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88 Giant Burger To Go
Categories: Restaurants Burgers Restaurants Fast Food Burgers, Fast Food [Edit]
19845 State Hwy 88Pine Grove, CA 95665
(209) 296-7277
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
40 reviews for 88 Giant Burger To Go
Review Highlights
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"It is a perfect stop on your way back from Kirkwood." In 4 reviews -
"shakes are bomb and the fries are delicious." In 11 reviews -
"the small fries are HUGE." In 2 reviews
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Laurie H.
5/18/2012
This is THE BEST place to stop & get a burger! I have been coming to this place for many many years with my family. It's a small hole in the wall located right next to an awesome Italian restaurant that you should also try sometime.
This is the type of place where you get your food TO GO. There is seating available (if you are lucky enough to get a seat!). It's usually pretty packed in here on the weekends. Since it is a stop on the way home from skiing, Tahoe & our cabin, we usually eat in our car or go the the park across the street if weather is permitting.
The portions are large here & the wait is a little long. But I am a believer that every good hole in the wall is going to be a longer wait to get the food. The crowd of people who come here should answer as to why you may be waiting a little longer. But it is 100% worth the wait for this fresh, juicy burger!
Next time you are cruising up Highway 88, make a stop in here. You will not regret it.Listed in: Travel
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Review from A J.
Ripon, CA
5/6/2012
Clean, small. Portions large and the food fresh. Fries done right, and burgers straight forward and simple but nicely done. Our wait was not long at all buy we hit it before the rush. It would be totally worth the wait though. Will definitely be back!!
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Review from Maryann C.
West Point, CA
4/2/2012
Don't expect to be in a hurry but you get a great burger worth the wait...I am a cheese burger Queen LOL.. I am picky not about looks but taste yes that me...I stop and get burgers often on my trips.
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Review from Toby W.
Folsom, CA
3/31/2012
I have been eating here for the last 15 years. I absolutely love it! I am always on the hunt for the best cheeseburger and in my opinion this place has it! The meat is fresh (not frozen). The patties are huge (1/3 lb). I usually get the double cheeseburger, large frys (enough for two) and a chocolate malt made from real ice cream. Expect to pay over $10.00 a person. The long line and the wait are all well worth it. -Americana at its best!
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Review from Daniel B.
Felton, CA
11/1/2011
Hey Everyone!
On the road again ( tour with the band ). Of course I am looking for those gems of Americana... the Burger Drive-in. On the way back from Carson City NV on hwy 88 I was told by a friendly gal at the hotel to try the 88 Giant Burger... THANK YOU FRIENDLY GAL!!!
Oh my friends... for I have searched far and wide for the Holy Grail of Burgers... and hath now foundeth it! ( English majors please stop cringing...).
88 Giant Burger is a great stop by the side of the road in the nice little town of Pine Grove CA. No real place to sit ( a couple bar stools to sit on ) but simply take the burger across the street to the park for a nice break. Make your order and prepare to wait a couple minutes while they cook. It's worth it though..
The burgers are HUGE! I made the mistake of ordering a double cheese burger. WOW! High quality meat fresh packed into patties on wax paper ready to hit the griddle! Very clean kitchen area by the way! The burger was cooked to perfection! Seared outside and juicy inside! American cheese only...and it's a perfect fit for this basic bundle of burger goodness.
Fries... another gargantuan sized portion. And again... made to perfection! A perfect golden brown crunch outside with that perfect 'fluffy fresh' inside ( sign of a good 'double fry' technique ).
Everything served hot and fresh! Friendly smiles from the staff! Can I just move to Pine Grove and come here every day for lunch!!
I got a soda... but next time I will try the shakes! They look homemade and awesome as well!
MAN OH MAN! I don't know what to do know! I found the ultimate burger??! Now what? I guess we'll just see where the road takes me...
Well that's all from Dacron Dan.
and ENJOY THE RIDE! -
Review from Ryan M.
Angels Camp, CA
10/14/2011
Been here more than a few times.
Excellent burgers. Nothing fancy. Exactly what I look for; quick service, big tasty burgers, a good price, a great location to get in and be on my way up the mountain.
Only enough seating for about 5 on bar stools and 4 in chairs.
I'll be back often. -
Review from Emanuel R.
San Jose, CA
3/24/2012
I want to make the 3 hour drive just for this burger. I compare every burger to this one. Nobody is comparable. They are the best.
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Review from Jer N.
Bear Valley, CA
8/15/2011
OMG - Thank you so much. I compare all other burger joints to you now!! So far you are no. in the country (but i have only been to 35 states an 15 countries). The perfect burger and fries. Crispy fries, not under done, without even having to ask! Burger is Seared on the outside, medium on the inside. I always preferred rare, but after trying a burger this was - all other joints must follow. See all my 50+ compares in tahoe.
--RibChamp
p.s. i almost don't want to mention this place cause i want it all to myself - you know what i mean Jer. -
Review from Bill M.
Galt, CA
Updated - 4/29/2011 1 photo
Back again but this time with 6 guys on bikes! Once again the burgers was awesome and the fries over-the-top! Heads-up... the small fries are HUGE! ... a good problem to have.
Update: I have taken many guys on bikes up here over the last several months and every one is blown away by the great hamburger and generous portion of fries! Still a 5 STAR for me... see ya this Friday!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/13/2010
Rode up there with Big T on a sunny Friday because I always see so many bikes there. We were the… Read more »
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Review from inga r.
1/2/2007
This place is small, greasy and good.
Immense cheeseburgers and shakes and a heaping pile of fries.
Theres allot of great local character ans B.S.ing to be had here.
Only 5 or 6 stools deep and an outdoor table so the joint fills up fast.
Another stop down the mountain from boarding or on a road trip.
Im not sure they take cards so take cash for all American fried goodness. -
Review from Brandon B.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
10/25/2009 1 photo
Staying at friends in Pioneer, CA we were starving, he said they had really good cheeseburgers and shakes at Giant Burger in nearby Pine Grove and after a little arm twisting we went there for lunch.
He was right too, they were really good. The beef was fresh, they pounded the patty out on the grill and cooked it to order complete with extra cheese, I also got fries and a delicious strawberry shake.
It's one of those good little unique burger stands sitting along the busy road in a tiny town that serves up a tasty hamburgers and more. I'll go there again when we are at Grego's. -
Review from John P.
Hollister, CA
12/31/2008
Very basic menu here.
Hamburger
Cheeseburger
Fries
Sodas
Shakes
Ate here on the way back from Kirkwood and they cook to order so it took about 15 minutes.
They only offer American cheese (WTF) and although the beef patties are not frozen they are your grocery store fridge variety.
A large 2 dollar order of fries is exactly that. LARGE. VERY LARGE. TONS of fries. The fries are the cheap crinkle cut kind you get in a school lunch but this isn't anything ketchup won't fix.
The highlight of this place is that you can actually get full off a big meal here for less than 10 bucks and anything within 20 miles of here costs twice as much.
All in all the burger and fries tasted OK and I would stop by again.
2 white guys behind the counter were friendly and although one of them had 2 tattooed teardrops on his face, he didn't look like he raped or murdered anyone so I'm not sure what that's all about.
Another thing I noticed was that this place might be owned by some Hells Angels since everything was red and white and that number 88 for the burger joint is kind of an odd number to pick out of a hat. Just speculating and I don't care who owns the joint but I thought that was interesting. -
Review from Jean K.
1/4/2009
Nothing hits the spot better on the way back to SF from Kirkwood than a cheeseburger at 88 Giant Burger.
This is a little hole in the wall - literally a shack next to Highway 88 in the town of Pine Grove.
But they have really good burgers. Okay, not the best. Maybe not as good at Taylor's Refresher. But given that a hamburger is only $4.50 and the cheeseburger is $5 - it's pretty damn good. I would take these any day over the gourmet burgers we normally have in SF.
The meat is real ground beef, though not niman ranch beef it isn't a cheap frozen patty. They use real American cheese and nice green lettuce (not iceberg).
It's waaaay better than In N' Out.
And for $2.50 you can get large fries - enough to feed 3 or 4 (or if you are less people you can opt for a very large small fries for $2).
And if you're really in the mood you can get an ice cream milkshake (you can even watch them make it with ice cream and milk) for $4.
But be fast out of Kirkwood. There are only seats for 6 at the diner counter and this place is a favorite with young men. When we showed up there were only 2 other people here. While we were eating at least another dozen showed up and crammed in the place.Listed in: Following Michael Bauer
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Review from Cam H.
Sacramento, CA
5/27/2006
Even with gas being as expensive as it is, I still enjoy the ride out on 88 to Pine Grove. The reason: this greasy mom-and-pop burger stand. HUGE burgers fried up on the grill with a HUGE portion of fries. Also tasty shakes and other fat-filled treats. There are some interesting antique stores, thrift shops, and produce stands on the way.
Definitely worth a try if you ever find yourself out in "gold country" - Ione, Jackson, etc. -
Review from Kelvin C.
San Jose, CA
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I make it a point to come here after a long day at Kirkwood to partake in the goodness of awesome burgers, crispy fries (small order is huge), and a yummy milkshake before driving home to the bay area. But my absolute favorite is watching them make my 2 grilled cheese sandwiches right in front of me. Always hits the spot!
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Review from Theda E.
Belmont, CA
1/7/2007
I made the drive up to Pioneer to pick up the bf (see review below) on an empty stomach. Passing this place by, I knew that hunger on a long drive would be satiated here. A big burger, fat fries and a chocolate milkshake hit the spot! Unless you're a really big eater, take a small order of fries -- they are generous with their portions as the fries spill over.
There isn't a restroom here but you can play like "Frogger" and cross Hwy. 88 to the public restroom at the park. -
Review from Cm M.
Lodi, CA
8/20/2011
As burgers go, in my opinion this is one of best! Big, juicy and full of flavor...was pleasantly surprised that the fries were from fresh not frozen potatoes fried expertly...not too greasy or soggy. Definitely recommend this place if your taking the scenic route 88 to Tahoe and points beyond and in between, you won't be disappointed
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Review from elizabeth c.
CA
4/16/2007
Coming back down the mountain after the last boarding of the weekend at Kirkwood, my friend and I decided to stop by this place for some good, old-fashioned burgers. This is a place with greasy burgers that taste awesome going down and then afterwards kinda make your tummy hurt a bit (at least my tummy since its now a lot weaker than it used to be in my college days). Even knowing that, I would wolf these burgers down like they were the proverbial sheep.
A simple burger can be made great with fresh ingredients. They use hand-leafed lettuce and slice their own fresh tomatoes and onions. All the people who work here are super nice. Extra points for going to get an extra spatula for the slightly odd request by the vegetarian who requested that nothing that touched meat touch her grilled cheese.
Minus a star because there's no bacon.
This place is cash only. They are small, with only about 6 stools on the inside. However, there is a nice park across the way and you can take your food to go. -
Review from Andrea M.
Hayward, CA
2/10/2008
This place is SOOOOOOO good! Greasy, tasty, melty cheeseburgers. My husband swears by the root beer floats - they fill that huge milkshake cup with ice cream, then you help yourself, repeatedly, to the root beer tap. This is his version of heaven.
And anything that makes my man that happy is worth doing over and over again.
I like the chocolate shakes. -
Review from Rich B.
Trabuco Canyon, CA
8/28/2011
It's nothing special... Hand made patties thats it, no special sauce, no special bun... Fries boring, I would not go back
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Review from Crys L.
Santa Cruz, CA
3/11/2008
This is THE place to go, especially on the way back home from an awesome day of riding at Kirkwood.
Since we didn't particularly have a satisfying lunch at Kirkwood (you know how ski resorts are: crappy food for an exorbitant price), the idea of stopping for hamburgers sounded so good. We pulled over right away as soon as we saw it.
Wow, their burgers are delicious! And our large order of fries was..LARGE!
Haven't tried their milkshakes, though I was craving one at the time. But seeing what other Yelpers wrote, I'll have to do that the next time I head back up! -
Review from Sarah P.
Salt Lake City, UT
8/2/2010
Big, simple, All-American, 100% beef burgers!
My in-laws live just up "the hill" from this place in Pioneer and it is the official place to stop, especially since Sequoia Drive-In closed down. We only get to go so often, but when we do its like eating simple perfection.
The menu is simple, so simple its almost ridiculous. Burger, Double Burger, Cheeseburger, Double Cheeseburger, Fries, Sodas, Shakes.
This cheeseburger is SO good. ($5 for a single cheeseburger $6 for a double) You don't have to get cheese, but who wouldn't?
The milk shakes ($4) are simple....ice cream and milk! But really what else do you want??? Choices include chocolate, strawberry & vanilla.
The burger is made of a pure unadulterated all beef patty pounded out in front of you! They are cooked to order so be prepared to wait. That juicy all beef goodness is put onto a grilled bun topped with mayo, mustard, lettuce, onion & tomato. Cheese selection is minimal...AMERICAN and only American. You can purchase a whole pickle for $1.50 and they will slice it and add it to the burger.
Fries are simple but orders are HUGE. A large order can feed a family, so order a small for just you or you and a friend.
They WILL make a grilled cheese upon request...and its SO fun to watch them make one. They take a burger bun and smear mayo on the cut side. They place one 1/2 on the grill cut side down using the mayo as the "butter". They layer with several slices of good old american cheese and then place the other 1/2 of the bun on, also "upside down". My husband calls it "inside out grilled cheese". They flipped it, pressed and grilled some more and sliced it in 1/2's. Our daughter was in cheese heaven the last time she had one.
Seating is very limited with 5 barstools to choose from. There is a small table for 2 out front as well. You can always go across the street to the cute little park and eat....or just sit in your car. Parking is ample.
As for the comments about possibly being "Hells Angels" owned due to the name choice....not the case. You might notice that you are driving on Hwy 88 and its directly on the Hwy....hence the name 88 Giant Burger. It doesn't take a genius to figure that one out.
If you have a chance go! -
Review from Jason A.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2008
Beats a fast-food chain any day. If it's sunny, grab a table outside and enjoy some solid grub. Fries are perfect and the portion huge. Skip the crappy food at Kirkwood and hit this place instead.
Seating is limited. -
Review from Sean H.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2009
Not much else to add that hasn't been said. This is a worth it stop on your way back from Kirkwood to the Bay Area. I would second that unless you are a really big eater, the double cheese burger is overkill. I definitely like to embrace my inner fat kid, and even after a day of skiing, the cheese burger is enough for me.
Also, have to comment on John P's theory about the name of the place and the Hell's Angels connection. The theory could be true. OR, on the other hand, it could be named 88 Burger based on its proximity to Highway 88. Just sayin'. -
Review from Nora C.
Jackson, CA
5/21/2011
This is definitely the best hamburger available between Lake Tahoe and Jackson on wonderfully scenic Hiway 88. Oh, that's right, it's just about the only hamburger available between Tahoe and Jackson but it's a fact that they make a great, fresh burger, huge tasty fries, and that's about it, although a few may order a hot dog or grilled chicken sandwich, but not many. It's tiny and popular so often there is no place to sit so you may have to go across the street and eat in the park which is no great privation as long as the weather's nice. It's next door to and owned by Giannini's restaurant so there's plenty of parking in the lot beside and behind it.
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Review from Katie R.
Valley Springs, CA
10/21/2010
I've been coming to this place on an off since I was a child. The most recent visit was a great experience. My husband & I sat at the counter and watched while the burgers are grilled. The portions are outrageaous. A small fry was HUGE. Seriously. We each got a cheeseburger with grilled onions. Grilled onions are by request only. So make sure & order them when ordering the burgers or you'll get a dirty look from whoever is manning the grill. The staff was efficient & sassy. Don't be surprised if you get a little lip from the staff like we did, all in good fun of course. Our seatmates got milkshakes that looked great, too. The prices are very reasonable as well. I like coming the Giant Burger once in a while for the yummy, juicy burgers. My advice: wear pajamas, because you'll feel like taking a very long nap afterwards to proccess all that food!
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Review from Monica M.
Sacramento, CA
10/18/2011
The food is good, but you'll have to wait for it. They give you generous servings of french fries! I wish there were more places to sit. They are pretty good for fast food.
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Review from jenn c.
Stockton, CA
10/13/2009
The cheeseburger seems to do the job even for a hungry traveller. So does one order of fries. For the burger lover this may not be the BEST ever but they take their time to hand pound each one when you order. It seems like they have the time and manpower to cut fresh fries. I think this would put this place on top. The choco shake was so good that I have been comparing my shakes to it. Only 6 stools, so we were a little uncomfortable with people sizing us up as to how long it would take us to eat and when we were cleaning up people were practically running us over to get our seats. Worth ordering and enjoying on your ride home...
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Review from Erick L.
Tracy, CA
10/5/2010
Always hit up this place on my way back from Kirkwood to the Bay Area. The burgers are the best!! shakes are bomb and the fries are delicious. Everything is made to order right in front of you! Only flaw is one of the girls that works there is rude, but everyone else is super friendly. Hopefully she isn't there anymore
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Review from SAMANTHA D.
Reno, NV
7/30/2011
At first I saw the burgers for over $5 each, and I'm saying, "this better be a good burger." So, I ended up eating my words and my burger. I like how the burger is well done and plentiful. I even struggled to finish the entire thing. I had to take off part of the bottom bun so I could eat all the meat. It was a great burger. I also loved the huge portion of fries which I shared. The milkshake was also very good. This place definitely lives up to its name and you get a giant burger. Tasty.
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Review from Brian A.
San Bruno, CA
3/10/2008
After two days of riding Kirkwood to the max our group of 7 needed some good eats for a spectacular weekend on the mountain. On the way home we passed by this joint. The burgers were damn good! Big portions and very tasty. I also enjoyed the steak fries. You have to like a place where the small portion of fries can feed 2 or 3 and then some. Next time I go to Kirkwood I'll have to try their milkshakes.
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Review from danger m.
Boise, ID
1/25/2009
the food is pretty damn good. and by damn good....i mean slow your arteries, up your cholestorel, acne-inducing greasey good.
nicely hits the spot for the bay area-kirkwood commuters..
its pricey for what you get, but its on par comparable to in n' out for maybe 1 or 2 dollars more.
one word of advice, even after a long day of skiing, a double burger + fries + coke not only make you feel sick but is easily more calories than you burned all day skiing :P the food is super filling, go with the single... -
Review from michael c.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2007
This is absolutely the best tasting burger (Greasy and not healthy) after an epic powder day at Kirkwood. When I do day trips to Kirkwood, my buddies and I will live off Power Bars, Beer, and water while at the resort...resort food is expensive and not worth the price...You might as well drive for 1 hour and grab a burger, fries, and a milkshake.
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Review from Tim H.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/8/2010
Life is to short not to have one of these great burgers! they are grilled on a flat top with all the juicy, flavorful jewels of taste mingling with the meat, they only use salt & pepper on the patty bu the taste is awesome. Its a small place only seats about 6 folks at the counter or you can mosey to the outside to eat & watch the flat lander drive home. They have fresh shakes which on a summer day are the answer, the burgers are fresh, with all the fix ins. The service is OK but the burgers do all the talk-in. Check them out on your way home cant miss the sign in Hwy 88. best small town Burger joint around.
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Review from Yan Biao B.
East Palo Alto, CA
3/31/2008 1 photo
Love the root beer floats. Comes with 3 scoops of ice-cream and as-much-as-you-want root beer. Almost burst after eating a cheeseburger and fries as well.
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Review from Ari F.
Los Altos, CA
9/15/2006
Came across this little burger joint one day headed home from Kirkwood (to the southbay). I'm not sure if it was simply snowboard induced starvation, but these maybe the best oldschool-style (simple ingredients, griddle cooked) burgers I have come across in Cali. Fries and Shakes are very good too. I now stop here every time I make this particular journey, and have never been disappointed. If you find your self on a similar route and like burgers I highly recommend it.
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Review from geoff a.
San Jose, CA
3/18/2008
last week I went back to this mom and pop burger joint for the first time in 10 years. All I can say is that it took me way to long to go back there. It is a perfect stop on your way back from Kirkwood. Burgers are great, fries are huge, and chili is delicious. Give this place a shot!
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Review from SammyJo S.
Monterey, CA
1/28/2009
88 Giant Burger is the most fantastic burger east of the Bay area. If
you are travelling to and from Kirkwood - it is a must stop.
Burgers are big as your head!
By the way John P. from Hollister - the 88 in the name refers to
Highway 88 - the road on which you were travelling.....Hells Angels???
C'mon get in the game. -
Review from Mike W.
Burlingame, CA
1/29/2008
Perfect burgers and fries when you are in the mood for a big grease bomb lunch. The strawberry shake tasted like vanilla ice cream with too much Strawberry Quick - - but overall a much better and more fun place to stop for lunch on your way to Kirkwood than a Macdonald or Burger King. If you really want to remember your lunch for a long time, get the double cheeseburger.
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Review from Gary B.
Sutter Creek, CA
2/12/2010
This is a fantastic burger place, the small fries are all that two people can eat, the burgers are made the old fashion way with tomatoes, onions and lettuce. Milk shakes are made with ice cream, not soft serve or malt. Things are made like when I was a kid and I'm 71. If you want to be full for the long trip to the Sierra"s try this place for a full tummy.
