If you’ve never rolled through Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank on a Friday night, put it on the list. It’s on tonight, and it’s one of the longest-running car nights in LA.
A drive-in with a long memory
The Burbank Bob’s was built in 1949 and it’s the oldest Bob’s Big Boy still standing in America. Wayne McAllister, a big name in Googie architecture, designed it, and the 70-foot neon tower sign is still the first thing you see from down Riverside Drive. California gave the place a Point of Historical Interest designation in 1992.
The cars have been showing up for a long time too. Regulars talk about informal Friday nights in the lot going back to around 1952 or ’53, and the Road Kings car club formed right there at the drive-in in 1952. Today it’s an official weekly classic car show, and the restaurant calls it “American Graffiti come to life.”
How it works
There’s no ticket and no schedule. People cruise in from the afternoon, grab a spot under the neon, pop the hood and talk shop. Regulars show up early, and everyone else comes and goes until 10 PM. Admission is free, and anyone can roll in with a car, no sign-up needed.
And for sure, you don’t need a car to be there. Walk in with nothing but yourself, enjoy the builds and meet some amazing people in a busy parking lot. That’s half the fun.
What you’ll see
The name says classic, and the lot leans that way: hot rods, big-block Chevys, deuce coupes, lowriders, muscle cars. But listings say everything is welcome, so you’ll also see newer muscle and the occasional exotic. Jay Leno is a regular, according to the restaurant, and Brian Wilson has dropped by too, so you never really know who’s parked next to you.
What to know before you go
- When: Every Friday, 4 PM to 10 PM. Yes, tonight, Oct 16.
- Where: Bob’s Big Boy, 4211 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505.
- Cost: Free to attend, and anyone can roll in with a car.
- Parking: There’s an on-site lot (about 120 spaces per a parking directory), and it fills up on car night. Get there early if you want a spot or you’re bringing a car. The first hour is free for customers, and it’s listed as customers only, so plan to eat.
- Best time: Early for a good spot and the cars rolling in. After dark, the neon sign is the whole reason to shoot photos.
- Food: It’s a diner. Burgers and shakes, so come hungry.
Tips
Don’t treat it like a stiff show. Be respectful around people’s cars, no touching without asking, and give the owners a minute, because most of them love talking about their builds. If you’re filming, go right after sunset when the sign is lit. Have a plan for parking, and if the lot is packed, expect to walk from a side street.
Tonight’s the night, so go roll through. We’re sharing more LA car, bike and lowrider meets every week, so keep an eye on Midnight Driveline for the next one.