Best Burgers
The 13 yummy, juicy, downright awesome burgers that will change your life—or at least induce a moment of culinary ecstasy.
By Steve Wiecking, Kathryn Robinson, James Ross Gardner, Matthew Halverson, Eric Scigliano, Laura Cassidy, Jessica Voelker, and Christopher Werner
Spring Hill
A burger is a savage thing.
Let other foods be civilized or corner the delicacy market. A burger, a really great burger, is untamed. Feral. Indecent.
This may occur to you as your Spring Hill BURGER, $17, hits your table. “Best not to cut it,” your server may caution as you reach for your knife. The beast is fully five inches high. “It could disintegrate.” Worse, it could topple—and then where would you be? Eating the thing with a fork, that’s where. And that’s no way to eat a burger. Especially one featuring a meaty half-pound ball of beef, two melting layers of cheese, and chewy-thick bacon, all slathered in the richest Thousand Island dressing you have ever licked directly off your shirt.
Of course you are at Spring Hill, West Seattle’s fashionable bastion of culinary distinction—so that beef is actually organically raised, grass-fed Painted Hills chuck, fresh-ground in-house. The bacon is crafted on site; the cheeses are white cheddar and California’s lovely, rarely seen teleme; the bun is from Dahlia Bakery; and that luscious cream you thought was Thousand Island is actually aioli fired with roasted tomatoes. It’s precious-meets-primal, a contrast so irresistible we had to put it on the cover of the magazine. The fries, deep-fried in beef fat, went directly for primal. Excellent choice. Spring Hill, 4437 California Ave SW, West Seattle, 206-935-1075; www.springhillnorthwest.com
Red Mill Burgers
In this world there are meat burgers and there are fixings burgers. Red Mill, where the length of the ever-present line is rivaled only by the heft of the DOUBLE BACON DELUXE WITH CHEESE, $6.49, is Seattle’s high holy temple of the fixings burger.
Viewed coldly, it really oughtn’t to be that way. Because what we have on the double bacon deluxe with cheese are two terribly ordinary quarter-pound patties, slightly too cooked, heaped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onions, and draped in—we almost can’t bring ourselves to write it—American cheese. This is the burger the Dick’s Deluxe wants to be when it grows up.
That big slabs of pepper bacon (check out the mountain of it next to the grill) and deeply smoky Mill sauce also appear on the burger should not be enough to redeem this baby from the insult of the faux cheese. But here’s the thing: It all adds up to one unexpectedly perfect combination. Stranger still is the moment you realize that the mouth-coating velvet of the cheese may be the biggest part of why. Like we said: It’s the fixings. So who would we be to argue if a person wanted to peel back the top bun and carefully lay in a few onion rings—created with help from Tom Douglas, tweaked with cayenne, and pronounced by GQ magazine the best onion rings in the country? Red Mill Burgers, 312 N 67th St, Phinney Ridge, 206-783-6362. 1613 W Dravus St, Interbay, 206-284-6363; www.redmillburgers.com
Jak’s Grill
At Jak’s, the burgers come with a steak knife. A nice big one. You won’t necessarily need it; soy and Worcestershire sauces make the ground, corn-fed Nebraska beef extra tender and insanely moist, but the sharp, serrated blade is a nice touch just the same. Jak’s is, after all, an honest-to-gosh, Sinatra-on-the-stereo, brass-and-polished-cherry-wood steak house, and chances are good that your dining companions will be carving up filet mignon.
Don’t worry: You won’t feel inadequate. While they politely fork neat bites of steak, you’ll have more fun sinking your teeth into the JAK’S BURGER, $13.14, a half pound of sumptuously seasoned meat topped with a slightly uncivilized pile of blue cheese and a tangle of soft, salty bacon underscored by tangy roasted red-pepper mayo. And you can request a UFO with your protein: The potato pancake–topped pile of garlicky, skin-on mashed spuds used to be like a secret side dish that only the regulars knew, but now servers offer it up along with the night’s martini special and the soup of the day. Don’t take it for granted. Jak’s Grill, 3701 NE 45th St, Laurelhurst, 206-985-8545. 14 Front St N, Issaquah, 425-837-8834. 4548 California Ave SW, West Seattle, 206-937-7809; www.jaksgrill.com
Published: June 2009
The same burger at Jaks is also available at happy hour for about $5. Best HH deal around.
The best burgers ever !!!!!
…and that cute little older lady that works there is fantastic too.
We love it !!!!
and great prices too.
So Lunchbox Laboratory didn’t make your top 39? You’ve got to be kidding. http://tinyurl.com/lunchboxlaboratory
All I could do was salivate as I thought of a Zippy’s burger, while racing home to West Seattle, after being gone for several months. The very very best burgers ever, from a guy who vividly recalls the days when everyone in West Seattle knew one another, kids played outside until dark and rode their bikes with no bike lanes or helmets.
how about applebees tortilla burger, or the flame burger, on queen anne or dicks, or red robins teryacki burger?
Blue Moon’s Southwest Burger – Yum!
Absolutely the best burger and veggie burger I have eaten in a long long time,
I tried both. Get Chris to cook the Veggie Burger. Delicious!
I agree with Matthew…… NO LUNCHBOX LABORATORY?? Are you serious? I saw “Best Bugers” on the cover of your mag and thought, ok LL will be #1 and they’ll list a bunch of places vying for distant 2nd. But no mention at all? Wow.
I’m still shaking my head in disbelief.
Oh wait, now Lunchbox Laboratory is listed at #27.
P.S. The Food Network says Scott (at LL) makes the best burger in the state.
Really, no Kidd Valley in this category? They have the best burgers, shakes and sides! If you like chicken, try the chicken club. If you prefer no meat try the Garden Burger, its great! hand battered, onion rings and mushrooms made fresh daily. can’t get sweet potato fries as yummy as these! The shakes are made with real fruit too. You won’t be sorry!
I agree with the recent post about Kidd Valley missing (do they get knocked for being a chain?). They should have said “Gourmet Burgers” or “Burgers by CIA-trained chefs”. Sorry, but I’d take a nice, fresh sloppy burger that’s under $10 bucks than one that will eventually fall apart because it’s kobi beef and needs utensils. I read the Red Mill post on the onion rings — funny. Magic-man Tom Douglas throws in some cayenne to onion rings and they are the best?!? KV Hammy + Milkshake = Goodness.
If Burgermaster is on this, why isn’t Dick’s…Lunchbox Laboratory is missing as well. And if you don’t vote Palace Kitchen then you have not had their burger!
I agree with the magazine’s own rankings – Zippy’s Giant Burgers truly deserves the #1 spot! Best thing on the menu besides the classic “Zip Burger” is the #11 (named after the fire station across the street) featuring Mama Lil’s Hot Peppers. They also have the best veggie burger in town – their own black bean recipe. Worth the drive from anywhere in the city!
are you serious? What about Kidd Valley !!! The Double Bacon Burger w/cheese is the BEST!!
Broiler Bay in downtown Bellevue is probably the best burger joint on the Eastside and a must check out for any burger lover.
Hey guys—I contacted your staff about this, but on your VOTE IN page there’s a huge programming flaw: you cannot deselect any one of the 13 radio buttons; so even if you DID write in a fave, you still end up voting for one of the pre-written in faves…which kinda stacks the deck! Please get a radio button on that “write-in” category so we can throw in more wonderful choices. Kidd Valley cheeseburger with sweet potato fries…or or or the BOKA burger or the “onolicious” Hawaiian BBQ one at L&L. Thank you in advance for making this fix!
Footnote; if it is ONLY to vote on those 13, then the page as it is set up makes sense, but if there’s hope for a write-in contender to trump the others in this BEST OF…then see the above :).
Time to make myself a burger!!
Kidd Valley? Burgermaster? Dicks? Are you kidding?? Get the most delicious burger at the Latona Pub! See what you’ve been missing…
the Lunchbox Laboratory ranking somewhat discredits the rest of the list. somethings not right.
the Lunchbox Laboratory ranking somewhat discredits the rest of the list. somethings not right.
I can’t get over the fact that Lunchbox Laboratory didn’t make the top 13. And then there’s Quinn’s, which also didn’t make the top 13.
Who made this list? Seriously? It makes me question all the lists in the magazine of the best things where I don’t have any experience, because the one time they covered something I know a little about, I think they got it horribly wrong. And yes, I’m a subscriber.
I would suggest that Seattle Metropolitan owes Lunchbox Laboratory a feature story.
Vegan burger. Hillside Quickies. Nuff said.
mmmm….Red Mill has the best for my buck(s). I switch off between The Red Onion Jam and the Verde Burger. Forget ordering fries, and go for the onion rings. The Phinney location needs to kick their neighbor out and take over the whole building – just a little more seating space is all we need.
When the magazine arrived in my mailbox and I saw the cover, I though to myself. Finally Lunchbox Laboratory will get some recognition. And not even in the top 13? It’s like the staff hasn’t even been there.
Red Mill? WAY overrated. Even Kings Hardware makes a better burger. Bugermaster? Well, at least it’s better than most fast food places, but top 13? Not even close.
Arguing over omissions on this list looks like a lot of fun (Lunchbox Laboratory should be #1-5, seriously), but just wanted to thank the author for pointing out a few places worth checking out I didn’t know about.
Nik,
The staff has been to Lunchbox Lab. Check out the editor’s note.
I’ve recent become addicted to Teddy’s Bigger Burgers in Woodinville.
They use a custom fine-ground beef that is extra-super-primo-good.
The 9-oz patty is bigger than the bun!
I like it cooked-to-order (medium rare, please) with their tangy special
sauce, one large leaf of lettuce, a large thin tomato slice,
an optional large thin onion slice, and American cheese.
Their fries are thick and hot.
The 9-oz combo w/cheese (no need to eat again for at least 12 hours)
with large fries and drink is about $10.
What a grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat burger!
The Dock St. Burger at Leny’s Place in Wallingford is great and served late…Comes with a mandatory $4 stein too.
The best? That would be Tommy’s at Beverly and Rampart in East Los Angeles!
:-)
All those burger places mentioned are indeed good burgers…Jak’s Grill being one of my favorites. However, the BEST BURGER I have had in was the 520 Bar & Grill burger (located in Old Bellevue, on Main Street)…OMG I eat it twice a week!!! You guys have to go and try it…It’s juicy, it’s thick and it’s the best!
For you non-beefers: Just had the veggie burger at Two Bells Tavern…delish. Lemon-tahini sauce comes on the side. Perfect.
This survey is pointless without Lunchbox Lab… something is screwed up here.
This comment thread reveals what horribly uneducated palates Seattlites have. Lunchbox Lab uses VERY poor quality beef in their beef burgers. Most of you are easily fooled into thinking a burger is good based on size and variety of toppings. To true burger connoisseurs, good beef = good burgers. Also, the very fact that Dick’s and Red Mill consistently appear in these Seattle lists make it very clear this city’s residents have A LOT TO LEARN about what makes a good burger!
Another thing about Lunchbox Lab…. I don’t care HOW good the food is (and honestly I’m not that impressed for the $18.00 that it cost for a sandwich) The dining area is incredibly dirty. I mean like really gross!!! Sorry, but I need to be able to put my napkin down and be able to pick it up again without it being black from whatever filth was on the table.
Good observation Melvidaloca. With the kind of care they take in their dining area. One has to wonder what the food prep and cooking area looks like.
You’re right gastro, obviously the vast majority is wrong and you are right. forgive us for our crappy palates! lol
I still can’t fathom why in hell Red Mill is even listed with these others. Mediocre at best, if it weren’t for the onion rings this place would just be another crappy, unclean, unhappily staffed burger joint.
Hello?!?! Quinn’s?!?!
The burgers are EXCELLENT quality beef with very well done, minimal condiments and the french fries are fried in duck fat. DUCK FAT. They are the most delicious fries in Seattle HANDS DOWN.
Yes. QUINNS. So good.
I usually eat on the Eastside, but any excuse will do to go to Seattle for a burger at Two Bells Tavern.
How is it that Lunchbox Laboratory is missing? They must have interns or newbs writing this article.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lunchbox-laboratory-seattle
Pretty good burger at the Burgermaster but you have to try the fish sandwich at the aurora location … it is hands down the best fish sandwich anywhere.
If you like well crafted burgers (i.e., not fast food burgers) try Steelhead diner by Pike Market. It comes with great accompaniments, but you could just eat the burger by itself (even without the bun) and be very happy!
I There are many good places on this list, but I’m with everyone else in that I can’t believe Lunchbox Laboratory didn’t make this list. Anyone who has spent any time scouring the best burgers in the city had to have discovered this place and would see that Lunchbox Laboratory is unlike a burger anywhere else. I’d love to see them reviewed in an upcoming issue!
Lunchbox Labratory in Ballard has all of these burgers beat. Talk about the most amazing burger you will ever have!!! Every day is a new experiment that will make your taste buds go wild!
If you like your burger cooked exactly to order (i.e. medium-rare, etc), then don’t go to Voila. We went there tonight and were a bit disappointed. The fries were good, but the Kobe beef was cooked ’til all the flavor was gone. It also took forever for it to even land on our table.
We recommend SMITH in capital hill. They cook their burgers to order and get them exactly right every time. Their buns come from Columbia City Bakery … deeelicious!
Not to be snarky, but… I’ve never had a Lunchbox Laboratory burger, but they do get the top prize for most planted blog comments, e.g., “How come, how come, LL is not in the top_?” Well done, mgmt. at LL!
I do not work at Zippy’s, I don’t know anyone who works there, but Zippy’s in W. Seattle is the most distinctive, most awesome burger (ever?) in Seattle. The rest are greasy (Kidd Val), boring (Jak’s), or hyper-self-concious (Red Mill). Lunchbox Lab might or might not do a good burger(?), but they definitely lose by choosing a name that sounds completely un-fun, and un-burger.
Thank you Zippy’s, for a true burger original that seethes with nostalgia and gob-smacking, mind-blowing, memorable burger experience. With bonus real burger memorabilia on the walls. You rock, Zippy’s.
I might as well chime in…..what about the burger at 35th St. Bistro in Fremont? Huge…..Quality grass feed blah blah……..it phreaking rocks!
I agree re. the 35th Street Bistro in Seattle. Amazing burgers. always have been.
Seastar restaurant and raw bar – seafood restaurant in seattle, yeah…they do a burger and it recently won some award, so that’s cool. check it out. its surprisingly good.
red mill. done. always so good. the rolling stones, hot girls and good burgers – what else can you ask for lunch? “hyper self conscious red mill” todd p? what are we at esalen describing burger joints? some self help clinic? come guy. you sound like a zippys butt kisser. i mean really. and totally dis agree re. your comment on lunchbox laboratory’s name being boring. its witty.
are you kidding? where in the world is the lamb burger from Matt’s in the Market? hands down top 10!!
glad to see there are meat eaters in the NW.
I have tried most of these burgers but you have missed a big one, Blazing Onion.They are the best burgers in town so good they have opened three locations. The orgiginal location is in Mill Creek then Snohomish and the lucky people in Gig Harbor can now enjoy those great burgers. All you foodies need to give them a try!
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers ARE AMAZING! Great atmosphere, good service, good value!
Lunchbox Lab—- the best.
Todays burger quest led us to the Lunchbox Laboratory in Ballard. Although it was not listed as one of the top 13 burgers according to the Seattle Metropolitan, it just may be the best burger I have ever tasted.
Unless you’re really looking for this place, you’ll miss it. We drove by it once before finding it. Go on… a dry, sunny day when you can sit outside (they have nice outdoor furniture), because there’s not much room inside. Also, if it’s cold outside, it’ll be cold inside. There are a lot of cool lunchboxes and funny signs on the walls to view while we waited to order and waited for our food. The food is awesome but was a little pricey. For 2 people it was $30 (burger, tots, & a shake each). The staff is friendly too. I am told they are expanding soon.
So if you’re hankering for a new flavor that is utterly and completely insane, then you may want to partake in a little culinary mad science at the gastro-intestinal laboratory in one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods. You can either order one of their creations or build your own from the impressive list of ingredients hand written on the large blackboard divided into sections where you chose from a wide variety of, meats, toppings, sauces and sides. Chose from beef, buffalo, Churken (Turkey/Chicken) or the infamous duck and pork blend known as the dork burger, and then pick from 10 different types of cheese such as havarti, goat or gorier cheese. Toppings include: maple bacon, balsamic onions, red bell pepper relish. Top it all of with a variety of sauces such as the secret sauce, jalapeno ranch, 7 pickle olive dill tartar, balsamic hoisin or habanera ketchup and you will think you have died and gone to burger heaven. There is an amazing variety of options for your Burger and your side choices. I highly recommend trying a Nutella milkshake. The Mystical Mint also proved to be a blissful taste of perfection and the flavor was good too. There isn’t much on the menu that would actually fit inside a lunch box.
The hamburgers are enormous. After I finished mine I went home and fell into a two hour, burger induced coma. The food here is incredibly rich and flavorful. I have to say that what they are cooking is way beyond a mere hamburger. The bun and meat are just a vehicle for inspired combos of toppings and a foil for side dishes like Mac & Cheese and French Fries. Everything else is over-the-top, rich and good. They piled 3 inches of bacon on my bacon cheese burger. The burger juices ran all the way down to my elbows. This is like no other burger you ever imagined. I have been to the burger mountaintop, and it is the Lunchbox Laboratory. Every burger I eat for the rest of my life will have to be compared to the “Big Game Hunter” I just devoured.
I would have liked to see the Counter make the list of best burgers. The burgers explode with flavor. The 1/3, 2/3 or 1 pound patty could stand on its own as an excellent meal but when paired with the customers hand picked list of ingredients from their massive array of toppings to choose from it becomes a whole new force to be reckoned with, a force you will gladly wrap your hands around.
http://www.thecounterburger.com/
I’m throwing in my 2 suggestions of burgers at the Latona Pub and Frank’s oyster house. At Frank’s they make the bread and add pickled onions, which just adds to the flavor of the fine quality beef. The Latona Pub is just damn good – never had a disappointing burger.
to much food
@gastro
Go back to wherever you are from. You obviously are not from Seattle so go back home you Burger Nazi.
Gotta try Built Burgers! Get them on-line, delivered to your door for home bbq-ing taken to the NEXT level. builtburger.com. yum!
yes, i agree -lunchbox laboratory! but, frank’s oyster house and champagne parlor has an AMAZING burger. soooo, good! if you haven’t tried it.. DO IT!!!!!
It’s not a burger if you can’t put is in your mouth without a knife and fork. Springhill burger is not a burger. Ridiculous novelty like Coors cold activated beer cans.
With all due respect
Snap out of it, people
The best burger is served everyday
at John Howie Steak at The Bravern:
To wit:
USDA Prime Beef Bacon Cheeseburger,
½ pound ground prime sirloin,
Beecher’s Flagship Reserve cheddar,
Kurobuta bacon
served on a house baked bun with “Drive-In” sauce,
with Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle and sliced Red Onion
and oodles of perfect Fries
for
$8.00 during happy hour
or
$10.00 when a side salad is substituted for fries
[which I would suggest]
Lunchbox Lab’s Dork belongs here as well…
Best tasting burger is at Five Guys Burger and Fries, none of these fancy-schmancy places come close with their over-the-top, nouveau, pacific rim, farm-raised, hand picked gourmet toppings.
I can’t say that I’ve been super impressed with Red Mill, but I was told that the bacon burger is the one you’re supposed to get. The Verde Burger was a little disappointing. I suppose I’ll have to try Lunchbox Laboratory sometime, but I hear it’s a little overpriced. It’s not known as a burger place but the bacon and cheddar burger in CJ’s Eatery in Belltown is awesome.