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    Pat's Drive In

    3.3 (268 reviews)
    InexpensiveHot Dogs, Burgers, American
    Closed Closed

    Pat's Drive In Photos

    Business Info

    PAT'S DRIVE IN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Pat's Drive In

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    Greasy

    My wife and I decided to stop here because it looked pretty busy, and we figured, "Hey, it says they're famous for their chili dogs." First of all, the chili was a huge letdown. The beans tasted like they weren't fully cooked, and the chili itself tasted like ketchup with almost no seasoning. It definitely wasn't what I expected from a place that's supposedly world-famous. Next, I had to go back to the counter to ask for ranch. The employee told me the onion rings came with sauce. That's on me for not checking the bag before leaving, but when we got our food, there was no ranch and no dipping sauce. Lastly, the fries were disappointing. They tasted like they had been soaked in water, then came out super greasy and soggy with almost no flavor. The only bright spots were the crispy onion rings and the shrimp, which actually tasted good. Overall, I'd give it a 3/10. I really wanted to like this place, but it just didn't live up to the hype.

    Debit and cash
    Myphuong L.

    We love chili and this place was in an article for Tucson's top places to eat. Previous reviews were mixed with being the best they ever had to being bland but we had to check it out ourselves. We pulled up late night to get a chili dog and chili cheese fries. The bun was soft but the chili was bland and flavorless. It had lots of beans. Lacking salt. A previous reviewer commented that fries were soggy so we asked for well done. Glad we did because once they dumped on the chili, it made the fries soft. I can relate to some reviewers who say that they've been dining here for decades and it's so great when it could be nostalgia. Whereas, others said quality has gone down and food was not good. I noticed the workers wear gloves but they handle the food, cash and open the dirty sliding window all in one transaction and then repeat! Glad none of us got sick. The tables were sticky. It's just a run down place. The chili fries had several sizes. They sold us a large, had we known, we would get the half size because the portions were huge and it wasn't good. Would hate to waste food. It's cash or debit only. Paying card will add on $1.

    Family of four deal , 4 chili dogs Xl chili cheese fries loaded with beans chile onions packed with pats unique flavors.

    I love this place Tucson needs more homemade food type restaurants this pace is really soothing when your trying to get that authentic Hamburger stand. Nowhere in Tucson can compete with Pats drive in when it comes to chile cheese dogs and fries, this place is a staple of Tucson and I'm happy to experience it.

    Chilli dog
    Tiffany T.

    The fries were the best thing about this place. Google has 4 and a half stars and yelp has 3. Believe yelp. 1) it was my first time here and I was so excited to try it out as I love chilli and the old school drive in atmosphere; however the dude taking my order rushed me - just not very friendly. 2) the chilli dog was alright. But doesn't chilli have meat in it or something else aside from beans and tomatoe sauce? Maybe it's vegetarian? It literally tasted like beans and tomatoe sauce. I read that there was no flavor and they were right. 3) burgers is alright. Would I eat here again... probably not; however, I can understand why the locals do if this is the type of chili this town is used to. Probably good if I were drunk.

    The best fries and Fried fish
    Elizabeth D.

    Always an amazing classic! I love everything from this place! Even the fish n chips!! I go for the fries alone! They've been there for years!

    Ordering windows
    Gina O.

    Great and friendly service, the chili dogs are definitely worth trying they are absolutely delicious. The prices are very reasonable as well, however, There is very limited seating in doors bug plenty of seating outside so if they are busy unfortunately you'll be eating be in the heat.

    Raven S.

    Decided to stop here for a quick lunch haven't been since I was a kid, but it bought back all the memories of coming here with my grandmother and my grandfather back in the day. Staff was friendly and quick with the service. I will definitely be back nothing like a chili dog from Pat's.

    Spicy Chili Dog
    Blake M.

    A no frills Tucson staple! Don't be fooled by its appearance. Pretty simple and right to the point menu and can't beat the price. A couple service windows to place your order so not much waiting around. We went with 3 Spicy chili dogs and a jamaica to drink! Dogs were great and spicy chili was packed with flavor. It was perfect for a quick dinner!

    Indoor dining
    Nancy F.

    It's been a while since I had a Pat's chili dog. Stopped by on a hot weekday afternoon. Service was ok. You order at the window and pay after your order is up. I ate in the enclosed dining area. There was no A/C and it was a hot and humid day and even the ceiling fan wasn't on. It had evaporative cooling but that doesn't work when it's humid outside. It needed the tables wiped down, the area swept and the floors cleaned, my shoes were sticking to the floor. I asked for the spicy chili but it was not. The fries were greasy and mushy, no salt and the hot dogs had no flavor. So disappointing.

    Chili Dog (Hot Chili)
    Conrad C.

    Food and service is excellent!!!!! This is as simple as an old school drive-in gets!! Simple menu..no frills. Excellent service!

    Want some uncooked fries with your bag of grease??

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Pats is a classic hot dog place in Tucson. I enjoy the chili hotdogs and crave them at least once a week.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    For a Drive inn I really enjoy this place, just good ole Chilli dogs and burgers, it's must try and must visit at least once a month.

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    This place is a great place to get chili dogs and burgers. It has been there a long time and never disappoints. Food is good .

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

    It's ok.Taste more like marinera sauce than chili to me. $3.58 for a hot dog is a little too much.

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    3 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

    This is my definition if the best chili dog and fries. I've eaten here for over 30 years and yet I still crave it daily.

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    I have yet to be disappointed. I get the hot chili cheese dogs mmmm, mouth waters just thinking of it.

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    7 years ago

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    Page 2 of 7

    Ask the Community - Pat's Drive In

    Are they closed anyday?

    No, they're open daily. RESTAURANT HOURS daily… Read more

    View All 2 Questions

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    Graze Premium Burgers

    Graze Premium Burgers

    4.3
    (593 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    I absolutely love Graze. It's my go-to spot for when I want a burger meal that doesn't leave me…read morefeeling heavy and over-fed. They have options for grass-fed beef on your burger as well as veggie and turkey burger options. They also have the best sweet potato tots and I feel like that's kind of rare -- some places have fries but tots aren't always found in sweet potato form. Also, the sauces are plentiful and the toppings for the burgers are generous, with unique free additions like jalapeños and mushrooms and onions. Most places will charge you extra for those kinds of toppings. Their shakes are delicious as well, and they often have seasonal shakes with special flavors. They sometimes have special prices for things but even when they don't they have really good prices in general compared to everyone else. Oh and if you want something smaller, they even have a hot dog on the menu.

    I have finally had a burger from Graze and regret not trying it sooner. Everything was super fresh…read moreand the 1/4 lb beef patty was grilled well. In addition to the usual toppings, lettuce, red onion, tomato, and Graze sauce, I added grilled jalapeños, spicy mustard and cheddar cheese. I neglected to see ketchup on their toppings list due to order anxiety, but my burger and fries were so good, I didn't need it. The burger and toppings weren't overly juicy and the brioche bun didn't get soggy. I was really surprised how well the paper wrapping stayed intact and I didn't have to deal with any messiness. The fries were also really good. They remind me of fresh McD fries - the outside hot, crispy, and lightly salted and soft on the inside. I should have tried the seasonal shake which is peanut butter, because Graze's shakes look good and I'm a peanut butter fan. Hopefully, my next visit will be soon and I'll grab this shake then. Graze burgers are super good and am not sure why there aren't more than two locations.

    Photos
    Dining Room
    Dining Room
    Burger, fries, beer!
    Burger, fries, beer!
    Graze Single w/ Cheese Regular Fries

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    Graze Single w/ Cheese Regular Fries
    Smokey Mo

    Smokey Mo

    4.4
    (753 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Time to go back and review. I like to revisit places after a few years and see what is different…read more Smoky Mo didn't disappoint. Places are successful because they stay the course and do what they do best. Today we went with the four meat platter, perfect amount for two people, brisket, pulled pork, turkey and sausage. With four side of coleslaw, mac and cheese, potato salad and cornbread. All meats are still sauced unless requested "on the side", but not so much to overwhelm the meat taste. Juicy flavorful pulled pork. Delicious smoked turkey. Brisket was just slightly dry but the sauce and nice bark made it enjoyable. The sausage was AMAZING, juicy and packed with flavor. Coleslaw in my opinion, could use a little more "wetness" but it was still delicious. What can I say about the mac and cheese and potato salad, people from the south, Texas to the Carolina's just know how to get it done. The "Texas Sweet Tea", if you are a diabetic do not drink, however this is a true southern tea, it's done the same all across the south, sugar with some tea thrown in. Four meats, four sides and two drinks with tip $50, not bad for two people, I've definitely spent more for food that didn't even come close to this. Once again Smoky Mo you did not disappoint. If you are a BBQ person this is STILL the best of Tucson. Get out and support this small local business!

    Got the fatty brisket and pork ribs…read more Falls off the bone ribs 7/10 And brisket 7/10 Will come back. Just gotta remember to ask for sauce on the side. Fair price and portion. Service is great and Ambiance is cozy.

    Photos
    Outdoor covered seating area.
    Outdoor covered seating area.
    Pulled pork
    Pulled pork
    Smokey Mo

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    Pat's Drive In - hotdog - Updated July 2026

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