BILL'S DRIVE-IN, YPSILANTI: Simple, and satisfying

Bill's Drive-In in Ypsilanti doesn't have menus. Or speakers for ordering. Or its name on the front of the building. It's clearly doing OK without the sign. After all, it has been there since 1939, so most folks know it by now -- and it's hard to miss a small, mustard-yellow building with HOT DOGS written atop the roof. The menus and speakers aren't necessary, either, because carhops -- all guys -- come out to take the orders, and if you're new and don't know what's available, they simply tell you: There are chili dogs, loose burgers and funny buns (a chili dog minus the weiner); homemade root beer or Pepsi products to drink, and plain Ruffles. No fries. "We just want to keep it simple," says manager Jim Doe, 28, who began there in 1995 as a carhop. He hopes to buy the place one day from owner Dan Menna, who has had it since... [read full story]