14 Washington Drive-In Burger Joints That Locals Say Should Never Close
I’ve always believed that the true heart of a town can be found in its local diners, especially the ones that serve up a classic burger with a side of nostalgia.
For years, I’ve been on a mission to discover those hidden gems, the places where the fries are always crispy and the milkshakes are thick enough to stand a spoon in. Washington state is brimming with them, and I’ve rounded up a few of my absolute favorites – the drive-in burger joints that I, and countless locals, pray never disappear.
1. Dick’s Drive-In – Seattle Area
Few burger joints inspire the kind of devotion that Dick’s commands across the Seattle area. Since 1954, this no-frills institution has served up simple, affordable burgers that taste exactly like they did decades ago.
Hand-cut fries and thick milkshakes round out a menu that refuses to change with trends. The prices remain shockingly low, which is part of why lines wrap around the building at all hours.
Locals will passionately defend Dick’s against any criticism, treating it less like a restaurant and more like a civic treasure that defines Seattle itself.
2. Burgermaster – Seattle And Eastside Area
Family-run since its founding, Burgermaster has maintained its drive-in roots while adapting just enough to stay relevant. The griddle-cooked burgers arrive with perfectly crispy edges and juicy centers that keep people coming back for decades.
Regulars often have a favorite location and will drive past other burger spots just to get their Burgermaster fix. The retro atmosphere feels authentic because it is, not some manufactured throwback vibe.
Longtime locals display fierce loyalty, often introducing their own children to the same burgers they grew up eating at these beloved spots.
3. PICK-QUICK Drive-In – Fife, Auburn, And SoDo
Operating since 1949, PICK-QUICK has become a Pacific Northwest institution that spans generations of burger lovers. The grilled burgers have a distinctive char that comes from decades of perfecting the same cooking method.
Milkshakes here are thick enough to require serious effort with a straw, just the way they should be. The nostalgic drive-in experience transports customers back to simpler times when a burger and shake were all you needed.
With multiple locations serving the greater Tacoma and Seattle areas, PICK-QUICK has proven its staying power in a competitive burger landscape.
4. Frisko Freeze – Tacoma
Neon lights and greasy-spoon charm define this Tacoma favorite that serves late-night crowds and lunchtime regulars with equal enthusiasm. The burgers are unapologetically classic, dripping with flavor and served without pretension.
Crinkle-cut fries arrive hot and salty, perfect for dipping in one of their thick shakes. I remember stopping here after high school football games, joining the crowd of hungry teenagers who treated Frisko Freeze like a second home.
The glowing signage has become a Tacoma landmark, visible from blocks away and calling to anyone with a burger craving at any hour.
5. Miner’s Drive-In – Yakima And Union Gap
Central Washington’s burger legend has been packing them in since the 1940s with portions that could feed a small army. The giant milkshakes are almost comically large, requiring two hands and serious dedication to finish.
Locals keep this place packed during lunch and dinner rushes, creating wait times that nobody seems to mind. The burgers are substantial and satisfying, built for people who work hard and need real fuel.
Yakima Valley residents treat Miner’s like an essential part of their community identity, the kind of place that anchors a region’s food culture.
6. Ray’s Drive-In – Everett
North Everett’s classic drive-in serves more than just burgers, though those are reason enough to visit. The fish and chips have their own devoted following, offering a tasty alternative when you need a break from beef.
Old-school charm permeates every corner of Ray’s, from the vintage signage to the friendly service that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. Locals call it a must-stop destination, not just another burger joint.
The milkshakes are thick and creamy, blending perfectly with the salty burgers and crispy fries that define the Ray’s experience.
7. Boomer’s Drive-In – Bellingham
Bellingham residents treat Boomer’s like hometown treasure, and for good reason. The Big Boom burger has earned national recognition, putting this small-town drive-in on the map for burger enthusiasts everywhere.
Waffle fries provide the perfect crispy, golden companion to juicy burgers that arrive loaded with toppings. My cousin who lives in Bellingham refuses to meet anywhere else for lunch, insisting that Boomer’s is the only acceptable option.
Regular customers have their favorite combinations memorized, ordering with the ease of people who have been coming here for years and plan to continue for many more.
8. Dick’s Hamburgers – Spokane
Spokane’s Dick’s shares no affiliation with Seattle’s famous chain but commands equal nostalgia and devotion from its local crowd. The retro architecture looks like it belongs in a 1950s postcard, complete with vintage signage and classic design elements.
No-frills burgers are the specialty here, prepared the same way for decades without unnecessary complications or trendy additions. A dedicated local following keeps this spot busy, proving that Spokane knows good burgers when it tastes them.
The simplicity is the point, offering straightforward satisfaction in a world that often overcomplicates food with unnecessary bells and whistles.
9. Clark’s Restaurant – Cosmopolis And Arctic Area
Coastal charm meets classic diner fare at this Twin Harbors institution repeatedly voted best in the region. The milkshakes are legendary, thick and rich enough to satisfy even the pickiest shake enthusiasts.
Old-school burgers arrive on plates that also feature generous portions of other comfort food favorites. This is a plate-lunch institution where locals gather not just for food but for community connection.
The coastal location adds to the appeal, making Clark’s a perfect stop after a day at the beach or a morning of exploring the rugged Washington coast.
10. Red Mill Burgers – Seattle (Phinney, Interbay, And Ballard)
Crunchy burger edges have become the signature of this Seattle favorite that draws loyal crowds to multiple locations. The walk-up counter setup feels retro and authentic, avoiding the corporate polish that strips character from so many restaurants.
Classic combinations are executed with precision, using quality ingredients that elevate simple burgers into something memorable. Lines often stretch out the door, but regulars know the wait is worth it.
Red Mill has earned its place in Seattle’s classic-burger canon, standing alongside older institutions as proof that newer spots can still capture authentic drive-in spirit and quality.
11. Red Wagon Burgers – Tumwater And Olympia Area
Capital area locals champion this straightforward spot that delivers satisfying burgers without unnecessary fuss or pretension. Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry, making Red Wagon a reliable choice for lunch or dinner.
The no-frills approach extends to the decor and service, focusing energy on food quality rather than trendy ambiance. I’ve stopped here several times while visiting friends in Olympia, and the consistency is impressive.
Regulars appreciate the honest approach to burgers, serving up exactly what people want without trying to reinvent classics that already work perfectly well as they are.
12. Herfy’s Burgers – Olympia
Reliably good grilled burgers have made Herfy’s a regional go-to for Olympia residents seeking hometown comfort food. Late-day crowds fill the restaurant as people stop by after work or school for a satisfying meal.
The consistent quality keeps customers returning, knowing exactly what to expect with each visit. Olympia regulars treat Herfy’s like an old friend, dependable and familiar in the best possible way.
Regional chains sometimes get overlooked in favor of independents, but Herfy’s has earned its loyal following through decades of serving straightforward, tasty burgers to hungry customers throughout the capital region.
13. Bob’s Drive-In – Sunnyside (Yakima Valley)
Family-run operations often have a special quality that corporate chains cannot replicate, and Bob’s exemplifies this perfectly. Decades of local love have sustained this Yakima Valley gem through changing food trends and economic shifts.
Simple, fresh burgers paired with thick milkshakes form the core menu that valley residents return to again and again. The family ownership shows in the care taken with each order and the warm atmosphere that greets every customer.
People in Sunnyside and surrounding areas consider Bob’s an essential part of their community, the kind of place worth protecting and supporting for future generations to enjoy.
14. Twin Pines Drive-In – Cle Elum
Seasonal operations make this Cascade Pass-area favorite even more special, creating anticipation for its annual opening. Travelers and locals alike chase the classic burgers and shakes that have made Twin Pines a regional destination.
The roadside location makes it a perfect stop for people heading over the mountains or exploring the scenic Cle Elum area. Simple preparations let quality ingredients shine through in every bite.
When Twin Pines opens for the season, regulars mark their calendars and plan their first visits, treating the occasion like the return of an old friend who brings joy and delicious food.