Mass. Hidden Gems: Summertime hot dog and ice cream perfection at Cindy’s Drive-In

Cindy’s Drive-In in Granby is more than just a restaurant with good food. It’s a summertime happy place.

Here, you can get what I consider to be the best dog in Massachusetts (as determined by our 2018 Best of Mass Hot Dogs contest).

You also have a choice of more than 100 soft-serve flavors, from Funky Monkey and Fruity Pebbles to Tootsie Roll and Tutti Frutti.

Here’s the best part: Each one costs less than $5. Plus, sprinkles are free.

Mass. Hidden Gems: Cindy’s Drive-In in Granby

Now in its 30th year of operation, Cindy’s is a retro revelation.

Cindy’s certainly celebrates its throwback ’50s vibes. But I hesitate to call it “nostalgic” or suggest it brings visitors back to their childhood. That’s because it would imply that its atmosphere and appeal are relics of the past.

Cindy’s Drive-In is a fantastic place to go today. You should abandon your pointless 2 p.m. Zoom meeting and drive there right now.

The only downside is that you probably won’t be the only one with that idea. Cindy’s is consistently packed in a way that makes you stop and go, “Oh wow, people must love this place.”

But the line moves quickly. While Cindy’s has an insane amount of variety in its flavors, the whole operation is pretty streamlined. Once you’re at the counter, it won’t be long until your name is called from the frazzled old outdoor speaker.

After that, it’s a matter of finding the perfect spot to eat, which can be an adventure in itself. The seating at Cindy’s is far from your normal restaurant setup. It’s more like a chaotic jumble of picnic tables and playgrounds.

When you’re there, there’s a good chance you’ll be amidst a joyous jamboree of juveniles who are running around enjoying the highlight of their week.

On a related note: If I am there, I’m also probably experiencing the highlight of my week. Even if social norms dictate that I probably shouldn’t climb around the giant wooden monster truck and wooden train on the grounds, I’m more than happy to enjoy it as part of the shady trees and pleasant breeze.

What’s good on the menu?

Ice cream and hot dogs.

I can (and will) continue to bloviate about the various little elements of color and atmosphere that make Cindy’s worth a drive out. But it really all comes down to those five words above.

Back in 2018, I was a judge for our Best of Mass Hot Dogs contest. The best hot dog I had during that whole contest was from Cindy’s.

What makes their dogs special are A) the long, snappy, delicious franks they use, and B) the way they beautifully grill their buns.

The most popular order is the classic “The Works” with mustard, relish and onion. But I can’t recommend the Duff Dog enough. It comes topped with grilled onions, barbecue sauce and (as weird as it sounds) a small line of mayonnaise.

Other menu highlights include a simple but effective cheeseburger, grinders, chicken tenders and a few different spins on fries.

But a trip to Cindy’s is incomplete without something sweet.

Doing the classics just right

Much of the ice cream menu at Cindy’s is built around classics and throwbacks. You’ve got your milkshakes and dipped cones. There are plenty of sundae options and milkshakes.

I don’t typically go for soft-serve ice cream or sundaes. But I usually make an exception at Cindy’s.

That’s because they go the extra mile with the little touches to make their ice cream stand out. They make their own vanilla extract and syrups in-house. It’s the same thing for the brownies and apple crisp.

There’s a fine line between “old” and “classic.” The difference is often in the little touches, the atmosphere, the care that goes into making it.

Cindy’s Drive-In is a classic.

What to know when visiting Cindy’s Drive-In

Cindy’s is best enjoyed on a sunny day where you can sit at a picnic table and enjoy your food – and maybe let the kids run around a bit.

The dining experience at Cindy’s is entirely outdoors. So if it’s cold or rainy, there’s nowhere to sit inside.

There used to be indoor seating at Cindy’s. But as the restaurant has expanded, they now use the entire interior space for food and ice cream service.

Check them out: Website | Facebook | Instagram

What’s the address? — 455 E State St, Granby

What’s the parking situation? — Cindy’s Drive-In. has a full private parking lot with plenty of spaces.

When are they open? — Here are the listed business hours at the time of writing.

Monday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

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Mass. Hidden Gems is a series highlighting restaurants and other businesses across the Bay State that we think deserve more attention. You can check out the rest of the series here.

Have a hidden gem that you think we should check out? Email nomalley@masslive.com your favorites.