There's a burger for everyone on this list!
Kelly Dougher - Staff Writer•
Looking for burgers in Seattle? It may seem like a simple task but in fact, everyone has different ideas of what makes the best burger. That’s why when we created this list, we didn’t set out to pinpoint the most crowd-pleasing burgers in Seattle. Rather, we considered standout burger experiences throughout the city that might appeal to a varied group of people.
This list includes burger joints that offer gluten-free buns, bars that specialize in vegan burgers, and casual fast food spots that every Seattleite has tried at least once after a night out in Capitol Hill. This is, in short, the ultimate cheat sheet of Seattle’s vast and varied burger options. The only requirement is that it has to be delicious.
Now, in no particular order, here are our top 10 must-try burgers in Seattle:
1. Uneeda Burger, Fremont
This casual burger spot in Fremont is open until 9:00 p.m. seven days a week for dine-in, takeout, and delivery. They have indoor and outdoor seating, and if you’d like a veggie burger or gluten-free buns they can do that for you. They also serve beer and wine.
Go here when: Your date wants a simple, classic burger and you want to try something new (go for their bison or lamb burger). Make sure both of you try the milkshakes.
Address: 4302 Fremont Ave N
2. 8oz Burger & Co, Capitol Hill and Ballard
This is a more gourmet burger option with two locations. They make their hearty burgers with organic, local, and sustainable ingredients—and if you’re tired of Impossible or Beyond patties, you can try their house-made veggie burger. They also have milkshakes and a full bar.
Go here for: Happy hour or when you’re hungry for takeout at Optimism Brewing across the street.
Addresses: 1401 Broadway (Capitol Hill); 2409 NW Market (Ballard)
3. Lil Woody’s, multiple locations
You can find Lil Woody’s in Capitol Hill, Ballard, White Center, and T-Mobile Park. In addition to their wide variety of burgers they offer a house-made black bean veggie burger, gluten-free options, huge portions of fries cut on-site, and house-made milkshakes.
Go here when: You want an affordable, casual burger with a mountain of fries… or when you’re catching a Mariners game.
Address: 1211 Pine St (Capitol Hill location)
4. Beast and Cleaver, Ballard
This sustainable, family-owned butcher shop in Ballard has a small restaurant inside of it called The Peasant. You’ll want to follow along on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss it when they have burger pop-ups and weekend dinner openings, but you can also visit their evening wine bar in search of an elevated burger (among other meat-centric dishes).
Go here for: the Tuesday and Wednesday night wine bar or when you get lucky enough to score a reservation for the Peasant.
Address: 2362 NW 80th St
5. Life on Mars, Capitol Hill
Looking for a great vegan burger in Seattle? Visit Life on Mars, a bar in Capitol Hill that has a plant-based food menu, regular and non-alcoholic co*cktails, and an extensive vinyl collection that you can browse. They have three vegan burgers on their menu and you can enjoy gluten-free options as well.
Go here when: you want to enjoy a vegan burger and some co*cktails (alcoholic or otherwise) along with some good music.
Address: 722 E Pike St
6. Chuck’s Burger Press
Located inside Chuck’s Hop Shop Seward Park location (which itself is located within Third Place Books), this new smash burger pop-up typically operates from Thursday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (for now). Their compact menu includes fries, gluten-free buns, and an Impossible patty option.
Go here when: you want a delicious and affordable smash burger with your craft beer.
Address: 5041 Wilson Ave S
7. Dick’s Drive-In, multiple locations
If you arrived in Seattle and nobody asked you if you wanted a bag of Dick’s, you’ve been missing out. These fast food burgers may not be the best in Seattle, but it’s essential you try ’em at least once—preferably with a milkshake. Plus you can’t beat the convenience of a drive-in with half a dozen locations in the city.
Go here when: you’re a little drunk or tight on cash… or just want a classic Seattle experience.
Address: 115 Broadway E (Capitol Hill location)
8. HoneyHole Sandwiches, Capitol Hill and Central District
This popular Capitol Hill sandwich shop and bar recently opened a second location in Seattle’s Central District. In addition to their hearty, meat-packed sandwiches, both locations have an excellent veggie burger (wait, is a burger a sandwich?).
Go here when: you’re going out with a group of hardcore meat lovers but you just want a decent veggie burger. Everyone will be happy.
Address: 703 E Pike St (Capitol Hill); 1305 East Jefferson Street (Central District)
9. Big Max Burger Co, Queen Anne
This casual-chic burger joint in Queen Anne boasts locally-sourced patties, incredible milkshakes, and a lot of other non-burger standouts on their menu such as their chicken nuggets and fried chicken sandwich. You can also ask for a gluten-free bun, a lettuce-wrapped burger, or an Impossible burger. Oh, and they have Frosé.
Go here when: you want to treat yourself to an elevated fast food experience. It’s also a great place to take kids.
Address: 1935 Queen Anne Ave N
10. The White Swan Public House, South Lake Union
You might be surprised to see a seafood restaurant on this list, but this waterfront spot serves up a great cheeseburger that really earns its spot on the menu. This is a cozy space to eat at in the winter months, and in the summer you can sit outside by the water.
Go here when: you don’t want to have to decide between oysters and a burger.
Address: 1001 Fairview Ave N
Also check out: The 16 Most Mouth-Watering Italian Restaurants In Seattle
