Local Hamburger restaurants

Big Al's Drive In

Classic burgers and shakes served fast with friendly window service.

Big Al's Drive In serves classic hamburgers and fast food in Chico, CA. Enjoy burgers, shakes, and quick bites at this local favorite.

4.2 · 1,756 community voices
1844 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, United States
$10 to $20 Hamburger restaurants Outdoor seating · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in · No Delivery +1 530-342-2722 1844 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, United States
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About this place

Big Al's Drive In: A Casual Classic Hamburger Spot in Chico

Nestled at 1844 Esplanade in Chico, Big Al's Drive In offers a nostalgic taste of old-fashioned window-service dining. Known for its fast service and local specialty flair, this casual and historic hamburger restaurant attracts college students, groups, and tourists alike. Popular for lunch, dinner, or a quick solo bite, Big Al’s serves a wide array of comfort food and small plates including juicy deluxe burgers, crispy onion rings, and creamy shakes. Visitors spend around 15 minutes here, enjoying onsite dining with outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe that’s family-friendly with a kids' menu and high chairs available. Despite not offering delivery or table service, the bright, walk-up window keeps the pace lively. Friendly regulars appreciate both the quality and the quick turnaround, making it a reliable spot to satisfy late-night cravings or a quick lunch break in Chico.

Good greasy burgers and tasty milkshakes keep locals coming back time and again.

— A Foodyvo community impression
  • Fast and friendly window service
  • Famous for flavorful shakes and soft serve
  • Welcoming spot for college students and families
  • Conveniently located on Esplanade
  • Menu features burgers, chicken, hot dogs, and sides
Voices from the table

Real diners. Real moments.

A community wall of food memories from Big Al's Drive In.

J
John Sparkman

Idk man. I pulled up thinking it was gonna be good. Hit up the menu. The double meal pops out. You get it. Then you order drinks. All good. Sweet. Then you look closer. 1/8 lb patties. The medium is half the size of the large. O dang. I shoulda looked deeper before I ordered. The total comes to just under 40 dollars for 2 burgers with fried and a drink. And when the girl gives it to you. One order of fries is upside down at the bottom of the bag. And the other is upside down at the top of the bag. I was like damn. These people just created an enemy for life. I'm a burger lover to the core and I'll process your downfall till the day I die. That young girl that handed my my food at about 1pm on July 22. She's probably 18 maybe. Brunette. Short hair. Yeh. Attitude.

D
Dorian Leath

I used to come here all the time with my mom, they always made our day so maybe I'm a little biased. But it's wonderful food for good prices, and it's wonderful people who are there to make it an experience. They have a nice 50s theme, and you'll always find yourself staring at a new painting each visit.

J
Jacob

Fries are good, food is always constantly good. The lemon ice is my go-to when it gets hot out. Service at walk up window isnt always the best but could be worse. Good ol'chico business that youre bound to see someone you know while you eat there.

N
Natasha Durand

I only saw one fly (lil Mikey ) and I think we enjoyed our meal together. Overall, very yummy food. The burger was really good!

C
Chyenne

Service didn't take long, but the burger patties are pretty small, and the taste is just average. Better than McDonald's, but not by far... I prefer In-n-Out honestly. Cheaper and tastes better.

D
Daniel Jewell

Great food with quick and friendly service. Burgers are comparable, but better, than in-n-out burgers with good ingredients and crispy fries. Chocolate malt was one of the best I've had. The only complaint is the dining area was saturated with flies. The minute we got our food they swarmed us. Made the eating experience very uncomfortable. I probably won't eat in again, but I'll definitely be going back and getting take out.

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Location

Visit this local food place.

One unique address — slow food, wood-fired oven, neighborhood vibe.

Big Al's Drive In · Hamburger restaurants

  • Address 1844 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, United States
  • Open today 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Daily
  • Services Outdoor seating · Onsite services · Takeout · Dine-in · No Delivery
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Open hours

Opening Hours

Big Al's Drive In welcomes guests every day from morning till late evening.

Opens at 10:00 AM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Lunch, Dinner
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Lunch, Dinner
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Lunch, Dinner
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Lunch, Dinner
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Lunch, Dinner
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Lunch, Dinner
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Lunch, Dinner
Typical visit lasts about 15 minutes for a quick meal.
Offers takeout, dine-in, and onsite services with no delivery.
Popular spot for lunch and dinner among local college students.
Does not accept reservations; walk-ins only for fast service.
Free parking available on-site and on surrounding streets.
Hours are kept up to date by the restaurant. For private bookings or large groups, call ahead.
Good to know

Little things worth mentioning.

Visit Duration

People typically spend 15 minutes here.

Location

1844 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926

Offerings

Burgers, shakes, fast food favorites

Service

Outdoor seating and onsite dining available

Payments

Accepts credit, debit, and mobile NFC payments

Family Friendly

Good for kids with high chairs and kids' menu

Parking

Free lot and street parking available

Pets

Dogs allowed in outdoor seating area

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Taste the story

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