Where flavors meet
Welcome to Big Al's Drive In
Big Al's Drive In, located at 1844 Esplanade in Chico, CA, serves hearty, dhaba-style comfort food that truly satisfies hunger with bold, authentic flavors. The menu offers generous portions of Punjabi-inspired dishes like buttery Dal Makhani, rich Butter Chicken, and flavorful Tandoori Roti, making it a must-visit for lovers of traditional Indian cuisine. While the ambiance is modest and the service occasionally slow, the food stands out as the real highlight—robust, comforting, and consistently delicious. For those seeking genuine, no-frills Indian fare that leaves a lasting impression, Big Al’s Drive In is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Featured Choices
Taste what’s trending on the menu
Plain Roti
Chicken Afghani Masala
Paneer Malai Tikka
Paneer Tikka
About
Big Al's Drive In
Big Al's Drive In, located at 1844 Esplanade in Chico, California, stands out as a no-frills eatery delivering solid, dhaba-style flavors that truly satisfy hearty appetites. The charm of this place lies not in elaborate decor but in its honest, fulfilling food. When hunger strikes, Big Al's presents generous portions rooted in traditional recipes that hit the spot every time.
From the array of dishes sampled, the robust non-vegetarian platters come highly recommended, showcasing well-balanced spices and authentic Punjabi influences. The Mushroom Tikka, in particular, offers a delightful burst of smoky, savory flavor, making it a standout even for those less familiar with dhaba cuisine. The menu respects classic favorites with Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken, and Tandoori Roti earning praise for their genuine taste and comforting richness.
While the atmosphere remains modest and service can lean toward being a bit unhurried, the culinary experience compensates with consistent quality and ample portions. Big Al's Drive In feels like a hidden gem—a spot where the focus is squarely on food that honors its roots and satisfies both locals and newcomers alike. For anyone seeking authentic, approachable Punjabi dishes without the fuss, this drive-in offers a dependable and flavorful retreat.
Voices & Impressions
Guestbook
“ Food was actually pretty solid proper dhaba style, good flavors, nothing too fancy but it hits the spot when you’re hungry. Portions were decent too, so no complaints there. Service though… kinda slow and a bit off. Not rude or anything, just not very attentive. Had to call them a couple of times which slightly killed the vibe. Atmosphere was okay-ish. It’s not a place you go for aesthetics or vibes, more like a casual “khana khaa ke nikalte hain” type spot. Indoor seating was fine but nothing memorable. Pricing felt fair for what you get not cheap cheap, but reasonable. Overall, if you just want decent food and don’t care much about ambience or service, it works. But don’t go in expecting a great experience, just go for the food ”
“ It's like a hidden gem, not so famous amongst tourists but you've to visit the place to actually know what they serve we had non veg platter that was good. Mushroom tikka was awesome too ”
“ Kale da dhaba it’s very famous full vegetarian near Kacheri of Amritsar. Famous food is very tasty and delicious. Must visit place at the corner to the Ranjit Avenue. ”
“ A highly recommended place for authentic Punjabi non vegetarian dishes if you don’t care about the ambience. Must Try: Dal Makhani Butter Chicken Tandoori Roti We spent Rs 500/- for two and we can eat two full meals because we packed a lot as leftovers. It was so hard to find a good restaurant with consistent rating but this was easily a great bet! Love the food, taste and service. ”
“ I love authentic Indian cuisine and one of the most favorite dishes is mutton Keema Naan, for which I have a significant experience. I have often tried Keema naan at various local restaurants in Amritsar but the experience I had at Kale da Dhaba has prompted me to write this review. It was most delicious dish served with. Mutton curry,, the naan was perfectly crisped, filling was just the right amount and species on the top enhanced the taste. It was served right out of Tandoor-sizzling and the curry was hot and perfectly spiced. Highly recomended if visiting Amritsar!!! ”