and flavorless. Awful. Fries were OK. Wife's milkshake did not taste like coffee, more like a chocolate-vanilla mix. Total bill was $23.76, way too expensive for what we received. We were still hungry after our meal also. Should've went to Burger King instead. read more

Buster's Drive In - Cheeseburger w/ Sweet Potato FF, at Buster's Drive In in Bristol, CT. - Burgers Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

Been going here for 50 years! Used to be reasonable, good and fast service. Boy have times changed! Just waited in line for 20 minutes to place my order and be told " I'm sorry we don't have Michigan hot dogs today!!!!! Can I get you something else!! NO!!!! The thing that you're known for all summer long is the Michigan sauce on a hot dog, the item that has kept your doors open forever, and you don't have it!!!! SMH I'm done, your $5 hotdog isn't worth my while!!!! I can't tell you how many people just walked away when they found out! Oh ya, and only 2 people staffing!!!! The beginning of the end, high prices, and terrible service!! Good bye! read more

Well done and dry burger, mozzarella sticks so over cooked there was barley cheese still in them ...def down hill this year!

I was in the area and thought a dog and fries for lunch would hit the spot. This roadside restaurant reminded me of a place I used to go as a kid. With high hopes I ordered the "Chicago Dog" and a large order of well-done fries. After a reasonable wait time the food and I went back to the AC of the car. I tackle the fries first so they wouldn't get soggy. What I was greeted with was a collection of fairly pale steak fries. They were not greasy and were fully cooked and tender but lacked crunch and any remarkable flavor. I have to mention that I indicated twice to the order taker that I wanted them well cooked. Bummer. Moving on to the "Chicago Dog". The bun was nicely toasted and the toppings were fresh and tasty. What puzzled me was the desiccated hotdog that was inside. Contrary to the tempting pictures on the website the dog was over cooked and chewy, not plump and lightly grilled. (see pictures). Bummer again. Finished the dog but not the fries, then back on the road feeling ungratified. read more

Buster's Drive In - Tasty toppings. Dog looks fine until first chewy bite - Burgers Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

See all

Buster's Drive In is without a doubt a major and classic eatery in Bristol!! For fresh hot dogs, made to your liking, go to Buster's. You will NOT be disappointed!! My family and I have been eating at Buster's for over twenty years. The food, particularly the Michigan hot dog, is as spectacular and fresh and delicious as it always has been. Buster's offers hot dogs, burgers, soft serve ice cream and milkshakes, as well as regular fries and curly fries. (The curly fries are so good!!) Everything is made fresh to your style and liking, immediately after you order. You order at one window, and pick up your deliciousness at a second window just down the side of the stand. Once you pick up your order, you have the choice of eating in your car--which can be fun with kids (putting down the windows, sitting in the trunk of a van or SUV and munching on your food with cool air on your back if it's a hot day, something my family and I did frequently)--or you can sit in the wonderfully kept and comfortable outdoor sitting area right next to the stand, which has several picnic tables (some with umbrellas, some without), complete with light poles for when it gets dark. Not only is the food at Buster's fantastic, but also the service. Each staff member works hard to make the orders that steadily stream in through their window. They are extremely efficient and kind, and make it look effortless to run this stand. An important piece of advice: get the Michigan hot dog. It. Is. Outstanding. The staff at Buster's grills it perfectly, creating a pop that occurs when bitten, one that hot dog aficionados will very much appreciate. Another crucial piece of advice: be sure to time your visit right, as it can get reasonably crowded, with a line forming all the way back to the street!! Buster's Drive In is, hands down, THE place to get a hot dog, with grilled perfection, great service, and wide variety of styles to choose from. You will definitely enjoy and crave the fantastic food that Buster's has. Buster's is an institution, one that everyone should try!! read more

See all

Buster's is tucked away in the far northwest corner of Bristol, which I actually thought was in Terryville (and I've lived in Bristol for almost 28 years). They specialize in hot dogs, and they do them very well! I dare say they are on the level of Bristol's more famous hot dog joint - Frankie's. Every time I've been there, I've been relatively satisfied with what I've gotten. I've always been more of a burger guy than a hot dog guy, but when you go to a place like Buster's, you go with their dogs. They have a nice variety of toppings that I'll definitely want to go back to try. Last time out, I went with their Reuben dog which had sauerkraut, bacon, and Thousand Island dressing. I wouldn't get it again as I don't think those ingredients together make for a great dog, but that's not Buster's fault. Next time, I'll likely go for one of their dogs with meat sauce or chili on top. Their curly fries were nicely done and crunchy, a perfect side to go along with my hot dog. I'll definitely be back! read more

I recently moved to the area from Texas, so I can't call myself a connoisseur of good hotdogs. But I think my taste buds are pretty discerning in spite of this. I honestly had a phenomenal experience here. Not necessarily because of the hot dog itself, though. The curly fries were amazing and perfectly crisp, but what sold me was the milkshake. I'm very particular about my milkshakes. I like them to be not too thick, and icy. That perfect mixture of milk and ice cream. I found it here. And thank God, its not syrupy, like a lot of places I've been. Perfect sweetness. Ultimately, I plan on going back so I can comment more on the savory food -- which from my experience currently is solid but nothing mind blowing. I still highly recommend visiting though. Currently they're winning as my favorite over Frankie's for dogs. read more

Buster's Drive In - Poor lighting, but this is a regular dog is pickles and onions topped with their deli mustard. - Burgers Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

See all

This place is dirty and has horrible service !!! For a better hot dog go to blackies in Cheshire !!! The staff at busters are rude slow and lazy the food quality is basic and bland it's not worth the wait read more

So i went here expecting something amazing. I am giving it 4 stars because it is a family owned business and the hot dog wasnt bad. Their burgers were not special at all and the fries were edible but wayyyyyy over priced for what you get. I wouldnt be back, it was soo expensive but try for yourseld. read more

One of my most favorite places,but not today! Went at around 3PM to beat the rush. One person working...taking orders, money, cooking, packing and serving. Wow! Just wow! I was 2nd in line. My three hotdogs sat on the counter for five minutes waiting for my fries.person in front got their order and I was next. Oops...no fries....waited longer and then my to go order was wrapped and handed out. I looked at the order when I got into the car...just had a feeling. Yup...no meat sauce on any of the dogs. Paid for three... Took the dogs back and explained the troubles and asked for three new dogs. Refused to do that...would only put meat sauce on old, cold dogs. He refused to do more. Did get dogs with meat sauce but they were cold and a total mess. Told him I felt badly he was alone, but not a good experience... In fact, it was poor. Hoping the owner will reach out with some type of compensation, but probably won't happen. I am a long time regular customer, but multiple times this year, disappointment with food temperature reigned. Maybe next year, as they are seasonal. read more

Nice little place to eat outside. Double cheeseburger was bangin. Will definitely be back here again

Local place that gets raved about. Found it to be rather mediocre. Not bad, but nothing special either. Got curly fries, coney island dog, and a root beer float... it was a sad float, just a bit of soft serve in a cup with the soda. It's a tad expensive for what you get too. read more

Buster's Drive In - Root beer float, curly fries, and coney island dog. - Burgers Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

The hotdogs are not my favorite. I think the hot dogs should be switched out to Hummel's brand. The flavor wasn't the greatest. I most likely won't get a hot dog again. I am looking forward to something else instead. Thank you read more

No trip is complete without a stop at Buster's! Been coming here since I was a kid......40 something years later, it's still a hit! read more

Buster's Drive In - Buster's Drive In - Burgers Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

I'm from Northern New York and could never find Michigan Sauce in this area until I found Busters. Busters has a great hot dog, but adding their Michigan Sauce as the dog's topping, makes this hot dog a work of art!! Milkshakes are awesome from Busters too. read more

Stop in here whenever I'm passing through the area. Flame-grilled hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches are all good. You can smell the smoke when you arrive to get the taste buds going. Overall, a great roadside stand with good food and friendly service. I wish they were located closer to my home. read more

Buster's has been a family hotdog tradition since I can remember. my dad ate here as a kid and took me there when i was growing up. I live in SoCal now but have spent years trying to recreate the Michigan sauce they use on their hotdogs when I'm feeling nostalgic. To all the people who are up in arms about the prices....NEWS FLASH****the prices are listed before you place your order, if they are too high for you or you think they are "ridiculous," don't buy***crazy/wild/revolutionary idea. No one held a gun to your head and forced you to buy a hotdog! Also, looking at the reviews of people also complaining about "the serving sizes are so small" or "I was still hungry after I left" ....Buster's isn't the problem, your eating habits and unhealthy expectations are. There is a reason the majoy of Americans are obese, and it's due to mindsets like this. read more

I have always gone to Busters,but I went there after it changed hands and let me tell you, I had to take a second mortgage to feed 3 people. For 3 hotdogs and 1 hamburger and 3 small drinks. It cost me $43.00!!! And since when is there tax on food? Alcohol yes, but not on food. I work in the business and food is not taxable. I know everyone wants to make money but this is ridiculous. Sorry but I won't be back. read more

Kraut dogs...da bomb! Food is excellent! ...but went there last night w/ 7 people In front of me and it took 27 minutes to have my order taken... Once taken it was 5 minutes and out... Just couldn't figure out why the long wait up front read more

Stopped today for ice cream....the "cream" part is a misnomer here ....their frozen product tastes like ice MILK...if that. Not creamy, not vanilla-y....just hard, frozen stuff. Worst frozen product we've ever tasted. McDonald's is better. Too bad. read more

To much money for what u get!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable high prices!!!!!!!! The small fries r the same size as a Happy meal!! Or smaller!!!! Won't b going back there! read more

Great to start warm weather at an outdoor venue! Busters is classic! Foot long dogs with homemade Michigan sauce and the most tender clam strips I've ever had! And you can top off your meal with a soft serve. This place is consistent, clean, and a real treat! read more

Saw a review in the Courant about Buster's Drive In in Bristol and just had to give it a try. Stopped by for lunch and looked at the list of 12" dogs and decided to go for the Works: sauerkraut and Michigan dog (meat sauce) for $3.45. I was still hungry when I left. So, I then, decided to try Blondie's on N. Main St in Bristol and picked up a Fräulein dog (sauerkraut) over mustard and relish about an hour later. The comparison: I liked Blondie's hot dog a little better. They packed on the sauerkraut which tasted better than Buster's kraut. And the dog itself tasted a little better than the Buster's dog. However, given that Buster's is a little better than Frankie's my former favorite dog. You really can't go wrong with either place. Buster's is A-OK. read more

Been going there since I was a kid. Great Bristol staple.... food is overall very good; onion rings great!!

Great place for hamburgers and dogs. Outside picnic tables. I go there frequently. It is a seasonal place.

Way overpriced and small portions. I ordered fries and got about 8 pieces that were normal sized and a whole lotta toothpick sized ones. My cheeseburger was mostly bread, and a poor quality bread at that. The staff did manage to pour a soft drink successfully, so they've got that going for them. What a shame as it used to be a great place to go many years ago. I guess the original owner sold out. read more

Before the Shack Shack and pink slime, there were places like Buster's all over the tristate. Now, they're the find - the place people head to when they want some 'authentic' American road food without the $1 menus and the disgusting beef additives. Buster's isn't fancy nor needs to be: it's real. I stumbled upon it driving Rt 6 and was glad I stopped. I wasn't alone because others were stopping, eating and enjoying too. The menu is pretty basic: hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, onion rings, sodas, floats and shakes. Prices are well within reason and the food - it's the reason to come. Let's just say, it's real and real delicious. The wait for your food can be a bit long but what's the hurry; no drive thru, just drive up, order up, eat up and enjoy a great local institution. read more