Dick’s Is Where Everyone in Seattle Eats
It feels a bit silly to write about Dick’s Drive-In. Doesn’t everyone already know about it? It opened its first restaurant in 1954 and now has 10 locations across the Puget Sound area. It really hasn’t changed that much over the years, which is part of what makes it so legendary.
What to order
- There’s no real choice here. Either you get a cheeseburger (boring but a bargain at $3.25), a Special (pickle-y relish and lettuce for a bit more texture), or a Deluxe (a Special with cheese and an extra patty, which is an affordable full meal at $5.75). Or two Specials?
- Locals will sometimes debate whether Dick’s is better than In-N-Out, but it is inarguable that Dick’s fries are way better. Thin, hand-cut, freshly fried in sunflower oil (i.e. safe for those with peanut allergies), the fries are the true must-order.
- The milkshakes aren’t flashy and only come in the three basic flavors (vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate), but they are satisfyingly cold and thick. They’re made with real ice cream and taste like something real, with no unwelcome synthetic sweetness.
The vibe
Everyone in Seattle can, and does, eat at Dick’s (the fries are gluten-free and vegan). There’s almost always a line, especially during the lunch and late-night rushes, but it moves quickly.
Insider tip
You have to pay to get sauce for your fries — including ketchup (mustard is free). But don’t get ketchup, get the tartar sauce, which is tangy and slightly mustard-y. If the tiny menu has a sleeper hit, it’s the tartar sauce.
