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Lucky Boy
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Lucky Boy
8.8
This legendary drive-in has been serving massive burgers and famous breakfast burritos since the 1950s with portions that defy logic. Open until 10:45 PM daily, Lucky Boy delivers old-school charm with hand-formed patties, generous toppings, and prices that haven't caught up to inflation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Cheeseburger, Pastrami Burger, Chili Cheese Fries
Scores:
Value: 9.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Enormous portions at throwback prices since 1952
Who should go: Value seekers and late-night comfort food fans
When to visit: Late dinner to avoid lunch crowds
What to order: Bacon cheeseburger, onion rings, breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Cash only - ATM inside if needed
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot with 30+ spots, rarely full even at peak times
Dress code: Come as you are - it's a casual drive-in, expect to see everything from work uniforms to pajamas
Noise level: Loud and bustling - order at the counter, conversations happen outside or in your car
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait for food after ordering, no table service
Weekday lunch: 20-30 min wait during noon rush, order ahead if possible
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - grilled cheese, veggie burrito, salads available
Vegan options: Very limited - salad without cheese, french fries
Gluten-free options: No dedicated options - can do burger lettuce wrap
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if they appreciate no-frills spots - it's extremely casual with counter service and eating in your car or at picnic tables
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service only with outdoor picnic tables first-come first-served
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for families - casual atmosphere, kids menu, and portions big enough to share
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable value with portions twice the size of In-N-Out at similar prices, plus breakfast burritos all day
Skip if: You want table service, healthy options, or a sit-down dinner atmosphere - try The Counter or Umami Burger instead
Lucky Boy
7.6
Since 1961, this roadside institution serves massive breakfast burritos all day alongside classic burgers and pastrami. Cash-only spot draws hundreds daily for portions so generous most take half home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Famous Breakfast Burrito, Pastrami Sandwich, Patty Melt
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Legendary breakfast burritos size of newborn
Who should go: Hungry families on tight budget
When to visit: Off-peak hours to avoid lines
What to order: Bacon breakfast burrito, pastrami sandwich, chili fries
Insider tip: ATM inside; cash only operation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large free lot but fills during peak hours; overflow street parking on Walnut
Dress code: Come as you are - construction workers to families in Sunday best
Noise level: Loud and bustling - expect diner-style energy not intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min for breakfast on weekends
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min line standard, moves relatively quick
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean burritos, grilled cheese, salads available
Vegan options: Very limited - beans without cheese, basic salad
Gluten-free options: Not accommodated - cross-contamination throughout kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - cash-only, extremely casual, loud environment, and you'll be too full to do anything after. Save it for established relationships who appreciate legendary portions over ambiance
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's first-come, first-served only. Line starts forming 30 min before open on weekends. Best strategy: weekday 2-4pm or after 8pm
Is it kid-friendly? Perfect for families - kids love watching the grill action, portions easily split between siblings, casual atmosphere where nobody minds noise. High chairs available but bring cash
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable value - one breakfast burrito feeds two people for under $15 total. No Pasadena competitor matches portion-to-price ratio
Skip if: You want healthy options, need dietary accommodations, or prefer table service. Choose True Food Kitchen for health-conscious, Granville for allergies
Lucky Boy
7.6
Operating since 1961, this walk-up burger stand gained fame for massive breakfast burritos but serves solid burgers and Mexican food all day. The no-frills drive-in format delivers generous portions at budget prices with quick counter service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger with Grilled Onions, Bacon Burger, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Old-school drive-in serving oversized portions since 1961, cash only
Who should go: Budget diners, hangover cure seekers, late-night crowd
When to visit: Open 6:45am-10:45pm daily, great for late night
What to order: Bacon burger, zucchini fries, chili cheese fries
Insider tip: The breakfast burrito is available all day and could feed two people
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot with 10-15 spaces, plus easy street parking on Arroyo Parkway - parking is rarely an issue
Dress code: Completely casual - come as you are, this is a walk-up counter spot
Noise level: Outdoor patio seating with moderate traffic noise - conversational but not intimate
Weekend wait: 5-10 min order wait, no reservations needed - pure counter service
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during lunch rush (11:30am-1pm), otherwise minimal wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - bean and cheese burrito, cheese quesadilla, zucchini fries are your best bets
Vegan options: Very limited - request bean burrito without cheese/sour cream, limited customization
Gluten-free options: No dedicated options - burger patties available but high cross-contamination risk in shared fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both super casual and want a fun, low-pressure vibe. The outdoor patio seating and walk-up counter format make it better for established couples or groups than romantic first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations ever - it's pure counter service. Order at the window, grab a patio table or eat in your car. Peak times (weekend mornings, late nights) may mean 10-15 people in line but it moves fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - casual outdoor setting, huge portions kids love, and affordable prices. No high chairs since it's outdoor patio seating. Great for families who want a no-fuss meal.
Best For
Better for: Massive portions at rock-bottom prices ($8-12 gets you stuffed), late-night cravings (open until 10:45pm), authentic old-school SoCal drive-in experience, breakfast burritos that justify the hype
Skip if: You want a sit-down restaurant experience, need extensive vegetarian options, prefer credit cards (cash only), want craft burgers with premium toppings, or need a date-night atmosphere