Tacoma Restaurants: The Best Burgers in Tacoma
Let’s start with the facts. I am not a food writer… but I am a food eater! One of my favorite foods is a cheeseburger. My partner Alex and I have made it our mission over the last few years to track down the best burgers in Tacoma. Our burger hunt has led us all over the city, from food food trucks to diners to waterfront eateries. One caveat, we don’t do big chains or corporate fast food, so you will only see mom and pop Tacoma shops on our list. Lastly, to be honest, we still don’t know if we’ve found “the best” burger but we’re always looking!
Here’s The Best Burgers in Tacoma:
Frisko Freeze
1201 Division Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
Messy, greasy and oh so delicious, this walk-up or drive-thru burger stand is a Pacific Northwest classic. If you’re from Tacoma, there’s no way you haven’t eaten at Frisko Freeze. I have fond memories of my Dad taking me there for a special treat and now as an adult, this place is absolute nostalgia. Located in the heart of Tacoma, close to the Stadium district, be prepared for a wait, or call your order in and pick it up at the window. Make sure to grab a milkshake and fries while you’re there, the whole experience is one you must not miss.
Dusty’s Hideaway
723 E 34th St, Tacoma, WA 98404
With 2 locations (Downtown and Eastside), Dusty’s is a must try if you’re going to complete the Tacoma burger tour. They have tons of delicious options. It’s hard to categorize burger shops, but Dusty’s is somewhere in the goldilocks zone, sitting right in the middle between the cheaper and fancier tiers. We like “The Dusty” (Bacon, egg over easy, grilled onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato), “Hot Honey Chicken” (Fried chicken thigh, red cabbage slaw, Mama Lil’s mayo, pickles, hot honey drizzle) or we always down to build our own. We recommend visiting the East side location for all the kitschy vibes, and outdoor seating!
Boathouse 19
9001 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466
Situated right on the water in the Narrows Marina, Boathouse 19 might have some of Tacoma’s best views on the westside of town. It also happens to have one of our favorite burgers, the “Smokehouse Burger” (applewood smoked bacon, smoked mozzarella, buttermilk, onion strings, chipotle bbq sauce, mayo, lettuce, tomato). It’s not the cheapest burger in town, but it is absolutely delicious. If you haven’t dined down here at Boathouse, you must give it a try. Head down about an hour before sunset, and then go for a walk along the water at Titlow Beach for a beautiful sunset walk after dinner.
Shake Shake Shake
124 N Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403
https://www.facebook.com/shakeshakeshaketacoma/
On the corner of Tacoma Ave, right across from the Stadium Bowl sits Shake Shake Shake. A quirky mid century themed Americana diner serves up burgers and shakes for pretty affordable prices. Their “Steak and Bacon” burger (1/4 lb. Hand pressed patties, lettuce, onions, mayonnaise, hardwood smoked bacon, and house made steak sauce) is a classic and well worth the $6. Their name sake shakes are pretty damn good as well!
Wooden City
714 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
https://www.woodencitytacoma.com/
Try the Tavern Burger! This delicious combination of meat and cheese has an oddly nostalgic taste to it. While some may not like the American cheese, to me it taste like my childhood, yet way beyond. Be prepared to wait a bit for this burg- Wooden City often has a bit of a waitlist, but the food and ambience make it all worth it. If you don’t like to wait, you can also make a reservation. Added Bonus: If you’re vegetarian, the meatless patty is made in house and unrivaled in taste and texture.
Alright Those Are Our Picks for The Best Burger Places in Tacoma…
Please let us know if you find another spot you love and we will go give it a try!
