Big Al’s Burgers is one of those Taipei burger joints that you could probably lift out and insert anywhere in America, and it would fit in seamlessly. This quintessentially American burger joint in Taipei brings smiles for its delicious burgers, great hot dogs, and top-quality shakes. From the moment you step outside Big Al’s Burgers, you’re faced with a bright green exterior with orange plastic chairs and a fantastic back-lit sign that reads: “Worth all the calories“. They’ve hit the nail on the head with that one!
Big Al’s Burgers has a very active social media presence on Instagram, championing their delicious burgers, where you can even reserve seats or order your food online from the comfort of your own home. In December of 2023, they even created their own line of products with the popular ‘Niko and’ brand. You can check out their clothing line and pillows in this great GQ Taiwan article. They clearly put a lot of effort into their branding, with their Big Al’s burger guy playing a central role in that.
It’s one thing to get the branding right, but it’s another thing to match that effort on branding with a delicious product. Their burgers are juicy, they serve classic flavour combinations in addition to innovative flavour combinations while serving it up with great shakes and a variety of sides that you should probably order to accompany your burger, too.
Table of Contents
The logo of Big Al’s, which I can only assume is Big Al himself, is a playful character with his burger bun and cheese hat. He’s got to be careful with that cheese slice in Taipei, though. It’s often very hot here, and nobody wants dripping cheese in their eyes… I digress. They have nailed the branding. It’s fun and inviting when standing outside Big Al’s, so surely it’s the same inside, right?
The inside of Big Al’s Burgers can only be described as quintessentially American-styled. Colourful chairs, booths, light fixtures, and LEDs are dotted around, with that classic lino black and white tiled floor. Having said that, it’s not overwhelmingly colourful or over the top. It’s tastefully put together.
Don’t expect the classic red-and-white diner experience here. Expect thoughtfully put-together elements that only add to the decor, rather than being the decor. I always appreciate a nod to Ian Fleming, and that little hamburger with eyes adds to the fun, too.
If you aren’t sure how to order or what to do when you arrive at Big Al’s Burgers, then this is the post for you. See below for How to Order in Taipei Restaurants like a definitive pro!
3 Fast Tips on How to Order in Taipei Restaurants like a definitive pro!
The Menu at Big Al's Burgers
The menu is a perfect size. They can clearly focus on their products without offering too many wild flavour combinations, but they certainly have enough for all tastebuds (apart from vegetarians. Sorry guys, this isn't for you). We didn't order any hot dogs this time, but that's the plan for the next time we visit.
What We Ordered
Sesame Shake 芝麻奶昔
It feels somewhat blasphemous to go to a burger joint that offers milkshakes, without ordering one. So, it was more a decision on which flavour to go for, than whether to get one at all. They have strawberry, banana, chocolate, oreo, peanut butter caramel, vanilla, and sesame flavours. We both love sesame, so went for that flavour, and we were not disappointed. It was really good, bringing with every suck on the straw that fragrant nuttiness that sesame brings. Earthy, nutty, milky, sweet (but not too much so), and really good.
Big Al's Cheese Fries 起司薯條
When on the hunt for burgers in Taipei, or for that fact burgers anywhere, you're not going because you want to watch what you eat. You're going because you appreciate a good burger and everything it brings, but you're also wanting to pair it with some delicious fries, too, because you know it makes sense.
These cheese fries at Big Al's Burgers are freshly made, have a couple of types of cheese, and are dressed with some dried herbs, too. They're tasty, but I'd like the cheese to perhaps be more melted. If you don't eat them right away, then the cheese tends to lose its stringiness and becomes a bit lumpy. The flavours are there, but these aren't for leaving on the table while you chat through your meal. Get to it, and you'll enjoy them.
How beautiful does this pair of burgers look though?
Spicy Maple Syrup Fried Chicken Burger 楓糖香辣炸雞堡
As much as I love a classic when on the hunt for a Taipei burger, there's just something about getting a huge piece of deep-fried chicken sandwiches between a burger bun, drizzled with spicy maple syrup, and finished off with cheese, that I cannot help but order.
The chicken was impressive, to say the very least. It was perfectly crispy without being greasy or too heavy on the flavour. Sometimes you get that deep-fried chicken where the skin separates from the chicken inside and a layer of grease spills out - this didn't do that at all. The batter clung to the chicken beautifully and allowed for a crispy and fragrant skin to develop, carrying that spicy maple syrup flavour with it.
The maple syrup brought the sweet fragrance that only maple can do, while the chilli brought a mild heat that allowed for a messy eating experience - the best way to eat a burger!
Having to stop to take this picture was painful, as I just wanted to keep eating this delicious fried chicken burger. But, needs must... You can see that the lettuce leaves have stopped the bun from becoming too soggy from the meat placed on top of it, while all of the flavours have melted into the chicken burger. The chicken is succulent and juicy, and the whole thing is a masterpiece. I liked this a lot.
Big Al's Classic Burger 大艾爾經典牛肉堡
As this was our first time at Big Al's Burgers (it won't be our last, of course!), we felt like ordering the Big Al's Classic Burger was a rite of passage. From this side view, you can see how fluffy that bread bun is, while also seeing the thickness of that patty. There's always that moment when you step into a burger joint that you've not eaten before, where you're left wondering if it's going to be a crunchy, juicy, or dry patty. I was ready to bite on in and see what was going on inside.
But before I go into detail on that, there are just a few more angles for you to drool over.
Oh, and that bread was toasted to perfection, bringing a smokiness to the proceedings, and an extra element of texture, too. It's all about the mouthfeel!
You can see that Big Al's Burgers take their burger creations seriously. Many Taipei burger restaurants slap a few things together and attempt to claim greatness, but few live up to the hype. In my opinion, Big Al's Burgers crushes the brief.
Although this looks very bready, assure me that the ratio was spot on as the burger bun was light and fluffy. The burger patty was flavourful, and you can see that it retained a light redness that allows for succulence. The layer of tomato and lettuce helps to wash away any greasiness that you may feel, while the cheese and fried onions add to the decadence.
The Bottom Line
Is it worth it? Big Al's Burgers is a Taipei burger restaurant worth taking note of. Burgers in Taipei can be hit and miss at the best of times, but you're only going to hit and win here at Big Al's. It's fun inside, the variety of burger combinations on offer cater to all tastes, and the shakes are tidy, too!
What is the best dish? Although I loved the fried chicken burger, I've got to say that the Big Al's Classic Burger was very good. Why choose when I can just get both?
Are there other places like this? There are plenty of Burgers in Taipei that are very good. Big Al's is firmly on my list in the Top 5. Some of my other favourites are:
- Man Cave Burgers - for putting plantain on a burger - awesome!
- Everywhere Burger Club - for their smash burgers and in-n-out vibes.
- Chubby Burger - for their smash burgers!
- Burger by Lanpengyou - for the quality of their meat.
- Sheep + Pony - for the attention to detail in that burger patty cooking.