It was a real nice day today in the Oshawa area and after visiting my buddy Joe we decided to go have some lunch at a place Joe has been going for years but I had not heard of.
The Big “M” Drive In
Located just off of Liverpool Road south of Bayly
711 Krosno Blvd.
Pickering, ON
When I used to be a young man growing up in the 1970′s there were a lot of joints like this in Southern Ontario and a few of them had stood the test of time and it looks like The Big “M” has been a survivor. even though they closed in the the 1980′s relatives re-opened the joint in 2001 to get the whole story you can check out the Newspaper clippings I took pictures of further down in this post.
Back in those days it was quite common to have all of us teenagers with our muscle cars (Though mine was a 1976 Volkswagon Rabbit, Don’t laugh it was quick like a bunny! ) would all gather at our local hamburger joint shoot the you know what for a while and then cruise up and down the streets not needing to get anywhere, just driving for the joy of it.
Joe had mentioned to me that The Big “M” has maybe the best Steak on a Kaiser around though for my first trip here I decided to try a burger instead since that is what I would of had back in the day.
My order consisted of a “Canadian” Burger which is a Cheese Burger topped with Peameal Bacon, Onion Rings and a Large Vanilla Shake that came to $just under $17.00 tax in.
I guess I should show you the burger right side up 
Joe turned photographer and snapped a pic of me with my Canadian Burger
My meal was great and took me back down memory lane for sure.
The onion rings were thick and not greasy, a wonderful batter and a huge portion. As for the burger it was made with the topping that I asked for and a real good sized burger that was cooked on a Grill. It was a nice thick burger though I found it to be just ok, I would liked the burger to be a little juicier than what it was. The Shake was tasty and made the old fashioned way.
Even though I was super hungry this meal was able to fill me up and I was quite satisfied, leaving 0ne onion ring and one bite of hamburger behind.
Joey with all the times he went to the Big M he had never tried one of there Dogs, so for him it was a Chilli Dog with Fries and a Pepsi which cost him under $13.00 including taxes.
Joey about to dig into his Chilli Dog
Joey raved about his Fries which I compare to what is served at the good Fish & Chips Joints. Crispy on the outside and soft and tender in. He also enjoyed his Chilli Dog which was loaded with his toppings of choice.
Seating in the Drive In was limited to Bar Stools that were on two very thin counters that were against the 2 walls out front, though they have some nice sturdy Picnic tables outside
While we ate our meals I noticed some Newspaper Clippings that were framed on the walls from 7 or 8 years ago which were an interesting read.
Below are those stories, to read them easier I suggest you click on the photos to see the pictures in actual size.
The Big M does have a facebook group page and there you can see that they have
The Big “M” Drive In Friday night Cruise Night
where the locals bring their cars of yesteryear to hang out in the parking lot Looks like it would be a ton of fun, I will need to make my way down on a Friday night to see some of the old cars.
Some pictures of the staff and what is behind the front counter…
Back in the 60′s Frank Mahovlich was a Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey player and his nick name was the Big “M”. He heard about this Drive In Restaurant that bore his nickname and was not thrilled by it but all the same decided not to sue the restaurant. and he even ended up signing a picture that hangs on the wall to this very day.
And as you can see the Big “M” Drive In still has some Hockey roots.
Next time I visit the Big “M” I am going to try the Steak on a Kaiser for sure!
Bacon
