Legendary chef Thomas Keller once said, "Burgers are food for the gods." If it shocks you that the chef/owner of the French Laundry reveres burgers so highly, perhaps you haven't met THE ONE. Our list of favorite burgers in Pierce County is your invitation to meet the burger of your dreams, because as you'll quickly see, this roster is absolutely worth traveling for.
Shake Shake Shake – Tacoma
Why We Love It: While the retro vibes are fun and namesake shakes are excellent at this Stadium District gem, we're here for the burgers. Their classic cheeseburger is a masterpiece of simplicity: juicy beef with a thickness somewhere between a fast food burger and restaurant burger, melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, pickles, and tangy special sauce, all on a toasted bun.
Frisko Freeze – Tacoma
Why We Love It: A local icon since 1950, Frisko Freeze is all about nostalgia and giving the people what they want. The "fast food but better" burger is humble, a little greasy, and you're likely to inhale it before you remember to eat a single French fry. The drive-in experience and neon sign seal the deal.
Blazing Onion – Gig Harbor
Why We Love It: If it's traditional restaurant-style burgers you're craving with thick, juicy patties and fun topping options, this local chain will treat you right. They have seven locations, our favorite being Uptown Gig Harbor, just minutes from the waterfront. Try the namesake Blazing Onion burger with caramelized onions and Tillamook white cheddar joining the usual burger topping lineup.
The Forum – Puyallup
Why We Love It: Sometimes a great deal can make a burger taste even better. The popular Juicy Lucy, a burger stuffed with cheese on a Brioche roll with pickles, caramelized onions, and the Forum's Andalouse Sauce, can be scored on the happy hour menu Sunday-Thursday. The Forum’s the laid-back pub atmosphere makes it a great spot to unwind, but you'll have to leave the kids at home to visit the 21+ establishment.
Burger Seoul – Tacoma
Why We Love It: The food-cart-turned brick-and-mortar success story is immediately understandable when you clap eyes on their burger lineup. Young La and his mom have had all of Tacoma in love with their burgers and loaded fries for 9 years, but it's their original Seoul Burger with double-sharp cheddar, house sauce, lettuce, and onion on brioche that keeps us returning. An extra-juicy patty made from chuck and short rib makes this bite a standout.
Hole in the Wall Burger – Gig Harbor
Why We Love It: If tall, structural restaurant-style burgers really aren't your thing, this next one is for you. Local favorite ice cream shop ISCREAMERY now has a special window where you can order smashburgers in six delicious iterations, all with the satisfying lacy crispiness of a smashburger patty with the promise of "maximum flavor to bun ratio."
Pick-Quick Drive In – Fife
Why We Love It: This old-school drive-in was established in 1949, but they've kept up with Instagram-ready aesthetics and a preference for local goods, including Royal Ranch Beef. Their classic cheeseburger
stands tall thanks to sheathes of crunchy iceberg, and we can't help but shout out their thin, perfectly crispy fries.
Lefty’s Burger Shack – University Place
Why We Love It: Underneath a perfectly buttery white bun, the essential elements of a nostalgic burger are assembled here at this burger shack located in the middle of an empty plaza parking lot. This local favorite has a surf theme, a surprisingly big menu (shrimp basket, anyone?), and depending on the weather, you'll probably end up eating on or inside your car. This burger is worth it.
Did we miss your favorite destination-worthy burger? Tag us at @visittacomapiercecounty and let us know!
