Pick's Drive-In — Restaurant in Cloverdale

Have lived in Cloverdale for a few years now, and Pick's was the first place we went to for lunch once we got moved in. I was super excited to have a local burger joint that had some good grub.

Unfortunately, at least at first, it was definitely a bit of a disappointment. Portions were small, prices were high, and the food itself wasn't much to write home about. This meant we really only went like once or twice over the course of that first year. Trying out other places in town though, we found even with those detriments, Pick's was still better than other places in town (at least for burgers), which was sad, as where we were at previously had tons of great locations close to home.

However, I will say, we've been giving it more of a chance over the ~last year, and things have changed considerably for the better!

The burger itself (at least the big daddy; don't really see a point for the bobo) actually tastes pretty good nowadays. The patty itself seems to be nicely sized, and doesn't taste like a microwaved pre-formed patty like so many places sell nowadays. The buns aren't life-changing, but get the job done, and seem to balance pretty well with the patty/toppings. The fries are also pretty good (think they were crinkle cut last time I went, iirc, which is generally my favorite style), and you get a decent amount.

One issue still is their open hours tend to be hit or miss. Completely understand that a small business has to make hard decisions on when to be open vs just wasting money having people working for no customers, but we've definitely had a hankering for an afternoon burger, walk downtown, and see Pick's closed. This is an area that seems to be getting better, and is more consistent in Summer, but I recommend calling ahead and asking what time they expect to stay open till. It doesn't help that most places in town seem to close relatively early, so there's no real evening eating scene here. Again, something we've had to get used to, but still kinda stinks.

Also, the prices still seem a tad high. It's not as offensive now that their burgers come with fries as a combo (whereas before it was separate, I believe), but it still hurts paying $15+tax for a basic burger and fries (and I think drinks are still separate, so add a couple bucks more for that). I am upset at it, although I can't be THAT mad at Pick's directly, as that seems to be the new normal for most places (even fast food stuff is getting very close to that, and this blows away 90% of fast food for sure!). I personally would be much more open to getting food at Pick's more often if the prices were another couple bucks lower, but one person buying it an extra time or two a month probably doesn't move the needle enough.

A nit pick with the drinks is they seemingly haven't had their soda fountain working for the last year+, which means you're paying a couple bucks for a can of coke, which NEVER feels good, haha. I just bring my own drink/get a water nowadays, as otherwise you're close to $20 all up, which again, just doesn't feel right for a burger and fries. I really hope they get this sorted, as it's a weird sticking point for me, but whatever. Wait times can be a bit long too. Doesn't really bother me, but keep that in mind. Again, things seem to be going a bit smoother recently, so another thing that has improved since a few years ago.

Still, things are pretty positive now. They've also done some interesting dessert stuff while we've been here too. They did ice cream cookie sandwiches one summer, which were amazing!!! but I don't think they've done it again since. They're also supposed to be getting a soft serve machine this summer, so that'll be sweet, although I worry what they intend to charge for a simple cone. Hopefully no more than like $3, as I'd be ALL over it at that price point! They also have dipped into stuff like fried chicken and pot pies on special occasions, so there's definitely some more interesting food choices than just a burger, and folks seem to enjoy them a lot! Have only grabbed the burger...

Came here all the way from Lakeport to have some good burgers. We have eaten here one time before and loved it.

This visit we came up to the counter to order and the guy behind the counter said they would be with us in a moment. So we sat down at the bar stools and began to wait. Person after person walked by with out so much as a hello. Then some blonde haired girl swings open the door, gives us a wonderfully dirty look, snatches up a sign that was displayed in front of us and slams the door behind her. I guess all 4 of your employees were too busy chit chatting inside to even come take our order and we see them standing inside behind the glass. By the way, you can see inside....the glass is clear. 15 minutes went by with out a single person to help us. So we left. I'm not going to beg you to take my money.

It is really sad that we drove over 1.5 hours to get some good grub only to be met with rude and uncaring employees. Now we are enjoying food else where with service that actually gives a damn.

Sad, but never again will we visit here because of your employees that don't care. We support local business, not...

My wife and I were driving from Fort Bragg to the Sacramento area when we decided to get off the freeway and find Pick's Drive-In. I thought it might be our kind of place. It was; I could tell just by looking at the storefront.

When I eat a burger at any restaurant I always order the basic hamburger with whatever fixings come with it. The basic burger here was the Bobo Cheeseburger, which came with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, mustard, ketchup, and choice of cheese. My choice is always no cheese, and that was how I ordered it, along with fries and a fountain root beer.

I took one bite and knew I had bitten into a great burger. The flavor profile of the patty and all the fixings was a 10 on a 10-scale. The fries looked and tasted like fresh cut potatoes, and were also a 10 on a 10-scale. My wife had a green salad with chicken, which she said...