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A & W - Classic Drive-In Fast Food with Signature Root Beer in Big Rapids, MI

A & W in Big Rapids, MI, delivers a nostalgic fast food experience with standout items like their famous W Root Beer, Foot Long Coney Dog with onion and cheese sauce, and classic cheeseburgers paired with fries. The drive-in setup—with carhop service and outdoor seating—brings back the charm of old-school dining. The Root Beer Floats are a local favorite, expertly refreshing and indulgent. While some find the burgers a bit mild, the overall quality and freshness shine through. Friendly staff and unique ordering at parking spots make A & W a must-visit for hearty, comforting fast food with a retro vibe.

A & W at a glance

  • Address 304 N State St, Big Rapids, MI 49307, United States
  • Phone +1 231-796-6405
  • Restaurant type Fast food restaurant , Hamburger restaurant , Restaurant , Seasonal goods store .

Photos & Gallery

A & W: Reviews & Ratings

able torres
5

Best A&W we've had in YEARS... Everything was just like back in the good old day... Food brought out to vehicle and placed on window ... My wife and niece couldn't stop talking about the Rootbeer Floats,and the chili cheese dogs were amazing and you can't forget the onion rings... Our carhop waitress was great as well...My niece is Lucky enough to go to Ferrris State just down the street, unfortunately we live 6hrs away in Louisville Ky... Our A&W is Horrible... So if your looking for some great food don't pass this place up...Two Thumbs Up...

Xander Wahl
5

The staff were very friendly and the food was good as always! I will be happy to go back for more throughout the season.

Aaron Lehrman
5

Good value. Unique drive-up ordering. - Double Papa Burger - $6: Substantial fast food that was tasty. Good value. The burger patties were lower quality, but still worth the price you pay. The patties were medium to light juicy, but tasty. The bun was a bit sweeter and greatly complimented. The toppings were a tad underwhelming and messy, but definitely enough. Overall the burger was good for fast food. - Service: You can order at the parking spots, but I ordered at the window. Quick but waited a good 7-8 minutes for my order. It was busy. I asked for a correction on my order (no pickles) before it was made and they successfully accommodated this in the midst of the chaos. Kudos! - Atmosphere: Outdoor seating or in your vehicle. Each parking spot around the building has a menu and speaker for ordering. I parked in the back parking lot where there was a covered parking area and ordered at the window (in spite of the rain). I sat at a metal picnic table and ate relatively comfortably. - Conclusion: I’d go back. Too bad there isn’t an A&W in Grand Rapids. Visited on a Saturday at 1pm.

Staci C
5

Love the old school drive-in experience. The food and service here are great.

Mel C
5

This place has the best cheese curds around! Also their floats are delicious I think the burgers are kinda bland but they are decent size for $ just wish they had some flavor at least salt & pepper. We have ordered the chicken strip basket, but that also had small strips the one time we did and haven't tried it again. The food is fresh tho making it a plus as well. If busy it can be hard to park here as well.

Stephanie Demartin
5

Best A&W ever! Drive-in style! This is not a linked version to any KFC or anything like that. They have the most amazing crispy yet soft fries, foot long coney dogs, ice cold root beer in a frosty mug (I love the root beer float freezes, a blended version), and amazing service! If your ever nearby, you gotta try!

Trudy Stump
5

My husband and I have been there several times. They have the best chili cheese fries ever!! I tried the fish sandwich the other day and even that was great. Highly recommend.

Sharon Warren
5

Great place to stop for a bite to eat. They were busy and food came out hot and fast. Friendly service. Keep up the great work.

Location

  • A & W
    A & W
    304 N State St, Big Rapids, MI 49307, United States Hotline: +1 231-796-6405

A & W, located at 304 N State St in Big Rapids, Michigan, offers a nostalgic fast food experience that masterfully blends classic flavors with friendly service. This drive-in restaurant stands out for its iconic W Root Beer, a smooth and refreshing staple that pairs perfectly with their hearty menu items.

The Foot Long Coney Dog and its variant topped with onion and cheese sauce are true crowd-pleasers, delivering a savory punch with each bite. Complementing these are the Cheeseburger with Fries, which balances satisfying portion sizes and fresh ingredients, though some may find the seasoning modest. The sweetness of the bun in the burgers adds a subtle contrast that enhances the overall taste. The cheese curds here deserve special mention for their crispy, golden texture and rich flavor, making them a must-try side.

Drive-in ordering and vehicle service create a charming old-school atmosphere, with attentive carhop waitresses adding to the experience. Outdoor seating encourages diners to savor their meals in a casual, relaxed setting. Customer feedback highlights the exceptional Root Beer Floats, praised for their creamy richness and nostalgic appeal, and the well-loved chili cheese dogs that capture the essence of traditional American fast food.

While the burger patties may lean towards a lighter juiciness and simpler toppings, they remain satisfying and good value for the price. The fresh ingredients and quick, accommodating service, even during busy times, make A & W a reliable spot for a casual bite. Overall, A & W succeeds in delivering classic comfort food with a modern twist, perfect for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Americana in Big Rapids.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Kerbside pickup
    • Drive-through
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
    • Delivery
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • Credit cards