It wouldn’t be summer without the Kiltie Drive In, Oconomowoc’s classic drive up ice cream and snack stand. The Kiltie has long been an important part of Lake Country. It is one of the oldest restaurants in Oconomowoc, and generations of people have flocked to it each year to indulge in high quality service and delicious selections of some of America’s finest quick service foods. The restaurant opened its doors for the summer 2025 season this week, meaning it will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from now until the middle of September.
The Kiltie Drive In is so much more than your average ice cream shop. This nostalgic piece of Waukesha Country history has been operating since the 1940s. At the time, drive in restaurants were far more common. The increasing ownership of automobiles gave cars their own unique culture. Drive in movie theaters and restaurants were on the rise, as vast numbers of Americans wanted exciting, fun ways to utilize their new cars. The concept was simple, but effective. People could pull up to the restaurants, roll down their windows, and be served meals by waiters and waitresses, all without having to leave their car. Kiltie carries on this legacy today, offering that same, classic service of a standard midcentury American drive in.
Another important way that the Kiltie holds onto its traditional roots? It is entirely cash only. Curious visitors should make sure they have paper currency available, as this retro stand doesn’t take credit cards and it certainly doesn’t take Apple Pay. However, once you’ve found a spot at the car port, it’s impossible not to find something to love. The helpful, friendly staff is always eager to share their recommendations and certainly know the meaning of providing service with a smile. The menus are hung on large signs under the canopy, and offer a range go sandwiches, sides, and sundaes. Notable, their French fries are perfectly crispy and are fun to dip into the sweet soft serve. Also, their ‘Scotch Laddie Deluxe Sundae’ with butterscotch, jimmies, and pecans is a delightfully unique throwback.
Although a few cold days still lie ahead, Kiltie’s opening is a sign of the warm weather and summer sunshine that is coming this way. Ice cream lovers can rejoice knowing that a Lake Country classic is back open again for the season.
