An Insider's Guide to The Olympia Region's Burger Joints

Whether you’re enjoying a cookout with friends and family or dining out at your favorite neighborhood spot, we all get a craving for burgers and fries.

Luckily our region is home to a unique collection of local burger spots in Olympia and beyond, all serving up decidedly different burgers.

Olympia's Must-Try Burgers

When you’re here and the burger craving hits, consider one of these local spots! Below is a curated list to help guide your hunger:

The Smashburger at ilk Lodge

Located in the heart of downtown Olympia, ilk Lodge is brewing some of Olympia's finest brews at their family-friendly taproom, while slinging some serious heat in the kitchen in the form of their scratch-made smash burgers (now made with grass-fed beef from Colvin Ranch in Tenino). Their hamburger buns are made in-house and you'd be a fool to skip the crispy fries. Want to look like a true pro? Go for the fried onion burger.

The smashburger at ilk Lodge sitting next to a basket of crispy fries

Any Burger at State and Central

Head to this eastside Olympia neighborhood gem (conveniently located on the corners of State and Central) and enjoy a variety of specialty burgers from their ever-evolving menu. We're partial to the Oklahoma Burger with onions griddled right into the patty, but you can never go wrong with the iconic Juicy Lucy (with gooey cheese oozing from the center) or the Chorizo Burger with an egg slapped on top.

A burger and fries in a basket with a pickle spear

The Truffle Mushroom Burger at Cove

This family-friendly sports bar and grill is home to the coveted Truffle Mushroom Burger which features two beef patties, arugula, havarti/cheddar blend, truffle aioli, and sauteed mushrooms. But you'd be remiss if you didn't also consider their two-patty Smash Burger with sharp white cheddar cheese, bacon jam, caramelized onion, and garlic aioli. With 16 beers on tap, wine, seasonal craft cocktails, and live music, the Cove doesn't disappoint.

A cheeseburger with grilled mushrooms and crispy fries.

Cheeseburger at Row

If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy great food on a waterfront patio, look no further than Row - located right off Percival Landing. Before you dive into a cheeseburger served on a brioche bun with tartar sauce and all the fixings, start off with a charcuterie board and a cocktail.

A customer at Ranch House BBQ & Steakhouse seasons their fries.

Chili Burger at Ranch House BBQ & Steakhouse

Ranch House BBQ knows a thing or two about real BBQ! Born and raised in Olympia, pitmaster Amy Anderson has competed on the national level and taken home championship titles in Washington, California, Arizona and Nevada. For something decidedly different, try the classic, house-grilled chili burger, topped with the award-winning chili.

Beyond Burger at Well 80 Brewhouse

The Well 80 Brewhouse is one-part brewery, one-part brewpub built on the site of one of Olympia’s famous Artesian wells. In fact, the delicious well water is used in brewing their line of tasty, craft beers. When it comes to burgers, vegetarians and vegans rejoice! Well 80 customizes any of its burgers with the Beyond Burger patty (GF, V), with a delicious side of fries, tots, house salad or soup.

The Big Pete Double Burger at Van's Burger

Van's Burger, a local favorite in Olympia, WA, is a classic burger stand known for its simple yet delicious menu and the Big Pete Double Burger. Their burgers are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooked to order, resulting in juicy patties with just the right amount of char. With a focus on quality and friendly service, Van's Burger consistently draws crowds and is a must-try for burger enthusiasts. Pro-tip: don't skip the fry sauce.

A cheeseburger from Van's Burgers with melting cheese oozing down it's sides.

Happy Hour 80/20 Burger at Ricardo's Kitchen + Bar

Located in Lacey, Ricardo’s Kitchen + Bar is a romantic, family-owned steakhouse that celebrates Italian-inspired cuisine. The restaurant utilizes top-grade ingredients from local vendors and rotates its menu seasonally. For an elevated burger experience, order the 80/20 burger on their Happy Hour Menu and you will not be disappointed.

A cheeseburger and sauce on a wooden serving platter.

Expedition Elk Burger at McMenamins Spar Café

Olympia’s beloved Spar Café began as a blue collar joint for dockworkers and loggers, and continues today as a modern gathering spot for students, legislators and locals alike. The menu offers celebrated burgers including the decidedly different Expedition Elk Burger, served with coffee-bacon jam, black garlic aioli, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles on a sesame brioche bun.

Burger Bowl at Uptown Lounge

Uptown Lounge is a beloved restaurant and dining experience in the heart of Yelm, WA, about 20 minutes away from Olympia. The restaurant offers freshly prepared dishes with homemade ingredients, from burgers and salads to sandwiches and wraps. For a unique burger experience, order the “Burger Bowl.” No bun, no fries and no mess! Order any of the five specialty burgers, and have it served on a bed of romaine lettuce and your choice of dressing.

The Big (or Little) Tom at Eastside Big Tom

Hailed as the first drive-thru in Washington, this burger joint is the funnest and funniest family-friendly burger joint in town. We highly recommend the Big or Little Tom burgers which come with double meat and cheese, and Big Tom's iconic “goop” sauce. It doesn’t matter what’s in goop. It only matters that you need goop in your life. Goop is an institution, and that’s all you need to know. If you’re not a fan of beef there are chicken and fish options, and the hot dog with goop, pickles, onions, and ketchup is a solid choice as well. Crinkle fries, tater tots, onion rings - all three are ready to round out your meal. Do not miss out on their epic monthly special shakes and ice cream.

An Eastside Big Tom burger with goop sauce and tater tots

Barge Burger at Tugboat Annie’s

Located on the Olympia waterfront, Tugboat Annie’s has been a beloved Northwest destination for more than 20 years. One-part restaurant, one-part kayak rental, Tugboat Annie’s embrace its maritime theme and serves up an eclectic menu of steaks, burgers and seafood. Bring the whole family down and order the Barge Burger, a massive, 10” diameter burger made from five of their regular hamburgers served on a Wagner’s Bakery bun.

Spend the weekend and find dining, lodging, events, festivals and entertainment ideas at www.experienceolympia.com. Make sure to share your best shots with us by tagging social posts #ExperienceOlympia and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter (@Experience_Oly) and Instagram (@ExperienceOly).

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