Welcome to Roy's Big Burger
Roy's Big Burger sits in Lakeside with a plain look and a clear purpose. I find a walk-up window, picnic tables, and a menu built on burgers, fries, and shakes. The place feels rooted in Richmond food memory, with a style that leans old school and still draws a crowd.
The draw here is simple. I get fast service, hot food, and a menu that covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast sandwiches bring a strong start, with bacon, egg, sausage, or country ham in the mix. Later in the day, the burgers take the lead. The patties come juicy, the buns get toasted, and the portions land in the range most diners expect from a $10 to $20 stop.
The setting adds to the visit. I see locals, families, school-day regulars, and road-trip diners sharing the same few tables. Dogs can wait outside, kids have a place at the table, and parking stays simple. There is a wait in peak lunch hours, yet the line moves. That mix of speed and tradition gives Roy's Big Burger its pull. It feels like a local ritual, a place where the tray, the paper wrap, and the first bite all tell the same story. Old-fashioned, and proud of it.
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About
Roy's Big Burger stands at 5200 Lakeside Ave in Richmond, VA, near Byrd Park and a steady local flow. I read it as a casual, historic burger stop that keeps things direct. The setup stays easy to use. I can walk up, place an order, sit outside, or take the meal home. Delivery and takeaway also fit the pace of the place.
The location suits solo diners, families, and anyone chasing a quick bite. I find wheelchair-accessible parking and an accessible entrance, which helps with access for more guests. Free parking adds ease, and the outdoor tables give the place a picnic feel. On busy lunch days, the line can stretch, yet the service has a fast rhythm. That mix keeps the mood upbeat, almost like a neighborhood meet-up around burgers and fries.
It is the kind of stop that locals point out with a nod, the “you have to try it once” kind of place. Tourists show up for the same reason. The menu and the setting carry a strong sense of Richmond tradition, and that sense shows in the crowd. I notice return visits, quiet talk, and lots of takeout bags. The spot stays grounded, plain, and very much part of the area’s daily food map.
Working Hours
- SundayOpen
- MondayOpen
- TuesdayOpen
- WednesdayOpen
- ThursdayOpen
- FridayOpen
- SaturdayOpen
What People Say
Most Liked
People praise the burgers first. The patties get called juicy, seasoned, and full of flavor. The “all the way” style gets love, along with bacon add-ons and toasted buns. Breakfast sandwiches also draw strong feedback, especially for size and taste. The shakes get steady praise too, with thick texture and classic flavor. Onion rings, fries, and fried pickles round out the favorites. Funnel cake fries get a lot of local talk. That one feels like a group chat favorite.
Most Disliked
Most complaints stay mild and food-specific. Some sides can feel plain or uneven, such as mac and cheese bites or chicken tenders. A few guests mention missing toppings or small mistakes in the order. Price can feel a bit high for a fast-food style stop, though many still say the food earns it. Indoor seating is not part of the setup, so the walk-up format may not suit every visitor.
Reviews
Darryl L.
If you’re ever in the Lakeside area and craving classic American comfort food done right, Roy’s Big Burger is the spot you have to hit. This place is an absolute staple and it feels like stepping back in time in the best way possible, with food that hits every single time. Let’s talk breakfast sandwiches first. They’re simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re grabbing a bacon, egg & cheese or going for sausage, they don’t skimp on quality or portion. It’s the perfect way to start your day hearty, hot, and made with care. Today I had a chicken egg bacon and cheese sandwich with onions and pickles. It was absolutely delicious! Now, the burgers... unreal. Juicy, perfectly seasoned patties, classic toppings, toasted buns — they keep it old school and that’s what makes them so good. Every bite is the definition of satisfaction. Add some crinkle fries tater tots or onion rings on the side and you’ve got yourself a serious meal. And you cannot leave without trying one of their milkshakes. Creamy, thick, and full of real flavor it’s the cherry on top of the whole experience. Whether you go for vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, it’s like a throwback to the golden age of diners. Roy’s Big Burger isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a whole vibe. Great service, fast food made fresh, and a down-to-earth local feel that keeps people coming back. 10/10 recommend. One visit and you’ll be hooked!
Kelly M.
Omg so good. Burger was juicy and delicious, look at all that bacon! Great little hometown burger joint.
Anthony C.
Great burger joint! Not the cheapest place, but the food is definitely worth it. Outdoor, walk up restaurant. We have been coming here for years, sometimes we grab and go to Bryd Park, which is pretty much next door or just grab a table right on the premises. They have a new spot in the back, with few picnic tables and planted trees. My kids really love the fried Mac n' cheese. We normally grab some onion rings and fries with our burgers. You can the burgers anyway you want, but I do like the "All the way". There is usually a line, but they are pretty quick. In the summer, we will grab a ice cream for dessert. It's been around forever, which tells you how good it is, truly has stood the test of time. Stop in, grab a bite, you'll be happy.
Daisy D.
This the best burger spot in the Richmond area! Fresh cooked with real ingredients.. We ate for three cost was around 45$.. I enjoyed the Big Burger with cheese and added bacon, I wanted egg, however, it is not available in the afternoon and Mac n' Cheese Bites as my side with a mountain dew.. The Bites were a little empty but were average taste, wont order them again though.. My husband had the Triple Burger with bacon, they did forget the jalapeños, however, it was so good he forgot he even ordered them till after it was consumed lol with a side of fries and a Pepsi.. My child had the Chicken Tenders with a side of Deep Fried Pickles and a water with honey mustard, It was average.. Overall we will be back and will order the burgers again.. Thank you for a great lunch on a Saturday afternoon
Frye L.
Listen I'm from the country and when I say by far one of the best burgers I've ever had that's a understatement this place made the child like country boy come out me. Y'all are something special like we will be back. Food quality 10/10 Service 10/10 Vibes 10/10 And if you like funnel cake them funnel cake fries 20/10
Shaquail C.
We orders burgers and they were delicious . I also got cheese 🍟‼️ the milkshake was so thick and yummy. We will make it our new stop ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ Staff were so nice ! The fries “plain” the oil was maybe not fresh .
Ojeda G.
I gotta say, these burgers beat any franchise out there like 5 guys or Dairy queen. I will admit, it is pricey but definitely worth the money. A combo meal will set you back just about $12-$15. The only other burger joint who comes close would be Slay burgers. Customers will literally get their food and eat the burgers in their car while in the parking lot... they couldn't wait to eat the food when they got home. Says a lot!!