Bob's Big Boy (Googie landmark)

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What visitors say

• John LESTER★★★★★

  The year was 1936 when a young man named Bob Wian founded his innovative hamburger restaurant. Designed to serve as a meat up and a meeting place. The meat up concept inspired the first double decker hamburger. Extra bun pun intended for the 2 pattie burger made with 3 slices of bread. A franchise that expanded the image of a proud standing boy in overalls as a legacy in American pop culture. An image you will encounter along any road trip today. Whether it be a restaurant. A shop of nostalgic toys and tee shirts. A postcard inside a travel center gas station. A poster board of fun facts, within a place of Oddities. Even on a American antique roadshow event. There is a special type of connection about finding Bob. In all the right places in time.

  2 months ago

• Cyrus Graesslin★★★★★

  One of the highlights of our California visit this year was our pilgrimage to one of me and my wife’s favorite restaurants in the whole world, Bob’s Big Boy! For whose who don’t know, Bob’s Big Boy was a chain of restaurants that began 89 years ago in 1936. Their claim to fame was the Big Boy hamburger, the original double decker with 3 bun slices and 2 patties. In the 60’s they were sold to Marriott corporation, then changed hands several times over the decades. Sadly they all eventually shut down due to a combination of failure to modernize, bankruptcies, and eventually the pandemic. From their peak of 240 stores in 1989, only 4 remain - all in SoCal. This branch is the oldest remaining store, which was built in 1949. Built in the style of “Googie Architecture” - which was influenced by car culture, jets and the Atomic/Space age, it was designated as a California Point of Historical Interest in 1993. A litany of notable celebrities including Bob Hope and the Beatles have dined here, so it’s a true pop culture icon. Our favorite aspect of the brand is the iconic Big Boy logo, a cheerful chubby boy in red and white checkered overalls holding their famed double decker burger. It was designed by Looney Tunes animator Bennie Washam on a napkin, who also frequented the restaurant. Some may recognize it as part of the intro on the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”! Service was great though we had to wait for 20 minutes for a table, and it was 10pm on a Sunday evening. Of course we opted for the Big Boy burger as well as the Pappy Parker’s Fried chicken which was divine with its dense, crunchy crust. We asked for a recommendation and we were told the Chili Spaghetti was popular - and we could see why as it was delicious. We wrapped up our evening with a strawberry pie which was chock full of lush strawberries and not too sweet which was perfect. An absolutely wonderful evening at a historic venue!

  a month ago

• Adam Robley★★★★★

  3/4/26 So me and my dad met with an old co worker of ours to have lunch and catch up. When we arrived was pretty busy but not bad about 5-8min wait really was pretty quick to seated. Jana was our server and she was great. We ordered our food and I got the "Super Big Boy" combo. We all basically got Big boy combos. I hadn't had Bob's in quite a while. It was pretty good. I remember it being a little better the last time I had had but it didn't disappoint. It was still delicious and good fries. Got a Mocha shake that was really nice and creamy and great mocha flavor. All in all we really enjoyed our food and company. I'm sure I will visit again sometime when back down this way . We used to come almost Friday night for classic car show they had in the lot and get burgers and see all the cars hence the pic from back in the day. I think they still do the car show. Enjoy !!!!

  4 months ago

• Derek Ortega★★★★★

  I always love Bob's Big Boy, ever since I was a kid! The Burbank location has great atmosphere and great pictures on the walls, VERY cool merchandise you can get at the front counter as well. First time i went to this location we were seated at the Beatles Booth, and it was my birthday!!! Just went recently on a Monday night and the server was amazing, I wish I had caught her name, but she wears a very unique Bob's tee shirt that she was the only one of the employees to receive 😀 she was on top of everything, spot on, and very friendly, kudos to her! I love the music they play as well, hit after hit after hit. The food was delicious as always! If you're in the area or planning a trip to Burbank / Los Angeles, get on over to Bob's Big Boy, you'll love it!!! The Bob's Original Big Boy combo is my favorite and my go- to, every time! LOVE this place!! Thank you to the kind gentleman at the front merchandise counter as well! And don't forget to have your picture taken out front with Bob!!

  3 months ago

• Kenneth Beasley★★★★★

  Ordered the super big boy burger. Reminded me a Big Mac, but tasted way better!! Salad served with the meal as an appetizer was very tasty. Experiment and atmosphere was great.

  2 months ago

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