Dick's Drive-In — Restaurant in Kent

I was told about this place from my friend's YouTube viewers, telling me I MUST make a trip there on my layover in Seattle. I was short on time, dressed for warmer weather, and without an umbrella, but the food was well worth it! I had never used the metro system there, but equipped with a new Orca card and Google Maps, I made the trip fairly quickly. Dick's Drive-In was only 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) away from SeaTac airport.

I got there a little early but was pleasantly surprised to see it was in the retro drive-in style. Apparently, this is its original construction and they have been busy serving happy customers since the 1950s. The orange, yellow, and white sign was the beacon from the street and the restaurant with its big windows was the port in the proverbial storm. I was able to watch the folks inside prepare everything for the day and marveled at the speed and intensity as they made everything perfect for opening.

They have a limited menu, thankfully, which I've learned from many other places they excelled in offering. Dick's Drive-In was no different. I ordered the Dick's Special (Single 1/8 pound grilled patty, with lettuce, mayonnaise and pickle relish), fries, and a chocolate milkshake. The burger and fries tasted very unique since they used sunflower oil instead of the usual vegetable oil. I was very surprised at the flavors and how delicious everything tasted. The burger was thick and juicy, and even though I don't typically care for relish, this was absolutely amazing! The fries were very crispy and had a satisfying crunch with a soft middle. Basically, exactly the way I like them. The chocolate milkshake was made from real ice cream, hand scooped just minutes before I ordered. There's nothing like handmade, fresh made food to order.

I thought there were only three of us in line, until I got my receipt and turned around. I was surprised to see 12 other people behind me, just minutes after opening! But the time I walked around to the little outside bar, which I placed my food on, took pictures of, and savored, another half dozen showed up. But the time I finished my meal, the line was wrapped around the side of the building, but was moving fast. Everyone was excitedly talking with each other, strangers meeting for the first time over the anticipation of a rumored delicious meal. The experience was SO worth it and I'm looking forward to returning on my...

Dick’s brings that old-school drive-in feel, with walk-up service windows, stainless-steel counters, and a retro ’50s look that stands out on Pacific Highway South.

What’s Great

Fresh, No-Frills Menu – Burgers, hand-cut fries, and hand-dipped shakes—all made with fresh, never-frozen beef and locally baked buns.

Fast and Affordable – Expect fast service and reasonable prices: burgers under $6, and fries around $3.

Community Staple – Staffed with friendly, efficient folks keeping things clean and quick—many reviews praise the vibe and pace.

What You Might Notice

Minimal Menu – No customization, and only a few burger options. If you want something over the top, this isn’t the place—but that simplicity is part of the charm.

Drive-In Setup – Walk-up or takeout only—no indoor dining. It’s perfect for curbside eats, not linger-and-chat vibes, unless you roll up a few cars deep.

Mixed Reviews on Flavor – Some folks say the food hits, especially the fries and shakes, while others say it’s decent, not spectacular.

Final Take

Dick’s Drive-In nails what it sets out to do: serve simple, quality burgers fast. It’s not fancy, but it does the classics well—with rhythm, value, and a dash of retro flair. If you're into no-nonsense grub and a nostalgic feel, it's worth...

Became a frequent costumer here 5 months ago, was happy with the experience when I started and am very unsatisfied now. Your moto is clearly the "food ready on order" but for the last month since you have opened your new location I have not been able to get my wife 2 plain cheeseburgers on order. I am told you have none ready and will have to wait for some to be grilled (10 minutes avg wait time), this has happened every single time for the last several stops. I asked today how many is kept on hand during dinner hours and the employee told me 3-5. This is ridiculous. Plan better.

Update 9/19/23: it seems that the owner of the company thinks re-explaining the same thing over is going to get different results. Let me explain to them again. I'm not saying the reason you do it is wrong I'm saying the amount you plan for costumers AT PEAK DINNER hours is insane, and don't bring quality into this your food has never been top notch. People expect what you advertise which is "pay, grab, and go." You even state this moto when people ask why they can't remove condiments from burgers. 10+ minutes every single time I order through you and it's based on an allergy this is not a choice...