12 Washington Burger Chains That Locals Say Serve Beef Worth The Road Trip
Washington State has a way of turning a simple burger into something special without making a big deal out of it. Every town seems to have that one spot where people have been ordering the same burger for years because it just feels like home.
I’ve had a few of those myself, the kind where the grill sizzles in the background and the fries come out perfectly crisp every time.
In Seattle, Spokane, and everywhere in between, these local burger joints have built loyal followings the old-fashioned way, one juicy bite at a time.
1. Dick’s Drive-In
Since 1954, this Seattle institution has been serving no-frills burgers that taste exactly like they did when your parents were kids. The menu stays simple because they figured out the formula early and never saw a reason to mess with it.
What makes the burgers stand out is the fresh-ground beef and those soft buns that soak up all the right flavors. Lines wrap around the building most nights, but service moves fast enough that you’re rarely waiting long.
I’ve watched three generations of the same family order here on a Friday night, and that tells you everything you need to know about staying power.
2. Burgermaster
Operating since 1952, this place still delivers burgers to your car window like the old days never ended. The half-pound patties come thick and juicy, cooked to order while you sit in your vehicle listening to the radio.
Their secret sauce recipe hasn’t changed in over 70 years, and regulars can taste the difference between this and anything mass-produced. The milkshakes are hand-dipped, not pumped from a machine, which makes them worth the extra wait.
Families pull in on Sunday afternoons, and you can see why this tradition stuck around when so many other drive-ins disappeared.
3. Kidd Valley
Started in 1975, this local chain built its reputation on never freezing their beef and hand-cutting every single fry. The burgers arrive hot with toppings that actually look like the pictures, which feels rare these days.
What catches people off guard is how the bacon gets cooked separately to stay crispy instead of going soggy under cheese and sauce. Their raspberry shakes have developed a cult following that borders on obsessive among certain Seattle-area residents.
Every location feels clean and well-maintained, which matters more than people admit when choosing where to eat.
4. Zip’s Drive-In
Eastern Washington has claimed this chain as its own since 1953, and locals defend it fiercely against any Seattle burger joint. The Zip Burger comes with a special tartar-based sauce that people either crave constantly or find too unusual for their taste.
Fresh beef gets smashed on the grill daily, creating those crispy edges that make a burger memorable. Prices stay lower than most competitors, which explains why high school parking lots empty out when everyone heads to Zip’s for lunch.
The onion rings deserve their own mention because they’re thick-cut and never greasy.
5. Red Mill Burgers
This Seattle favorite started in 1994 and quickly became the place where burger snobs and regular folks find common ground. The beef comes from local ranches, and you can actually taste the difference in quality with every bite.
I ordered the bacon cheeseburger on my first visit and couldn’t believe how much flavor came from such straightforward ingredients. They offer options for people who want turkey, veggie, or salmon patties without making the whole menu feel like a health food lecture.
The space is small and always packed, but nobody seems to mind waiting because the end result justifies the inconvenience.
6. Frugals
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean boring at this Pacific Northwest chain that’s been around since 1988. The burgers come off the grill with enough heft to fill you up without emptying your wallet in the process.
Their soft-serve ice cream has become just as popular as the burgers, especially when temperatures climb during summer months. Families appreciate that kids can get a solid meal and dessert without parents spending what feels like a car payment.
Locations stay clean and bright, making them feel welcoming rather than like a last resort when you’re broke and hungry.
7. D’Lish’s Hamburgers
This smaller chain focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well instead of trying to be everything to everyone. The burgers get seasoned properly, which sounds basic but makes all the difference when you’re eating something this simple.
What surprises first-timers is how the vegetables taste fresh and crisp rather than like they’ve been sitting in a bin for three days. The staff actually seems to care whether your order comes out right, which has become uncomfortably rare in fast food.
I’ve never left feeling like I overpaid or got cheated on portion size, which builds trust over time.
8. Herfy’s Burgers
Around since 1960, this chain has watched countless competitors come and go while sticking to what works. The burgers arrive hot and properly assembled, with buns that don’t fall apart halfway through your meal.
Their breakfast menu deserves attention because not many burger places can pull off morning food that tastes homemade. Prices reflect an understanding that most customers are working people who need decent food without breaking the bank.
Locations feel comfortable rather than trying too hard to be trendy, which appeals to people who just want a good burger without the performance art.
9. Bob’s Burgers & Brew
This newer chain brings a slightly elevated approach without crossing into pretentious territory. The beef gets sourced locally, and the kitchen takes time to cook each burger properly instead of rushing everything out half-done.
Toppings go beyond the standard lettuce and tomato, offering things like grilled onions and specialty sauces that actually add flavor. The atmosphere works equally well for a quick lunch or sitting down with friends after work.
I appreciate that they don’t overload burgers with so many toppings that you can’t taste the beef anymore, which shows restraint and confidence.
10. Burgerville
Though it started in Oregon, this chain has enough Washington locations to count as honorary local status. The commitment to regional ingredients means menu items change with the seasons, which keeps things interesting for regular customers.
Their beef comes from sustainable ranches, and you can taste that it hasn’t been frozen and shipped across the country. The seasonal shakes made with actual fruit have people marking calendars for when strawberry or huckleberry versions return.
Prices run higher than typical fast food, but the quality gap is wide enough to justify spending the extra few dollars.
11. Blazing Onion Burger Co.
This chain started in 2007 and quickly built a following by treating burgers like they deserve actual attention and craft. The menu offers creative combinations that sound weird on paper but somehow work perfectly when you take that first bite.
Fresh beef gets hand-formed into patties daily, and the kitchen doesn’t cut corners on toppings or preparation. I tried the mushroom burger expecting it to be just okay, and ended up going back twice that same week because it stuck in my head.
The space feels comfortable enough for families but nice enough that you wouldn’t feel weird bringing a date there either.
12. Stack 571 Burger Bar
This spot brings a more grown-up approach to burgers without losing sight of what makes them satisfying in the first place. The beef quality stands out immediately, cooked to temperature instead of the usual well-done hockey puck treatment.
Toppings feel thoughtfully chosen rather than randomly thrown together, and the buns hold up under all that juice and weight. The atmosphere leans more toward sit-down restaurant than quick burger stop, which works when you want something substantial.
Prices match the elevated experience, so this isn’t your everyday lunch spot unless you’re doing pretty well for yourself financially.