I feel bad to give 2 stars to Bobs Big Boy today. I have been coming here since it reopened and it is one of my son and I favorite date nite places as it is a kid friendly environment. Today however, I was very disappointed in the experience. The issues I had today was the cleanliness, speed of service, presentation of one the plate orders and a member of staff yelling across the restaurant. Once we sat down in a booth next to the parking lot the dirt and dust that has collected between the window and the booth seats was off putting. We then started to look around and I don't think the floors have been cleaned properly for a long time as the dirt and various debris was all over and no one was seen to be sweeping or cleaning even though there were plenty of staff wondering around doing nothing. The restaurant certainly was not even 1/4 full and half of it was closed. The second thing was, as we were sat waiting and waiting for someone to take our drink and food order a gentleman (whom I thought was a customer) was yelling at staff (I think). I assumed because we had been waiting so was he waiting to pay however, it turned out I think he was maybe a manager or supervisor. It was not professional to be yelling with customers close by. Finally the waitress came to take our order. She was very nice however, I can't understand why it took over 10-15 mins as literally the place was empty. The food arrived after the waitress came back to tell us it is on its way, so again I'm not sure why it was slow as the place was empty. So empty in fact I think there were more staff than customers. Finally once the food came my father ordered the southern breakfast (I think that's what it was called) and it came out on two kid size plates. it was quite awkward to to enjoy and eat when half your food is on another plate. The picture in the menu showed one plate not two (we did double check as his plates didn't come out together and thought they gave him the wrong item). On the upside my son said his burger was really good, my roast beef dip was nice, my mothers burger was nice but my father said his was nothing to write home about. Maybe because he had to switch plates so often to eat his food. This is the first time I haven't had a good time coming to Bobs Big Boy. If we come again and things are not so clean and slow at least it won't take me by surprise and I would just walk out. Hopefully if we do come again everything will be back to normal and a pleasant experience can be had. read more

I haven't been to Bob's Big Boy in years, so I'm glad I got to eat here again. The staff at this location was very friendly and everything just went.... smooth haha Chicken Tenders - crispy goodness Build Your Own Burger - not bad at all, got an egg with it Overall 9/10 ~ great location if you're in the mood for Bob's read more

Bob's Big Boy Broiler - Chicken Fingers, Build Your Own Burger ~ Follow me on Instagram @foodninjaken - American Near Me - Downey, California

Picked up a takeout order. Everything was as we ordered. The employee that took the order was meticulous and polite. Great experience!! Great food!! read more

Took my kids out for breakfast yesterday, food was ok service was bad. When our food arrived I noticed that my pancakes were cold I asked the young lady if she could bring me more pancakes because the pancakes were cold, before she took the pancakes I lifted the top pancake and I noticed that the pancake that was under was cut she took them to the kitchen and told me she will bring me some warm pancakes she came back she gave me the pancakes and told me if these are not warm enough let her know..she thought she was being slick she gave me the exact same cold pancakes she took in the first place. and for that reason I didn't tip her. Her name is Karissa. read more

This place has terrible costumer service... My family and I come here frequently. Today 07-18-2021 at 3:30 pm we were there and a girl sat us down all the way in the back. She didn't offer us anything to drink. We were 4 guests and she only gave us 3 menus. We patiently waited for service at least 15 mins. She never arrived or acknowledged us. We finally got up and left. If you want to get discriminated and treated like second hand citizens then this is your place. If you want to be treated like a paying costumer then go somewhere else. This place has become horribly bad. I don't recommend this place to anybody. The girl who works sat us down looked miserable and overwhelmed, the place wasn't even busy... maybe it's because of her. Either way this restaurant is no good and the service is horrible. read more

Been eating here randomly for years. Always fast and friendly service. The chili size is surprisingly good but has too much bread if you ask me. The fish and chips have too much batter but they're good because they're big and not oily. The burgers are always perfect. The restrooms are usually clean. They recently acquired some former Norms employees and I've got to say they're doing a great job here at Bobs too. read more

I see some mixed reviews but that's any business, me and wifey went there for our first time and got the steak and eggs for 10.99 same thing as norms and much better tasting the meat was quality and the eggs hash browns and pancakes were made nicely it definitely surpassed our expectations, wifey got medium rare and it was cooked as she requested. I got well done and it was fulfilled. The flavor on that steak was fire !! Definitely Coming back read more

OMG this place is so yummy I have eaten at Bob's Big Boy Broiler since I was a small child. My waitress Marti was the best so kind, very accommodating my strawberry lemonade was never empty. When I want a great burger and fantastic service I will definitely come to Bob's Big Boy Broiler join Downey CA. read more

Bob's Big Boy Broiler - American Near Me - Downey, California

Came here for breakfast! The place was a bit crowded, but we were seated right away. The customer service was awesome! Gave us our drinks fast, took our order fairly quickly, and served us pretty quick too. Great food and great service, what more can a customer ask for! read more

Customer service was fine, but the food quality and sizing has gone down so drastically. Loved going here when family would visit. Now won't drive the 45 mins each way anymore. Very meh experience read more

Came here today with my inlaws. Honestly never thought I'd try this place coz it's a 3 star yelp establishment and I am a snob.... but my inlaws love these chains... think they fear anything that is not a chain. Anyways.... so about my experience today... I got the south west burger and so did my mother in law. Burger was tasty... lost one star because I am pregnant and I asked for my burger well done... but it was still a little pink... anyways if I get food poisoning my review will change later lol So food tasted good... not cooked the way I wanted it. But it was good. Service was excellent. Server was friendly. Asked us like 3 times how things are. Didn't over do this asking which is awesome. I'll be back... since my new place is 3 min walk away. I'll just really emphasize what I want to make sure my order doesn't get messed up. read more

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Cute happy place with a good varied menu, good food, good service, nice ambiance. Love Bob's Boy.

I've had Bob's about 5 times now. Honestly it's been up and down each time. I've had a chicken dinner which was not good. My wife has had a party melt which was okayyyyyy the 1st time but much better the next time. I've had their burgers and I don't really think much of them, no better than any mom and pop place. I've had their soups and they were very good. They weren't bad but they also weren't very good. Most recently I had a sampler trio with onion rings, chicken tenders and chili cheese fries. This sampler was utterly delicious! I'm not a big fan of chicken tenders but damn they were delicious. The onion rings were delicious and the chili cheese fries were pretty good. They chili cheese fries had tomatoes, onions and bacon. Lastly, the milk shakes here are the best I've ever had. My wife and I always get a milk shake after our meal. read more

I would have posted a picture but I ate it all! Me and my friends had the chili spaghetti with slices of cheese (original style) with garlic bread and onion rings. Oh so delicious. My friends and I have had this for decades. Now I have to tell you about the incredible chocolate malts (on their secret menu) These are created by Karissa. Absolutely the best malt we have ever had in our lives. Be sure to ask Karissa to make the malt "Extra Spooney" read more

It is neat to see a drive-in diner still in existence today. It would have been nice to actually been able to order at my car, but alas, you can only dine in the diner itself. I really wanted to like this retro diner, however, the hamburger I ordered was quite disappointing. I had to stop eating the burger because it was really that bad. They had many other options besides burgers, but I think after having the mediocre burger, I wouldn't come back here again. Bob's Big Boy is synonymous with burgers, but is not up to par with the many other better burger joints throughout the Southern California area. read more

While visiting SoCal recently, I heard about the Bob's Big Boy Broiler in Downey. My sis and I decided to check it out. We ordered the Classic Burger Combo which included the double patty burger, french fries and salad. It was truly a blast from the past from the decor to the blue cheese salad dressing.! Our server was very attentive and helpful. We remembered having onion rings with our burger and our server suggested fifty-fifty fries and onion rings. Everything was delicious right down to the red hamburger relish. Good food, good service, fun hang out place! Will save room next tine for the chocolate shake still served in the silver goblet!! read more

We never got served. We sat and waited for an 1 hour 25. The floor manager avoided speaking with us. The owner explained they were understaffed but his vibe was of oh well you know pandemic has caused this. Three tables outside all forgotten. Figured with its historical standing that over the years it would have mastered the way it delivered its food to the customers (creating satisfactory service). Our server props to her for actually trying. I do not believe I will come back to this place. Makes sense why this is the last one or know to be the last one. read more

For those who are fans of the movie Heat, the scene where Waingro gets beat up by McCauley's crew and then he gets away, was filmed at this restaurant. That in itself makes a visit worth while. It pretty much looks the same today. As for everything else, it's pretty standard. Burgers, sandwiches, etc. I had the Roast Beef Club, which wasn't too bad. It came with an order of fries. The portions are good and will definitely fill you up. The only downside was service was a bit slow. I sat at the counter and it took a while to get a drink order in and even longer to get the drink. read more

Big Boys always on point one of my favorite places since I was a kid. Staff is friendly and remember you. Kitchen always fast and awesome.

The service is always AMAZING here waitresses are soooo friendly the food is good and the it's an old time classic And on a good day you will get people with their classic cars to come down eat hang out and show them off read more

Bob's Big Boy Broiler - Hand-breaded chicken breast strip dinner platter $9.99 - American Near Me - Downey, California

Karissaaaaa is THE BEST! Always on point with my order, making sure I get all my sides even when I'm a pain in the ass. Just wanna say I appreciate you girl! Keep up that hard work ;) read more

It's a big resturaunt and the servers are nice. They've been attentive and personable whenever I've come. I've been here twice and ordered the classic big boy both times. I especially like the red relish they put on it. Last time i was here, i added pickled jalapenos to the burger. They literally put like 25 jalapenos on that bad boy. It's not a big deal though, I'm sure there's some people out there crazy enough to enjoy that lol. I just took some off so it wouldn't be so overpowering. Its about 45 minutes away, but i have business in Downey so I'll just add it to my route. They also serve things like soup, meatloaf, hawaiian chicken sandwiches, pasta and of course breakfast. read more

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This place is really cute. I love the decor and novelty feel. The service was also nice, our waitress was really helpful and friendly. The food was decent but not amazing. I wanted the pecan roll blast but they were out of the pecan rolls. My waitress offered to substitute the regular cinnamon roll for the pecan one so I did that. It didn't taste very fresh, the ice cream was good though. It was nice to come here to try it out but I wouldn't want to come here again. read more

Bob's Big Boy Broiler - Outside - American Near Me - Downey, California

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If you're looking for a taste of nostalgia​ than come to Bob's Big Boy Broiler in Downey, CA. The restaurant has that cool 50's retro vibe with the slick counters and classic car decor. The menu is very extensive, but I came mostly to check out the burgers. They have pre-built burgers, but also you can build your own burger. Loved the onion wings. And the milkshakes are great. The waitress was kind enough to give me samples of milkshakes with and without malt. Definitely get your shakes with the malt, it gives it a creamier flavor. read more

Today, I went to Bobs and had the Grilled Chicken Bacon BBQ Sandwich and Fries. There was nothing wrong with the service. I'll return soon. read more

Bob's Big Boy Broiler - Bobs other sign. - American Near Me - Downey, California

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I came here with my friend to get some dessert! I ordered their mini Oreo sundae and my friend ordered one of the waffles. My sundae was really good. Lots of crushed Oreos and warm chocolate syrup! My friend was raving about his waffle and it was one of the fluffiest waffles I've seen in awhile. Service was great and quick! read more

Bob's Big Boy Broiler - Mini Oreo sundae - American Near Me - Downey, California

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I dont know how to feel about this place. Pros its in a great area. up in coming downey California the parking space was good its a big restaurant it has an school vibe but updated at the same time. The food was very good and they have alot of variety. Service was just okay not impressed. read more

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This place is hit and miss. The owner is an amazing man that for some odd reason confides in dimwits and meatheads to run his restaurant. I have seen this business prosper, and I have also seen this business dwindle due to gross mismanagement, and a constant lack of customer service. Weekend crowds are a constant, but weekdays this place is an absolute ghost town, and did anyone know that this Bob's Broiler had a drive thru? Amazing that the owner doesn't utilize their drive thru to boost his sales. Love Bob's Broiler, but customer service is severely lacking here. Norms drives a really hard bargain at $6.99 for a full breakfast. Low cost leader? Yup, but Norms and IHOP are running their restaurants much better than Bob's Broiler, and their dimwit and lackadaisical managers. Step it up, folks. read more

I've been to many Bob's Big Boy restaurants over the years and while the food is generally consistent, the restaurant itself is where the differences lie. This particular restaurant is fantastic! The decor, design, upkeep and overall cleanliness sets it apart from any other Bob's I've ever been to. That said, the food was great, the service was excellent and all of the staff were extremely friendly. Not on the menu, we ordered a chili size spaghetti. So good. We love the chili spaghetti but adding a big burger on top was fabulous. We rarely order dessert at restaurants but were celebrating a big football win and got the hot fudge cake. Ridiculously good! I was worried it would be too much chocolate but it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend it! read more

Been a lifelong fan of this place but not anymore. Tonight, yelp indicated they changed their hours three weeks ago to show open until midnight. Double-checked the website and it shows open until midnight on a Friday night. I drove 30 minutes, arriving at 9:45...the signs were all lit up but they were closed early. Fuck you Bob's Broiler, and fuck off. read more

Thought this would be a good stop. No one was inside eating but I waited for my food inside and saw the cashier make my milkshake right after she handled my cash no gloves or washing hands. Checked all the food handled the orders and not once did I see ANYONE washing their hands. The ice is right by where the employees walk with no cover over it anything can land inside and get scooped up in someone's drink. Chicken Parmesan was soggy and all the breading was already falling off. Nothing was impressive from this location. Cashier/waitress was rude, handed me the bill and walked away, I laid money down with the bill, she clearly saw me waiting for change but walked by my boyfriend and I multiple times. I wasn't going to mention anything to my boyfriend but as soon as we got to the car he insisted on writing a Yelp review. Would not recommend to anyone... read more

My girlfriend and were in the mood for a milkshake and an appetizer sampler. Mostly every diner has this. A basket with onion rings, chicken strips, and mozzarella sticks. We got our shakes, tasted of WD40. Strike one. They didnt have Onion rings and chicken strips. Strike 2. How do you not have those two items when they're a STAPLE of diner food. Lastly, when we got our mozzarella sticks and fries, the mozzarella sticks were cold and hard. This was on a regular weekday. The service sucked as well. We walk in, nobody to greet us, give us a table. We say ourselves. 15 mintues by, had to ask for a menu bc none of the waiters had noticed that two random people appeared and are empty handed. If you come here, be warned, it's anything but great. It may look nice and retro, and you'll feel like you're in the 50s, but the 50s served way better food than this for sure. Avoid it. Theres plenty of better diners in the area. Mr. Pete's down the street is pretty good. read more

I have lunch there occasionally, it's a nice place I always have the Bob's big boy fries and a drink love the atmosphere I'll be back

Have to update my review of Bobs.. Let me start with the owner Jim.... The day after I put my review up he sent me a lovely message to apologize for the service... The message was great and showed that he follows up with customers complaints... So I was craving country fried stake and a milk shake... So I convinced my husband to go back to Bobs despite our last experience (because the country stake is great!!). To my surprise, Janette was our waitress again...not going to lie, I was a little hesitant... But after she greeted us.. My opinion changed.. She was great!! Very attentive... constantly coming to our table to insure that we were fine... She kept a smile on her face the entire time... So happy that my experience was great and my family can continue to enjoy the great food and great service... I would definitely recommend asking to be seated in Janette's section.. Great service!! Saturday brunch buffet is next! Thank you Jim and thank you Janette! read more

I was in the area to get some work done on my car and we needed a place to go have breakfast. I know there is a Norms down the street which is where we were headed but the line was beyond out the door (as if they are giving away free food, I swear lol!). So we turned back and am SO happy we did! I havent been to Bobs Big Boy in years. I remember always going to Bobs back in my teens and having a great experience. I have to say, nothing has changed. The service was super nice, the food was good and their pricing is fair. I got the classic big boy (which used to have a lot less bread than it does now, now you can barely see the meat). The classic is a good burger overall. I also had a salad and side of fries which I love their house salad. My little one got a grill cheese and fries. The grill cheese is huge, which is good though cause it totally filled her up, she loved it. My father in law had eggs, bacon and hash brows which he enjoyed as well! It was a great time, great environment, I would recommend coming to Bob's! Its a classic place that serves classic food. You kinda cant go wrong. read more

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Bob's Big Boy is a chain restaurant founded in Southern California by Bob Wian in 1936. The original BBB was a 10-stool hamburger stand in Glendale. By selling his car he was able to purchase the stand for $350. The same year Bob created his famous burger, the Big Boy, he sliced a bun into three slices and added two hamburger patties. Sound familiar, that other famous hamburger joint introduced their big one (Mac) about 40 years later. This Downey BBB is a California historical landmark and a good example of 1950's architecture, inside and out. This is how a classic American diner must have looked like. It's been years since we've visited a BBB! We first came here on a Friday evening, but it was overflowing with customers, so we came back on a weekday afternoon. Got seated right away. My wife and I ordered what we always ordered back then, Bob's Big Boy double decker cheeseburger combo ($9.59) with a chocolate shake ($4.59). My daughter ordered a BBQ bacon cheeseburger combo ($9.99). It was just as good as we remembered, only pricier! The service was great and we will come back to enjoy this piece of history and the other food item I always enjoyed but had no room in my tummy today. That is their famous hot fudge ice cream brownie! read more

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Worst service. About 20 minutes to get someone to take the order and 45 minutes to get the food. Supposedly they made an error and served our food to another patron. Did no provide a discount for their error. We order a burgers and chicken tenders. The tenders were just cold. Yep it was today during Valentes day. Will not be back! read more

I though Fonzi was going to come out and give me a thumbs up or Kevin from the Wonder Years may pop up and do a voice over. Maybe Buddy Holly, Richie Valens or the Big Bopper would offer me a classic burger. Sure nuff, this was indeed the way Bob's Big Boy Broiler was meant to be. As you bite into a different era, sip the decades past us before digesting your way back to the mill era. I am stupid, i picked up a choco shake for my sis but did not grab one for myself, she said it was awesome, and I need to go back to try those classic Bob's shakes. I then told her about the journey seeing all those classic cars, black n white photos on the walls, Rock-a-billy's hanging out, old fashioned uniforms, real burgers being served and landmark of Downey, California back to its roots and thankfully, not a car dealership anymore. Patty melt, I had the double patty melt instead of the burger, though I hear the burger is better. The patty melt was good, if you like classic patty melts you will probably like this one. I prefer some sourdough, bacon but this was one was palatable. fries, Some say ok some say awesome, I liked them but would prefer if they were thicker onion rings Loved them, would not change a thing. they had a nice crunch but not hard on the inside. they were thick and breaded very well, no holes or patches. chicken strips I had brought these for the house, by the end of two days I had ate them and I enjoyed them hot and cold. Though I do not reccomend eating cold chicken. RATING in the future I have to try thier chicken fried steak, breakfast and milkshakes as well as see their car nights. Then I may change my rating to a 4 or 5 star depending on the experiences. read more

I love bobs have been coming here forever for the breakfast. As a dedicated customer I'm asking that you please bring back the potato pancakes!! I have asked the servers to tell the manager as I noticed the menu changed. Other than that it's a nice environment for a low key breakfast with little wait time. Hey when I'm hungry I'm hungry I don't like to wait an hour. Thanks bobs. read more

The building of this Big Boy's restaurant holds a great historic sentiment to the city of Downey. It was known as Johnnies broiler and was used often for movies (Most noticeably License to Drive). After it closed down it became a car dealership (horrible) and after that floundered the owner tried to tear it down to the dismay of locals there. After a lawsuit by the city to stop the tear down it was settled that the historic location was to be restored and made into a Bob's big boy. There is plenty of parking and it does have a drive thru. They really did a wonderful job keeping the same diner setting that Johnnies had. Inside they give a great tribute of the classic restaurant with wall pictures during Johnnies hay days. This is a real classy touch by Bob's Big Boy. Now on to the food and service. I've only had their breakfasts to this point. I recent had their avocado omelet. It came with a side of hash brown and a couple of pancakes. The omelet also comes with bacon bits. Everything was descent. The service overall was solid. It wasn't packed at the time so there really was no excuse for anything less. Not sure how the place does when it's packed. Just the historic factor of this place is reason enough to come here. Growing up near the area it makes me happy to see a place dating back to my childhood restored and maintained. read more

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