Discover the Best Burgers in Washington 🍔✨

Uncover the sizzling secrets behind the city’s best patties. 😋🔥

By Margaret Schwegmann
Blog

Washington’s burger scene sizzles with bold flavors and unexpected twists.
From griddle-crisped classics to globally inspired creations, each bite tells a story.

Tower reflecting over water in front of a sunset.
Photo by Pixabay

Local chefs champion fresh, high-quality ingredients, turning humble patties into mouthwatering masterpieces.

A spatula being used to press beef patties onto the grill.
Photo by Micah Boerma

For newcomers and seasoned locals alike, it’s a juicy journey of discovery—no two burgers taste the same.

Beef patties being grilled over a fire.
Photo by Marcelo Chagas

🍔 Lil Woody’s 🍔

Craving a burger that’s juicy, creative, and 100% Seattle? ✨ Look no further than Lil Woody’s, home to Washington’s best cheeseburgers and a cult following for good reason. 🎉

Voted “Best Burger in Washington” by Reader’s Digest, this spot slings grass-fed beef patties, wild weekly specials, and shakes so thick they double as dessert. Local ingredients? Check. Funky vibes? Double-check.

A burger with a cup of dipping sauce and French fries behind it.
Paju Jr., Photo by Brian N.

Food Highlights

  • Lil Woody Burger: The OG! 🏆 A quarter-pound grass-fed patty piled with Tillamook cheddar, pickles, onions, and tangy sauces on a Tacoma-made bun. Simple. Perfect. Pure burger bliss.
  • Big Woody: Upgrade to bacon 🥓, fresh lettuce, tomato, and melty Swiss cheese. It’s a flavor explosion that’ll have you licking your fingers.
  • Pendleton: For onion-ring lovers! 🤠 Crispy rings, cheddar, and BBQ sauce stack high on this messy masterpiece.
  • The Fig and the Pig: Sweet meets savory with pickled figs, blue cheese, and bacon. 🍯🍖 Weird? Yes. Wonderful? Absolutely.
  • Smoked Out: Smoked cheddar + chipotle mayo = smoky, spicy perfection. 🌶️🔥
  • Cap Hill Fried Chicken Sandwich: Not a burger, but too good to skip—buttermilk-fried chicken with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a fluffy bun. 🍗

Atmosphere

Think retro-meets-artsy hangout 🎨: exposed brick, local art, and a soundtrack that vibes with Seattle’s indie spirit.

Downstairs seats small groups, while upstairs fits crews ready to dive into burger chaos. Pro tip: Grab a chocolate shake 🥤 (Washington’s best, according to fans) and enjoy the grungy-chic energy.

Why It’s One of the Best in Washington

Lil Woody’s isn’t just about burgers—it’s a community hub. They source locally (hello, Oregon beef and Washington potatoes!), donate meals through their Burger 4 Burger program, and rotate wild collabs with chefs.

From Thai-inspired specials 🍛 to mac-and-cheese-stuffed patties, innovation never stops. Plus, those hand-cut fries? Golden. Crispy. Addictive.

A burger with a very large portion of ground beef in red seasonings.
J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Collab, Photo by Brian N.

Address: 1211 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: +1 (206) 457-4148

🍔 Boomer’s Drive-In 🍔

🍔 Craving a burger that’s bigger, bolder, and dripping with nostalgia? Boomer’s Drive-In in Bellingham has been slinging Washington’s most legendary cheeseburgers since 1989!

Voted “Best Burger in Bellingham” time and again, this retro gem marries juicy patties, crispy waffle fries, and hand-spun milkshakes into a meal that’ll make your taste buds throw a party. 🎉

Cheeseburger with sesame seeds on the bun and waffle fries on the side.
Boomer Burger and Waffle Fries, Photo by M S.

With car-hop service, quirky vibes, and prices that won’t break the bank, it’s a must-stop for burger enthusiasts road-tripping through the Pacific Northwest.

Food Highlights

  • Boomer Burger: The OG masterpiece! A quarter-pound beef patty piled with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and their secret sauce on a toasted sesame bun. Simple? Maybe. Iconic? Absolutely.
  • Bacon Swiss Burger: Crispy bacon strips meet melty Swiss cheese 🧀—a smoky, savory flavor bomb that’s a crowd favorite.
  • Mushroom Swiss Burger: Sauteed mushrooms drench the patty in earthy goodness, perfect for fungi fans.
  • Teriyaki Burger: Sweet, tangy teriyaki sauce and a grilled pineapple ring 🍍? Hello, tropical burger paradise!
  • Bar-B-Q Burger: Zesty barbecue sauce slathered over juicy beef—messy, saucy, and worth every napkin.
  • Chicken Burger: Grilled to perfection with all the classic fixings, this isn’t your average fast-food chicken sandwich.
A cheeseburger sliced in half with a side of hush puppies and waffle fries.
Photo by Jeannine O.

Atmosphere

Step into a time capsule where retro rules! Park under the neon-lit canopy for car-hop service (flash those headlights! 🚗), or cozy up inside by the circular fireplace.

Tables and chairs in front of a decorated corner; a large cheeseburger is painted on the wall.
Photo by Jan B.

The walls boast a decades-old mural, and old-school tunes set the mood. It’s part diner, part family hangout—a place where college kids, locals, and road-trippers unite over milkshakes and laughter.

Why It’s One of the Best in Washington

Boomer’s nails the trifecta: quality ingredients, generous portions, and wallet-friendly prices.

Their waffle fries 🍟 are crispy golden clouds, and the milkshakes—made with local Edaleen Dairy ice cream—are so thick, you’ll need a shovel (or a spoon). Add the throwback charm, and you’ve got a burger joint that’s pure Washington magic.

Close-up of a burger with mushrooms.
Photo by Jeannine O.

Address: 310 N Samish Way, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: +1 (360) 647-2666

🍔 Durkin’s Liquor Bar 🍔

Craving a burger that’ll make your taste buds throw a party? 🎉 Durkin’s Liquor Bar in Spokane slings juicy, flavor-packed burgers that have locals and visitors lining up.

A burger with a knife stuck in the top and a side of French fries.
Durkin’s Double, Photo by Bilal I.

Voted “Best Burgers in Washington” by foodies and critics alike, this spot blends Prohibition-era charm with bold, modern twists. Think crispy-edged patties, melty cheese, and sauces so good you’ll want to bottle them.

Food Highlights

  • Durkin’s Famous Double: Two 4 oz. chuck patties stacked with Durkin’s American cheese, shaved pickles, and dill aioli on a buttery brioche bun. A meat lover’s dream! 🍔
  • Fried Bologna Sandwich: Smoked bologna, sweet-hot mustard, and bread-and-butter pickles—a retro favorite with a gourmet upgrade. 🤤
  • Filet Au Fish: Panko-crusted Alaskan cod with pickled Fresno peppers and tangy Louie sauce. Perfect for seafood fans. 🐟
  • Steak Frites: Juicy 8 oz. Chateaubriand smothered in peppercorn sauce, served with twice-fried frites. 🥩🍟
  • BBQ Carrots: Honey-harissa-glazed carrots with creamy labneh. A sweet-and-smoky veggie hit. 🥕
  • Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, maple-glazed sprouts with bacon—so addictive they’ve got their own fan club.
A burger with a knife stuck in the top with a side of French fries and a cup of dipping sauce.
Photo by Sam R.

Atmosphere

Step into a swanky speakeasy vibe with tin ceilings, leather booths, and moody lighting. Downstairs, the hidden lounge oozes 1920s glam with velvet couches and craft cocktails. 🕶️🎷

It’s equal parts cozy and electric—ideal for date nights or burger-fueled hangouts

A scenic bar and lounge area with shelves of drinks, red sofas, tables and chairs.
Photo by M M.

Why It’s One of the Best in Washington

Durkin’s doesn’t just make burgers—they craft experiences. From house-ground beef to scratch-made buns, every detail screams quality.

Pair your meal with a smoked Old Fashioned or a zesty Highball cocktail. Whether you’re here for the best cheeseburgers in Washington or the retro-cool ambiance, Durkin’s delivers.

An opened burger with a sunny side up egg on the bottom piece, as well as French fries and a cup of dipping sauce on the side.
Photo by Barb W.

Address: 415 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: +1 (509) 863-9501

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