Pano's Big Boy

If you’ve ever found yourself in Calumet City, Illinois, at midnight with a serious craving for greasy, satisfying comfort food, Pano's Big Boy at 732 Burnham Ave is the kind of spot you’re glad exists. This is a classic late-night diner-style joint that stays open until 2:00 AM every single night, offering up burgers, wings, loaded fries, and all the familiar fried favorites you’d want after a long day—or a wild night out.

First things first: this isn’t a chain, despite the name reminding some folks of the old-school Big Boy diners. Pano’s Big Boy is its own local operation, and it brings a lot more punch than you'd expect from a humble spot tucked away in a modest neighborhood strip. From the outside, you might not think much of it, but once you step in—or even pull up to the drive-thru—you’re greeted by the scent of sizzling beef, spiced wings, and fresh-cut fries that set the tone for what's about to hit your plate.

The menu is stacked. You’ll find double cheeseburgers with all the fixings, Chicago-style Maxwell Street Polish, hot wings in a variety of sauces, and platters loaded with gyro meat, Italian beef, or Philly steak piled on golden fries. One of the most popular options—and rightfully so—is the Big Boy Burger Combo. This thing is layered, greasy in the best way, and built for anyone who appreciates a burger that doesn’t hold back. Add a side of seasoned fries or cheese sticks, and you’ve got the kind of meal that hits especially hard at 1:00 AM.

If you’re not in the mood for a burger, they’ve got you covered with chicken wings—fried crisp and tossed in sauces like lemon pepper, buffalo, or honey BBQ. They come out hot and fast, and the portion size is legit. I’ve seen regulars order 20-piece trays for the table (or for themselves, no judgment), and they don’t leave anything behind.

The Philly cheesesteak is another sleeper hit here. It's gooey, messy, and served on a griddled hoagie roll that holds its shape just long enough for you to devour it. Add grilled onions, melted provolone, and a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick, and you’re in business. Not to mention the tacos, fried shrimp baskets, and chicken tenders, which are all solid additions when you want to mix things up.

One thing I appreciate about Pano's Big Boy is how versatile the experience is. Want to eat in? You’ll find a casual, diner-style setup inside. Prefer to eat in your car or take it home? The drive-thru is quick, and the packaging keeps everything hot and crispy, even if you’re driving 15 minutes across town. That kind of consistency, especially for a late-night spot, is impressive.

The crowd is diverse. On any given night, you’ll see high school students post-game, third-shift workers grabbing dinner before clocking in, and regulars who know the cashiers by name. That steady traffic tells you this place isn’t just a one-time novelty—it’s a community staple for people who want real food at real hours.

Pricing is fair, portions are more than generous, and the food always comes out fast. Whether you're dining in at lunch, grabbing dinner on the go, or rolling through late after everything else in town has shut down, Pano's Big Boy knows how to keep your cravings in check. The team works hard, they don’t cut corners, and they deliver a consistent product seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM—which, let’s be honest, is reason enough to appreciate this local legend.