The Sunflower Drive-In is a Fair Oaks Landmark

First, a disclaimer – I’m biased. I grew up in Fair Oaks, spent childhood summers learning ballet at the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District and regularly fed the chickens in the Old Fair Oaks Village.

However, after living out of town for 25 years and now residing in East Sac, it had been a long time since I’ve lunched at the Sunflower Drive In. Last weekend, I took my 7 year old. And, guess what? The Sunflower is still the area’s best vegetarian restaurant and one of Fair Oaks’ most iconic landmarks.

Open since 1978, the Sunflower is literally a drive in on the corner of Fair Oaks and Main Street. You pull up, park, order at the window and eat al fresco at the restaurant’s outdoor tables or walk around the corner to lunch on a nearby bench at idyllic Fair Oaks Park.

The Sunflower is best known for its delicious Nutburger and Smoothies, but I went with the Super Avocado and Cheese with every imaginable vegetable served up in pocket bread and covered with yogurt and sprouts. Delicious!

The Sunflower also offers a fantastic kid menu. My son was thrilled with his burrito, vege chips, organic juice and vegan cookie. The prices are competitive – $15 for both of us.

The downside – the Sunflower is popular. Plan to arrive at 11:30 a.m. for lunch to beat the rush. And, since it’s a drive in, sunny, warm days are best for dining onsite.

Pettit Gilwee is a Sacramento native, real estate agent, American Bike Trail runner, art appreciator, Sac Antique Faire goer, foodie, mom to 2 active boys and East Sac resident. She also serves on the Theodore Judah Elementary PTA Board and is a member of the East Sac Chamber of Commerce.