Porky's St. Paul
1890 University Ave W
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651)644-1790

Porky's Minneapolis
1851 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

Porky's Drive-in was founded by Raymond Truelson in 1953. The first store was built on University Avenue in St. Paul's Midway area. The Midway Porky's (our flagship store) still stands as a St. Paul icon, and the last of the original fleet of Porky's to remain open. Three other Porky's locations were built in the late 1950's and early 1960's in Minneapolis. These four Porky's Drive-Ins were part of the great, American car culture of that time. The Drive-In concept has changed over the years to walk-in and drive-thru service, however, many of our original customers remain loyal fans. In the summer months, car enthusiasts of the 50's and 60's line up at Porky's, many of them continue to order the same burgers, shakes and onion rings as they did back in 1953. Often you will see these folks on those hot, summer nights with their families of several generations, reflecting back to a time when cruising the avenue was a teenage way of life.

The most beloved component of Porky's is, of course, the 'Onion Rings'. Made from our secret batter, our onion rings have been the rave for over 50 years, and have also been known to be shipped all over the country to craving Twin Citians transplanted in other cities. Our hamburgers and French fries are still produced exactly the same way, always fresh, and always ground or chopped on site.

Porky's has been featured in many publications. Although there were many drive-in restaurants during the 50's and 60's, none of them were as popular as Porky's within the Midwest region, and only several nationally could boast an equal or greater popularity. Two examples would be the very famous Mel's drive-in in California, and the Varsity drive-in in Atlanta.
Porky's founder, Raymond Truelson, was also a partner with Warren Nelson in a drive-in restaurant called the Flat Top in the late 1940's. Warren later opened the Sun Drive-in on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis. The Sun Drive-In was a very successful and popular drive-in. It has been many years since the Sun has been in operation, but with the spirit of the Sun's popularity in Northeast Minneapolis, a Central Avenue Porky's is now open.