The Retro NY Drive-In Restaurant Known For Its Riverside Waterski Shows

In New York's Capital Region is a retro drive-in restaurant called Jumpin' Jack's that seems to hark back to a different time. It's in Scotia, located next to the Mohawk River, where you can enjoy a Jackburger (a double-decker burger with cheese and coleslaw) and watch water skiers performing stunts during the warmer months, including a 16-person human pyramid. The restaurant was born during the heyday of drive-ins when chain restaurants, such as Sonic, Jack in the Box, and In-N-Out, were just getting started. Unlike these others, Jumpin' Jack's is one of a kind.

Back in the early 1950s, Jack Brenan came up with the idea of bringing a little bit of Florida to Upstate New York by building a drive-in ice cream stand like those he'd seen in the Sunshine State. Soon, he added burgers, fries, and seafood to the mix. By 1968, he'd added a small train for kids (now gone) and a water ski show, which he took part in as a ski boat driver. The river also provided, and still provides, business. Besides getting vehicle and foot traffic coming to Jumpin' Jack's, it also has boat traffic. The Mohawk River is part of the Erie Canal, and boaters can dock and walk over to grab some eats. It may seem a bit touristy, like Superdawg in Chicago, but it's worth a visit.

Jumpin' Jack's has maintained its nostalgic feel, from its vintage sign that looks like its straight out of the 1950s to the old fashioned paper hats some employees wear. And, like the Varsity drive-in in Atlanta, Georgia, there's a whole language that's come up over the years concerning its food. At this spot, you're likely to hear workers shouting out various unfamiliar terms. Spuds are french fries, Jerry fry is code for a clam fry, and a whistle fry refers to a shrimp fry. Add to this the various fried seafood, burgers, shakes, and other ice cream treats that are both nostalgic and tasty and you've got the perfect retro drive-in.

Top it off with a classic water ski show and you've reached the zenith of old school outdoor dining. The Electric City Water Ski team performs all summer long (the 2026 season will be its 58th). If you do go, be aware that Jumpin' Jack's is only open seasonally. It's typically closed from Labor Day (late August or early September) until late March. For the residents of the area, when Jumpin' Jack's opens back up for the season, it's a sure sign spring is on the way.