If you love the kind of summer treat that lingers in your memory long after the last sip, Peppermint Twist Drive In in Delano deserves your full attention. This classic Minnesota drive-in has built a reputation for rich, creamy milkshakes that people rave about again and again.
But the charm goes beyond the cup, with old-school car-side dining, friendly service, and a family atmosphere that feels instantly nostalgic. One visit is all it takes to understand why so many people leave already planning their next stop.
1. The milkshakes that keep people talking
The first thing you should know about Peppermint Twist Drive In is that the milkshakes are not just an extra on the menu.
They are the kind of treat people mention by name in reviews, recommend to friends, and remember long after the drive home.
When a restaurant inspires that kind of loyalty, you know something special is happening behind the counter.
From raspberry to butterscotch to classic malt-style favorites, the shake selection feels rooted in old-school comfort without seeming boring.
Review after review points to how rich, creamy, and satisfying they are, with several customers calling them amazing, awesome, or simply too good.
That kind of praise matters, especially at a place where the food already gets plenty of attention.
What makes these shakes stand out is how perfectly they fit the setting.
You are not just grabbing dessert.
You are pulling into a beloved Delano drive-in, hearing the buzz of happy families nearby, and settling in for a treat that feels tied to summer itself.
That setting turns a simple shake into a full experience.
If you are the kind of person who judges a roadside restaurant by its frozen treats, this is your stop.
Peppermint Twist has built the sort of reputation that makes cravings last for days.
After one sip, you will probably understand why so many people say the shakes alone are worth the trip.
2. A classic drive-in feel that still delivers
Peppermint Twist Drive In has the kind of atmosphere that instantly slows you down in the best way.
This is not a rushed, anonymous roadside stop where you grab food and forget it five minutes later.
It feels like a true throwback, the sort of place where summer evenings, car-side dining, and simple pleasures still matter.
Several customers mention that classic drive-in charm right away, and it is easy to see why.
You can eat in your car with a window tray table, settle at one of the outdoor picnic areas, or relax while kids burn off energy nearby.
That flexibility gives the whole place a casual, welcoming rhythm that feels ideal for warm-weather dining.
The charm works because it is not forced or overly polished.
Peppermint Twist comes across as authentic, family-friendly, and comfortably rooted in its community.
Instead of trying to imitate nostalgia, it seems to live it naturally, which makes the experience feel more genuine when you pull in for a burger and shake.
If you have been craving the kind of restaurant that feels like summer in Minnesota, this place checks every box.
The retro setup, open-air seating, and friendly pace all help create a memorable visit.
By the time your food arrives, you are not just enjoying a meal.
You are stepping into a local tradition that still knows exactly what makes a drive-in special.
3. Raspberry shake fame is very real
If there is one flavor that keeps popping up in customer praise, it is raspberry.
More than one reviewer goes out of their way to single it out, and not in a casual way.
People call it awesome, say it tastes like the Fourth of July, and describe it as the kind of shake you cannot stop thinking about later.
That level of enthusiasm says a lot, especially when you consider how many restaurants serve forgettable fruit shakes.
At Peppermint Twist, the raspberry shake seems to hit that perfect sweet spot between bright flavor and creamy richness.
Instead of tasting artificial or overly sugary, it sounds like the kind of frozen treat that feels fresh, balanced, and satisfying from the first sip to the last.
It also helps that raspberry feels especially right in a setting like this.
A classic drive-in, a warm Minnesota evening, and a cold pink shake in your hand make for the kind of simple combination that never gets old.
It is the sort of order that turns an ordinary meal into the best part of your day.
If you tend to freeze when a menu offers too many choices, this might be the safest bet.
The raspberry shake has earned repeat praise from visitors who clearly know what they like.
When so many people keep pointing to the same flavor, it is hard not to see it as the signature sip that defines the Peppermint Twist experience.
4. The burgers hold their own beside the shakes
It would be easy for a place known for milkshakes to let the food fade into the background, but that is not what happens here.
Peppermint Twist gets consistent praise for its burgers, sandwiches, and classic comfort food, which means your visit does not depend on dessert alone.
In fact, many customers make it clear that the savory side of the menu is a major reason they come back.
The double cheeseburger earns strong compliments, and the double bacon burger gets especially enthusiastic praise for its seasoning, texture, and overall flavor.
One reviewer described the burger as a lasting impression, and another called the cheeseburger so good that it made them eager to try more specialty options.
That kind of excitement suggests a kitchen that takes the basics seriously.
The menu also goes beyond the standard burger routine.
Guests mention grilled chicken sandwiches, Cajun chicken, wild rice sandwiches, shrimp patties, and chicken tenders, which adds welcome variety if you are visiting with a group.
That range makes Peppermint Twist feel more useful than a one-note dessert stop.
What really stands out is how often people pair glowing burger comments with equally glowing shake reviews.
That combination matters because it turns a quick dessert detour into a full meal destination.
You can come for the frozen treat everyone talks about, then leave impressed by a burger that absolutely deserves attention too.
5. Fast, friendly service adds to the appeal
One of the reasons Peppermint Twist feels so easy to love is the service.
Again and again, customers mention how friendly, quick, and welcoming the staff is, even during busy periods.
That kind of consistency is hard to fake, and it often says more about a place than any menu item ever could.
Several reviewers describe being greeted warmly when they arrived and thanked when they left, which sounds simple but makes a lasting difference.
Others note that food came out quickly, sometimes almost as fast as they found a seat.
In a seasonal drive-in setting where families, kids, and hungry summer crowds all mix together, efficient service can completely shape the tone of the visit.
There is also something reassuring about how knowledgeable the staff seems.
One customer with peanut allergy concerns specifically praised an employee who immediately knew which items were safe and explained the cone issue without hesitation.
That level of awareness builds trust quickly and shows that the team pays attention to what guests actually need.
When you combine speed, kindness, and confidence, the result is a restaurant that feels both nostalgic and well-run.
You are not just there for a milkshake.
You are there for the whole experience, and good service keeps that experience smooth from start to finish.
It is one more reason people talk about Peppermint Twist with such genuine affection.
6. A family-friendly stop with room to relax
Peppermint Twist is not just a place to grab a shake and head out.
For many visitors, it works as a full family outing, and that is a big part of its appeal.
The outdoor setup gives kids room to play, adults room to breathe, and everyone a reason to stay a little longer than planned.
Multiple reviews highlight the playground and open space, describing it as a great place for children to burn energy while grown-ups enjoy food in tree-shaded seating areas.
That matters because family dining can be stressful when everyone feels boxed in.
Here, the layout seems to support a more relaxed visit, with enough flexibility to keep both kids and parents happy.
The restaurant also earns praise for little details that make families feel considered.
One reviewer loved that the kid dinner includes a beverage and a small ice cream cone or cup with sprinkles and animal crackers on top.
Another pointed out how nice it was for children to have their own tables and space to settle in comfortably.
When a restaurant manages to be nostalgic, delicious, and easy for families, it becomes more than a place to eat.
It turns into a seasonal tradition.
Peppermint Twist seems to understand that perfectly.
You can show up for burgers and milkshakes, then realize the real luxury is being able to sit back, relax, and let the whole group enjoy the moment together.
7. The menu goes beyond the expected
Even though the milkshakes get top billing, Peppermint Twist offers a menu with enough variety to keep repeat visits interesting.
That matters because a great drive-in should give you options beyond the obvious.
From burgers and chicken sandwiches to sides and specialty items, the menu sounds broad enough to satisfy both traditionalists and people who want something slightly different.
Reviewers mention onion rings, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches, Cajun chicken, wild rice sandwiches, shrimp patties, and shareable baskets of fries and other sides.
That range helps the place feel like more than a dessert stand with a few hot food extras.
Instead, it comes across as a dependable restaurant where everyone in your group can find something that fits.
The onion rings seem especially worth noting, with one customer giving them a chef’s kiss level of approval.
Sriracha ranch fries also get a shoutout, and several guests describe the food as fresh, hot, and prepared correctly.
While one or two reviews are less enthusiastic about the fries, the overall tone around the menu remains very positive.
That balance is part of what makes Peppermint Twist appealing.
You can come for a signature shake and still build an entire meal around it without feeling limited.
For a classic drive-in, that is a real strength.
It turns a quick craving stop into a place you can revisit often and order each time differently.
8. What to know before you go
Before you set out for Peppermint Twist, there are a few practical details worth knowing so your visit stays smooth.
The biggest one is simple and important: this place is cash or check only.
Quite a few reviewers mention being surprised by that, and while many say it was still absolutely worth the stop, arriving prepared will make your experience much easier.
The restaurant is located at 115 Babcock Blvd in Delano, Minnesota, and it operates on a seasonal-feeling schedule that fits the drive-in atmosphere.
It is closed on Monday and Tuesday, then open from 11 AM to 8 PM Wednesday through Sunday.
That means planning ahead matters, especially if you are driving in from another town specifically for shakes and dinner.
Peppermint Twist also appears to be popular during warm weather and busy weekends, so a little patience may be smart if the lot is full.
Still, several customers say the service remains quick, which helps balance out the demand.
The restaurant currently holds a strong 4.6-star rating from hundreds of reviews, so you are clearly not the only one eyeing this stop.
Knowing these basics ahead of time lets you focus on the fun part.
Bring cash, go hungry, and expect an old-school setup rather than modern convenience.
In many ways, that is part of the charm.
Peppermint Twist feels like a place where the throwback spirit is real, not staged for effect.
9. Why the atmosphere feels like summer in Minnesota
Some restaurants serve good food, and some restaurants create a mood you want to revisit.
Peppermint Twist seems to do both, which is why so many people talk about it in emotional terms.
Reviewers call it cute, adorable, charming, and one of their favorite places to go, and those words reveal just as much as the menu descriptions do.
The appeal seems tied to a very specific kind of Minnesota summer feeling.
You pull in on a warm evening, spot families at picnic tables, hear kids playing nearby, and watch trays of burgers, rings, and milkshakes head out to waiting customers.
It feels unhurried, communal, and seasonal in a way that chain restaurants rarely manage.
That setting turns even simple orders into memory-making moments.
A burger tastes better when you are eating it outdoors under the trees.
A cold shake feels more rewarding when it arrives after a sunny drive into town.
Peppermint Twist appears to understand that atmosphere is not separate from the food.
It is part of why the experience lands so well.
If you have ever wanted to bottle the feeling of a classic summer night and turn it into dinner, this place gets very close.
That is likely why people are willing to drive from other towns just to visit.
Peppermint Twist is not only serving meals.
It is delivering a little pocket of seasonal joy that feels timeless and distinctly local.
10. A local gem worth the drive
When people say a restaurant is worth the drive, it can sound like empty hype.
At Peppermint Twist, that phrase comes up in a more convincing way because visitors from outside Delano seem genuinely excited about making the trip.
Some mention coming from nearby communities, while others talk about returning because the first visit left such a strong impression.
That kind of pull usually comes from a combination of things rather than one standout item.
Here, you have the famous shakes, well-liked burgers, quick service, a family-friendly layout, and a true drive-in atmosphere that feels increasingly rare.
None of those elements alone would guarantee a destination stop, but together they create the sort of place people build day trips around.
It also helps that Peppermint Twist does not sound interchangeable with every other burger stand in the region.
Reviewers describe it as a gem, a favorite destination on warm nights, and even one of the best drive-ins in Minnesota.
Those are strong labels, and they suggest the restaurant has earned a place in the state’s summer food conversation.
If you are mapping out a casual Minnesota road trip or simply looking for an excuse to leave town for the evening, this is exactly the kind of stop that pays off.
Delano gets the benefit of having a restaurant people want to talk about.
You get the benefit of a meal, a shake, and a memory that feels bigger than a simple dinner out.
11. The kind of craving you do not shake easily
The best compliment you can give a place like Peppermint Twist is that it stays with you.
Not just for an hour, and not only until dessert ends, but for days afterward when a random warm evening makes you think about that one incredible shake again.
Based on the steady stream of enthusiastic reviews, that seems to happen here all the time.
People remember specific flavors, specific meals, and specific moments.
They talk about the butterscotch shake being excellent, the raspberry shake being unforgettable, and the burgers tasting every bit as satisfying as they hoped.
Others focus on the friendly staff, the playground, or the joy of eating outdoors.
Together, those details create a complete experience that is easy to crave once it becomes attached to a good memory.
That lingering pull is what separates a nice restaurant from a special one.
A special place gives you something to look forward to before you even plan the return trip.
Peppermint Twist seems to have that effect, especially during the months when a drive-in meal and a cold shake feel almost essential.
If you are wondering whether the title’s promise is too dramatic, it probably is not.
This is exactly the kind of restaurant that turns a simple craving into a recurring thought.
You go for one milkshake, one dinner, one easy summer outing, and then catch yourself thinking about Delano again a week later.
That is how local favorites become lasting traditions.