Big Jud’s Ashton

Description

Let me tell ya about Big Jud’s in Ashton – it’s one of those places that’ll make your eyes pop when the food arrives! As someone who’s driven across Idaho more times than I can count, I’ve watched this place transform from a local secret into a genuine food destination. The joint’s claim to fame? Absolutely massive burgers that’ll have you questioning everything you thought you knew about portion sizes.

Y’know what really gets me about Big Jud’s? It’s got that classic American diner feel, but with a twist – their burgers are basically the size of hubcaps! And I’m not even exaggerating. The place has this charming, no-frills atmosphere that reminds me of those family-run spots I used to visit with my grandparents back in the day.

Key Features

• The legendary Big Jud Special – a whopping one-pound burger that’s become an Instagram sensation
• Hand-scooped, old-fashioned milkshakes that’ll make your sweet tooth sing
• Challenge burgers that’ll test your appetite (and maybe your life choices)
• Fresh-cut Idaho potato fries that put chain restaurants to shame
• Homestyle onion rings bigger than your wrist
• Family-friendly atmosphere with that authentic small-town charm
• Reasonable prices for the portion sizes you’re getting
• Custom burger options with plenty of toppings to choose from
• Local Idaho beef used in their patties
• Classic diner-style counter seating plus comfortable booths

Best Time to Visit

Look, I’ll shoot straight with you – this place can get packed! From my experience, your best bet is hitting up Big Jud’s during off-peak hours, like between 2-4 PM on weekdays. Weekends? That’s when everyone and their cousin shows up, especially during tourist season (June through August).

The sweet spot is usually early dinner time on Tuesday or Wednesday. And here’s a pro tip I learned the hard way – avoid the lunch rush between 11:30 AM and 1 PM unless you’re cool with waiting. Winter months are actually pretty great for visiting, especially if you’re around for some Idaho skiing and need a proper fuel-up.

How to Get There

Big Jud’s sits right in Ashton, Idaho, and honestly, you can’t miss it – just follow the crowd of hungry folks! If you’re coming from Yellowstone National Park, you’ll be heading south on US-20. The restaurant’s basically become a landmark for travelers making their way between Yellowstone and Idaho Falls.

But I gotta tell ya something funny – first time I tried finding it, I drove right past because I was looking for some fancy building. Don’t make my mistake! It’s a humble-looking place that lets the food do all the talking.

Tips for Visiting

Alright, time for some real talk from someone who’s made every rookie mistake in the book. First off, don’t even think about tackling one of their challenge burgers solo unless you’ve got the appetite of a grizzly bear – and trust me, I learned this one the hard way!

Bring cash! While they do accept cards now (thank goodness), having cash on hand is always smart in small towns. And speaking of smart moves, consider splitting a burger with a friend – these portions are no joke. I’ve seen plenty of wide-eyed tourists order one per person only to end up with enough leftovers for days.

Remember to snap a photo of your burger when it arrives – it’s basically a rite of passage at this point. The lighting’s best by the windows, if you’re into that sort of thing. Oh, and don’t forget to save room for their shakes – skipping them would be like visiting Italy and passing on the gelato!

If you’re planning on attempting their famous challenge burger, come hungry and maybe wear stretchy pants. Better yet, make a reservation if you’re part of a bigger group, especially during peak season. The staff’s super friendly, but they appreciate a heads-up when they’re gonna need to fire up extra grills.

And here’s something most folks don’t think about – grab some napkins. Like, a lot of napkins. These burgers are gloriously messy, and that’s part of the fun! The fries are pretty fantastic too, but they make way more than anyone could possibly eat, so consider ordering a single portion for every two people.

Lastly, take your time enjoying the experience. This ain’t fast food – it’s an Idaho institution that deserves to be savored. Chat with the locals, soak in the atmosphere, and prepare yourself for what might just be the most memorable burger of your life. Just don’t blame me when you can’t finish your shake!

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