Ready to unleash your inner burger connoisseur (or your unapologetic cheeseburger fiend)? The Tri Cities’ burger scene isn’t just beef and buns—it’s a wildly delicious adventure begging for napkins and zero regrets. Here are the best spots in town to satisfy cravings you didn’t even know you had…
Sage Port Grille | The Burger Time Capsule
Walk into this no-nonsense diner and you are greeted by shiny chrome accents, a rock-and-roll mural, and a menu rooted in American flair. The moment you scan the offerings, you know there are no trendy experiments here. It has proudly served hearty beef patties for decades, outlasting fads with pure, greasy glory.
Purists settle in for a simple cheeseburger while the adventurous pick the Raft, a bacon and American cheese monument. Then there is the Bateman Island special, a glorious collision of breakfast staples and lunch favorites that defies etiquette. Hand-cut fries and golden onion rings arrive in generous portions that beg for local craft beer. There is even patio seating for the rare sunny afternoon.
Bring the kids, drag in any lingering headaches, and order boldly. On a good day, this is where a burger feels like a celebration of the basics done brilliantly. There is no pretense, just a loyal crowd and comfort food that still hits hard. Dive into their menu for yourself.
Summer’s Hub of Kennewick | Burgers & Beer for the Indecisive
Weekends here are like a choose-your-own-adventure built around a half-pound Angus burger. Sink your teeth into a soft brioche bun loaded with classic patty and your pick of house-made garlic aioli or more unexpected toppings. There is even a plant-based option that might convert a documentary-watching cousin into a burger lover.
Thirty-two rotating taps serve everything from crisp lagers to bold IPAs. Outside, a spacious patio invites laughter, live music on select nights, and enough free parking to outdo any strip mall. It all feels like a local block party rather than a chain outpost.
Gluten-free buns and sides arrive without an upcharge. That kind of inclusion keeps the community spirit alive. Kids can roam the outdoor games or settle into their own kid-friendly dishes. Parents savor the chance to relax with half a pint while little ones chase giggles around the patio. See what’s grilling at Summer’s Hub.
Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar | Gourmet Burger & Martini Fix
Imagine combining a food stylist’s eye and a mad scientist’s curiosity on a kaiser bun. That is what you get at this chic mall eatery. Sourcing local Angus beef as a canvas, it builds burgers that flirt with the extremes of taste.
The Signature Burger layers crisp frizzled onions and smoky bacon, finished with a lemon-garlic aioli that banishes plain mayo forever. For those chasing legend status, The Kraken delivers candied bacon, ripe avocado, and layers of flavor that keep a dream journal busy. There is even a turkey patty that surprises with its juiciness.
Hand-cut fries arrive with a playful basil seasoning. Bar staff will mix a martini that cuts through any meaty decadence. Bright lighting and modern décor remind you that a trip to the mall can actually be delicious. Factor in friendly service and a menu that dares to be bold, and you find something far from ordinary. Start plotting your order here.
Frost Me Sweet Bistro & Bakery | Gourmet Burgers With a Twist
In a world of squeeze-bottle monotony, this bistro feels like a breath of fresh air. Bright windows overlook outdoor tables perfect for savoring a cocktail and a burger in sunshine. House-made buns roll off the line alongside inventive toppings, so every bite becomes a treat.
Their signature creation, The Frosty, blends premium beef with unexpected twists that turn the humble burger into a culinary event. The menu evolves often enough to challenge the pickiest diner. Hand-cut fries arrive crisp and hot, while a thoughtful kids’ menu keeps little critics satisfied.
Cocktails are mixed with equal creativity, proving this is not just a bakery pretending to serve dinner. Chalkboard specials dance on the wall beside a display of artisan pastries. It earned national attention for good reason. Even after one Food Network cameo, every visit still feels like discovering a secret. You might want to start plotting your order now.
El Fat Cat Grill | Wildly Inventive Fusion Burgers
If your version of burger paradise blends the backyard BBQ vibe with the energy of a street food caravan, then this hidden mobile gem is your destination. Parked behind a car wash, it has quietly become a food truck legend. Forget the usual lettuce, tomato, onion routine. Here every burger is a passport stamp on your taste buds.
The Smokey Bandido stacks smoked bacon with sweet grilled onions for a savory swagger. The Green Hornet brings a dab of jalapeño cream cheese to wake up even the sleepiest palate. Beef patties arrive juicy and seasoned to perfection, cradled by soft, house-made buns that soak up every drop of flavor.
There is no white tablecloth fetish or extensive beer menu, just a line of regulars chasing their next food coma. Sides are humble. Coleslaw is the fanciest companion on a paper plate. Yet this spot outsmarts any competition when it comes to fusion twists and crave-worthy builds. Just be ready to drive home in a very tasty fog of satisfaction. See what’s sizzling behind the car wash here.
The Village Bistro | Gourmet Burger Playground
The Village Bistro turns the humble burger into a culinary catwalk. Each Angus patty comes piled with extravagant toppings like ham and bacon on the Beautiful Burger or boldly blackened with crumbled gorgonzola. Choose from a sturdy pub bun, a melt-in-your-mouth sweet-white roll, or pillowy brioche. Every bite is built to handle daring flavor ambitions.
Vegetarian guests get their moment with a hearty black bean burger that doesn’t skimp on texture or taste. Inside, the vibe is laid-back but never lazy, perfect for kids and grown-ups who believe bland is a four-letter word. Since taking the reins in 2016, the local owners have turned kitchen experiments into weekly must-trys and perfected every mouthwatering creation.
Free parking means no excuses, whether you dine in, carry out, or have your burger delivered. In a world of flimsy bread and pale patties, this place stands firmly in burger royalty. Crash the menu here and get your gourmet fix.
Baby J’s | Where Cravings Get Creative
If your idea of a perfect burger is a single slice of American cheese on a patty, Baby J’s will gently prove you wrong and then hand you a knife and fork—just in case things get messy. Buns come from local bakers, patties arrive in specialty blends, and each is crowned with a house-made sauce that’s almost too good to share. The dining room feels both comfortable and slightly upscale, so your favorite hoodie and sneakers fit right in.
Classics sit alongside masterpieces sporting unexpected toppings, so you might enjoy a simple cheeseburger one day and a tower of smoky bacon and tangy aioli the next. Hand-cut fries emerge golden and crisp, demanding their own spotlight. Rotating specials tease with sweet-heat combinations or herb-forward twists, and the signature milkshakes are rich enough to steal the show.
Indoor seating flows onto a charming patio, and free parking means no frantic meter hunts. Parents will appreciate the family-friendly service, and night owls can satisfy late cravings without worry. Creativity, comfort, and genuine flavor collide here in burger perfection. Go drool over the lineup yourself.
Budd’s Broiler | The Steakhouse Burger Fix
Even though Budd’s Broiler is best known as a steakhouse, its burger game demands respect. Each patty is made from Snake River Farms beef, seared to perfection and topped with house-made aioli that adds just the right tang. The dining room offers views straight out of a real estate brochure, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Columbia River. Drinks flow freely, but the real show is the scenery.
Specialty burgers arrive on locally baked buns and are piled high with ingredients you actually want to talk about. This spot strikes a balance between dressy and down-to-earth. Jeans fit in just as easily as a polo, especially when you snag one of those deck seats at sunset.
The rest of the menu is tempting for seafood and steak lovers alike, but sticking with a burger is rarely a regret. Pair your meal with a Washington wine or a craft cocktail—no judgment here. Come hungry and share a side or two—these portions do not skimp. And if you still have room, those crispy calamari strips make an unforgettable encore. Scope out the riverside menu here.
Five Guys | The “Anything” Burger Stop
Five Guys puts the power entirely in your hands. Every burger begins with fresh, never-frozen beef that’s hand-formed first thing each morning. From there, you pick from fifteen complimentary toppings, including grilled mushrooms, crisp jalapeños, and a spectrum of condiments. This level of customization turns each order into a personal masterpiece.
Buns arrive baked fresh daily, and fries get a double dip in peanut oil for that instantly recognizable crunch. You can choose classic Five Guys style or opt for a spicy Cajun twist. Once cooked, the fries flood a bag like a friendly dare to finish them in one sitting. The casual dining room hums with the soundtrack of conversations, peanut shells on the floor adding to the atmosphere.
Without a drive-thru, you’re part of the lobby scene each time you collect your tray. Milkshakes can be upgraded with bacon bits if you’re feeling adventurous, flipping dessert into an indulgent flex. For a straightforward fix with reliable portions and minimal surprises, this long-standing favorite never disappoints. see if you can out-customize yourself.
Amendment XXI | Gourmet Burgers with a Side of Sass
Think Prohibition-era swagger meets modern burger indulgence at Amendment Twenty One. This local joint turns every patty into center stage royalty, flaunting flavors that demand attention. The Cali Burger arrives with scallion mayo and fresh guacamole, while the Breakfast Burger swaps buns for pearl waffles and layers on fried egg and sriracha ketchup.
Waffle fries come drizzled in garlic truffle oil, Buffalo bleu cheese sauce, or bathed in smoky bacon and melted cheddar. Non-carnivores get equal attention with turkey and plant-based patties that never feel like an afterthought. A full bar stocks prohibition-inspired cocktails, and a regular lineup of rotating specials keeps even the most seasoned diners coming back for a surprise.
Late-night hours mean a Cowboy Burger smothered in bourbon BBQ sauce is just a call away after midnight. Outdoor seating welcomes any Tri Cities sunshine or cool evening breeze. Service here never misses a beat, whether you are dining with kids or friends whose topping choices are questionable.
Bring the whole crew for a meal that feels part gallery showing, part neighborhood hangout. Everything here is crafted to order, so patience is rewarded with flavors you will keep talking about long after your last bite. Scope the menu and plan your next edible adventure.
La Bella Vita Kitchen and Bar | Gourmet Burgers, Unexpected Flair
La Bella Vita reinvents burger fundamentals with smashed patties built as a base for artistic topping arrangements. Caramelized onions mingle with house-made teriyaki glaze, and double bacon makes its presence known. A dollop of pesto aioli elevates every bite—brace for sauce envy. The dining room embraces a laid-back yet refined energy that welcomes burger purists and adventurers alike.
The Mozzafiato layers peppery arugula with gooey cheese in perfect harmony. For spice seekers, the El Diablo ropes in jalapeños, Ortega chiles, and a lush jalapeño ranch for fiery complexity. Each patty arrives hand-packed and grilled to order, ensuring juicy satisfaction. A rotating beer list and signature cocktails pair effortlessly with these bold flavors.
Little appetite? The kids’ menu features mini burgers crafted with real care. Outdoor tables beckon warm-evening dinners under the sky. Chef Pami Thind proves that boredom has no place between two buns. Drool over their full burger lineup here.
Andy’s North | Classic Diner Comfort
At Andy’s North in Pasco, burgers mean business without sacrificing charm. Here you’ll find every classic you love—from a no-fuss cheeseburger to the Platonic ideal of a Mushroom Swiss. Each patty sizzles on the grill, and the house-crafted sauces in nostalgic squeeze bottles offer playful twists. The décor channels old-school diner warmth with a lively modern pulse.
Inventive weekly specials keep the menu fresh; one visit might deliver a smoky chipotle creation, the next a tangy blue cheese marvel. Portions land on your plate like a statement, filling you up without emptying your wallet. Hand-cut fries arrive crisp, and thick milkshakes can be ordered in dessert-spoiling sizes. Beer and cocktails share space behind the counter, so your sidekick beverage fits your mood.
Outdoor seating invites conversation and casual people-watching under the Pasco sky. The staff greets every guest like an old friend, making families feel particularly at ease. Stop by early to beat the rush and soak in that community buzz. Peruse the menu that keeps locals coming back.
Sam’s Saloon | Burgers & Ballgames Heaven
At Sam’s Saloon, simplicity and comfort collide under a wall of TVs and a flood of cold drafts that actually stay cold. Burgers stick to the classics – thick beef patties, melty cheese, and optional chili for those feeling fancy. There is no pretense here, only the familiar thrill of juicy meat and toasted buns. Rustic wooden beams and vintage memorabilia complete the old western vibe without the risk of brawls.
Hand-cut fries and infamous tater tots arrive crisp and golden, perfect for curling up with big screens broadcasting every touchdown. Families, sports fanatics, and anyone who thinks ketchup is fine find their kind of crowd here. The drink list spans sixty taps plus cocktails, each poured liberally without an ounce of snobbery. Walls echo with cheers rather than chatter, making every game feel like a front row seat.
Parking is plentiful, judges are nonexistent, and ketchup earns its keep on every plate. Pull up a stool or snag a booth, order your burger your way, and settle in for a night that feels like home. Check out the menu before your next game day pilgrimage.
Hops n Drops | The Chillest Family Hangout
If your ideal burger night involves 100 percent Angus beef, a frosty pitcher of tap beer that stays cold, and forty blissful minutes of strangely well behaved kids, you have found your home base. Hops n Drops feels so relaxed you might forget what time it is.
Service is full table support, so you won’t have to trade your fries for a second round of drinks. Speaking of which, the “icy drop” cocktail arrives in a glass made entirely of ice. It sounds gimmicky until you realize how long that concoction stays crisp.
The burger lineup hits every classic note and a few curveballs, all sized so you need two hands to tame them. Hand-cut fries and tater tots arrive perfectly crisp and seasoned, putting every other side dish in town to shame.
Options like a dedicated gluten-free menu and weekend breakfast burgers make complaints nearly impossible. Add in the fact that it is locally owned and has truly become the neighborhood gathering spot and you will understand why everyone feels they belong here. Find out if you can handle a burger and a drink in a glass of literal ice.
Honorable mentions:
• Bruchi’s
