Big Boy Restaurant

Big Boy – Bismarck, ND

A true Bismarck icon since 1954, Big Boy Restaurant stands out as the city’s oldest continuously operating fast‑food drive-thru, embraced by locals for decades. This beloved spot is famous for its signature flying-style pizza burgers, where pizza sauce and American cheese are pressed between burger patties — a local favorite that keeps people coming back. The menu also features the classic Big Boy Original burger, built with two hamburger patties, their special sauce, lettuce, and cheese, as well as lighter versions like the Jr. Big Boy. For those craving variety, they offer a broad selection of burgers, including cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, an Alpine Burger with Swiss cheese and mayo-mustard sauce, and a Mushroom & Swiss version with a rich mushroom gravy.

Beyond burgers, Big Boy’s drive-thru menu includes a range of sandwiches, such as breakfast sandwiches (served “flying-style” with egg, cheese, and meat), a chicken wrap with your choice of sauces, a breaded fried chicken sandwich, cod fish sandwiches with tartar and lettuce, hot ham and swiss, and their BBQ Beef sloppy joe. For hot dog fans, they offer both 6-inch and footlong dogs, plain or topped with their unique sloppy joe mix ("Coney" style).

Their chicken offerings are substantial: you can order from 1 up to 20 pieces, as snacks or meals that come with fries, gravy, rolls, and salad. Kids also have their own meals, featuring cheeseburgers, nuggets, or grilled cheese, each served with fries, a chocolate chip cookie, and a small drink.

Sides at Big Boy are generous and crowd-pleasing. You can choose from small to large French fries, onion rings, cheese sticks, poppers, chicken nuggets, and traditional staples like coleslaw, macaroni salad, and baked beans. They even serve their own gravy, which many patrons dip their fries into — a local favorite pairing.

When it comes to drinks and desserts, Big Boy offers a creative lineup. Their Hot-n-Tot drink combines cinnamon syrup with Coca-Cola for a warm, spiced soda experience. Frozen flavors (Coke, Strawberry, Lemonade) are available, and their shake menu includes favorites like root beer (“Brown Cow”), grape (“Purple Cow”), and classic malt-style shakes like Reeses, Oreo, and Snickers.

Although Big Boy has no indoor seating — it's drive-thru only — they have expanded parking and offer outdoor picnic tables for guests who want to enjoy their meal on-site. This no-frills, nostalgic setup preserves the charm of a traditional drive-thru diner, while delivering a full menu of more than just burgers.

Big Boy remains more than just a fast food spot — it’s a piece of Bismarck history, known for its timeless menu, signature flying-style burgers, and the unique treat of Hot-n-Tot soda. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite on the go or picking up a family meal, Big Boy is a local institution worth visiting.