Key Takeaways

A true Pickering landmark family-run since 1965, making it older than the City of Pickering itself and one of Ontario's last drive-in style burger joints.
Homemade classics that never change including the 7.5 oz Original Big M Burger and Ted's Famous Steak on a Kaiser, made from the original family recipes.
Highly rated at 4.6 stars from more than 1,800 reviews, a reflection of its loyal following across generations.
Nostalgia on every visit, with retro drive-in styling that makes it a destination for families, food lovers, and visitors exploring the Frenchman's Bay waterfront.

The Big M Drive In is a family-run drive-in burger restaurant at 711 Krosno Blvd in the Frenchman's Bay area of Pickering, Ontario, in Durham Region. It has been serving the community continuously since 1965, which makes it older than the City of Pickering itself and one of the last true drive-in style burger joints left in Ontario.

A Pickering Icon Built on Real Food

The story began in 1965, when two Macedonian immigrants fishing in the Bay Ridge area decided to open one of the region's first drive-in restaurants. The business remains in the family through three generations, and the menu has stayed true to its roots: the 7.5 oz Original Big M Burger, Ted's Famous Steak on a Kaiser, homemade onion rings, and thick shakes are all still made from the original recipes.

Why The Big M Drive In Stands Out in Durham Region

The Big M stands out because it offers a genuine sense of place and continuity. In an age of chains and fast delivery, here is a family restaurant where the recipes, the atmosphere, and the welcome have stayed constant for nearly sixty years, and generations of families share the same booths. That authenticity makes a community feel like home.

Who Would Love This Spot

Burger lovers appreciate the original homemade recipes, and families love the nostalgic, unhurried atmosphere where parents share a taste of their own childhood with their kids. Visitors exploring the Lake Ontario waterfront find it a memorable stop, and anyone considering a move gets a delicious introduction to the city. For a taste of why Pickering residents love their city, a meal at The Big M is a great place to start.

A Local Business That Anchors Pickering

Some businesses become landmarks simply by staying true to what they do. The Big M has been woven into the memory of generations of Pickering families, and it proudly keeps the drive-in tradition alive as the city grows around it. It sits close to the Frenchman's Bay waterfront and the Pickering GO station, an easy stop on a day exploring the area. Places like this give a community its identity, one more reason living in Durham Region feels so connected. If you are thinking about buying a home in Pickering or elsewhere in Durham Region, an afternoon at a beloved local spot like this is the best way to understand a community.

The Big M Drive In

Drive-In Restaurant | Pickering

Address	711 Krosno Blvd, Pickering, ON L1W 1S1
Rating	4.6 (1,856 reviews)
Hours	Open daily11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Phone	(905) 837-9332
Website	thebigm.ca
Directions	Open in Google Maps

A retro drive-in burger stand with red and white awnings and picnic tables out front at golden hour, evoking The Big M Drive In in Pickering

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Big M Drive In special?

It is one of Ontario's last drive-in style burger joints, family-run since 1965 and now in its third generation of ownership. The menu is made from the original family recipes, including the 7.5 oz Original Big M Burger and Ted's Famous Steak on a Kaiser, all served with a nostalgic, retro drive-in atmosphere.

Where is The Big M Drive In located?

It sits at 711 Krosno Blvd in Pickering, in the Frenchman's Bay area near the Lake Ontario waterfront, a short drive from the city centre and the Pickering GO station. It is open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Is Pickering a good place to live or visit?

Pickering offers a rare blend of Lake Ontario waterfront, conservation areas like Greenwood and the waterfront trails at Frenchman's Bay, strong family neighbourhoods, and one of the shortest GO Train commutes to Toronto in Durham Region. Learn more in our Pickering community guide.

Curated by Keith Williams & Lisa C. Follows

Local real estate brokers, community advocates, and proud Durham Region residents. We spotlight the businesses and people that make Durham Region a great place to call home.