Big Al’s Drive In
1844 Esplanade, Chico, CA, 95926
Big Al’s Drive In Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Chico for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Chico for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1844 Esplanade
Chico, CA, 95926 - Phone (530) 342-2722
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Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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Kathy E.
Tryed big als for the frist time sence they xhanged owners . Food was ok but the help was rude not friendly like before just saw a fat cockroch run across the floor gross!
(1)Chad R.
I posted a review here before right after they changed the cups for their shakes and despite that our family decided to stop after a bike ride to get kids some ice cream. Working in food service i ubderstand that sometimes you need to wait for things. That being said.. When we ordered our ice cream we were told that they had to change over the ice cream and it would be about 10 minutes. As i stood there watching i saw several milkshakes being made. While i understand the ice cream does not need to be as firm for a shake as it does for a cone when a worker says the cones will never be ready if they keep making shakes. So as more and more shakes were being made we waitied and waited. Along with another family waiting for cones as well. The last straw for me was when a man pulls up gets out of his car and orders 2 cones and then gets back into his car and leaves. Finally after 25 minutes of waiting i had had enough so i asked how much longer it was going to be. The lady working said it should be just a minute or so. When i asked why the man that had just come to the window about 5 minutes prior got 2 cones yet 2 families with kids were still waiting? She did apologize then make our cones. I must say this is horrid customer service. How about instead of making families wait while others that place orders afterwards get served why not serve customers in the order they arrive. As a result of another disappointing experience our family will NEVER support this business again due to this horrible customer service.
(1)Char D.
I'll come here for the milkshakes... but that's pretty much it. I had a deluxe burger but it was surprisingly small. My kids insist that I make better at home. My son's taco was also very greasy and soggy that he couldn't bring himself to finish it :/
(2)Sharon P.
Went there for pastrami after a day of shopping and the guy that waited on us was dirty and rude. And that was superior to the food. Awful place.
(1)Matt R.
First timer to Big Al's and what I got from my first impression was this. The double burger I had was excellent. Cooked medium with the works and a "special sauce" to go with it. To go with my burger I got a vanilla-chocolate mix shake and a basket of fries. The fries were great, forgot to get ketchup with them so that was kind of bummer but anyways now I come to the milkshake. It had a boardwalk, old fashion texture to it; Soft serve. The ice cream tasted great but it was more a large order of ice cream then a shake. I'm not too picky and when I ordered the food it was pretty late at for a weekday so I'm not going to get on them for not blending it enough or adding too much ice cream. That was really the only negative thing I have to say about their establishment. Moderately fast service, friendly employees and a cool 1950's drive-thru experience.
(4)Jacob S.
I have been coming to Big Al's for many, many years. I grew up in the San Joaquin valley and we vacation up in Lake Almanor so Chico (and Big Al's) is conveniently on the drive home. I am also a self-professed carnivore and devourer of hamburgers. Big Al's has long been the gold standard for burgers, fries, and shakes in my family. I'm not sure if a decline in quality or the golden-tinged nostalgia is to blame, but their burgers and fries just don't seem quite as epic as they used to. Still top-notch, just not the world-beaters they once were. This same decline does not apply to their milkshakes, however. Big Al's milkshakes are the best I have ever sampled and they have sooo many choices! I highly recommend Big Al's to anyone local or just passing through. Me? I'll be in for the biggest burger with the fattest stack of bacon, a big serving of fries, paper cups full of fry sauce, and a peanut butter cup milkshake. Or a cookie dough milkshake. Maybe an oreo milkshake...
(5)Florence D.
I don't eat beef, so I skipped out on the burgers and went right for the good stuff: MILKSHAKES. Disclaimer: not for the indecisive. I took several long minutes to decide what combination of ingredients would please my palate the most. I went for a vanilla shake with peanut butter and banana. And then, my partner had to one-up me with his chocolate malt and strawberry shake. SO GOOD.
(5)Drew M.
Go here for the milkshakes, soft-serve, etc. not for their food or service.
(4)Amy O.
I do have to admit a little bias towards this place because I was visiting and a friend of the family, but I'm not exaggerating when I say Big Al's has some of the most delicious milkshakes you will ever have in your life!!! Sooo many options (and some I never would've thought of), plus you can make your own blends. Sooo thick I had to wait a bit before I could suck it through the straw... yummy! Btw... the Owners are TOTAL sweethearts!!!
(5)Drew C.
Best milkshake ever! Seriously, ever. FYI: cash only
(5)Katie S.
I LOVE Big Al's... like most people who were born and raised in Chico Big Al's has been a part of growing up... for me it was a trip to Bidwell park to play in the creek and then a quick stop at Big Al's for a chocolate dipped cone. I actually love that things haven't changed much... The picnic tables to the side of the building are the same tables I would sit at with my brothers on the hot summer nights after a swim in the creek... the tables in the dining room are the same tables that my friends and I sat in the day before we graduated high school and all went in different directions. I hope they keep things the same... because if it AIN'T BROKE... DON'T FIX IT!!!!! As a kid my family never really ate here, but we consumed our fair share of chocolate covered cones... a good idea is to get one size smaller than what you think you want because they are HUGE... and grab tons of napkins... consuming one of those cones without getting it all over you is definitely an art! recently I have tried their food and was not disappointed... you should check your order before you take it to go though because the filling of orders isn't always 100% accurate. Their fish and Chips are good, veggie burger is awesome, and their shakes are (as everyone else seems to put it) AMAAAAAAAAAZING!
(5)Hannah B.
Went here today because I read in the C&R that the current owners are planning on selling the place. I got a double deluxe burger with fries and a chocolate malt. The lady who took my order had quite the unapproachable demeanor. Severely lacking customer service skills and had a sour disposition. The malt was amazing, just like I had heard. The fries were really very delicious also. The burger on the other hand was sad. A pathetic and non-dimensional excuse for a meat patty. The flavor profile was overwhelmingly sour as they not only cook their burgers with mustard (too much, crossed the line a tbs ago) but also add pickles making the overall taste very unappealing. Either needs more "special sauce" or ketchup to add a little balance (or even a lot less mustard when cooking patty). Looks like Ma and Pa are getting out of the burger business just in time. Maybe new ownership will whip this burger joint into shape. Until then, I will not be returning.
(2)Duane H.
Big Al's is a dive of a drive in... goodness I love the place! One of the things I like to do for my children is recall a time in California (no make that the whole of America) when food wasn't homogeneous like a bad box of knock off corn flakes. Its getting increasingly hard to find local or regional food that aren't some sort of ethnic specialty. (Don't get me wrong, I like ethnic foods but I like American food too). One of the last holdouts in this area, generally speaking, is the basic diner/drive in. You can still find a few of these that haven't become huge corporate sellouts. Big Al's is this sort of place. Its local. Its unique. It doesn't try to be anything other than what it is... and American drive in. Thank the powers. Those in the know praise BA for its wide variety of shakes and the ice in its sodas. They also make a very honest and credible burger. Its not Mickey D, or the King its got its own take on everything. Come have a slice of real american summer!
(4)Patricia H.
The greasy, deep fried food that Big Al's serves really hits the spot. The ice cream shakes are amazing and really thick. Yum! I hate hate hate that it is cash only. I stopped going here because I get sick of seeing that extra charge for using their ATM. I don't think the employees are that friendly, either. But the food is just what you'd expect from a greasy little place like this: terrible for you but wonderful tasting!
(4)Sarah S.
You have to try their chili dog. It's so good!
(4)Andrew S.
It's the little things that make Big Al's so fantastic. Diced onions and shredded lettuce in your burger, crushed ice in your drink... things like that. Big Al's has always had a unique ambiance that a few people hate, but most people love. Sure, the building sometimes looks a little worse for wear, but it's places like that which usually have a great story and the best food. There's nothing like stopping in on a summer evening for a burger basket and a shake, or maybe a chocolate dipped ice cream cone. I find it borderline humorous when folks from out-of-town think they know how to improve upon Big Al's, there's a reason it's been around for as long as it has: people like it the way it is. Their food is excellent, their milkshakes are a town favorite and the vintage feeling you get pulling into the parking lot is unlike anything else in Chico.
(5)Sarah M.
Triple thick double malt vanilla shake and fries. Nuff said.
(3)Shauna S.
Frozen Lemonade...the best anywhere! Not too sweet, not too tart...perfect.
(5)Sam P.
Allright, so here's the deal with Big Al's. It's just fine. That's the problem. It's JUST fine when it could be so much more. I mean if you're going to shell out the big bucks to maintain and run a building that has seen some days, make the food decent, or barring that, at least hire some guys who can get the orders straight. I quit ordering what I want at Big Al's, because indubitably, I will get any other item than the item I ordered. And I have witnesses. Four of us ordered differnt burgers once, and we got four bacon cheeseburgers. Which are good, but not what was ordered. So now, if I want food, versus iced cream, I just tell the guy, or gal, to "suprise me". It really dosent matter what I order, becuase I know I wont get it, unless its ice cream. For some reason they always get that right. In conclusion, eat at Big Al's, I guess.
(3)Mary S.
My family and I ate here twice and we werent disappointed in the food either time. Great burgers, great fries (and just like most fast food, you have to eat it within the first 10 mins or its not so great, but thats a regular fast food thing) and great shakes. The first time we ordered from the outside window and left and were really impressed. Tonight, though, we went inside and were pretty grossed out. Not by the food, mind you, but the place was absolutely filthy- floors covered in dirt and grime, tables still messy from past customers and, as we were waiting for our order, we watched a COCKROACH scurry across the floor. We went up to the counter and told the employee who responded with a "yeah, that happens a lot." Needless to say were a tad conflicted now. We really do like the food but any place that dirty cant be good for you....
(3)M S.
It's been over a year now, and I've finally come back to Big Al's to try out their chocolate-dipped soft serve cones. The people are still super friendly, but their cones, like the rest of their food, are just OK. They didn't have chocolate that night, so I had to settle for just vanilla. Not knowing how big their sizes were, I ordered a large serving for $1.35 (small is $0.99 and medium is $1.25). For the price, I figured why not go large, but I regretted that decision once my order was filled because this thing is HUUGGGGGEEEEE. They pile the soft serve a good six inches or so on top of the cone and then dip it in the chocolate. There was just no way I was even going to be able to stomach half of it. Overall it was an OK cone, but if it hadn't had the chocolate outer coating, it would have been very blah. Having it half chocolate and half vanilla soft serve would have made a huge difference I think...too bad for me they were out of the chocolate. I'm glad I tried it though. Everyone should have at least one Big Al's dipped cone in their life.
(3)The C.
I was driven by the hype from earlier reviews. It was difficult for my gps to find , apparently because the roads are jacked up or something. Dank part of town. Lil run down looking but busy at 2pm. I asked the lady what their specialty dish was and she suggested a hamburger. I made it a bacon cheese burger...she asked how many pieces of bacon (that was cool). I got fries and I read on review that the shakes were bomb so i got a chocolate. Service was okay. My meal was 11.55$ and i tipped the diff to even 15$ I picked a spot in back. Seemed run down in the dining area like its high traffic and low upkeep. Keep expecting to see a drug deal go down outside. my food came and the fries were lukewarm. which is a biggie for me. so i took em back and asked for hot. they were cool and i was apologetic. I just love HOT fries. So thats on me but even so. The burger...Mmm good , better than most in our town. But a little unloved...smaller patty but not bad. It made me want more ; like what iwanted was almost in reach. I wanted to be blown away and wasnt. Problem with great reviews is people expect more. Like me. Chocolate shake was real thick like they said, might as well be cup of icecream soft-hard serve. and so chocolatly ; like too chocolately. I would do a split vanilla chocolate next time. Total summary. I would visit again to see what else is on menu. Seemed like there must be something down home about it. But i know now what to say. Price should come down and business would go up. They charge a lil more i think they are high on themselves. But its high for that town and area. 12$ for a burger/fries/shake...should be a 8$ special and more would come and buy sides. I could take this place to the next level with some menu adjustments, marketing adjustment. They could be a destination for Chico visitors fi they wanted to. Nice parking lot. Good size dining area. No reason this place isnt booming. But a few adjustments. I think i would question the cooks taste. My fries were not seasoned at all. Even a lil salt after the fryer would be good and the burger too was underseasoned and the shake was overly chocolate...almost a dark chocolate. Its got potential. But like i said, I will go again. Probably.
(3)Alexandra L.
Ah Big Al's, I don't know where to begin! I've been going to Big Al's since I was 7 years-old. This place has the absolute best milkshakes, tasty burgers, good french fries are always awesome! Oh and they have this lemon ice slushie thing, oh my gaw, it's the best thing ever -so refreshing and good. I sometimes go there just for that. But what so great is it's the same as it was when I was little -takes me back, and I love it! I love being able to share this place with people! I heart Big Al's Drive In! Only complaint is they don't take ATM so bring your money -or use there expensive ATM machine. ( =
(5)Mz P.
Well this was my second time coming here, and I was waited on by a very rude lady! My husband and I ordered two soft served vanillas on a cone, and we wanted one dipped in chocolate! The lady asked us what size and I said large, and she said okay well that's going to be in a cup then! I told the lady that I would rather have it on a cone, and she rudely said well it's a soft serve and a large won't work, but your cone will be on top of the soft serve! I then ordered the small instead, and she seemed irritated and handed me my change, and she gave me two chocolate dipped soft serves when I only wanted one dipped in chocolate. I went ahead and took them, and as she handed me the second dipped soft serve I told her thank you and told her to have a nice day! She just walked away, and said yeah! What I loved was that the two soft serves were pretty cheap, but what sucked was the service!! We will probably be back for more soft serves, but will probably avoid this middle aged lady!!
(3)Andrew T.
My wife and I are newly married (she moved here from Dallas about 6 months ago, and I've lived here for 3 years - I moved from Chicago). We've only had this place once, but it was great. It was the first chilly night here in Chico, and she got an egg nog shake, a corn dog, and we also had their onion rings (which were incredibly delicious and crispy). I love the sign out front, and I love the overall feel - it almost reminds me of a restaurant you'd see in the background of the movie Porkey's!
(4)George G.
Burgers are always amazing here, i recommend trying their shakes as well... you wont regret it! The burgers always taste fresh and are made fairly quick, which is always a plus. My only complaint is in my 4 visits there some of the employees are never smiling almost making it feel like they don't want to be there, or help.... Great food, customer service needs improvement.
(3)A. R.
If old school fast food is what you want this place has it. Its not high cuisine by any stretch of the imagination. Burgers, fries, hot dogs, chicken, nachos, ice cream and drinks. This place is a heart attack waiting to happen. The food is good, the prices are reasonable and the setting strait for another era. This is not some retro rehash, this place has been there for decades, and it looks it. Its worn around the edges but the food will take you back in time.
(4)Scott G.
This place sucks. It's overpriced (over $2 for a corn dog), takes way to long to get your meal, and worst of all the food is not that great, other than the soft serve shakes with liquid chocolate thrown into it. Put it this way, I live a block away and I never eat there, I drive 10 min to In-N-Out.
(1)Miah B.
OK...so, I went to visit Chico this past weekend and I had my heart set on enjoying all of the wonderful goodness that Big Al's has to offer. I couldn't go in the end because I got caught up with family, and I swear I must have cried all the way home. I have ate here for YEARS and frankly it is the BEST burger joint in Chico. The burgers are delicious, you absolutely must try the CHILI-DOG with all of the fixings! Don't be scared of the chili here people. Plus, the shakes are like heaven. I saw the employees there flipping and tossing a shake in a cup with no lid as a fun little show once...that is how THICK and wonderful they are. You can make up any shake flaver you want and if they have the mixings; they will make it! They have this wild menu with all sorts of goodies that I wish I could eat everyday. So much to choose from and it's all good! Did I mention the onion rings yet? Seriously...don't miss out on this little gem. It is a Chico icon. The second restaurant ever in town I believe. If you want to call yourself a Chico-ian, you must go here and get the Chico experience. I also love the older feel of the building; it IS a diner you know! I walk in and it just feels like a nice local and family owned business (everyone should support their local family owned businesses whenever they can). I think I see the owners from time to time. They seem very nice and interact with the customers when they are there. I see a lot of regulars all the time that frequent this place....probably because I AM ONE TOO LOL. As said in a previous rating; they only take cash unless you want to use the ATM machine they have inside the dining room. I honestly don't understand the big deal about using cash. We have become such a spoiled and lazy society these days. With that said; expect good prices. The owners have managed to keep them pretty low in a bad economy which has caused food prices to skyrocket. Take the time to get the best meal in town at an iconic place in Chico. Don't hesitate!
(5)Jesse N.
Only reason I am giving 4 out of 5 is that when you buy a 'basket' you think a drink would be included, it's not. That's a few bucks extra. Also it's cash only, which wasn't a problem for me, it's just bad for business I think. But I had a double deluxe burger and wow, that was good. The fries are some of the best as well. I like in-n-out in town but with what I had, I like much better. I am surprised I have never been here before to eat except once to get ice cream. I have passed by big al's since I was a kid and never ate here, what a shame because it's really good.
(4)Corrine L.
Ah, Big Al's....the food of my college years. I found myself in the unusual location of just around the corner from Big Al's recently for work. My co-worker said, "so, you went to college here, did you have anything in mind for lunch?" I said, "well, I'm going to Big Al's...you can come or not." My grilled cheese (with tomato slice), fries and cherry shake did not disappoint. The fact that I had to use a very pricey ATM machine because Big Al's STILL does not take ATM, well, whatever. I'll always forgive locally owned businesses for that one. I should have just remembered they are cash only (Although in my day, they took checks from locals). Big Al's is definitely worth a stop.
(4)Jewels M.
Best shakes ever! I usually get chocolate shakes but strawberry is the best at Big Al's! They also have good food.
(5)Adam L.
Oh man. Big Al's and I have a looonnng history together. We get along just perfectly. Fried food is a guilty pleasure of mine, and Big Al's fills every damn gap I have when I'm craving the fried death! Yup, $5 should get you plenty of food. You may hate yourself afterward, but it hurts just so damn good.
(5)Matt R.
Big Al's is a classic stop if you are in the Chico area. They make some great old fashioned burgers and milk shakes. It is in a great location that is easy to get in and out of. They also make some of the most unique milk shakes. Go here, you will not be disappointed.
(4)Joe T.
I would eat here again if someone else wanted to go. The prices are pretty good but don't expect anything amazing, It beats McDonald's (but how hard is that?) but I would still go to Carl's Jr first. I hate businesses that do not accept cards but have ATM machines can you say "I'm a cheap grumpy old man who won't get with the times, and I want an extra couple dollars from people who use cards"?
(3)Matthew B.
This is an average place with above-average food. The double cheeseburger deluxe with a strawberry shake rock the world. Enjoy!!!!
(3)Louis N.
Good food at reasonable prices.
(4)tracy c.
Points for the old school style. I want to be into it. But...Truly atrocious service. Portable toilet (...really???). Rancid peaches in the shake, but I was too afraid of the employees to complain. Nothing remotely healthy, which is annoying...how about a little lettuce or something? just sayin'. And, the place was filthy. And it's not even cheap! Next!
(2)Dave C.
Parking in this lot will take you back into time, when drive-ins were the spot to take your date or family. They have a walk up window or small seating inside. They do a lot of fried type things, but it is provides a nostalgic type feeling that is hard to find...and it fits the city of Chico. I like the breakfast sandwiches and milk shakes. The service is great here. Fun place to take a date for a non-traditional Chico night.
(5)Christina H.
This place reminds me of my High School lunch days! I just simply love this place! Food and service has always been great! I mainly get it to go because I feel like their dining room is always a bit dirty...
(4)Milan R.
Nachos and fried shrimp. Great place for burgers and fries, and so much more. Try the shrimp basket, nachos, or the bbq ham sandwhich. You can't go wrong with any of their shakes, but don't expect to drink them through the straw.
(5)Jean S.
Ah, Big Al's. Thank you for the best memories, amazing food, and especially the dipped cones!
(5)lily s.
The milkshakes are soft serve, some other shit, and a tiny amount of milk. I've had better milkshakes literally everywhere else I've ever been.
(2)Jayne M.
I graduated from CSUC Chico almost 30 years ago so when I visited Chico last weekend for a long over due visit, we had to stop at Big Al's! It was exactly the same and just as greasy good! The shakes are still so thick you'll need a spoon! I remember an older guy there who I thought was Big Al, though this man wasn't so big. Can anyone tell me if there was a Big Al and is he still around? Thanks, Jayne
(5)Steven D.
Very poor. Food and service. They must be depending on their past glory? if there was one. We ate inside and that was a mistake...dirty!
(1)peach f.
Foods not that great, but hell, u go for nostalgia, not food. Grab a chair, sit in the parking lot and support these dudes. Good family times
(4)Debi B.
5 Stars to their soft serve ice cream - I live down near Sacramento, and I would drive all the way here for the soft serve - totally awesome! Tastes like the old fashioned custard ice cream I remember from long ago. I have not tried anything else - but the kids did have milkshakes and loved them.
(5)Rodolfo G.
I went to this place today I bought a burger and fries and two drinks. I spent $20 (which I think is too much for what I got) and I wasn't impressed with the burgers. The place needs to be clean.
(2)Eric F.
I came here two days in a row, I don't know if that's good or not. Three stars.
(3)Ricci P.
Big Al's has the BEST milkshakes on the planet. Triple thick and delicious. Every boy friend I have had is in agreement. You must try the Mocha Chip shake.
(4)Amelia C.
Stopped over in Chico on the way back from Lassen. When I asked the checker at Natural Foods for a recommendation for good burgers, she tried to send me to In N Out. WTF. Glad I pushed for a local non-chain classic dive, as the other checkers in the store replied unanimously, "Big Al's." Great throwback with an extensive menu. I think this is going to be a mandatory stop anytime we head that way.
(4)Christine C.
Fried chips and melty cheese never tasted so good. About once every 2 months I need the nachos from Al's. Today was that day and they didn't disappoint.
(5)Kirsten S.
Best place to get a milkshake in Chico!!!
(5)Nosniv X.
A Chico landmark. Stop in on a hot summer day for an icecream, double malted shake, or a banana split that will give you such a sugar rush you will be buzzing for hours. The burgers and fries are also good if you are looking for a filling lunch.
(4)Rachelle B.
i'm not from chico, but i had been thinking about moving there at one point in my life. my best friend who has been a chico resident for almost 8 years now brought me to jon & bons and i fell in love with that place. so... she also too me to big al's, which she told me was a famous joint. i had the double malted shake, which was probably the best shake i've ever had... and i'm not a shake person. i'm pretty sure i got the chocolate mint shake, because i remember it being fantastic. if i will ever go back to chico, this place would be one of the first places i go.
(4)Jess A.
This place is what I would call a "gem". It looks like a old, outdated, run down hamburger joint. The food is amazing! And OMG the shakes are life changing! Seriously the toffee shake is indescribably good. The prices are low & service is quick.
(4)Melissa E.
Growing up in Chico this was the place to go for a great burger and fries. Not anymore. Sadly it went here for lunch today and not only did it have to wait for 20 minutes to get my order it was wrong. The person taking it didn't get it right, my soda was tea, the large fries were not even cooked completely, not to mention the size of anyone elses small - not worth the sharing they were ment to be and when it was bagged not all my food was there. Sad to say but I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon.
(1)Wendee W.
My review is for the soft serve ice cream. We walked over here around 10 pm on a Saturday. The place was packed. The lot displayed some classic cars. There was a sort of HAPPY DAYS feel which was great. We ordered our cones inside because the lines outside were crazy long. 5 of us had lovely soft serve cones for 6 bucks. I heard the cones used to be way bigger before the new managers took over. I get it and am okay with a smaller serving. The counter helpers were friendly and hustling and I'm so happy we had dessert here.
(4)Codey U.
You get a lot for what you pay for. Buyers are huge and the fried are amazing. I love their nacho cheese for fries. Yummy
(4)William J.
I'm not from Chico and I don't know the history of Big Al's. I heard "its not as good since it changed ownership", but I was very pleased with the food and ice cream. I ate here several times and I got a consistently good drive-in burger (like I've been getting since I was kid in the 70's at places like this), the fries were very good, the shakes were super thick and tasty (and they had a large selection of flavors). Their prices were very reasonable and service was always pleasant. So it may not be "as good as they were" in the past, but honestly I thought they were very good and would without hesitation recommend to anyone.
(4)Miranda S.
This is a joint you go to for the ice cream/shakes, not the "food." The burgers and fries have never been that great, but the ice creams are UNBEATABLE. It's a super cool experience to be able to visit one of the older, classic restaurants in Chico. The walk up window is fun for kids and a different style of ordering. Unfortunately, the current owners are no longer the original ones, so some of the history feels like it's been lost, but they keep up with the same menu and traditions as before. Check it out, get a shake, it's a Chico classic!
(3)Bill R.
If big AL can't make a good burger we must be near the end of civilivation as we know it The burger is perfect for a drive in burger. Civilization had been saved.
(5)Jessica V.
Use to be my favorite place when I was in high school. Went today after not going since May and they changed a lot of things. I like that they no longer use Styrofoam cups! However the service was terrible. The girl taking our order was too busy paying attention to someone else behind the counter and when she finally took it she flubbed it up. We were missing items, they gave me the wrong shake (they corrected the first two things) and then after we got home realized that they messed up our order even more :-\ Super upsetting as I took my mom who is visiting from out of town (she use to LOVE big als) n she couldn't even finish her food. Now she says she'll never go back. I hope maybe this is just some transition stage and they'll get it back together soon. Ps... How are you going to put a bubble lid on a milkshake without putting whip cream in there?! :-(
(2)Sarah W.
Best milkshakes in Chico, I love coming here on late nights! Still haven't tried a burger but they always smell delicious
(5)Brice C.
It feels like an old school burger joint. The food is good, the prices are pretty good, and the menu is pretty big. I rather enjoy sitting down and eating inside despite the fact that it feels like it hasn't changed at all since it opened. The shakes are amazing.
(4)Erica G.
They have one of the best ice-cream sundaes. Fresh whip cream, with hot fudge and a cherry. Simply and delicious.
(4)Bill H.
Tryed Big Al's today. 1st time since new owners took over. They cleaned up the place, new tables inside and more organized. I had a burger basket with fries and a drink. Bland burger and they never asked if onions or not. I got them not a fan should have told them or they should have asked. Different fries no skin on them and bland. It's not what it used to be. Back to the Oasis or In and out. Sorry big Al, you need to improve.
(1)Jane D.
Great soft serve cones!! Yum!! Fun atmosphere.
(4)Jake R.
Terrible service, they make the burgers in between orders. So you order and they wait until that burger is ready before another order can be taken. I sat in line to order in 100 degree weather for 25 minutes and didn't get to the window, there was only 2 people ahead of me when I showed up. Get more staff.
(1)Ryota A.
The burgers are good but the shakes! the Shakes are godly! i mean a sugar overload but what do you expect from a shake? LOL the choices of flavors and everything is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Â!! i love getting marshmallow and butter scotch btw!
(4)Joseph H.
This was official my 2nd and last time I'm going to big Al's. I like to give a places 2 chances to impress, this place didn't impress me either time I tried it. The service was definitely the worst part of big Al's, the food was a close second. I got a cheese burger basket and a drink and it was roughly 9 dollar, burgers and brew in downtown Chico is cheaper, and far better.
(1)Grant O.
It's cool if you want to feel like you are back in 1975. Dimly lit and dated, but I guess that is part of the appeal. Decent food, slow service with everything but sparkling personalities. This place has been skating on it's reputation from when knights rode on horseback. I won't go back- there are too many other places in Chico.
(2)Laura M.
Big Al's workers it is not ok for you to argue with me when YOU get my order wrong! It was my first time, not very busy, but took a long time for the wrong order. I ordered a double cheese burger with spread and pickles. My order came out and it was a single burger with lettuce and tomatoe! When I took it back, the lady who took my order argued with me! She finally found my ticket and re-ordered. It came out much quicker the 2nd time, but....yep, wrong again! They left off the cheese. Burger was tasty, but was tiny inside the oversized bun. More bun than burger. Not impressed. No return visit for me.
(2)Chrissie F.
Under new ownership and we are not impressed. They have changed the food totally. My burger patty was so thin I could see through it and the fries were cold.
(2)Mike D.
I give it one star because the system does not allow for minus one! First the place is filthy! In the state's few counties that post A,B,C and D health cards in restaurants to warm potential customers of the hazards found, Big Als would get an F! That aside , here is a description of my most recent experience. Hot mid-afternoon looking for a cool-down treat. As I drive in, I notice a number of customers lined up at the service windows in front. So I enter the dining area adjacent and approach the unmanned counter inside. There I stand for 10 minutes and watch a young lady and another server accommodate the outside customers. Also in that service area is an older man-presumably a boss or owner- laugh and converse with the two workers wait on the quickly-diminishing line of customers All three have by now looked in my direction, made eye contact, and continued conversing, serving, and playing a game of grab-ass. My patience is wearing thin but think I'm about to be asked for my order when the young lady turns and approaches the counter. But, alas, it's not to be. Looking me in the eye, she takes a cup from its holder, fills it with a soft drink and casually walks past the counter to a table in the back of the dining area, takes a seat while grabbing her cellphone and begins her netherworld journey into the digital unknown. I'm speechless! As a small business owner, I'm acutely aware of poor customer service and it's ultimate effects on business and reputation. So, I walk back to her table, get her attention with an "excuse me. What is the protocol, here? Am I supposed to order outside? Or how do I get service? "No, she says, someone will take your order at the counter." And returns to her ether world adventures. As I leave I catch the older, boss-like guy's attention and explain my departure, "any business this poorly run will never again get mine."
(1)Chris W.
Love this old fashioned drive in for the charm & best soft serve in town! You don't come here to eat healthy, but you do leave happy :)
(5)Tracey W.
We had shakes, malts and cones. Yum yum yum! The prices were very reasonable. The cones are .99, 1.35 & 1.45 they were good sized too. The shakes were in the 4 & 5 dollar range. Everyone were in love. Maybe more stars after I try the food next time were in town.
(4)Stacey D.
Being an out-of-towner and spending the majority of my Chico time at the hospital, I was desperately in need of non-hospital food and interaction with non-medical personnel so I decided to pop over to Big Al's and I am so glad I did! Not only was the food AMAZING but so was the service! I only wish that I could find a place just as great down in San Diego
(5)Lara W.
Incredibly overrated. Went with the basketball team and we were all disappointed. The staff looked miserable (especially the grouchy lunch room looking lady) and no ATM so bring cash. Burgers are similar to the size of a Jr. Whopper, but without the good taste of a Whopper...lackluster, to say the least. The orders came out scattered and not according to the number sequence, despite everyone ordering basically the same thing and there were flies everywhere. Spend your money elsewhere.
(2)Kyle G.
My burger was built up-side down, so soggy that the bun fell apart, there were unidentified particles in my Lemon Ice, and while my friend and I were sitting in the dining area, we discovered a couple cockroaches crawling on the floor. The bathrooms were out of service, and when we informed the employees that we had seen cockroaches, no one seemed to care, and we received no offer for a refund. I feel sorry for the poor children that we're eating nearby. I used to think of this place as a favorite restaurant, now I will never be returning.
(1)Lindy C.
Ordered 1 cheese burger and a burger basket from the to go window. Took 40+ minutes to receive our order
(1)Brad A.
Just ate at this dump. The place is filthy. Food on the tables no one trying to keep clean. Burger not all that great. Both of the people working there were rude and unfriendly (older woman and guy with a huge gut) I would not go here again.
(1)Ris W.
Sorry, but this place is gross. First impressions are everything and the sight that greets you here is a dirty kitchen and grease splashed employees. It doesn't look sanitary at all. I had a sip of my friend's shake and it was nothing to write home about. I get that it is a Chico landmark but I think it gives local establishments a bad name.
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