New

Bangkok 2026 Street Food Guide is live — read the full guide

Food Place Passport

Big Al's Drive In in California

Visit Big Al's Drive In in Chico, CA for classic burgers, shakes, and fast service. Check menu, hours, reviews, and location of this beloved hamburger restaurant.

4.2 1,700 reviews $10–20 Hamburger Restaurant American · Southern

1844 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, United States

FoodPlacee Passport United States · California · 66050
Verified

Big Al's Drive In

Chico, California, USA

Hamburger Milk Shakes French Fries Soft Serve Ice Cream
Rating★ 4.2 / 5
Price$10–20
CategoryHamburger Restaurant
Today 10:00 AM - 09:30 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Big Al's Drive In is a classic hamburger restaurant located in Chico, CA, offering a nostalgic fast-food experience with window-service. Its menu features a range of comfort foods including burgers, shakes, and other quick bites that celebrate local flavors and timeless favorites.

The atmosphere exudes a casual and historic vibe, appealing to college students, tourists, and groups alike. Patrons can enjoy outdoor seating or dine in a clean, wheelchair-accessible space, perfect for a quick or casual meal priced between $10 and $20.

Gallery

Photos from Big Al's Drive In

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

View all photos

Local favorites

Why People Come Here

Big Al's Drive In stands out as a favorite spot for burgers and shakes with a nostalgic, casual vibe that appeals to locals and visitors alike.

Fast Service

Quick counter service ensures customers get their classic comfort food promptly, perfect for lunches or takeout.

Great Dessert

Milk shakes and soft serve ice cream, including specialties like chocolate malt, add a sweet finish that keeps guests coming back.

Local Specialty

The old-fashioned drive-in experience serves up cherished local flavors and menu items unique to Chico’s dining scene.

Welcoming Atmosphere

A casual, historic setting attracts college students, groups, tourists, and families alike for relaxed dining.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating make dining comfortable for all guests.

Popular Menu

Known for hamburgers, crispy french fries, and a wide variety of shakes, the menu satisfies cravings for classic fast food.

Solo & Group Dining

Whether dining solo or with friends, the spot offers a perfect quick bite experience with outdoor and dine-in options.

Convenient Parking

Free parking options nearby add to the ease of stopping by for a quick and satisfying meal.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Big Al's Drive In shines as a go-to spot for quick, tasty meals that fit perfectly into busy days or casual outings.

Fast service and a welcoming environment make this spot ideal for anyone craving freshly made burgers or classic shakes in a casual, historic setting. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Lunch Break Delight

Stop by for a fast and satisfying lunch with popular items like the chili burger and crispy fries, complemented by a refreshing milkshake to recharge the afternoon.

Casual Dinner Hangout

Evenings are perfect for enjoying a relaxed dinner here, where diners can indulge in the double burger or fishwich, soaking up the old-school drive-in vibe.

Quick Solo Bite

The efficient counter service suits solo diners looking for a brief yet fulfilling visit, with a typical stay around 15 minutes.

Takeout Treat

For those on the go, Big Al’s offers swift takeout options ensuring that favorites like the pastrami sandwich or shrimp basket can be enjoyed anywhere.

Family-Friendly Spot

Kid-friendly amenities and a comforting menu make this location a welcoming destination for families, featuring high chairs and a kids’ menu.

Best for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining Takeout Family-friendly Fast service Popular shakes Free parking

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

J
Joe 1 week ago

"Excellent burgers and shakes! Plenty of items on the menu to please the whole family. The shake options are vast and really good (probably the best around). It's a bit pricey but worth it, imo. The employees are nice and the dining area is clean."

C
Carson 2 week ago

"The good great, especially the fries. I like the crispness and the seasoning on it. I also liked the deluxe double cheeseburger which comes with fries. The service was realy good. I like how Big Al does names I stead of numbers."

V“O
Vincent “Bogart” Ortega 4 week ago

"Good old school hamburger stand don't miss out!!!! The shakes are outstanding good many different types an flavors Love Big Al's"

RP
R P 2 month ago

"The chicken strip basket is excellent. I also got a regular hamburger, and it was also good. Big Al's is a drive-in with good atmosphere."

HS
Hanna Simon 3 month ago

"The food menu is old school dine in driver status. The burgers and the shakes are amazing! I had the patty melt was pretty bomb! The girls are super friendly and fastest service :-)"

SC
Stephanie Carrillo 3 month ago

"Food was good. The peanut butter milkshake and Oreo shake is good. We also tried the mocha chip shake. Personally we did not like the mocha chip. Fast service."

KQ
Kristina Quinn 3 month ago

"This was my first time eating here and it definitely won’t be my last! I ordered a pastrami sandwich and a side of fries, it surprisingly only came up to about $11! The fry sauce was unique and tasty and the sandwich - yum! The cashier had a pleasant attitude and a welcoming smile! Def will add this to my list of favs in Chico!"

DJ
Daniel Jewell 4 month ago

"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."

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 10:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Open daily from 10 AM, the drive-in is ideal for lunch, dinner, and late-afternoon snacks. Typically a quick 15-minute visit suits those on the go.

Weekdays 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM Fridays & Saturdays open until 10:00 PM Great spot for late dinners and quick bites Popular during lunch and dinner with college students and groups No reservations needed; counter service ensures no wait

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Big Al's Drive In in California .

Address 1844 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926, United States
Phone +1 530-342-2722
Area California
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about Big Al's Drive In, a popular hamburger restaurant in Chico, CA. Learn about the menu, hours, dining options, and more.

Big Al's Drive In is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM, and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays or special occasions.

Yes, both dine-in and takeout are available. Outdoor seating is provided, but delivery service is not offered. The restaurant features a casual, historic atmosphere with counter service only.

The location includes wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms to accommodate guests with mobility needs.

Popular menu items include hamburgers, milk shakes, French fries, soft serve ice cream, and chocolate malt shakes. The menu features a variety of fast-food fare and comfort food.

The restaurant is good for kids, offering a kids' menu and high chairs. Families and groups often enjoy the casual setting and quick service.

Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are all accepted. Cash payments are also typically accommodated, but confirming in advance is recommended.

Yes, there is free parking in the lot and on the street near the restaurant. Paid parking lots are also nearby for additional options.

Dogs are allowed outside the premises. Pet owners can enjoy their visit with pets in the outdoor seating areas.

For owners

Own or manage this food place?

Update this page with accurate hours, menu details, photos, and business notes — and reach food lovers searching for places like yours on FoodPlacee.

Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.