Chatterbox Drive-In Review

A bit tacky for my taste, but at least the food is more than decent, the place clean, and the service warm and heartfelt. My companions genuinely enjoyed the place and the experience!

Loved sharing in the history of the Chatterbox....sad to see it replaced by a Wawa

We were driving by and I couldn't help but notice this intriguing place. Of course we stopped and of course we ate here. We had such a fun time because the atmosphere is so authentic. We will be returning for a car or bike show next time they have one. I got the Big Bad John which was a ton of food, but so delicious.

About 6 or 7 years ago I was traveling for work to New York just 20 miles above Port Jervis and took Rt 15 to 206 and noticed this fun looking restaurant along the side of the road that I stopped to check out to see if it was worth stopping in for a meal. Unfortunately it was too early in the morning to wait for them to open as work obligations did not allow me to stop. I figured that maybe some other time. Since then I have been past here more than a dozen times but each and everyone one of them I was either too early or too late or the one time I thought it might work was a cruise night and the parking lot was full not giving me room to park a school bus. As the years went by I still wanted to stop but then was saddened when I saw a news article way down in South Jersey that the restaurant was going to be closing to build a Wawa, not a good move since the area is already full of Quick Stops, a store that is pretty much the same thing.

Last week I finally got the opportunity when I was able to stop in only a half hour before closing which is something I hate to do but since I was alone I thought I would try to grab something that could be prepared quickly. I noticed that they had what sounded like a good meal on the specials menu, Alpine Mushroom Chicken that I thought was probably a healthier option than just grabbing a burger and fries. When the meal came out I took one look at it and knew my choice was a wise one since first of all when I order meals with mushrooms a lot of times it will be those nasty canned button mushrooms but these had I read the description on the menu would have seen they were portabella ones cooked in with the sauce. The meal also came over rice which I am not a big fan of but when it came out I saw that it was a good wild rice blend that was so good. The other side was carrots which is not something I would normally get as a side but did because of the late hour and not wanting to confuse the kitchen. Let me just say they were some of the best carrots I have ever had especially since it was out at a restaurant and not a church covered dish dinner.

I do hope to be able to go back before they do close their doors and recommend that if you are thinking about going that you do quickly and get the Alpine Mushroom Chicken, you will be glad you did.

I've been going to this place for years. Great food and great atmosphere. Too bad it's closing on Labor Day weekend 2018. Went to the last motorcycle meetup held there and there had to be a thousand bikes that showed up. What a great scene. I'm so glad I attended.

They offer good foods with a reasonable price and great services!

Good food, very friendly staff, also had a great time at the car show. Felt like I was in Happy Days and The Fonz was going to walk out at any minute. Would definitely be going back!

Great memories of this spot... They are closing on Labor Day! Food and service were always great. Missed the Big Big John sandwich this time, but they (understandably) had a limited menu since they are closing. Knocked off a star because the owner sold to a Wawa!! Regardless, you will be missed.

If I could give more than five-stars, I would! This classic comfort food, checker-tile themed restaurant has been a favorite of our's for years! The walls are adorned with old records, movie posters, and a model railroad train that operates all around the inside wall above the window-wall that encircles this round-ish eatery. In the center of the restaurant, they feature a different classic car, rotated on a regular basis.

The food is AMAZING, with a menu jamb-packed with all the best comfort food you can possibly imagine, all prepared to perfection, in a setting that is reminiscent of the classic drive-in restaurants of decades now long gone. Prices are reasonable for the great service and atmosphere provided! They have a rewards program so you can accumulate diner points for discounts you can apply against future visits.

The Chatterbox hosts regularly scheduled car and motorcycle meets in their parking lot, details of which are available on their website. Just another "fringe benefit" that should not be missed!

I originally wrote this review while The Chatterbox was still open. I have updated my review now mostly as a tribute to this amazing establishment, because it has now closed its doors permanently, being replaced by a convenience store planned to be erected on this site. Very sad. We wish the Chatterbox owners and employees well as they embark on new adventures. Thank you for all the years of enjoyment you gave to us and everyone... Be well... Always.

Amazing experience. Staff is friendly, service is fast, food is to die for, and the mood, decor, and setup are all very nice and beautiful. Every visit is another great memory.