Inside LA’s Most Iconic Diner: Bob’s Big Boy

By Tammy Jerome

Tammy Jerome is an award-winning broker and host of “Selling Los Angeles” on the acclaimed American Dream TV show, with over two decades of experience and more than 1,500 successful transactions.

When you talk about truly iconic restaurants in Los Angeles, Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank has to be on that list. It is more than a diner. It is a landmark with 75 years of stories, memories, and community ties. If you have never been inside, you are in for something special.

The story behind Bob’s Big Boy. Bob’s first opened in 1949, and they were the first in the country to offer the double-deck burger. Back then, this place wasn’t just a spot for lunch.

Celebrities like Bob Hope, Debbie Reynolds, Mickey Rooney, and David Lynch were regulars at the counter. Even The Beatles made a stop here in 1965 during their U.S. tour because they wanted to eat at a “real American joint.” They were brought straight to Bob’s Big Boy.

Bob’s Big Boy Today. Fast-forward to today, and the diner’s still packed with locals, studio workers, and regulars who’ve been coming here for decades. When you walk in, you feel it right away: the booths, the neon, the classic architecture, it all takes you back.

What has kept Bob’s Big Boy going? When we sat down with Robert Zuniga, Bob’s Big Boy Manager, he talked about what keeps this place alive after so many years.

He said it’s the stories from the community that bring people there. Past customers would bring their kids and say, “This is where I sat when I was little.” They remember the Big Boy logo from their childhood, the Friday night car shows, and how the place felt the first time they visited.

The story behind the logo. It started with a regular customer named Richard, a young boy on the chubby side who inspired the original character. Over time, the Big Boy icon changed a little, but the heart behind it stayed the same.

Car shows at Bob’s Big Boy. Some regulars have been showing up longer than Robert’s been alive. When you step outside on a Friday night, the parking lot is full of classic cars, people catching up, and everyone enjoying that old-school vibe.

Celebrity moments at Bob’s Big Boy. When David Lynch passed away, customers rushed in asking where he used to sit. Bob’s Big Boy honored him by serving milkshakes and coffee, his usual order. John Kerry once stopped by and even gave a special note for anyone with a Writers Guild card to be taken care of. Jay Leno is known to come through during the car shows. And yes, they still have the Beatles booth.

Bob’s Big Boy isn’t just a place to eat. It’s where LA’s past and present meet. It’s where memories get passed down. It’s where people come to feel a little nostalgia and enjoy a piece of the city’s history.

Next time you’re in Burbank, step inside. You’ll see why this diner continues to be a magnet for locals, legends, and anyone who loves a good story.

If you have questions or want guidance about real estate here in LA, reach out. Contact me at (818) 903-5854 or tammyjerome@gmail.com. I’m here to help.