Dick's Drive-In — Restaurant in Seattle

A Classic Piece of Americana

Cash-Only, No Substitutions.

The prices have gone up, but unlike with McDonald's, the product remains the same. This is the first Dick's Drive-In ever opened. I argue it's the best one (the burgers are consistently better here).

Dick's is a Seattle staple -- founded and created by one of the nicest business owners who ever lived (who just recently passed away). Employees are paid a fair wage (starting at $13, in 2016), are given health coverage benefits, and can receive money towards college.

What's sad is: not even trained chefs get that. So in a scummy food service industry, ripe with exploitation, Dick's is a shining example of how things used to be and should be again.

Definitely stop here and grab a Dick's Deluxe (or two) for about $3.10 if I'm not mistaken.

The Deluxe is sort of like Seattle's Big Mac; the perfect combination of mayo with relish and crispy lettuce, smeared over a grilled bun, sandwiching two - slightly sweet and salty - crispy beef patties with melted American "cheese".

The hand-cut fries are hit or miss. The milkshakes, though small, are pretty decent as well.

Dick's is the place you go to feel ashamed, but leave...

Dick’s at this location still carries the weight of a Seattle institution—Bill Gates himself has been known to swing through. And to be fair, there’s a lot to appreciate: it’s an easy stop if you’re heading north on I-5 after a night out, or commuting between downtown and the western neighborhoods. The lines are short, the service is fast, and it’s far more tolerable than the Capitol Hill outpost, where chaos reigns, parking’s a gamble, and the atmosphere’s gone to seed.

But fast and cheap only gets you so far. I ordered a couple burgers and fries, and two minutes later I had a warm paper bag filled with soggy, barely edible food. The fries were limp and oily. The burgers? Lukewarm, soft, and utterly forgettable. Sure, it was only $11—but I’d rather pay double and actually enjoy what I’m eating.

The crew looks like they’re trying, but the kitchen runs without direction. There’s no sign of a manager, no quality control, no attention to detail. It’s not a disaster, but it’s a letdown—especially for a chain with such a storied history. Dick’s needs to tighten things up. This isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about...

Iconic Seattle burger joint that hasn't changed since as far back as I can remember. My order hasn't changed either, a deluxe and a strawberry shake. The deluxe is simple yet flavorful, with just the right amount of toppings that work together making every bite an "mmm that's good" moment. Whenever there is a Dick's nearby, my spidy senses seem to know it because i start to get that hungry feeling for a burger, then a few blocks later, bamb, there is Dick's. At first the lines seem impossibly long and daunting, but because of the efficiency of the menu, within a few moments I've got that bag of Dick's in my hand and that warm and fuzzy feeling as i walk back to my car anticipating that first bite which takes me down memory lane. It is rare to have something so simple yet so satisfying that doesn't change over time. Dick's is the one thing i can count on to always be consistent and to deliver those oh so satisfying moments of escape from today's chaotic and unpredictable times. I'm thrilled to see they are expanding yet again into the north end and finding a...