The Best Burgers in Seattle Southside
Top 10 Best Burgers in Seattle Southside
Looking for the best burgers near Seattle? Seattle Southside is home to 10 must-try burgers, from rich Wagyu beef and teriyaki burgers to classic drive-in cheeseburgers and even a mind-bending Monster Burger challenge.
There's nothing like a delicious, juicy burger any day of the week. You'll find standout options throughout SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines, and beyond.
Here are 10 of the best burgers in Seattle Southside:
The Monster at Sharps RoastHouse
Sharps RoastHouse knows a thing or two about meat. This locally owned restaurant right by SEA Airport is known for its slow-roasted briskets, ribs, and prime-grade marble "hamburgs," like the Seattle Classic pictured above. Too basic for you? Well, why not double the Seattle Classic, throw a grilled cheese sandwich in the middle, and take the "Monster" challenge? If you can polish off this beast in under five minutes, it's free, and you get to join the wall of fame. But beware: while many have heard the call, few have bested the Monster.
Teriyaki Burger at Bob's Burgers and Teriyaki
This unassuming burger joint on the border of SeaTac and Des Moines pulls off something rare for a fusion spot—it excels at both sides of the menu. At Bob’s Burgers and Teriyaki (no relation to the cartoon), the teriyaki is fantastic, and the burgers are classic. So what happens when the two come together? You get a sweet-and-savory teriyaki burger that’s hard to forget. The flavor only gets better with a layer of jalapeño jam that's just spicy enough to wake up your taste buds without overpowering the burger. Add a side of crinkle-cut fries and a creamy milkshake, and you’ve got one seriously satisfying meal.
The UFO Burger at Urban Tapri (Vegetarian)
An Indian restaurant may not seem like the most obvious place for a burger. Yet SeaTac's Urban Tapri, which specializes in quick, satisfying Indian street food, has one of the most interesting burgers you'll find in the area. The vegetarian Crispy Aloo Tikki "UFO" Burger is pressed on the edges to resemble a flying saucer, if saucers were made of chewy, toasted buns and stuffed with savory fillings. The whimsical shape conceals a crispy potato patty with veggies, cheese, and a special house-made sauce. It's out of this world (sorry, we had to say it).
Another great vegetarian option is the Veg Noodle Burger. Picture hakka noodles (a popular Indo-Chinese stir-fry dish) paired with a potato patty, topped with cheese, and enclosed between a traditional burger bun.
The Wagyu Burger at 13 Coins
13 Coins Restaurant has been a mainstay of the Seattle area since 1967. This classy yet casual diner has a giant menu, but you can't go wrong with the Wagyu Burger. If you're not familiar, Wagyu beef is known for its extra-rich, buttery taste, giving a cheeseburger a real upgrade. This one is topped with oozing white cheddar, caramelized onion, and house-made sauce, and served on a brioche bun. Not that while this is a family-friendly spot, it's also nice enough to feel appropriate for a date night or group gathering.
Note: For a meat-free option, 13 Coins also does a great Impossible Burger!
The BOB Burger “Bacon on Bacon” at Rendition
Not all hotel restaurants are destination-worthy. Rendition, tucked inside Tukwila's Hotel Interurban, undeniably is. This sleek, urban restaurant makes a few mean burgers, but the most unique is the The BOB Burger (“Bacon on Bacon”). Featuring 1/2 pound of grilled Wagyu beef with peppered bacon, bacon mustard aioli (!), bacon onion jam (!!), and all the regular fixings on a toasted brioche bun, it's a real feast. A little decadent? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely. As for ambience, the inside is cozy and there's a nice patio outside for warm days.
The Nightmare at The Pancake Chef
If you love a good, old-fashioned diner, you'll go nuts over The Pancake Chef. The midcentury vibes are spot-on and the burgers are perfect. Chief among them is The Nightmare which, contrary to what the name might suggest, is a dream come true. Famous since 1959, this decadent dish pairs 6 oz. of juicy ground beef with thick-cut bacon, then upps the ante with grilled onions, pickles, and your choice of cheese. Enjoy it with an order of crispy fries and a soda or a glass of fresh-squeezed OJ, and you'll be in heaven.
The Shack Stack at Shake Shack
New York-based Shake Shack is beloved the world over for its elevated take on fast casual, and we're blessed to have a location right in Westfield Southcenter, the region's go-to shopping center. The menu boasts many unique burgers, but if you're torn between a fried mushroom burger or a regular beef burger, get yourself a Shack Stack. This epic creation gives you the best of both worlds: an Angus beef cheeseburger topped with a 'Shroom Burger. Add lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun, and you've got yourself a destination-worthy meal.
Santa Barbara Char at The Habit
The Habit opened in Tukwila to plenty of fanfare. The lines have eased up a bit (thankfully), but the flavor of their famous charburger is still just as impressive, thanks to the open-flame charcoal grill. In 2015, Consumer Reports named Habit’s Charburger the best burger in America, beating out heavy hitters like In-N-Out, Shake Shack, and Five Guys. While the classic is always a solid choice, our personal favorite takes inspiration from the California city where the chain began. Instead of a bun, it’s served on grilled sourdough and topped with fresh avocado and caramelized onions, along with two chargrilled patties, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. It’s big, bold, and packed with flavor. It's a mouthful, in the best way possible!
The Deluxe at Dick's Drive-In
We couldn’t have a list of the best burgers in Seattle Southside without including Dick’s Drive-In. This famous local spot is known for its thin yet delectable burgers and instant service. The Deluxe, clocking in with two 1/8 pound grilled patties, is a local classic for a reason. Our closest location is on Pacific Highway in Kent, but you can also sometimes get Dick's at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmer's Market during the summer. Or visit the location on Capitol Hill, not far from the Light Rail Station, which is easily accessible from Seattle Southside and makes for a great end to your downtown Seattle day trip!
The Super Cheesy Burger at Bowlero South Seattle
Bowlero South Seattle is a classy bowling alley with a restaurant and bar where you can post up with a date or group of friends late into the night. Order the classic burger with two patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Simple? Maybe, but when simple is done just right, it's a thing of beauty, and at Bowlero, this burger is perfectly done, making it the ideal companion for a night of bowling.
FAQ: Best Burgers Near Seattle (Seattle Southside)
Q: What are the best burgers near Seattle?
Some of the best burgers near Seattle can be found in Seattle Southside, including the Wagyu Burger at 13 Coins, the Monster Burger at Sharps RoastHouse, and the Teriyaki Burger at Bob's Burgers & Teriyaki. From classic drive-in cheeseburgers to creative global twists, these restaurants offer some of the most memorable burgers in the Seattle area.
Q: Where can I find great burgers near SEA Airport?
Several excellent burger spots are located just minutes from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Local favorites include Sharps RoastHouse, 13 Coins, and Urban Tapri in SeaTac, as well as Rendition and The Habit in nearby Tukwila.
Q: Are there unique or specialty burgers in Seattle Southside?
Yes. Seattle Southside offers several unique burger options, including the Teriyaki Burger at Bob's Burgers & Teriyaki, the vegetarian UFO Burger at Urban Tapri, and the legendary Monster Burger challenge at Sharps RoastHouse.
Q: Are there vegetarian burger options in Seattle Southside?
Yes. Vegetarian options include the Crispy Aloo Tikki “UFO” Burger at Urban Tapri and the Impossible Burger at 13 Coins, both offering flavorful meat-free alternatives near Seattle.
Q: What classic drive-in burgers can you try near Seattle?
For a classic Seattle-style drive-in burger, visit Dick’s Drive-In, a local favorite known for simple, affordable burgers like the Deluxe. It’s one of the region’s most iconic burger stops.
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