Established in 1948, Big Top Drive In is a classic American diner renowned for its mouthwatering cheeseburgers, crispy fries, and delectable soft-serve ice cream. Step back in time and savor the flavors of yesteryear at this Evansville institution. Indulge in a juicy cheeseburger, perfectly seasoned fries, and a creamy soft-serve ice cream cone, customized to your liking. Big Top Drive In – where timeless flavors never go out of style.
Stefanie Skimehorn
I have been looking at the billboard for this restaurant since we moved to town. It wasn’t super easy to find but we managed, and once there realized that it was like a rally’s-no place to sit inside and eat. There are picnic tables outside. Having never eaten there we saw the #1 burger claim on their building and ordered three burgers. Y’all they don’t put condiments on their burgers, no ketchup, no mustard, no mayo. I have lived nearly 50 years and have never eaten a dry burger, I will try to avoid that moving forward-lol. They did put pickles, lettuce, and onions which didn’t do much either so I wish I knew going into it that I needed to order ketchup. We also tried the grippos fries-they were tasty, and the mozzarella sticks which were big and juicy. The single burger was just tiny and dry compared to other burgers. The staff waiting on us embodied the philosophy that slow and steady wins the race. We were reminded in person and in writing in the restaurant that all meals are cooked to order so that’s going to take a minute, or 20…..I wish it had been better, I’m really sad because I look at that billboard and my mouth still waters.
… moreLeonard Caponegro
My family and I had dinner here last weekend. My wife ordered a Double Cheeseburger with a side of Onion Rings. She loved how juicy and flavorful the cheeseburger was, and said that the onion rings were delicious, hot and had the right balance of onion to batter. My son liked his Double Bacon Cheeseburger with a side of Fries. I ordered the Breaded Tenderloin with a side of Cheesy Tater Tots. That was one delicious Tenderloin. It had a crunchy and flavorful exterior, juicy meat, a soft bun and dressed. The cheesy tater tots were cheesy and delicious. And the staff was very friendly and helpful.
… moreBrett Staub
The hamburger and fries were exceptional but it’s my first visit under the new ownership and I’ve never seen it so filthy in my 67 years, that goes for the outside garbage everywhere. There was a time when the former owner Bill Frank had the driveways and the floors exceptionally clean.
… moreWindy J
Cute little historic drive-in with good made to order food. The young ladies who were working were cheerful and efficient. I tried the Grippos Chicken Sandwich and Grippos fries combo (because if you’re in Evansville, Grippos is a thing), my mom had fried mushrooms, and my dad tried the fish sandwich. We all thought the food was tasty, and the portion sizes were great for the price, lots of food, and not breaking the bank. The biggest drawback is that they have no public restroom. They’ll direct you to the Circle K gas station across the street, but said gas station won’t let you use theirs without buying something. If you’re local, you’re probably fine with this, but we had just arrived in town after a road trip, so this made things a touch uncomfortable.
… moreCheryl Pye
The restaurant has done some remodeling. Looks good. Nice place to stop & pick up a quick bite. All food is made to order. The food is usually pretty good, but today I only gave 2 stars. My boyfriend went in & ordered for 3 of us to take home. My order was a grilled chicken sandwich with mayo & lettuce. The sandwich was drowning in the mayo & there was hardly any lettuce on it. Kinda disappointed. Maybe it will be better next time.
… moreSarah Harner
To start off the food was fantastic! A good quality burger, the fries were nice and crunchy, and the fired mushrooms were great. But the atmosphere was not great. It could’ve been the time of night (around 6pm) or time of year, but it did not seem like a safe environment. The food was great, though. It’s probably something you’d want to pick up & eat somewhere else.
… moreChris Lee
This is an iconic drive in restaurant in Evansville, Indiana. It will give you an historic experience of simpler times. It is a great place to stop and get some burgers or an ice cream. The staff are very friendly and work really hard in the small hot kitchen. The franchises places are great but really happy to see these small icons of history are still serving customers after so many years. Still a great place to get a great ice cream cone and a burger.
… moreGlen Trebilcock
Good cheeseburgers and sandwiches with a very welcoming staff. Portions are abundant and satisfying at an affordable great price. Fast, local, affordable and friendly. The signs read “voted the best cheeseburger in Evansville”.
… moreBrian Hartman
This is a fun place with good food. A bit pricey. We had the double cheeseburger with onion rings and fried mushrooms and the Grippos chicken sandwich with Grippo fries. Sandwiches, mushrooms and onion rings were very good, the Grippo fries were very soggy and not tasty.
… moreSarah Cole
Delicious little classic drive in style spot! I got a burger and my husband got chicken tenders – everything was hot and fresh and delicious!
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