Welcome To Bob’s Big Boy In Burbank California!
This 70-foot sign welcomes you to Burbank’s most iconic landmark – the classic Bob’s Big Boy – an iconic fixture since 1949!
I had the chance to cruise the San Fernando Valley, just north of Hollywood, and there are several iconic locations you come across, including this one:
This classic sign welcomes you to a great vintage diner, which serves up a “big boy” burger! As their website states:
“Bob’s Big Boy, Burbank is a magnificent example of the emerging California coffee shop style that exploded in Los Angeles in the 1950’s. Built in 1949, the structure is dramatically related to World Fair pavilions of the pre-war period by its long, low, horizontal roof line and wide canopies.”
Indeed!
This diner, with the vintage sign and of course iconic statue, was honored in 1993, receiving the designation as a “STATE POINT OF HISTORICAL INTEREST” by the state of California.
Inside, you can see that the 50’s style decor is still there – in fact, enhanced to remind you of just how cool and retro this place is:
Time To Bite Into The Big Boy!
It was at this counter that I took a seat and ordered the Bob’s Big Boy Burger.
As the menu states, it’s a double-deck hamburger with two “never frozen” patties, lettuce, cheese, may and their special red relish – the price? $10.99.
I got mine with a side of fries, because how can you not? Here’s what showed up:
Everything is made to order, so it took about ten minutes – and because of that, it shows up juicy, with the cheese perfectly melted, and nice thick slices of tomato, onion and very green lettuce…
Sure, like everyone in Hollywood, it’s sports a great look, but as they say, it may look good, but how does it taste?
I am the first to admit that a burger, when done right, should taste like a burger – unless there is special seasoning, I expect the meat to taste like good ground beef, and this does – and not overcooked! The toppings should be balanced, so you can taste each one – and I got that as well…the secret sauce was somewhat of a thousand island taste, but very subtle – in fact, what I really enjoyed about this burger was the fact that I could taste all of the elements without anything overpowering the taste of meat!
It’s very filling, the fries were straightforward but flavorful, the service was great, and the atmosphere, well, it was classic diner and what could be better?
Bring Out The Vintage Cars!
Well, Bob’s ups the ante on atmosphere in a great way! Every Friday night, the parking lot at Bob’s is filled with vintage cars – and is filled with collectors who like to drive in and showcase their classic automobiles – the best part is it’s open to everyone to see and enjoy!
Bob’s Big Boy is a classic slice of San Fernando Valley charm, really worth a visit! When you are there, don’t forget about this iconic location nearby:
Burbank’s Safari Inn is another classic location to visit when in the valley, check out my story here:
And since we are talking food in Hollywood, why not have the best Martini in town at Hollywood’s oldest restaurant?
It’s just one of the many amazing things about this place – click here to see all of the incredible dishes they serve!
If you don’t want upscale Hollywood dining, then this is for you:
How about some classic chicken and waffles! Roscoe’s is a Hollywood legend – see their story here!
And speaking of Hollywood legends, how about Elizabeth Taylor?
This iconic Actress loved Chasen’s Chili – so I made it!
Click here for the recipe – it’s worth it!
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Categories: Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Burgers, Cheeseburgers, Eat This!, Food, Food Pictures, Food Travel, Recipes, Restaurants, Travel, Wacky Food, World's Wildest Food
Bite! Eat! Repeat! 
I used to go as a child and loved it. there are still a few here but not drive-ins)
Big Boy certainly did get around. We have a “Big Boy” atop a hamburger joint in the village I lived in for many years, only his ancestry is a bit muddled. Originally, he lived atop a real Big Boy in Keene, NH, but was exiled to BF after the original closed, repainted and renamed Big Joy. https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wmRHKR_Big_Joy_Ne_Big_Boy_Bellows_Falls_VT
Looks tasty!
At least that Big Boy out front, has not an injury on the back of it’s head! Like the one in Downey, had suffered from a car wreck, from flying debris!
I didn’t know that1 thanks for sharing!
Hi John. An interesting post about this historic place.
I love the history of the building, and the statue outside. The burgers look good too!
Best wishes, Pete.
Hi there! I would love to use your photo of the sign as historical reference for a typography project. Would you mind me using it?
Yes i took those photos of the outside of the building as well as the sign and statue – feel free to use them