This Washington Burger Stop Sells Fries By The Bucket And Serves The Big Zipper From 7 AM To 11 PM
A burger called the Big Zipper. Tater tots with dipping sauce.
A self-serve fry sauce station and fries sold by the bucket. That lineup alone would make me pull off the highway.
This little stop in eastern Washington keeps its grill going from 7 in the morning until 11 at night, every single day. Breakfast happens here too, which plenty of road-trippers never expect from a burger joint.
I like how the menu wanders well past burgers. Halibut, salmon, shrimp, fried mushrooms, Philly cheesesteaks, and hurricane ice cream treats all share the same counter.
It reads like a road trip snack list that never ended.
Then there are the milkshakes, which seem to come up more than anything else. Cheesecake shakes, chocolate shakes, and a picnic area outside to enjoy them.
So where exactly is this place, and what should you order first?
A Wheat-Country Pit Stop Right Off The Interstate
Out in the wide-open wheat country of eastern Washington, Zip’s Drive In sits right where travelers need it most. It’s a classic fast-food burger stand with a drive-thru, and it feeds a steady flow of folks crossing the state.
Zip’s is a local Washington chain known for hamburgers, fish sandwiches, and chicken sandwiches. The Ritzville location keeps that formula alive with a big menu and long daily hours.
Plenty of drivers treat it as a stretch-your-legs break between Spokane and the Tri-Cities. Others make it a yearly ritual whenever they pass through town, which says a lot about its pull.
The appeal is simple and very Americana. You get burgers, fries, shakes, and fried favorites without any fuss or fancy plating.
Families on long drives seem to like that easy rhythm. Order at the window or head inside, grab your sauces, and get back on the road.
It isn’t trying to be a white-tablecloth destination. Honestly, that’s part of the charm for anyone craving a no-nonsense meal during a long Washington road trip.
The Big Zipper Gets Top Billing For Good Reason
Every classic drive-in needs a signature sandwich, and here it’s the Big Zipper. The name alone sounds like something you’d order with a grin.
It comes up again and again when people talk about Zip’s Drive In. That kind of steady attention usually means a menu item has earned its spot.
Burgers in general get plenty of love at this stop. The lineup includes cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, and a bacon mushroom Swiss burger for anyone wanting a little extra.
Some fans buy cheeseburgers by the bag when they swing through each year. That’s a serious commitment to fast-food tradition.
Expect classic, thinner fast-food style patties rather than thick pub-style burgers. If you love that old-school drive-in style, you’ll feel right at home.
Burgers here are made to order, so a short wait can happen during busy stretches. Use that time to plan which dipping sauces you’ll try with your fries.
Pair the Big Zipper with a side and a shake, and you’ve got the full roadside experience. It’s the kind of meal that tastes best with the highway still humming nearby.
Milkshakes That Steal The Whole Show
Milkshakes get mentioned more than any other item at this Ritzville stop. Yes, even more than the burgers.
Chocolate is a popular pick, and the cheesecake shake has its own little fan club. One past customer said they might skip the food next time but would absolutely return for that shake.
Strawberry is on the menu too, along with ice cream cones for simpler cravings. On a warm summer drive across eastern Washington, a cone can feel like pure relief.
Then there’s the hurricane, a blended ice cream treat with mix-ins like Butterfinger and cheesecake. It’s a fun option for anyone who likes their dessert loaded with crunchy bits.
Shakes are made right there at the window. Friendly staff have been known to whip them up with a bit of humor, which never hurts on a long trip.
Grab one for the road or enjoy it outside at the picnic tables. Either way, a shake might be the most memorable part of your stop at Zip’s Drive In.
Buckets Of Fries And A Sauce Bar To Match
Fries by the bucket. That phrase tells you most of what you need to know about the side dish situation here.
Fans happily order buckets of fries every time they pass through. Portions of regular fries also tend to be generous, which makes sharing easy.
The real fun starts at the self-service fry sauce station. Fry sauce is a Northwest favorite, and having it on tap feels like a small regional treat.
Tartar sauce is another big deal at Zip’s Drive In. It pops up constantly in conversations about the place, and fans insist you shouldn’t forget it.
Ketchup rounds out the basic lineup for traditionalists. Just know some specialty condiments may cost extra, so ask at the counter if you’re unsure.
Busy times can leave the condiment counter a bit messy, simply because so many people use it. A quick grab-and-go approach works well during rush periods.
Mix and match a few sauces with your fries for the full experience. It’s a cheap thrill, and it turns a simple side into a little tasting adventure.
Tater Tots And Fried Mushrooms Worth A Detour
Signature tater tots with dipping sauce might be the sleeper hit of the menu. Staff have recommended them to first-timers, and that tells you they’re proud of them.
Crispy, bite-sized, and easy to eat in the car, tots make sense for road trips. Pair them with a jalapeño chicken sandwich for a combo that once earned glowing praise.
Fried mushrooms are another fan favorite at Zip’s Drive In. Some loyal travelers order a large “Shroom bag” along with their burgers.
That’s a fun twist you won’t find at every fast-food window. Battered mushrooms bring a classic drive-in feel that feels straight out of the past.
Chicken strips are popular too, especially for kids or picky eaters. Corn dogs appear on the menu as well, another kid-friendly choice.
Having so many fried sides lets everyone in the car pick something different. Nobody has to settle for plain fries unless they truly want them.
Grab a few sides to share across the table. Sometimes the extras end up being the highlight of the whole stop.
Seafood Cravings Covered In Wheat Country
Seafood hundreds of miles from the coast sounds unusual, yet fish and chips are a regular topic at this stop. It’s one reason the tartar sauce gets so much attention.
Zip’s has long been known for fish sandwiches alongside its burgers. The Ritzville location carries that tradition with several seafood options.
You’ll spot a halibut burger, shrimp and fries, and salmon and fries on the menu. That’s a surprisingly broad catch for a roadside drive-in.
The fish burger has held up well with travelers trying something new. It’s a nice change of pace when burgers aren’t calling your name.
Shrimp come with sauce choices like tartar, ketchup, or fry sauce. Cocktail sauce isn’t one of the standard options, so plan accordingly.
For anyone traveling with a seafood lover, these choices keep everyone happy. A family can split burgers, fish, and shrimp without visiting three different places.
In the middle of eastern Washington farmland, a basket of fish and chips feels like a fun little contradiction. It’s a quirky perk of stopping at Zip’s Drive In.
Breakfast Starts Earlier Than You’d Guess
Many travelers have no idea Zip’s serves breakfast until they show up. Surprise, the doors open at 7 a.m. every day.
That early start makes it handy for drivers leaving Spokane at dawn. You can grab a hot morning meal without hunting for a diner.
The breakfast menu includes sandwiches and omelets. Croissant options are also part of the lineup.
Timing matters here, though. Breakfast sandwiches wrap up around 11 a.m., so late risers should plan to arrive a bit sooner.
After that cutoff, the menu shifts toward lunch favorites. Burgers, fish, and fried sides take over for the rest of the day.
An early stop also means you’ll likely beat the lunch rush. Quieter mornings can make ordering feel more relaxed.
For families heading out on a long Washington drive, a breakfast stop here could save time. Everyone gets fed, and you’re back on the interstate before the coffee cools.
It’s a small detail, but it turns this burger stand into an all-day option. Few roadside stops cover morning cravings and late-night snacks this well.
Sandwiches Beyond The Burger Lineup
Burgers may get the spotlight, but the sandwich board runs much deeper. A Philly cheesesteak is one of the surprises.
Made-to-order cheesesteaks and cheeseburgers take a few extra minutes. One traveler even apologized online for honking at the window, then called the food amazing.
That’s a good lesson in patience. Fresh food at a drive-thru sometimes needs a moment, and the payoff can be worth it.
Chicken sandwiches bring more variety. The jalapeño chicken sandwich gets special mention for its flavor and a little heat.
A “premium” burger option includes extras like ham, adding even more choice. It’s a fun pick if you like stacked toppings.
With such a large menu, everyone in your group should find something tempting. That variety matters when the car holds a mix of picky kids and hungry adults.
Zip’s Drive In keeps these classics simple and familiar. Nothing too fancy, just hearty sandwiches built for road-trip appetites.
Try something new if you’ve already had the Big Zipper. A cheesesteak in eastern Washington makes for a fun story later.
A Picnic Table Break Beside The Highway
Sometimes the best seat is outside. Zip’s Drive In has an outdoor picnic area that makes a nice break from the car.
It sits next to a gas station, so it’s not exactly a quiet garden. Still, fresh air and room to stretch go a long way on a long drive.
Families with restless kids will appreciate that space. Little legs can move around while the grown-ups finish their fries.
Restrooms are another practical perk for travelers. Stopping to eat and freshen up in one place keeps the trip moving smoothly.
Staff kindness has made some visits especially memorable. One family shared how employees treated their son to a stuffed animal for his smiles and good behavior.
Moments like that show the heart behind a busy roadside counter. It’s a sweet reminder that small gestures can stick with travelers for years.
The vibe feels like old-school Americana, with one guest saying it felt like going back in time. Picnic tables, shakes, and burgers certainly fit that picture.
On a sunny Washington afternoon, eating outside just feels right.
Who Will Love This Old-School Stop Most
Road-trippers are the obvious fans here. Ritzville sits along a major route, and Zip’s is built for quick stops.
Families will like the wide menu, kid-friendly corn dogs, and chicken strips. Everyone can choose something without arguments in the backseat.
Nostalgia seekers should feel right at home too. Classic fast-food burgers, buckets of fries, and shakes deliver straight-up retro comfort.
Travelers charging electric cars nearby can also grab a bite while they wait. It’s a practical option during those mid-trip pauses.
Set your expectations wisely, though. Feedback on Zip’s Drive In is mixed, with a 3.5-star average, and service can vary on busy days.
Some guests praise friendly, funny staff and quick shakes. Others have hit slow orders or mix-ups, so double-checking your bag before driving off is smart.
Budget-minded families should know a full meal for four can add up. It’s still fast food, but extras like shakes and seafood raise the total.
If you want a casual, classic Washington drive-in moment, this stop fits nicely. Just bring patience and an appetite for fried favorites.
Hours, Directions, And Smart Timing Tips
Planning your stop is easy. Zip’s Drive In sits at 1503 Smittys Blvd, Ritzville, WA 99169.
That spot is close to the interstate, making it a simple detour for drivers heading across eastern Washington. You’ll find it near gas and other traveler services.
Hours run from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. That schedule covers early departures, lunch breaks, and late-night cravings.
Breakfast sandwiches end around 11 a.m. Arrive before then if a morning meal is your goal.
The drive-thru is the fastest route for most travelers. Some drivers have noticed the menu board can be tricky to spot, so knowing your order helps.
Inside ordering works well too, especially if you want to explore the sauce station. Made-to-order items may take a few extra minutes.
Exact prices can shift, so check the menu when you arrive. Expect typical fast-food costs, with specialty items and shakes adding a bit more.
Busy summer travel days may bring crowds. A little flexibility goes a long way at any popular road-trip stop.
Worth A Pull-Off For Shakes And Nostalgia
Not every roadside meal needs to be perfect to be memorable. Zip’s Drive In leans into simple, classic drive-in fun.
The best bets seem clear. Milkshakes, tater tots, fried mushrooms, and buckets of fries with fry sauce come up again and again.
The Big Zipper deserves a try for its legendary name alone. Add tartar sauce to something fried, as longtime fans suggest.
Experiences can vary, and that’s worth keeping in mind. Some visits shine with kind service, while others feel rushed.
Still, the charm is hard to deny. Long hours, breakfast, seafood, and old-school burgers make it a flexible stop for many travelers.
I believe the right mindset makes all the difference here. Treat it as a fun, casual break rather than a gourmet destination.
For Washington families and day-trippers crossing wheat country, it offers a taste of nostalgia. A shake at a picnic table can easily become a road-trip tradition.
Next time you pass Ritzville, consider pulling off. Grab a cone or a bucket of fries, and see which favorite becomes yours.