Forget Seattle—Tacoma’s burger scene is a juicy secret worth sinking your teeth into. From boozy, bacon-packed monsters to retro drive-in classics, we’ve scoured every sizzlin’ grill and quirky counter to bring you the best. Ready to loosen your belt and discover your next favorite burger joint? Let’s dig in.
Burger Seoul | Korean-American Flavor Mashup
If you crave a flavor mash-up that keeps you guessing, this Tacoma favorite delivers. Imagine tangy kimchi meeting sweet caramelized onions atop a patty made from premium Pacific Northwest beef.
The Seoul Burger stacks both a beef and a short rib patty for double the savory punch. The Bulgogiger brings real ribeye to the party, paired with spicy pickled cukes and Seoul-style sauces that might just replace your ketchup habit.
Service moves quickly at the counter, and there’s a playful edge to the staff banter. Swing by on Karaoke Wednesdays to cheer on brave singers or let the Fire Fries (spicy garlic, fiery meat, and parmesan) entertain your taste buds. Gluten-free buns are treated with the same care as any order, and breakfast fans will appreciate a complimentary coffee with their morning sandwich. Burger Seoul isn’t just another burger stop. It’s a delicious collision of Korean grilling flair and local beef obsession, all under one Tacoma roof. See what the fusion fuss is about.
Stack 571 Burger and Whiskey Bar | The Gourmet Adventurer’s Playground
Picture a rustic-chic setting where debate over peanut butter on a burger feels perfectly natural. Stack 571 sources beef from Double R Ranch in Washington, so every patty carries local pride.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with natural light, creating a warm backdrop for the monthly Burger of the Month. Often oddball, often outstanding, it keeps loyal fans coming back to sample the latest creation.
Whiskey enthusiasts will lose themselves in a passport program boasting over 100 bottles to stamp. Kids can enjoy their own menu, while adults treat themselves to a boozy shake and shareable truffle fries. Be prepared for waits during peak dining hours—after all, gourmet burgers paired with an extensive whiskey selection are worth the spotlight. Conduct your own burger experiments right here.
Dirty Oscar’s Annex | Moonshine & Madness
If you thought a plain cheeseburger was safe, meet the Dead Elvis—layers of bacon, peanut butter, and a fried banana unite for a wildly unexpected bite. This spot fuses dive-bar attitude with gastropub polish.
Moody lighting and tattoo-parlor flair set the scene for an offbeat burger lineup. Complement your meal with a Moonshine Mule or another potent concoction from a moonshine cocktail list that demands respect.
On weekends, breakfast turns into a golden adventure of chicken and waffles and other fried delights. Service usually hums along at the pace of the partying crowd, though peak hours can test your patience—especially when parking gets tight. Friendly staff will happily accommodate dietary tweaks. Whether you seek Tacoma’s quirkiest burger or a spot that feels like a friend’s coolest basement, this Annex delivers. See what’s on the menu tonight.
Frugals | Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Drive-Thru
Forget fancy facades—Frugals thrives on the simplicity of a classic drive-thru burger. A nondescript window welcomes you to order without fuss, and you’ll rarely wait long despite Tacoma’s spirited debates about fry sauce.
The bacon blue burger piles on crisp bacon and melty bleu cheese like it’s bending the rules. Fries taste of real potatoes and seasoning rather than grease, and cheese curds add a nostalgic crunch. Don’t overlook the razzleberry milkshake when the machine is up and running.
Yes, there was a listeria scare, but strict protocols have restored confidence. Payments of pocket change are still welcome, and no dress code is required to savor an honest-to-goodness American cheeseburger. It’s proof that affordable, fast drive-thru eats can still feel like a treat. Check out the menu before the car in front of you decides for you.
Lucky’s Drive-In | Burgers On a Bus (Literally)
Where else can you order a burger from inside a vintage King County Metro bus? At Lucky’s, each patty is handmade, and the air-fried fries come out crispy without drowning in oil.
Milkshakes arrive so thick they might double as building blocks. Their chipotle-house sauce elevates every fry and burger—no generic “secret sauce” here.
Fresh lettuce and onions add crunch exactly where you want it. Custom orders are welcomed with a smile. Pull up, tune your radio, and wait for your name to be called. With efficient, nostalgia-tinged service, Lucky’s proves drive-in dining can still feel like a fun, trustworthy stop. Hop on board here.
Frisko Freeze | Tacoma’s Timeless Burger Landmark
Step up to a neon-lit walk-up window and feel like you’ve stepped back to 1950. Frisko Freeze is pure Americana, never chasing trends and proudly unchanged since 1950.
Their double cheeseburger is a local legend, equally adored by night owls and families craving a taste of burger history. Crinkly fries and crispy onion rings arrive perfectly golden. Don’t skip the blackberry malt—it’s dangerously good.
The simple menu proves that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Expect a line during peak hours—consider it part of the experience. Staff greet you with genuine smiles, making the wait a little sweeter. Ready to meet the burger joint your parents warned you about?
The Red Hot | For Beer-Loving Burger Fiends
Imagine ordering a burger with peanut butter and bacon then browsing more local taps than you’ve ever seen on a Monday. That’s The Red Hot. Here, hot dog obsessives and burger fanatics mingle over inventive toppings and no-nonsense sides.
Vegan diners get hearty options, not blank stares. The rotating craft beer list feels like a fresh discovery every visit, and specials can make your wallet cheer. Drinks flow freely in an adults-only setting, so you never stray past a stroller.
Grab a stool, order that wild combination, and remember: $2 mugs keep the good times rolling. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Little Jerry’s | A Seinfeldian Burger Escape
If the thought of devouring a “Big Salad” or a “Mimbo” while watching Kramer’s latest antics sounds like your ideal lunch break, Little Jerry’s is your spirit animal wrapped in a burger joint. This place is tiny—cozy in that “will I get a seat or will I stand awkwardly next to a ceramic Festivus pole?” sort of way—but the atmosphere is all charm and pure inside joke. The menu is an ode to Jerry, Elaine, George, and Newman, with hearty burgers and sandwiches portioned for people who actually get hungry (sorry, “light eaters”).
Expect the walls to be lined with memorabilia, episodes playing nonstop, and staff who treat regulars and first-timers with the same friendly banter. There’s a little outdoor area if you brought your dog and even a happy hour if you want a beer with your “Art Vandelay.” Coffee gets rave reviews, which you’ll appreciate if you accidentally wander in before lunch. Service is usually lightning quick unless it’s packed with fans, which, honestly, is most days since word got out that this place exists. Try your luck, bring a friend with good storytelling skills for the wait, and see if you can order without quoting an episode.
Pick-Quick Drive In | Nostalgic Time-Travel, Fries Included
Drive into a simpler era at PICK-QUICK, where the spatula action has been flawless since 1949. This classic drive-in serves hormone-free, locally sourced beef in straightforward burgers.
Hand-cut fries and addictive fry sauce demand a return visit. Seasonal shakes taste so fresh you’ll swear they plucked the fruit that morning.
Service is lightning fast at the window, then you can relax at a shaded picnic table. Remember, it’s cash only—no phone tapping here. Dive into a real burger experience here.
Wooden City Tacoma | Elevated Tavern Burger Spot
Wooden City Tacoma hits the sweet spot between casual and special occasion. The Tavern Burger, a double-patty masterpiece, is slathered in house barbecue sauce and crowned with melting American cheese.
Grilled red onions, crisp iceberg lettuce, and tangy pickles add textural thrills. Beyond burgers, the menu boasts wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas that elevate the meal.
The dining room’s industrial-chic décor and cocktail tap system set a grown-up tone. It’s lively and loud, so reservations are wise. When the door staff smiles, you know you’re in for a memorable burger night. Peep their menu—just try not to order a pizza, too.
Parkway Tavern | Craft Beer Lover’s Retreat
Parkway Tavern is the place for burger lovers who appreciate a robust craft beer scene. Picture sinking teeth into a perfectly cooked patty—beef, black bean, or Beyond—on a pillowy bun while surrounded by 30-plus rotating taps and the faint hiss of a cask engine working its mysterious old-timey magic. Extra napkins are practically mandatory with every loaded bite.
Once you’ve settled in, the wood-paneled walls and crackling fireplace make you feel right at home. But the burger shines just as brightly if you grab a spot on the dog-friendly patio.
What really cements Parkway’s status on this list is the staff. Friendly and fast, they’ll greet you by name and remember if you’re a pickle-on or pickle-off person. Between bites, challenge friends to pool, darts, or shuffleboard. Keep an eye on their calendar for IPA festivals or live music nights.
Whether you’re flying solo, gathering a crew, or unwinding after work, a corner booth here feels like discovering a best-kept secret in Tacoma. It’s the perfect laid-back spot for anyone looking to kick back with great food and a welcoming vibe. Peek at their beer list and daily specials here.
Bar Bistro | Upscale Burger Night Out
Bar Bistro invites you to experience a burger that feels more Miyazaki than McDonald’s. The Wagyu Burger starts with a half-pound of certified Wagyu beef, topped with spicy bistro aioli and fresh arugula to lend a hint of elegance to every mouthwatering bite.
Smoked gouda adds a decadent layer of flavor, and if you’re still feeling indulgent, the deep-fried brie is calling your name.
Inside, the ambiance strikes a balance between cozy and modern—you can wander in wearing jeans or pretend you just strolled off a Seattle runway without raising eyebrows. The plates are almost too beautiful to eat, but once hunger takes over, appearances fade. Service is attentive and quick, and the portions generously challenge any appetite.
Gluten-free and vegetarian friends get plenty of options, so no one has to sit on the sidelines. Order a craft cocktail, explore the inventive menu, and linger a while. After one taste of this creation, every other burger on your radar will have some serious explaining to do. See what they’re cooking up.
Duke’s Seafood Tacoma | Waterfront Sunsets & Serious Burgers
If you’re the type who wants to stay loyal to your carnivorous side but your friend group is dead set on oysters and chowder, Duke’s Seafood is your golden compromise. Ignore the name for a second—these guys know their way around a cow, slinging grass-fed beef burgers topped with Tillamook cheddar that’d make even the most diehard pescatarian rethink life choices. Try to snag a spot outside when the weather pretends Tacoma is worth living in—waterfront views almost make the “higher than average” prices sting less, and Happy Hour will help on that front, too. Service? The staff could teach a class on how not to make customers feel invisible, which is saying something in this town. If you’re ready for a burger run that comes with a sea breeze and exactly zero greasy dive vibes, scope the Duke’s menu here before someone else grabs the best seat on the patio.
El Gaucho Tacoma | The Splurge-Worthy Steakhouse Burger
If you’ve ever dreamed of wearing a tuxedo while taking on a burger, El Gaucho Tacoma delivers. A half-pound of ground sirloin arrives piled with thick-sliced bacon, melted pepper jack cheese, and a generous swipe of chipotle aioli. A sturdy pile of iceberg lettuce and red onion adds a refreshing crunch, and yes, you get a side of perfectly golden fries—pinkies optional but recommended.
The live piano sets a refined soundtrack as tableside preparations turn your Caesar salad into its own little performance. Under the dim, intimate lighting, you might find yourself using your phone’s flashlight to admire the details.
Service here is formal yet warm. Mind the automatic 20 percent “service charge”—it can sneak up on even the most seasoned happy hour fan. Speaking of which, happy hour is hands-down the smartest time to order this burger if you want a taste of extravagance without the full tab.
If you’re ready for a burger experience that feels as dramatic as a Broadway finale, El Gaucho is your stage. Every element here—from the crisp fries to the smokiness of the cheese—feels expertly orchestrated. It’s an experience that lingers long after the last bite. Scope out the steakhouse burger here.
Crockett’s Public House | The Burgers & Brunch Combo
If you like your burgers with a side of “as seen on TV” cred, Crockett’s Public House is your spot. This place was basically blessed by Guy Fieri, but don’t hold that against them—the real magic is on the plate (and, fine, sometimes in a glass during their shockingly good breakfast happy hour). The Green Chili Cheeseburger is a local legend, especially after a night that ends with you vowing to “never drink again”—good news, their Hangover Burger and a Bloody Mary have your back.
It’s the sort of place where you might just end up splitting Lobster Mac & Cheese or sneaking bites of calamari between burger courses, if you’re not careful. The cozy, bustling vibe and the friendliest crew in town make waiting for a table almost enjoyable—almost. Whether you’re local or just driving by with the wild urge to eat artichokes and mini burgers for breakfast, you could do a lot worse than this Puyallup mainstay. Browse the menu and dare your brunch game to keep up.
