Big Mikes Burgers and more — Restaurant in Belen

There’s no reason to leave Belen — or even Main Street — when you’re craving a proper burger or a real Philly. Big Mike’s is the truth. This is a family-run, locally rooted spot that consistently delivers flavor, hospitality, and pride in their work — all without trying to mimic some corporate blueprint.

At a time when strip malls and drive-thrus are trying to convince us that efficiency equals value, Big Mike’s reminds us that real value comes from quality, care, and community connection. Their food speaks for itself — the burgers are seasoned and grilled with intention, the Philly is rich, flavorful, and made like someone actually gives a damn (because they do).

This is what local entrepreneurship looks like — a family creating a brand not with venture capital or shiny stucco, but with hustle, passion, and consistency. Places like Big Mike’s are what make small towns like Belen worth living in. They prove that we don’t need million-dollar renovations or cookie-cutter franchises to offer world-class meals.

Supporting Big Mike’s — and places like it — is a conscious decision. It’s about refusing to let our community become a food desert. It’s about choosing substance over spectacle. Every dollar spent here is a vote for Belen’s future, for working-class dignity, and for food that actually means something.

So no, you don’t need to “compare it to” national chains. That mindset is tired and harmful. Big Mike’s stands on its own — and if you live here, it should be your first stop.

Much respect to the folks behind this spot. Y’all are doing it...

I normally adore this establishment but what happened today needs to be addressed. I placed a phone order and was told that they were out of French fries and was offered tater tots, sweet potato fries or onion rings as a replacement. I chose tater tots. When I got to Big Mikes, I noticed that I was being charged $1.50 for the taters. I questioned the charge since they were in replacement for an item they were out of and was told that there is an “up charge “ for tater tot’s. I said, yes, but you guys were out of French fries and offered a substitution. She said that it “was not their fault that they were out of French fries”. I said, well it’s definitely not my fault that they were out, plus, we were never told about the extra charge. We went back and fourth multiple times, saying the exact same thing and getting nowhere. She then raised her voice and said, “do you want the tater tots or not”?!?! I said yes, but we shouldn’t have to pay for them because you ran out of French fries. She then became more angry and said, “fine, I will just pay for them myself (out if her own pocket)”. I was like, it’s not that we CANT pay for them, it’s that we shouldn’t have to and I told her that what they were doing was bad business. I honestly could not believe what they were doing. We sat down and she proceeded to take phone orders using the same process and omitting the fact that they were being up charged for a cost that...

I had heard, and read, from a number of people how great Big Mike's is, so my husband and I decided to try it out for our Father's Day meal. We went there today for lunch. The terrific menu board that had been on the walls previously is now gone. There is absolutely no personality to the place -- and that includes the young lady who took our order. Two items we requested were not available. I ended up settling for a BLT; my husband had a cheeseburger. After waiting for a fair long while (there was next to nobody in the restaurant at that time), we got our order. The bacon on my sandwich was burnt beyond anything I would eat. As we were ready to leave, I told the girl behind the counter that she needed to mention the burnt bacon to the cooks. She practically shrugged her shoulders at me as if to say, "I really don't care." The only reason I didn't give a lower rating is that my husband enjoyed his burger. Very...