Gordy’s Hi-Hat on Sunnyside Drive in Cloquet is one of the most beloved roadside drive-ins in Minnesota, a classic 1960s carhop stand that has been serving the same burgers, onion rings, and root beer floats since Gordy Lundquist opened it in 1960. It appeared in Season 9, Episode 12 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “You Called It,” which aired July 26, 2010. Guy Fieri found a drive-in that has changed almost nothing in 65 years — same neon sign, same carhop service in summer, same hand-formed burgers — because nothing needed changing. Gordy’s is a Minnesota institution and a genuine roadside relic that earns its place on any Upper Midwest road trip.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Gordy’s Hi-Hat
City: Cloquet, Minnesota
Cuisine: Burgers / Drive-In Fare
DDD Season: 9
DDD Episode: 12
Episode Title: You Called It
Original Air Date: July 26, 2010
Address: 415 Sunnyside Dr., Cloquet, MN 55720
Phone: 218-879-6125
Website: https://gordys-hihat.com
Status: Open
What to Eat
The Hi-Hat Burger is the signature — a hand-formed beef patty on a toasted bun, the kind of honest drive-in burger that has been disappearing from the American landscape for decades. The Onion Rings, hand-battered and fried to order, are the side that makes regulars drive from Duluth specifically. The Root Beer Float made with house-made root beer is the drive-in classic that completes any summer order. The Cheese Curds are the Minnesota standard that earns its place at any Upper Midwest drive-in. Carhop service is available seasonally — pull in and let them come to you. Find a Duluth area hotel on Booking.com — Cloquet is 20 minutes from Duluth.
Plan Your Visit
Gordy’s is seasonal — open spring through fall. Check the website for exact opening and closing dates and current hours.
Address: 415 Sunnyside Dr., Cloquet, MN 55720
Phone: 218-879-6125
Website: https://gordys-hihat.com
Status: Open (seasonal)
Flavortown Approved
Stream the You Called It episode on Amazon. Gordy’s is a genuine American roadside landmark worth the detour.
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Gordy’s Hi-Hat appeared in Season 9, Episode 12 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “You Called It,” originally aired July 26, 2010. The drive-in opened in 1960 and has been operating in Cloquet ever since.