12 Washington Burger Places That Hit The Right Notes

Washington knows how to make a great burger. Across the Evergreen State, retro drive-ins and modern burger bars serve up juicy patties that hit the spot every time.

In Seattle, Spokane, and everywhere in between, these 12 burger joints keep locals loyal and visitors hungry for more.

1. Red Mill Burgers: Bacon Lover’s Paradise

Bacon makes everything better at Red Mill, where the signature Bacon Deluxe comes loaded with crispy strips that extend beyond the bun. The Seattle institution crafts each burger with attention to detail that keeps fans returning.

Vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia decorates the walls while the grill sizzles continuously. Their homemade mill sauce adds tanginess to perfectly charred patties, creating a flavor combination that’s earned them spots on numerous “best burger” lists across the Pacific Northwest.

2. Dick’s Drive-In: Seattle’s Nostalgic Burger Haven

Generations of Seattleites have made late-night Dick’s runs a tradition since 1954. The no-frills menu features deliciously simple burgers at prices that seem frozen in time.

What makes Dick’s special isn’t fancy toppings but consistency – hand-cut fries, real ice cream shakes, and burgers made with fresh, never-frozen beef.

Walk-up windows add to the retro charm that keeps lines forming rain or shine.

3. Li’l Woody’s: Creative Comfort Between Buns

Li’l Woody’s transforms burger-eating into a culinary adventure with combinations like the Fig and the Pig – featuring fig jam and bacon. Their beef comes from local farms.

The first time I bit into their Queso Burger with Hatch green chilies, I nearly cried from happiness. Each location maintains neighborhood charm while delivering consistent quality.

Don’t skip their hand-cut fries or seasonal shakes that use local ingredients when available.

4. Katsu Burger: Japanese-American Fusion Magic

Panko-crusted patties create the satisfying crunch that makes Katsu Burger unique. These Japanese-inspired creations come with toppings like nori, tonkatsu sauce, and wasabi mayo that transform the American classic.

Burger names like “Godzilla Attack” and “Ninja Deluxe” hint at the playful approach. Beyond beef, they offer chicken, pork, and tofu options.

Their colorful, manga-decorated spaces feel as vibrant as their flavor combinations, making every visit memorable.

5. Burgermaster: Classic Drive-In Experience

Pull up, flip on your headlights, and wait for car-side service at Burgermaster, a Northwest institution since 1952. Their flame-broiled patties come wrapped in paper that barely contains the juiciness within.

My grandpa used to bring me here after Little League games, claiming their chocolate shakes could fix any batting slump. The menu hasn’t changed much over decades, offering comforting consistency in a world of culinary trends.

Each location maintains the same quality that’s kept families returning for generations.

6. Frisko Freeze: Tacoma’s Beloved Burger Landmark

The mint-green building with retro signage has been a Tacoma landmark since 1950. Frisko Freeze serves no-nonsense burgers that locals defend fiercely against any newcomers claiming better patties in Pierce County.

The walk-up window operation hasn’t changed in decades. Juicy burgers come wrapped in paper that quickly becomes translucent from the delicious grease.

Weather doesn’t deter loyal customers who huddle under the small awning during rain, proving dedication to these perfectly griddled treasures.

7. Miner’s Drive-In: Yakima Valley’s Oversized Legend

Bring your appetite and possibly a friend when ordering Miner’s famous burgers. Their “Big Miner” requires two hands and serious commitment, featuring a massive patty that extends well beyond standard buns.

One summer road trip through Eastern Washington, I stopped here on a whim and couldn’t finish half my burger. Locals smiled knowingly at my wide eyes.

The unpretentious spot has served the Yakima Valley since 1948, with a menu that respects tradition while satisfying modern hunger.

8. D. Lish’s Hamburgers: Spokane’s Freshness Champion

Every morning, D. Lish’s crew slices vegetables for the day ahead. Nothing sits pre-made, creating burgers that taste noticeably fresher than chain alternatives. The drive-through line often stretches around the building.

Their special sauce remains a closely guarded secret that many have tried to replicate. Simple menu boards list combinations without fancy names or gimmicks.

What they lack in frills, they make up for with quality ingredients and consistent execution that keeps Spokane residents loyal.

9. Zip’s Drive-In: Eastern Washington’s Burger Network

Zip’s has woven itself into Eastern Washington’s cultural fabric since 1953. Their Papa Joe burger – topped with ham and cheese – offers a unique twist you won’t find at national chains.

Regional variations exist between locations, but the core menu maintains beloved standards. The tartar sauce inspires such devotion that some customers request extra containers to take home.

Their crinkle-cut fries provide the perfect vehicle for Zip’s famous fry sauce.

10. Boomer’s Drive-In: Bellingham’s Shake and Burger Authority

College students and longtime Bellingham residents agree that Boomer’s serves burger perfection. Their hand-pressed patties sizzle on the grill while real ice cream shakes blend in vintage mixers visible from the counter.

I discovered Boomer’s during a rainy college visit with my daughter. The cashier recommended their mushroom Swiss burger which made us forget about the downpour outside.

Their onion rings – hand-battered and massive – deserve their own fan club among Western Washington University students who spread the word nationwide.

11. Ice-Burg Drive-In: Walla Walla’s Time Capsule

Stepping up to Ice-Burg’s window feels like time travel to simpler days. Their burgers arrive wrapped in paper, juices soaking through – a promising sign of the flavor bomb waiting inside.

The family-owned spot keeps prices reasonable while maintaining quality that draws wine tourists and locals alike. Their bacon cheeseburger achieves perfect harmony between crispy, smoky bacon and melted cheese.

Seasonal huckleberry shakes showcase regional flavors that complement their classic burgers.

12. PICK-QUICK Drive In: Preserving Burger Heritage

PICK-QUICK has maintained the same cooking methods since 1949. Their flat-top grilled burgers develop perfect caramelization that creates flavor complexity without fancy toppings. The Fife location operates year-round.

Standing in line becomes a social experience as strangers discuss their favorite orders. Cash-only policies and outdoor-only seating maintain tradition while their newer locations offer modern conveniences.

Their housemade relish adds brightness that cuts through richness, creating balanced bites that explain their decades-long popularity.