Updated August 2026

Big Al's Drive In Menu.

Explore Big Al's Drive In menu featuring classic hamburgers, fast food favorites, and quick bites in Chico, CA. Enjoy fast service and outdoor seating from $10 to $20.

Open today 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM • 1844 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, United States
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10 Menu sections
69 Dishes & drinks
$10 to $20 Avg. price range
Wood-fired oven
Today’s highlights

Standouts of the day.

Double Cheeseburger Basket

Double Cheeseburger Basket
Philly Cheesesteak Basket

Philly Cheesesteak Basket
Double Cheese Burger Basket Fries

Double Cheese Burger Basket Fries
About this menu

Big Al's Drive In is a local hamburger restaurant in Chico offering a variety of classic fast food and comfort dishes. The menu features staples like burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and shakes, served with quick window-service. Visitors can expect a mix of crowd-pleasing small plates and satisfying baskets prepared with a casual, old-fashioned touch.

This historic, casual spot draws college students, groups, and tourists seeking quick bites for lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings. Known for fast service and local specialties, the menu suits solo diners or gatherings alike. Although reservations are not accepted, the emphasis is on no-table service and a relaxed atmosphere. Popular items include cheeseburger baskets, shakes, and crispy sides, reflecting regular positive feedback on both taste and value.

  • Fast window-service for quick dining
  • Menu features burgers, sandwiches, and sides
  • Classic shakes and refreshing drinks available
  • Popular with college students and groups
  • Located in a casual, historic neighborhood
  • Lunch, dinner, and late-night dining options
Big Al's Drive In Menu 1
Wood-fired, fresh today.
01

Sides

Side Of Nacho Cheese

$2.97

Creamy melted cheese ideal for drizzling over nachos or dipping.

Nachos

$6.49

Chip, Cheese

Onion Rings

$8.44

Crispy golden-fried onion rings, perfectly seasoned for a savory crunch.

Chili Fries

$7.66

Crispy fries topped with hearty chili .

Tator Tots

$7.14

Crispy golden potato bites, perfectly seasoned for a delightful snack or side.

Side Of BBQ Sauce

$2.97

House-made barbecue sauce typically featuring a blend of tomato, vinegar, and spices, offering a sweet and tangy complement to your meal.

Zucchini Chips

$8.57

Thinly sliced zucchini, lightly breaded and fried until crispy, typically paired with marinara sauce for dipping.

French Dip

$9.61

Roast beef on a French roll, typically with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions, served with au jus for dipping.

Jalapeno

$1.68

Sliced jalapeño peppers, typically spicy and vibrant, often used to add a zesty kick to various dishes.

French Fries

$4.01

Crispy golden fries, choice of regular or large size.

Side Of Ranch

$2.97

Creamy ranch dressing, typically seasoned with herbs and spices, serves as a classic accompaniment for dipping or enhancing various dishes.

Side Of Special Sauce

$2.97

A side of special sauce, typically a blend of ketchup and mayo with unique secret ingredients.

Bacon

$1.68

Crispy thick-cut, smoked to perfection.

02

Burgers

Double Burger

$8.18

Two beef patties typically served with mustard, onions, pickles, lettuce, and tomato on a fresh bun.

Chili Burger

$6.23

A beef patty topped with chili, mustard, onions, pickles, lettuce, and tomato.

Deluxe Burger

$6.49

1/8 lb with onion, pickle, spread, lettuce, tomato.

Double Burger Basket

$15.59

1/2 LB with Fries

Patty Melt

$13.38

two patties with cheddar cheese, special sauce and grilled onions served on rye bread with a basket of fries

Double Cheeseburger Basket

$16.89

1/2 LB with Fries

Cheeseburger

$6.75

1/8 lb.

Burger

$5.71

1/8 lb with onion, pickle, spread.

Cheeseburger Basket

$13.90

1/4 lb with fries.

Deluxe Cheeseburger

$7.79

1/8 lb.

Deluxe Double Cheeseburger

$9.48

Two beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mayonnaise, and ketchup on a toasted bun.

Garden Burger

$9.09

Veggie burger patty with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions, served on a hamburger bun with special sauce

Deluxe Double Burger

$8.83

Two beef patties, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard on a toasted bun.

Burger Basket

$12.99

1/4 lb with fries.

03

Breakfast

Breakfast Ham Sandwich

$7.51

Sliced ham, fried egg, and cheese on toasted bread.

Breakfast Bacon Sandwich

$7.51

Crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese on a toasted bun, creating a classic breakfast sandwich experience.

04

Grilled Cheese

Grilled Cheese With Ham

$7.66

Grilled Cheese

$5.58

Cheesy delight on toasted bread, perfect for those craving a classic comfort food.

05

Drinks

Nuts

$1.55

Typically includes a variety of beverages such as sodas, juices, and flavored waters.

Floats

$7.79

Ice cream float. Choice of Regular or Large size.

Hot Fudge Sundae

$7.66

Hot Fudge with soft serve ice cream

Cones

$2.59

Three sizes available: Regular, Medium, Large.

Sundaes

$7.39

regular or large sundae with any topping listed below

Milk

$3.37

Choice of regular, medium, or large size.

Banana Split

$10.39

Creamy vanilla ice cream, sliced banana, strawberry and pineapple whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

Hot Chocolate

$4.67

Smooth, rich chocolate drink, perfectly steamed to warm your soul.

Lemon Ice

$5.19

Refreshing lemon beverage available in various sizes: Small, Medium, Large.

Water Bottle

$2.98

Pure, refreshing hydration in a bottle.

Coffee

$3.89

Freshly brewed, aromatic blend to kick-start your day.

Freeze

$7.79

Soda blended with ice cream

Soft Drink

$2.98

Regular, medium, or large soda.

Malts

$8.05

Available in Regular or Large sizes.

Whipped Cream

$0.00

A milkshake with a creamy blend of milk and ice cream, typically topped with light and airy whipped cream.

Shakes

$7.79
06

Chicken

Chicken Hoagie

$9.09

Fried chicken breast with mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato served on a hoagie roll.

Chicken Nuggets 6pcs With Choice Of One Sauce.

$5.97

Breaded chicken pieces, typically fried, offering a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Chicken Strip Basket

$17.28

Crispy chicken tenders with french fries and one sauce included. (Ranch or BBQ).

6 Piece Chicken Nuggets With French Fries

$9.09

With Fries and choice of one sauce

07

Sandwiches

Taco

$5.19

Deep fried crunchy taco with cheddar shredded cheese and lettuce, and red salsa.

Roast Beef Sandwich

$9.61

Mayonnaise, Lettuce

BLT Sandwich

$11.56

Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato

Philly Cheesesteak Basket

$15.33

Thinly sliced steak with sautéed onions and peppers, topped with nacho cheese served with a basket of fries

BBQ Beef

$9.09

Sliced roast beef in BBQ sauce, served on a bun

BBQ Ham

$9.09

Thinly sliced ham in bbq sauce, typically served on a bun.

Burrito

$5.19

Deep fried seasoned beef and bean burrito

Steak Sandwich

$12.08

steak covered in BBQ sauce, typically served on a hoagie roll. Comes with a basket of fries

Pastrami

$9.61

Mustard, Pickles

08

Fish & Shrimp

Shrimp Basket

$17.41

Coleslaw, Fries

Fish & Chips

$22.48

Crispy beer-battered fish with golden fries

Fishwich

$10.78

Tarter sauce, Lettuce

09

Hot Dogs

Mini Corn Dogs 6pcs

$7.40

Miniature beef hot dogs hand-dipped in corn batter and deep-fried.

Hot Dog

$7.79

Onion, Mustard, Ketchup, Relish

Corn Dog

$5.58

Battered and deep-fried sausage on a stick

Mini Corn Dog Basket

$10.00

Mini corn dogs, typically featuring all-beef franks, are hand-dipped in a sweet corn batter and deep-fried to a golden brown. Served in a basket for easy enjoyment.

Chili Dog

$9.74

A hot dog topped with homemade chili, nestled in a soft bun, typically includes options like mustard or onions.

10

Salad

Green Salad

$8.18

Fresh mixed greens with seasonal vegetables

Menu album

See the menu in real life.

Photos from the kitchen and dining room — tap any image to view full-size.

favorites
Community favorites

Dishes guests talk about.

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.

Menu notes

Big Al’s Drive In offers a warm and classic menu of burgers, hot dogs, sides, and shakes. This fast food restaurant provides dine-in, takeout, and outdoor seating options, making it easy to enjoy affordable comfort food from $10 to $20 in Chico, CA.

  • Fast service ensures a quick and satisfying meal experience.
  • Outdoor seating available alongside onsite and dine-in services.
  • Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
  • Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM for lunch and dinner.
  • No delivery or reservations; designed for timely visits and quick bites.
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