Perhaps you're a few hours into a road trip when your stomach begins to rumble. Maybe the work day is almost over and you're dreading having to make dinner when you get home, or you've been eating healthy and it's time for a well-deserved cheat day. No matter your circumstance, there's one quick and easy all-American meal to satisfy your needs. The classic burger and fries.
To spark some ideas on where to go outside of a typical fast-food chain restaurant, here are 5 deliciously greasy roadside burger joints in Western Washington guaranteed to fill your hungry tummy.
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1. Zekes Drive In | Gold Bar
Zeke's is located just outside Gold Bar on Highway 2 and is the perfect pit stop after a hike up Lake Serene or nearby trails. The family-owned joint opened in 1968 and is popular among both locals and travelers. They've got burgers, hot dogs and a whopping 25 different flavors of shakes on their hefty menu of all-American favorites, the Honeymoon Special the most popular among them. It's a half pound burger cut in half with a side of fries conveniently placed in between the two halves. Stop by Zeke's on your next trip to the mountains.
43918 US-2
Gold Bar, WA 98251
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2. Frisko Freeze | Tacoma
Frisko Freeze is located in Tacoma's North End neighborhood and is a must-try for all burger lovers. Earning a place in the Tacoma Registry of Historic Places, this red and white clad drive-in has been up and running since 1950. It's often referred to as Tacoma's version of Dick's Drive-In because of it's inexpensive burgers, fries and shakes. It's a great place to go after a big win at a high school sports game or to grab a quick meal before or after a movie. There's no outdoor seating, so you'll likely see notice people gorging on their burgers in their cars in the parking lot. If you're looking for a classic neighborhood burger, Frisko Freeze is the place to go.
1201 Division Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98403
3. Rusty's Drive-In | Cashmere
Find Rusty's among the long highways and evergreens as the perfect place to grab a bite to eat -- especially when headed towards Lake Chelan. They've got shakes, burgers, fries, corn dogs, fish and more for all your greasy food needs. At the top of their menu, is the World Famous Rusty's Jumbo Burger made up of four different meats and four different cheeses. A whole pound of meaty-cheesy goodness!
Rusty's Drive-In
700 Cotlets Way
Cashmere, WA 98815
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4. Lakeview Drive-In | Chelan
This drive-in joint is called "Lakeview" for a reason: it's located right on the beautiful Lake Chelan! Lakeview Drive-In is definitely a burger staple for Chelan's locals but quickly becomes a favorite of visitors as well. Their burgers are made of 100% beef -- but vegetarians are also welcome since the drive-in also offers a veggie option. Lakeview's famous fries are seasoned with a family recipe called "Mack's", which can be purchased on its own at the Lakeview Drive-In Store.
323 W Manson Hwy
Chelan, WA 98816
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5. Fat Smitty's | Port Townsend
This Discovery Bay burger joint is unique not only with its burgers but with its design. Located on Highway 101, Fat Smitty's captures the eyes of hungry passers-by with the giant versions of popular menu items sitting outside the front door. Once inside, the first thing you'll notice are thousands of dollar bills plastered across the walls. Customers from far and wide leave their mark on the joint by pinning a dollar wherever they'd like. Every few years, Fat Smitty's takes down all of the cash to donate to various organizations. In January 2017, over $26,000 was donated to a few local charities.
On the menu, the Fat Smitty is the fan-favorite and made of two large burger patties and three buns. The thick steak fries leave locals and visitors salivating and wanting more. Fat Smitty's unique atmosphere and mouth-watering food makes for a great pit stop.
282624 US-101
