Some meals are worth a few extra miles, and a thick shake from an old-school drive-in is one of them. Washington still has a handful of classic burger stands where the patties are big, the fries come by the tub, and the milkshake list runs long.
These spots range from a 1948 Yakima institution to a Tacoma landmark that stays open late and an Olympia joint with dinosaurs in the yard. If you like your burgers simple and your shakes thick enough to need a spoon, this list is for you.
1. Miner’s Drive-In Restaurant, Yakima, WA
Yakima has been feeding burger fans at Miner’s since 1948. That is a long run for any restaurant, and the place still draws a line on weekends.
The signature order is the Big Miner, a jumbo burger that shows up in portions most people cannot finish in one sitting. The menu stretches well past burgers too, with a Chili Dog, Double Dog, Chicken Strip Basket, and even salads like the Oriental Salad and a Caesar.
Then there are the shakes. Miner’s has built a reputation for big milkshakes to match its big burgers, so pace yourself.
Hours are generous here. The doors open at 8 AM daily and stay open until 2 AM most nights, and until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, which makes it a favorite for late-night cravings.
You can use the drive-thru or grab a seat outside, and dogs are welcome on the patio. Expect a wait on Friday evenings and weekend afternoons, since some families drive a couple of hours just to eat here.
2. PICK-QUICK Drive In, Fife, WA
A fresh banana shake might be the best reason to pull off Pacific Highway in Fife. PICK-QUICK blends it into a thick, creamy treat that pairs nicely with the burgers coming off the grill.
The setup is pure 1950s. You order at the counter, then settle in at a picnic table outside while your food is made.
Burgers are built with locally sourced ingredients, and the double bacon cheeseburger and mushroom bacon cheeseburger lead the lineup. Hand-cut fries, a Chili Burger, and Chili Fritos round things out.
Save room if you can. Sundaes and a classic Banana Split sit on the dessert side of the menu.
This family-run spot is open 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday and 11 AM to 8 PM on Sunday. Dogs are welcome, and the wait is usually short.
3. Frisko Freeze, Tacoma, WA
Ask a longtime Tacoma resident where to get a burger, fries, and shake, and Frisko Freeze tends to come up fast. The retro stand on Division Avenue has been the city’s go-to burger joint for generations.
Ordering keeps the old style alive. You can use the drive-thru lane or walk up to the window, and the line moves quickly.
Burgers are made to order, and the onion rings have their own fan club. Fish and Chips, a Fishwich, corn dogs, and a Gardenburger fill out the menu.
For something different, try the Frisko Slushee Float alongside a classic shake.
It stays open until midnight most nights and 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Note that there are no restrooms and no indoor seating, so plan to eat in the car.
4. Eastside Big Tom, Olympia, WA
Not many burger stands come with a dinosaur garden. Eastside Big Tom in Olympia has one, plus a Mystery Machine and cutouts of Tom himself in different outfits.
Kids spot the dinosaurs first, but adults show up for the burgers. The menu keeps it simple with the Big Tom and the Little Tom, served with crinkle-cut fries.
Regulars swear by Goop, the house burger sauce. Tartar sauce is also on hand for the Fish and Chips.
Shakes come in many flavors and in small and large sizes, which is handy if you want to try more than one. Onion rings, hot dogs, and chicken strips round out the options.
Timing matters here. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM and closed Sunday and Monday.
5. Zip’s Drive in, Spokane, WA
Spokane has its own drive-in chain, and Zip’s has been part of the Inland Northwest since the 1950s. The North Division Street location is an easy stop right on one of the city’s busiest roads.
Two burgers do most of the heavy lifting. The Wrangler and the Papa Joe are the classic picks, best paired with a tub of fries and fry sauce.
For dessert, the shake list covers lots of flavors. The KitKat Hurricane is a popular choice for anyone who wants candy mixed into their ice cream.
This location is open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM. It offers a drive-thru, seating inside, and plenty of parking.
6. Lighthouse Drive-In, Aberdeen, WA
Heading to the coast through Grays Harbor? Lighthouse Drive-In on Simpson Avenue makes a smart stop before or after the beach.
The battered fries are the star for many visitors. They come with a spread of condiments, including house-made fry sauce, tartar, malt vinegar, and ketchup.
Burgers are quarter pounders topped with crisp iceberg, pickles, and sauce. The Grilled Sourdough Bacon Cheeseburger is a great upgrade.
Fish and chips are a strong pick here too, which fits the harbor town setting. Finish with a shake to round out the meal.
It is open daily from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM. The dining room has been updated, and the drive-thru keeps road trips moving.
7. Campus U-Tote-Em, Ellensburg, WA
College students at Central Washington University have an easy answer for burger cravings. Campus U-Tote-Em sits just east of campus on University Way.
The Campus burger is the house signature, and it usually comes out within a few minutes. There is a range of burger styles, along with sandwiches, fries, and shakes.
Swirl soft-serve cones are another reason to stop. Gluten-free diners will also appreciate that options are available.
Early risers are welcome, since it opens at 7 AM Monday through Saturday for breakfast and stays open until 9 PM. It is closed on Sundays.
You can order at the counter or use the drive-through, then eat outside. It also works well as a stop on an I-90 road trip.
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