|
Rob's
Picks for Washington's Top Burgers
Here's the Beef!
In a continuous effort to provide valuable content and maybe due to my love for a great hamburger, I decided
to provide
information on what I consider, Washington's top hamburgers. When I rate
the burgers I don't get caught up on size. I like a big burger, but
taste and fresh product is key. Not to mention I avoid chains and use of
silly products like French rolls or Sour Dough instead of Hamburger buns. I
find that the messier the hamburger the better. Did I mention I'm not big on burger chains? The second thing I look
at is the atmosphere of the establishment. Some times it's fun to plan a
ride with a great burger joint as a stop. If that's what your looking
for, you've come to the right place. Just remember, you can always start
that diet Monday!
Please visit my sponsors.
BikerKiss.com - the largest biker personals site!
Rob's Burger Line-up
RobsNet.com pick for
"Best Burger in Washington State"
The XXX Burger from XXX Root Beer in Issaquah 4-26-2008. |
|
#1 |
XXX Root Beer
98 NE Gilman Blvd.
Issaquah, WA
425-392-1266
XXX Rootbeer Web Site
|
The XXX Burger - XXX Root Beer in Issaquah.
I
have heard great things about this burger joint and was excited to review
their best. I also heard it used to be an A&W a long time ago. As I pulled into the parking lot I couldn't believe the crowd of
people. There were allot of bikers as well as locals. There was a line about
15 yards long leading up to the front door. That was a good sign! The
drive-in has that real "Old School" look to it inside and out. Awesome
because atmosphere is a key component. The staff was very friendly and
seemed to enjoy what they were doing. the establishment was very clean. I
also noticed about 6 to 8 staff members cooking, serving and cleaning. This kept the
line moving at a nice pace.
Once
at the counter, I ordered the XXX Burger and a large root beer. The guy at
the counter took my $18 bucks and told me they would call me when it was
ready. The first call was to deliver the root beer. Man that was good root
beer! Probably the best I have had. I sat in the shade for another 10
minutes and over the loud speaker I heard "Big Rob" several times. I thought
that was funny. The guy behind the counter has a sense of humor. When I
approached the counter I was shocked by the size of the thing. It was
mammoth and the bun was grilled and greasy. Extra points for that! Grilled
onions, special sauce, beef patties, lettuce, pickles and cheese were hanging out
around the entire thing. Right On! This place knows how to make a burger.
As
I picked it up I noticed the bun
was very soft as stuff started oozing out all over. More extra points!
After the first bite I was in in hog heaven! By time I was half way trough I
was starting to get full and knew this now had knocked the Bunkhouse BBQ's
Trail Boss and Ranch Hand into the #2 position. Every bite left my face,
hands and forearms a mess. Yes, I said forearms! First burger I have eaten
that dripped juice and sauces all the way down to my forearms. The flavor
was unbeatable. I finished the thing slowly while enjoying the large tall
mug of root beer.
Once done I had a pile of dirty napkins in front of me and
a basket of fries. I couldn't eat one fry! I was a mess. I had juice,
sauce whatever all the way down to my forearms. This was hands down the
tastiest and most sloppy burger I have ever sunk
my teeth into. It just doesn't get any better then this! I was so messy I
had to go to the truck of the Goldwing and get the bottle of Windex to spray
my hands. Again, extra points!
Special thanks to all the employees at XXX Root Beer. You
folks rock! You are now Robsnet.com's #1 Burger Pick!
|
|
#2 |
Bunkhouse BBQ
35611 SR 507
McKenna, WA 98576
360-458-9298
Get Directions
Web Site
View the Menu |
"The Trail Boss" or "Ranch Hand" from Bunkhouse
BBQ in McKenna Washington.
This
eatery made the ride a great one. We had a blast stopping in and attempting to
eat this mammoth burger. Usually the larger burgers are not always the
tastier of the bunch. That definitely is not the case here. Here what's on
the thing. Four 1/4 lbs
seasoned
patties, Ham, six slices of Bacon, Mayo, Lettuce, Pickles and Onions. The
produce was fresh and the meat was juicy and tender. Best of all, things
were falling out of it each time I took a bite. Bonus points for that! I
came back a week later to try the Ranch Hand. Same burger smaller size. The
Ranch Hand is a large burger and is very filling but its tiny next to the
Trail Boss. So we
know the burger itself is a winner but how about the establishment and
employees. I have to say that almost all the establishments I have dined at
have been clean and the employee's were friendly. Here is where I feel the
Bunkhouse BBQ stood out from the rest. The establishment was very Rustic right down to the
pellet stove putting out heat in the corner. This was great for two
riders who have been in
the wind for some time. The restrooms were outside the building but I
can live with that. The employees were exceptional. Extremely friendly
and I could tell they took pride in the place and their work. They were
just having fun. This all adds up to great atmosphere. Something that
other establishments fall short of. Now lets meet the employees.
Two great waitresses Alicia and Tabitha. The cook (Richard) was also a
hoot and cooks a mean burger. I have yet to meet the owner but his Name
is Todd Skinner of Rainier WA. I hear Todd is also a fellow rider. I was
told Todd will be expanding the place next year some time. Now lets get to
the motivational aspect of the visit. The burger is the size of a dinner
plate. Not kidding! They have a wall of fame waiting your success as they
will put your photo on the wall and give you a hat that says on it "I kicked
the Trail Bosses Ass". This really had me pumped up to eat this thing. As it
would turn out I made it 3/4 the way through and threw in the towel. I
was so stuffed I couldn't even swallow my pride! I really wanted that
hat! But I never heard the fat lady sing so it isn't over yet. I plan to
return with a vengeance. I will wear
that hat with great pride one day. Until then my hat is off to Todd Skinner,
Alicia, Tabitha and Richard who made our visit a blast! To all you burger
lovers you have to make it out to the Bunkhouse BBQ and try their food. If
the Trail Boss is a bit intimidating they have a smaller version called the
Ranch Hand as well as
other burgers and BBQ on the menu. |
|
#3 |
The
Chuck Wagon
800 N 4th St
Mt Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 336-2732
Get Directions
View the Menu
|
Big Sue
has been moved down to #3
- In 2006 the Burger tour voted The Chuck Wagon's "The Belt Buckle Chuckle"
#1 in the state.
I rode 168
miles to see how it stood up to what I have experienced to date. Prior to
this hamburger Wally's Waltimate had my vote for #3. Some say the last
hamburger always tastes the best. To provide the utmost accuracy I went to
Wally's the following day and ate the Waltimate once again. I did this just
to verify BIG SUE had in fact nailed it. BIG SUE stands as #3. And I
probably won't eat for the next 24 hours! I found the
establishment to be clean with a fun old time western atmosphere. There are
many carved Indian and cowboy statues and when entering you walk through the
back of a wagon. I was surprised about two key points. The burger was not
their largest and was on a French roll. The fact that it was on a French
roll immediately removed it from the Hamburger category all together. I
believe in the "Old School" burger ways and that means it requires a
Hamburger bun. All was not lost! On the menu, and completely overlooked by
the burger tour 2006, was the "BIG SUE". Four seasoned beef patties, melted
Swiss cheese, bacon, lots of Mayo, lettuce, tomato, special sauce and allot
of pickles. All of which is hanging out of the sides of a 6" sesame seed
bun! I have to say I was pretty impressed when it was delivered to our
table. The massive burger had to have weighed over a pound. It was love at
first bite! It was all I could do to finish the thing. When all was said and
done I was sitting behind an empty wrapper and A pile of messy napkins. The
BIG SUE is a juicy, meaty and flat out tasty force to be reckoned with in
the burger arena! |
| #4 |
Big Tom Drive Inn
2023 4th Ave E
Olympia, WA 98506
(360) 357-4852
Get directions |
The "Big Tom" can be
found at Big Tom's Drive-In in Olympia. If your not from the Olympia
area it's definitely worth a road trip. At first glance the burger stand
appears tiny. As you approach it I think it actually gets smaller. A
friend tipped me off to this place and I finally got around to stopping
by. We had to wait for cars to leave to walk up to the window to order.
There were several young ladies cooking and serving. Everyone seemed
pleasant and were polite. There is no seating what so ever. Customers
were pulling forward and parking to enjoy their food. We did the same. I
ordered the Big Tom, fries and a medium chocolate malt. Few places can
make a really good chocolate malt these days. They seem to go too light
on the malt. As we ordered we were asked how we would like our onions. I
always prefer mine grilled. We were also asked if we wanted it with
Goop. What is Goop? Goop is their special sauce. It's tastes like Tarter
sauce with mustard. I requested another side of Goop for my fries. Due
to the hot day my first taste bud rush came compliments of the chocolate
malt. Wow! Hands down one of the best malts I have had. Next I tried the
fries and the Goop. The fries were good but that ball came no where from
leaving the ball park. I finally focused my attention on the Big Tom. I
tore the paper wrapper open to expose the burger. This burger is stacked
with 2 1/4 lbs. patties, cheese, grilled onion, tomatoes, dill pickles
and yes, Goop! The Big Tom was really messy bringing it extra Points!
This thing was very juicy and very tasty. Personally this may have
scored as high as #2 if it came with 3 slices of thick sliced smoked
bacon. I was very impressed with this burger. It's worth the visit. You
will use allot of napkins. That was the good. here is the bad. The lack
of seating was a real problem. This makes it a not too bike friendly
place. The lot is large enough to place a roped off area with picnic
tables. I actually exchanged email with Mike (the owner I believe), and
he stated the picnic tables were removed due to vandalism. He mentioned
they are looking at bringing them back. He also tipped me off to his
favorite malt. Get this... Chocolate Dr. Pepper Malt! I'm heading back
soon to down one of those bad boys! Bottom line, the food is
exceptional, the prices are fair and the chocolate malt is amazing! When
picnic tables come back I would go as far as setting up some fun burger
rides.
Update: I have been in touch with Mike the owner. He is very
dedicated to making his establishment the best it can be. He will be
bringing back a picnic table that will provide some limited seating. I
stopped in again today and tried the food again and the park down the
road. The food was as it was previously. Great! The Chocolate Dr. Pepper
Malt awesome! The park has areas with picnic tables. Where we sat it was
shaded with 2 tables and trash cans for the waste. I'm really impressed
with the Mikes commitment to his business and customers. I also
found out that bacon is available for the Big Tom burger. Looks like I
have to go back again. I like to do things right! Stop in and tell them
Rob from RobsNet.com sent you. |
| #5 |
Pick Quick
4306 Pacific Highway E.
Tacoma, WA |
Pick Quick in Fife knows how
to grill them! Their double bacon cheese burger with grilled onions is a
real treat. If your hungry, try the triple! The burger doesn't look very big but it's definitely
filling. Extremely juicy & messy just the way a burger should be. The
fries are extra but are in large portion. They are thin cut with
the skins on and salted just right. If I had to rate fries, Pick Quick's
would definitely be number one and by a wide margine. They do an
awesome job of grilling the onions (if desired). The buns are placed on
the grill to warm them on both sides. During the berry season try their strawberry shake
made from locally grown fresh strawberry's. There is only outside
seating on picnic benches so they close a couple months out of
the year during winter. My wife and I always seem to find a reason to
head to Fife. :-) Stop in and find out what an "Old School" burger joint
does it. I consider this a very biker friendly stop. |
| #6 |
White River Drive-In
282 Hwy. 410 Buckley, WA |
The "Waltimate" @
Wally's White River Drive-In in Buckley. This is an old school drive-In that
will please. Skip a couple meals before taking on this bad boy! 3/4 lbs.
of grilled Bovine (beef), thin grilled slice of ham, grilled onion,
bacon, Swiss cheese, American cheese, lettuce and tomato. Huge, juicy,
messy and just fun! I'm ready for another one! |
| #7 |
Fat Smitty's
82624 US 101 Discovery Bay, WA |
The Smitty's Burger @ Fat Smitty's in Discovery Bay is one of the largest I have eaten. This thing
is juicy and looks like a Big Mac on steroids. I wasn't too impressed
with the fry's but the hamburger is definitely worth the trip. This is
an old school eatery right down to the countless dollar bills and
business cards all signed and pinned to the walls and ceilings. Great
atmosphere as well. Bring your appetite! |
| #8 |
Miner's Drive-In
2415 S. 1st ST.
Yakima WA |
The famous Big Miner @ Miners
Drive-In located in Yakima is definitely worth the ride. Miners has been
around since 1948. Although they have grown and lost the old school
atmosphere their burgers are well known to burger lovers in and out of
Washington state. They build them to order and they are delicious!
Juicy, messy and filling just the way a hamburger should be.
Web Site |
| #9 |
Zoomies
17705 Vashon Hwy SW
Vashon Island,
WA |
The "Zoomie" burger @ Zoomies
on Vashon island is well worth the ferry ride. This burger has special
sauce, double the meat, cheese, onion, bacon... Well basically double
everything! Bring your appetite and try a shake or soft serve ice
cream!
Web Site |
| #10 |
Hungry Bear Cafe
Mile Post 206 Hyw 101 near Hyw 113 |
The Hungry Bear Cafe, another
old school diner on the Olympic Peninsula near mile marker 206, serves
another giant but extremely tasty hamburger. Skip the fry's as you won't
have room and they bring out about 2 potatoes worth. This burger is
extremely juicy and you will need to cut the thing in half to eat it.
The foundation of this monster of a burger is a 1 lbs. patty seasoned
and grilled just right! |
Email Author
|
