GOOD NEWS IS COMING TO DINNER! We will feature a local food critic’s thoughts as they dine in Lebanon. This month, Krys Midgett visited Snow White Drive-In.
ON THE “old” side of Lebanon, right down Main Street just past where Kmart used to be, you’ll find a little diner called Snow White Drive-In. They have been serving up lunch and dinner here since 1952, and not much has changed in all those years.
The diner still carries that 1950s charm. You can pull in and flip on your headlights, and a server will walk right out to take your order — no kiosk, no speaker box, no drive-thru window. Picnic tables are out front if you want to eat outside, or you can head inside to the booths. The windows are painted with colorful art, and the neon signs glow bright, giving the place a small-town diner feel. Those same neon lights were part of a controversy when new city laws threatened to dim them. Locals spoke up, and the council voted to keep Snow White shining.

I went with the barbecue plate with fried squash and mashed potatoes, and sweet tea to drink. The barbecue was lovely and tender, the squash came out golden and crisp, and the mashed potatoes were smooth and drenched in brown gravy. I couldn’t pass up the peach cobbler a la mode — warm peaches in a crust with ice cream slowly melting on top. I finished it off with a delicious chocolate malt. The drive-in is also known for its cheeseburgers, shakes, and even some celebrities.
Snow White is a part of Lebanon’s history. Celebrities have dined here. My server, Kim, excitedly shared that she and another server met Tracy Lawrence (‘90s country star) and got photos with him. The other server said that she waited on Cody Johnson (current country artist).

Snow White Drive-In has appeared in multiple movies and music videos, including a 2024 feature on Tennessee Crossroads. Known artists who shot videos here include Jelly Roll, Kid Rock, and JD Shelbourne.
Seventy years later, it’s still the same little diner. The food is always home-cooked, and the neon lights are always on. GN
Snow White Drive-In:
1715 W. Main St., Lebanon, TN 37087
(615) 443-4299
Instagram: @snowwhitedrivein