Some of my favorite childhood memories are set against the backdrop of a family cookout. We’d throw dozens of burger patties and hotdogs on the grill, whip up potato salad and coleslaw by the pound, and just go to town.

If we were celebrating a birthday, all the kids held their breath until it was time for ice cream cake. If it was your average summer weekend, we ate pie.

Later, riding a sugar high, we’d break out the football or light a bonfire and party until dark. Around Independence Day, we broke out the sparklers.

And that right there is my definition of Americana.

Certain things and places make me nostalgic for those days. But Americana extends beyond the flag, good company, and great food, you know? It’s embedded in every small town across the US, every time we wear our blue jeans or crack open a Coca-Cola.

Maybe that’s cliché, but I think it’s true.

And if there’s one place in the Festus area that does Americana really well, it’s Gordon’s Stop Light Drive-In. This place is awesome for affordable, filling food for the entire family.

My favorite thing on the menu? The Quadzilla. It’s the burger from my childhood cookouts… on steroids. Appropriately nicknamed “The Monster of All Burgers,” it has four patties and comes with a plateful of piping-hot fries. You can’t beat it.

Of course, they also have smaller burgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and more. Their milkshakes are excellent, so leave room for dessert if you can.

Gordon’s even has a full breakfast menu, so if you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned egg sandwich, stop by in the morning. My kids are fans of the pancake breakfast, too.

Oh, and pro tip: don’t forget to bring cash! That’s all they accept. Like I said, Americana at its finest.

Go get some Gordon’s today!!!