Our guide to the best burgers in Seattle is serious business. We aren’t including just any old burgers, even if they’re known as nostalgic Seattle classics. No, to be featured on our guide, a burger has to be the complete package. Succulent patties that are grilled to perfection, exciting toppings, a substantial and delicious bun, and most importantly—outstanding flavor.
Whether you’re a traditional cheeseburger lover or more into the idea of a specialty burger, our guide to the best burgers in Seattle has the perfect one for you. The 16 restaurants below range from fast-casual burger joints, to upscale dining experiences, and there are even some surprising spots that have been hiding some of the best burgers in Seattle. We can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy eating, burger lovers!
16. Red Mill
This is the type of burger spot that you want to keep in your back pocket for a fast and cheap, but well-executed burger. Red Mill has a devoted following among Seattle burger enthusiasts and can be found at three different locations in the city. We recommend the Double Bacon Deluxe that is oozing with cheese, slathered in their smoky Mill Sauce, and packed with their famous pepper bacon. You won’t want to miss out on the onion rings here, which are satisfyingly crisp and generously seasoned.
Red Mill Burgers
15. Feed Co. Burgers
The menu at Feed Co. Burgers has something to satisfy anyone and offers options for beef, turkey, veggie, lamb, or chicken burgers. If you’re hungry and in the mood for an impressive burger, order The Texicana with frizzled onions, barbeque sauce, bacon, cheddar, slaw, and grilled jalapeño. Another favorite here is The Mushroom featuring a generous topping of porcini-crusted crimini mushrooms, thyme, and gruyere.
Feed Co. Burgers
14. Loretta’s Northwesterner
Loretta’s Northwesterner is known for its Tavern burger, but we prefer the upgraded Deluxe Cheeseburger for its potato bun and 1/3 pound chuck dripping in special sauce. Upon arrival, you will walk into a dimly lit dive bar where you can order your burger and fries at the counter. Every good burger deserves some fries on the side, and we definitely recommend the salty and crisp fries at Loretta’s. Once you get your food, we recommend enjoying your meal al fresco in their cozy courtyard.
Loretta’s Northwesterner
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13. Perihelion Brewery
Perihelion Brewery has an inviting atmosphere where it’s easy to spend hours sitting by their outdoor fire pits while enjoying one of the best burgers in Seattle. The casual vibe, friendly staff, and modern design make this one of our favorite spots for a night out with friends. The impressive menu of pub food at the Perihelion Brewery is enticing, but you are here for the Beacon Burger. What makes the Beacon Burger truly special is the addition of smoked pork belly, which adds a crunchy and salty edge to each bite. This all-natural beef burger is also topped with the essential Beecher’s white cheddar and smoked-chili aioli, sandwiched between an incredible brioche bun.
Perihelion Brewery
12. Katsu Burger
Katsu Burger is unlike any other burger experience in Seattle. Their Japanese-inspired menu includes creations you’ll want to order just so you can say the names out loud (i.e. Godzilla Attack, Ninja Deluxe), but you’ll quickly realize how insanely tasty they are too. The burgers here are made with beef, pork, chicken, or tofu. Each option is beautifully crusted, smothered in unique sauces, and layered with generous toppings. At Katsu Burger, you’ll indulge in one of the best burgers in Seattle while surrounded by colorful pop-culture art.
Katsu Burger
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11. Eden Hill Provisions
Consider the Big Max Burger at Eden Hill Provisions an upgraded version of McDonald’s Big Mac Burger. Not to be confused with the fine dining experience you’ll find at Eden Hill Restaurant, this quaint bistro offers a much-needed casual dining option to the Queen Anne neighborhood and the Big Max is the star of the show. It is assembled with two dry-aged wagyu brisket and bacon blended patties, smoked gouda, Tillamook Cheddar, lettuce, onion, housemade bread-and-butter pickles, and a special sauce. The flavors are nostalgic yet elevated, and a must-try for anyone in search of the best burgers in Seattle. Aside from the burger, we’re continually impressed with the warm ambiance, modern decor, and genuinely happy staff found at Eden Hill Provisions.
Eden Hill Provisions
10. HeyDay
Heyday is a modern restaurant that is tucked off the beaten path in the Mt. Baker neighborhood of Seattle. Their delicious burgers are served on beloved Macrina Bakery buns and cooked to order. Here, you can build your own burger, or select one of their signature creations. If you want to try something unique and packed with Pacific Northwest flavor, order the Saigon. It tastes like a bowl of Vietnamese Phở in burger form, with pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, jalapeños, and a siracha mayo. We also strongly recommend a side order of the ultra-crispy tater tots served with chipotle aioli.
Heyday Bar & Restaurant
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9. Skillet
Skillet might be known for their fried chicken, but one of the best burgers in Seattle can also be found at this upscale American diner. Back in their food truck days, Skillet parked down the street from Macrina Bakery’s SODO location, and soon enough, a friendship was formed that ultimately lead to the creation of the SODO bun used to build this incredible burger. A juicy patty is cooked to your preference and topped with arugula, creamy blue cheese, and the most addicting spread of bacon jam.
Skillet Diner @ Capitol Hill
8. Uneeda Burger
The pun is intended at Uneeda Burger, you NEED a burger from here! Order at the counter and then find a seat at one of the wooden picnic tables in this garage-style restaurant that opens up to an outside patio on nice days. There are a variety of burger options to suit anyone wanting veggie, lamb, bison, chicken, or beef. We love the 1/3lb mushroom beef burger with shallots, gruyere, and truffle aioli. All burgers are cooked to medium temperature, so let them know if you have a different preference.
Uneeda Burger
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7. Harry’s Fine Foods
Harry’s Fine Foods is a garden oasis in the middle of the busy Seattle streets. This small restaurant is adorned with fresh flowers, pretty chandeliers, and a unique assortment of dinnerware. You may not expect to find one of the best burgers in Seattle here, but you are in for a wonderful surprise. This burger is cooked to a perfect medium temperature and is topped with melty cheese, aioli, and paprika-roasted onions. There is always a burger on the menu, but toppings will vary from time to time, and they are always great. We can’t resist a shout-out to the best fries to accompany any burger on this guide. Harry’s Fine Foods serves up perfectly crisp fries that are beyond addicting, dusted with pecorino romano cheese, and seasoned with fresh rosemary and sage.
Harry’s Fine Foods
6. Von’s 1000 Spirits
Von’s 1000 Spirits is a trendy gastropub with an impressive bar and friendly staff. They specialize in all things sourdough. When walking into the restaurant you are immediately greeted by huge containers of handmade, intricately shaped sourdough pasta. Behind the counter, the chefs are busy at work assembling sourdough pizza and baking sourdough buns. The burger patties are thick, juicy, and cooked to your preference. Their burger menu includes a few permanent items along with some creations that are only available for a limited time. We recommend trying one of their more creative options, such as the Banh Minh Burger pictured above with pickled vegetables, a sweet chili sauce, and jalapeños. One word: WOW!
Von’s 1000 Spirits
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5. Quinn’s Pub
We’ll let you in on a little secret, this is the third restaurant owned by Chef Scott Staples to make the cut for our guide to the best burgers in Seattle. Previously mentioned Uneeda Burger and Feed Co. Burgers are both sibling restaurants to Quinn’s Pub. This is our favorite spot for a no-frills burger that is just doing it right. The Quinn’s Burger is 8oz of Angus beef on a brioche roll with bacon, white cheddar, and their incredible mayo-Dijon-lemon aioli. This is the burger that doesn’t try too hard but is guaranteed to impress you every time.
Quinn’s Pub
4. Taurus Ox
It is rare to find a burger at a Laotion restaurant, but once you bite into the Lao Burger masterpiece at Taurus Ox you will realize the genius behind this flavor combination. Provolone cheese is melted onto two beef and pork smash-patties dressed with Jeaw Bong mayo and topped with pork jowl bacon, pickled red onion, cilantro, tomato jaew, and taro stem. This counter-service eatery sits on a small corner spot in Capitol Hill, and seating is available inside. It is important to note that the Lao Burger is only available during their dinner service, which runs from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Taurus Ox
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3. The Swinery
The Swinery undoubtedly has one of the best burgers in Seattle. When you walk into this quaint mom-and-pop meat shop in West Seattle you will see an impressive selection of butchered meats sourced from the highest quality local farms. Seating is limited in the courtyard, but you’ll be just as happy gobbling up this burger while sitting on the bench in front of the shop. This is the type of burger you don’t put down once you’ve committed to the experience. The Swinery Burger is compiled with 1/3 lb Painted Hills beef, caramelized onion, greens, tomato, pickle, red onion, Swine sauce, and your choice of cheese. It is 100% worth the extra cost to add pork belly, but you can also add an extra patty, pulled pork, or bacon if you wish.
The Swinery
$$ Meat Shops, Burgers, American (Traditional)
3207 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 932-4211
2. Bateau
Bateau is a restaurant that we recommend to every Seattle foodie and is our top recommendation on our guide to the best Capitol Hill restaurants. Don’t worry that a burger is nowhere to be found on Bateau’s regular menu. Here, you’ll have to dig a little if you want to order their out-of-this-world burger because it’s only offered on their secret menu. It’s safe to say the secret is out, though. The Bateau burger is well known for being one of the very best in the entire city. Don’t be deceived by a seemingly simple burger, which is only accompanied by caramelized onion jam and aioli. The dry-aged flavor profile and tenderness of the beef are unlike anything we have ever experienced. Earthy, rich, juicy, and buttery are just a few of the words that are insufficient to describe this burger experience. And as if the drool-worthy burger wasn’t enough, the service at Bateau is also impeccable.
Bateau
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1. 8oz Burger & Co.
The atmosphere at 8oz Burger & Co. is trendy, upbeat, and feels like the gourmet version of your favorite burger joint. Every burger on the menu at 8oz Burger & Co. is phenomenal and deserves the title of the best burger in Seattle. We can safely say that 8oz can do no wrong in the construction of your dream burger. One of our favorites is The Union Burger featuring an espresso-rubbed patty, arugula, fried shallots, candied bacon, gorgonzola, and peppercorn aioli. The patty is always cooked to your preference, the ingredients are fresh and unique, and the all-important bun holding everything together is nothing short of perfection.
Elsie Wong
Dick’s drive in didn’t make the list?!? I’m shocked! It’s def not a fancy or upscale burger join, but it’s a solid go to if you need a quick burger fix imo
Brooke Eliason
No, we decided not to include it. Although Dick’s is nostalgic and popular, we ultimately decided that it isn’t a burger we’d recommend. Thank you for reading!