Peanut butter on a burger would make me pause over the menu. A stegosaurus outside another burger stand would probably make me reach for my phone.
That gives you an idea of how varied a burger run can become.
One joint has been serving since 1948. Elsewhere, a smash patty gets topped with a fried egg and thick ham, while another kitchen offers bison and elk.
Choosing lunch could mean sticking with a familiar favorite or finally trying the combination you keep wondering about.
The settings deserve some attention, too. Old drive-ins and retro diners share the lineup with a former service station full of vintage treasures.
There are tiny spots and places beside a river, giving you a few reasons to take your time once the food arrives.
That’s what makes this a fun list to work through with someone whose order you already know by heart. Start with their usual, then show them the menu with the peanut butter.
You might end up planning two stops before you’ve finished reading.
1. Red Mill Burgers
A tower of peppered bacon is the stuff of burger legends. At this Phinney Ridge favorite, it shows up stacked right on your patty.
The burgers here are charbroiled, old-school style. Expect crispy lettuce, red onion, pickles, and a toasted bun holding it together.
Start with the Double Bacon Deluxe with Cheese if you want the full show. The thick-cut bacon is the headliner, and it doesn’t hold back.
Red Mill sauce adds a tangy kick you’ll remember. It’s one of those house sauces that makes a classic burger feel like its own thing.
Now, about that shake. The boysenberry flavor is a local favorite, thick and fruity and purple in the best way.
Prefer something lighter? Fresh-squeezed lemonade pairs nicely with a basket of fries.
Babe’s Onion Rings deserve a spot on your tray too. They come out crispy and make a satisfying side.
Vegetarians aren’t stuck with a sad side salad here. There’s a full vegetarian menu, including the Red Onion Garden Burger and the Verde Veg Burger.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves fast. Still, a wait is common, so patience pays off.
Fridays in the evening get the busiest. Weekday afternoons are your best bet for a calmer visit.
Outdoor seating lets you eat in the open air on nice Seattle days. Dogs are welcome outside, so your pup can sniff the bacon from close range.
Plan around the schedule, since Monday is a day off. The rest of the week, the grill fires up for lunch and dinner.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs. That makes it an easy pick when everyone wants something different.
Address: 312 N 67th St, Seattle, WA 98103
2. Uneeda Burger
Grass-fed beef sets the tone at this Fremont burger shack. The menu leans gourmet, but the mood stays laid-back.
Mushroom lovers, take note. The Mushroom burger pairs juicy beef with melted cheese, and it’s a standout pick.
Craving something different from beef? A Bison burger is on the lineup, too.
The Big Star Burger and Blue Onion Burger round out the creative side. If you like your toppings bold, those names should catch your eye.
Classic fans aren’t forgotten. The Plain Jane Burger keeps things simple, which is sometimes exactly right.
Not a burger person at all? The Buddha Bowl offers a veggie patty option, but contains feta.
Ask about changes if you need it prepared vegan.
Thick shakes are part of the deal, so save room. A burger and a shake here feels like a proper Seattle afternoon.
The space has a chill feel with outdoor seating. It’s a fun place to linger when the sun actually shows up.
Uneeda also puts effort into sustainable practices. That’s a nice bonus when you care where your food comes from.
You order at the counter, and the food arrives quickly. No reservations, so just show up hungry.
Families get a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. Free Wi-Fi is available if you need to answer a few emails between bites.
Dogs are allowed, which makes it a solid stop after a Fremont stroll. The neighborhood is perfect for walking off a big lunch.
Doors open daily at 11 AM. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are quieter than weekend evenings.
Parking nearby can get tricky. Give yourself a few extra minutes, and the reward will be worth it.
Address: 4302 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
3. Wisconsinburger
A burger named the Gorgonzaga could only live in Spokane. It’s a cheesy nod to the city’s famous university, and it sets the playful tone here.
Wisconsin pride runs through the whole menu. Think brat bites, cheese curd energy, and frozen custard for dessert.
The Packer Backer Brat Bites make a fun opener. Football fans will catch the joke right away.
Burgers are the real draw, though. The patties are freshly made and juicy, the kind you need two hands and a napkin for.
Side choices are generous. Fries, onion rings, and fried pickles all compete for space on your table.
Save room for frozen custard. It’s richer than regular soft serve and a classic Wisconsin treat.
Vegetarians can grab the Madison Veggie burger. Kids or picky eaters might go for the grilled cheese.
Need to skip gluten? A gluten-free bun is available.
The room has wood ceilings and plenty of seating. It feels woodsy and relaxed, with a patio for sunny days.
Sports fans, this is a good place to catch a game. Screens and burgers just make sense together.
You’ll find it in the South Perry District. The neighborhood has a small-town feel inside the city.
Hours run from 11 AM to 9 PM every day. Weekend evenings get busy, so a midweek lunch is a smart move.
Dogs are allowed, and there’s a kids’ menu. Street parking can take some circling, so plan ahead.
Address: 916 S Hatch St, Spokane, WA 99202
4. Thrifty Scotsman Drive In
Ham on a burger? At this Spokane Valley drive-in, it’s not a mistake, it’s the Big Papa.
That signature burger piles ham onto beef for a hearty, salty combo. It’s a bargain-friendly pick that fills you up fast.
The Thrifty Bacon Burger is another favorite. The bacon comes out crisp and full of flavor.
This place feels like a hamburger stand from back in the day. Counter service, quick food, and no fuss.
Fries are fresh-cut. Tater tots are on the menu too, and they’re made for dunking.
Speaking of dunking, grab the fry sauce. It’s a tangy, creamy dip that works on tots, fries, and maybe even your burger.
Shakes round out the classic lineup. A thick shake with a juicy burger is pure drive-in comfort.
Gluten-free diners get a burger option. You’ll also find chicken sandwiches and fish if someone wants a break from beef.
In a rush? The drive-through keeps things moving.
Prefer to sit? Indoor and outdoor seating are both available.
Parking is usually easy, which is rare for popular burger spots. Free lots and street spots make quick stops simple.
Weekday hours start at 10:30 AM, perfect for an early lunch. Friday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds.
Kids get their own menu and high chairs. Dogs can hang out with you outside.
It’s a straight-up taste of Washington drive-in history. Sometimes the simplest burger is the one you remember.
Address: 12024 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99206
5. Frisko Freeze
Midnight burger cravings have a home in Tacoma. This retro landmark stays open until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
The look is pure throwback. A drive-thru and a walk-up window are your two ways to order.
Burgers are made to order and served hot. The patties hit a nice thickness, and they come slathered in a signature sauce.
Soft buns tie it all together. It’s simple food done right, and that’s the whole charm.
The Double Cheeseburger and the Doubleburger are two options for a hearty order.
Fries here get plenty of love. Onion rings are another solid side if you can’t decide.
Feeling nostalgic? A corn dog fits the retro mood perfectly.
Seafood fans can try the Fishwich. Vegetarians can order the Gardenburger.
For dessert, the Frisko Slushee Float is a playful treat. It’s sweet, fizzy, and very on brand.
Shakes are on the menu too. A classic shake with a late-night burger is hard to beat.
There’s no indoor dining room or restroom. Plan to eat in your car or take it home.
Lines can build, especially Friday nights. A short wait is part of the ritual.
The kitchen opens at 10 AM daily. That means you can grab an early lunch or a very late snack.
Dogs are welcome, so bring your co-pilot. Free parking makes the stop easy.
Address: 1201 Division Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
6. Spanky Burger & Brew
Peanut butter on a burger sounds like a dare. At this Tacoma spot, it’s one of the most talked-about orders.
The Peanut Butter Burger blends salty, sweet, and savory. Brave eaters, this one is calling your name.
Not that adventurous? The Bacon Bleu brings bold blue cheese and a tasty sauce.
Heat seekers have choices too. The Chipotle Burger, Jalapeno Popper Burger, and Spicy Queso Burger all bring the spice.
The sides are just as fun. Sidewinder fries are crispy potato twists that look as good as they taste.
Potato Nachos are a creative swap for chips. They make a great shareable starter.
Craving chicken? The Potato Chip Chicken pieces get their crunch from a potato chip coating.
Vegetarians can order the Vegan Burger, made with a vegetable and grain patty.
Gluten-free options are available as well. That makes it easier to bring along friends with dietary needs.
Shakes deserve a mention. The strawberry milkshake is made with real strawberries.
Portions are solid, so you won’t leave hungry. The beef is well-seasoned and full of flavor.
You order at the counter, and food arrives quickly. The space is clean and easygoing.
Watch the schedule, because Saturday is a day off. Friday nights run a little later, until 10 PM.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. It’s an easy pick for a fun Tacoma dinner.
Address: 601 S Pine St, Tacoma, WA 98405
7. Fiamma Burger
Beef or plant-based? Fiamma offers smash burgers alongside Impossible and house-made veggie burgers.
The smash burgers use all-natural beef from the Klingeman Family Farm in eastern Washington.
Then there’s the BelllingHAM burger. It stacks egg, cheese, thick ham, a smash patty, whisker fries, and sauce.
Yes, there are fries right on the burger. It’s messy, hearty, and pretty much impossible to stop eating.
Customizing is half the fun. Build your burger the way you like it, with quality ingredients at every layer.
Garlic fries are the go-to side. Pair them with local dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Thirsty? Lemonade slushies are a cool, tangy treat.
Vegetarians aren’t left out. A full vegetarian menu means everyone can find a meal.
The space mixes wood and metal for a modern look. It feels upscale but still relaxed.
Outdoor seating is great for people-watching. Railroad Avenue sits in the heart of downtown Bellingham.
Order at the counter, and the food comes out fast. No reservations needed.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. The crowd is mixed, from college students to traveling families.
Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM daily. Weekend evenings get busiest, so lunch is a calmer option.
Street parking can be tight downtown. A short walk is a small price for this Washington original.
Address: 1309 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
8. Miner’s Drive-In Restaurant
Since 1948, this Yakima institution has been flipping burgers that make other patties look shy. The portions are famously huge.
The Big Miner Burger is the star of the show. Bring a big appetite, or maybe a friend.
Fresh beef and local veggies make up these jumbo burgers. In Yakima Valley farm country, that local touch matters.
The Bacon Cheese Burger is another strong pick. Prefer a combo?
The Miners Burger with Regular Fries keeps it simple.
Fries are made from real potatoes. Onion rings are on the menu too.
Now, shakes. The fresh strawberry shake is a big draw, and root beer shakes are worth a try.
Strawberry sundaes also show up on the dessert lineup. Summer in Yakima practically demands one.
Not feeling beef? Fish and chips and chicken strip baskets are available.
The hours are wild in the best way. It opens at 8 AM and stays open until 2 AM, or 3 AM on weekends.
That makes it a lifesaver for road trips and late-night hunger. You can basically visit anytime.
The drive-thru keeps things moving. Indoor and outdoor seating work if you’d rather stay a while.
Weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds. A short wait is common, but service runs quickly.
Kids get their own menu, and it’s a popular birthday spot. Parking is usually easy to find.
Address: 2415 S 1st St, Yakima, WA 98903
9. Red Arrow Drive In
Milkshakes so thick you’ll fight the straw? That’s a badge of honor at this Cle Elum drive-in.
It’s a classic stop off Interstate 90 in the Cascade foothills. Road-trippers heading over the pass will love it.
The Giant Burger lives up to its name. The patties are juicy and well seasoned.
Crinkle fries come on the side. Even folks who usually skip crinkle cuts tend to change their minds here.
Onion rings are another crunchy option. Chili dogs are on hand for pure comfort food.
Want something besides a burger? The Giant Hot Pastrami Sandwich is a hearty choice.
The menu stretches further than you’d expect. Think BLTs, fish sandwiches, fish and chips, and grilled chicken.
Gluten-free buns are available. That’s a nice perk for a small-town stand.
You can eat inside, outside, or grab food at the drive-through. Outdoor picnic seating is perfect on mountain days.
The place is clean and easygoing. Service is friendly and quick.
Hours run 10 AM to 10 PM every day. That’s handy whether you’re driving early or late.
Weekend afternoons are the busiest. Weeknights tend to stay calmer.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. Dogs can join you outside after a long car ride.
Parking is usually plentiful. Pull in, stretch your legs, and let the shake test your straw skills.
Address: 1011 E 1st St, Cle Elum, WA 98922
10. Frugals
No dining room, no tables, no problem. Frugals is a drive-thru only spot in Port Angeles, and it keeps things refreshingly simple.
The fries might steal the spotlight. They’re crispy, seasoned shoestrings that disappear fast.
Burgers are freshly made and served hot. A tangy house dressing gives them extra flavor.
The Frugal Burger is the signature order. The Cheese Burger and Bacon Cheeseburger are classic backups.
Cheese curds are a fun side. They’re a tasty change from fries if you want to mix it up.
Shakes are thick and creamy. The Oreo Milkshake is a crowd-pleaser.
Seafood fans can order the Fried Fish Sandwich with fries. It’s a fitting choice in a waterfront town.
Prices are friendly, which matches the name. You get a lot of flavor without a big bill.
Port Angeles is the gateway to Olympic National Park. Grabbing burgers here before a hike or ferry ride just makes sense.
Since there’s no seating or restroom, plan to eat in the car. Or find a scenic spot along the water.
Lines can stack up, especially on weekend afternoons. A short wait comes with the territory.
Hours stretch until 10 PM most nights. Fridays and Saturdays go until 11 PM.
Kids get their own menu. Dogs riding along are totally welcome.
Simple, fast, and satisfying. That’s the formula here.
Address: 1520 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
11. Stack 571 Burger & Whiskey Bar
Burgers with a river view? This Vancouver spot sits right on the waterfront by the Columbia River.
The setting alone makes it a great date or family outing. Outdoor seating lets you soak up the scenery.
Burgers here go gourmet. The 571 Burger is the namesake, and it’s a smart first order.
The Fatted Sow Burger brings a porky twist. The Poutine Burger mixes two comfort foods into one.
Vegetarians can request a Beyond Burger patty instead of beef. Ask staff which toppings suit a vegetarian order.
Love a dip? The Burger Dip is a fun spin on a classic French dip.
Loco Moco Fries add island flair to your side order. They’re a hearty, shareable treat.
The onion rings come in a delicate, crispy batter. They’re light, crunchy, and very easy to keep eating.
Finish with a chocolate shake. It’s a sweet ending after a big stack.
The patties are cooked just right and full of juice. Toppings feel thoughtful without getting fussy.
Unlike most burger stops, this one takes reservations. That’s handy on busy weekend evenings.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. Free Wi-Fi is available too.
Parking along the waterfront can take a little effort. Paid garages and lots are nearby.
Doors open at 11:30 AM daily. Walk the waterfront park after your meal, and call it a perfect day.
Address: 670 Waterfront Wy, Vancouver, WA 98660
12. Eastside Big Tom
A stegosaurus guards this tiny Olympia burger stand. Yes, really, and it’s as fun as it sounds.
The dinosaur theme gives the place a cartoon-like charm. Kids and grown-ups alike will want a photo.
Now, about the Goop. It’s the trademarked special sauce that makes these burgers stand out.
The Big Tom Burger is the classic order. Juicy patties and fresh toppings get a generous swipe of Goop.
Cheeseburgers are a solid pick too. The patties come out moist and cooked just right.
Side choices cover the basics well. Crinkle fries, tater tots, and onion rings are all on hand.
Shakes come in many flavors. The banana shake made with real bananas is a fan favorite.
Hot fudge sundaes are another sweet finish. Good luck picking just one dessert.
You can use the drive-thru or grab a seat. There’s more seating than you’d expect for such a small stand.
Free Wi-Fi is a nice bonus. Dogs are welcome too.
Timing matters here. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 7 PM, and closed Sunday and Monday.
That early closing time means dinner should be planned ahead. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
Parking is usually easy. The east side of Olympia makes for a quick stop near downtown.
Washington has plenty of burger stands, but few have a dinosaur mascot. That alone earns it a visit.
Address: 2023 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98506
13. Red Horse Diner
Your burger comes with a side of history here. This Ellensburg diner lives inside a former service station.
Vintage memorabilia fills the space. Antique signs and classic-car style decor give it a strong retro feel.
Browsing the collection is half the fun. You could spend your whole wait just looking around.
The burgers are classic and well built. Juicy patties, melted cheese, and fresh toppings stay together from first bite to last.
That might sound minor until a burger falls apart on you. Here, the portions are balanced just right.
Steak fries are the standard side. Chili Cheese Fries are there if you want something heavier.
The Malibu Teriyaki adds a sweet, savory twist to the burger lineup. Vegetarians can try the Grocery Getter garden burger.
Milkshakes complete the retro experience. A shake in a vintage diner just feels right.
Breakfast is served too. Steak Bites and 2 Eggs or a breakfast sandwich make a strong morning start.
Doors open at 7 AM daily. Hours run late into the evening, so it fits any schedule.
Table service keeps things relaxed. Reservations are accepted, which helps with bigger groups.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. Central Washington University students make up part of the crowd.
Parking is usually plentiful. It’s an easy stop off the highway through central Washington.
Address: 1518 W University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926
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