Gillman’s Classic Drive In

I used to really like this place but their food is no longer edible! I have heard that it is now under new management so I’m guessing that has to be the reason why their food sucks so bad. Last time I ate here was one of the worst meals I have ever got in Oakdale!

The best hamburger place in Oakdake! The service was terrific and cheeseburger’s were amazing. Also try the fresh peach milkshake… the strawberry milkshake was also very fresh and tasty!
Great Job!

We normally go to another Oakdale drive through for burgers but they don’t have the same family charm as Gillman’s. Nor the tasty shakes and burgers. I thought that I had written a review for this place some time ago and upon reviewing my photos I was surprised to find that I never did. Because this place deserves it.
It’s off of the beaten path a bit but not lost to history. The folks who served us were as proud of their establishment as anyone can be and it showed in the quality of the food. Anyone who has had a really well prepared, old fashioned hamburger or cheeseburger will easily recognize the quality here and return for more every time. I’m only sorry that I don’t live closer as I’d really rather frequent these folks than any place locally.
The shakes are delicious. We had a huge strawberry shake and it was thick with fruit.
Finally I would recommend this place simply because it’s a family run joint and as such the people who run it make you feel at home. If something’s not right they’ll do what they can-​within reason-​to fix it. I remember they said something about a family disagreement over whether the place would remain standing but it seems that the place is still open since our visit. So please go check them out so that they live to see another day… the alternatives in Oakdale are middling…

This place is a classic, it has been here as long as I can remember over 20 years! The owner is amazing, very accommodating with your order. Great place to grab lunch and don’t have to be worried about leaving hungry or unsatisfied

Good very old fashioned burgers, shakes and fries. a throwback to a simpler era. It’s a little burger shack with big flavor.

For the second time in 2 weeks I ordered a ranch burger (their bacon cheeseburger) and again no fucking bacon! Absolutely unacceptable! I’ll be taking my business to snow-​white from now on

We stopped here on our way from Yosemite. The food was great! One of the best burgers I’ve had!

Stopped here on our way back from Yosemite. The burgers are fantastic, and that was pretty much the best hot dog I’ve ever eaten. Friendly, helpful people, and a real retro feel. As other reviewers noted, it’s not much to look at, there’s no inside seating, and cash only. But if you want a killer burger and shake served up with real courtesy, this is your place.

Best burgers in town, great for those times when you want to get away from fast food. My friends and I love coming here for lunch (we go to the high school).

I was going to take a picture of my food, but that idea went out the window (quite literally) when they handed it to me. It was easily the most delicious burger I’ve had in years, and for a surprising price too. I got the Humdinger and it was very filling for just a single burger. This was my first trip here, and I’ll be back for sure. Nice people and quality food!

This place has the best burgers and milkshakes in the area ! Definitely a must when you’re on your wayo it of town!

Is there a better burger in the world? No way. I love getting me the Fat Boy and a chocolate malt. There is nothing better that I’ve ever tasted. The fried mushrooms are pretty good as well, as is the pineapple shake.

We LOVE Gillman’s! The best hamburger (Ranch Burger w/​cheese & everything) you will ever have. Period. My kids are fourth generation Ranch Burger eaters/​lovers.
Be sure to try a custom Pepsi. I always just added vanilla, until recently, I tried blackberry – yum!
The kids are also happy if I just get them a bag of fries and a rootbeer freeze.
We never go to Mickey D’s, or any of the other drive thrus in town. We only show our hamburger love to Gillman’s Frosties!
(FYI – they will soon be accepting debit/​credit!!)

Very local joint. No inside seating. Friendly. Seems like there are lots of regulars. Simple menu — no unique or fu fu stuff you see in the Bay Area. Got a standard burger w all the extras. It was the right size, not too big. Patty was standard thickness and had a nice charred taste. Bun not too bready. Everything was well balanced. Fries were crinkled and crisp. Very good. Reminded me of elementary school hot lunches.
I wasn’t around in the 50s when burgers made their debut, but I imagine this is how a burger was always supposed to be made.

Very friendly gentleman working.
Burger was very good; they didn’t have a low carb option but he did his best using a tray with shredded lettuce.
Onion rings were burnt and he was out of iced tea.
Cute little spot, cash only no indoor seating.

HAVE AGAIN: The Humdinger burger has always been my favorite. Back in the 1960s in high school, I never went to Gilman’s but try to get back once in a while. A real special dive!

It’s all TRUE! A cheeseburger that always satisfies. Always juicy, never overcooked or undercooked for that matter and complete with the old school crisp. I’m always disappointed to get a frozen patty from a little burger shop — Not here, it’s obvious the meat is fresh. I read a review of someone claiming «Frozen Pattie», to that person I say «NOT». Yes there are times you should avoid the place unless you like hanging with the kids. Hello, there’s a High School a block away. There is an art to making a great burger and it’s sad most burger joints just don’t get it. Just remember there’s also an art to getting a great burger as well. Just get lunch early or later in the day. I’m always happy when I’m in Oakdale and have time to stop. Never judge a book by it’s cover! I highly recommend.

Bacon cheeseburger: bacon was nice and crispy but not burnt.
Fries: Big fat fries. (i don’t usually like these type cuz they never seem to be fully cooked) again nice and crispy on the outside, just how I like em.
Strawberry milkshake: nothing special here. I like a strawberry milkshake with a fat straw so the chunks of strawberries make it through. No strawberry chunks here so didn’t have to worry bout the straw.
Service: looked like 2 people working here. Both were friendly, but it seemed like it took a while to get my order done.
Minus 1 star for no strawberry chunks and delay in order.

Been meaning to try this place because of the Unilocal reviews. The place is definitely not inviting. Appearance is old and quite frankly seems a bit dirty. Ordered a single cheese burger with bacon, a double ranch cheeseburger with bacon 2 fries and a chocolate milkshake. Burgers did not disappoint! (Only reason for giving 4 stars) They reminded me of In and Out but portions were huge, bacon was crisp and tasty. Very fresh flavor. Fries on the other hand seemed like those frozen fries from the grocery store and were overpriced. Milkshake was good nothing special about it. We will definitely be back for the burgers only! More traffic especially out of town traffic would come if the owners can put some money into it for a facelift.

A real genuine home-​town burger/​frosty place.
Thanks Carrie for the heads up!
You should be proud being the duchess of this place :)
Great place to stop for a snack when you are ‘passing through’,
or even as a destination for a weekend afternoon drive.
You will be treated royally and will feast on a real old fashioned burger.
The nice lady told me that the beef is fresh, never frozen and delivered everyday.
The crinkle-​cut fries are yummy
and milkshakes are great too!
Instead of turning left in the middle of town towards Yosemite, turn right
and look for Gillman’s on the left side of the street about a mile down.