Several classic landmarks from Encinitas past are missed, but none more so than the A&W Drive In on the southeast corner of Coast Highway 101 and Encinitas Blvd. (formerly San Marcos Rd., but that’s another story). Located on a small hill that was flattened to create Moonlight Plaza where Leucadia Pizzeria now stands, in the ‘60s and ‘70s it was the perfect way to end a summer’s day of bodysurfing at Moonlight Beach, or to chow down on an informal meal in the family station wagon, delivered by A&W carhops. Under the canopy to the right was a jukebox that offered a succulent selection of classic 45s for a dime a song. This photo is from a 1972 A&W TV commercial that aired nationwide.
Moment of Nostalgia: Encinitas A&W
