We asked TNT readers which local burger spot is best. Here’s what they said

Some things just withstand the tests of time. According to News Tribune readers, Pierce County’s oldest burger stands still sling some of the best burgers around.

More than 1,340 people cast their vote in the TNT Diner burger-stand poll in September, and a tight race it was.

Coming out on top, though, was the one and only Frisko Freeze. Established in 1950 and modernized (on the inside) in 2024, the historic landmark earned the loyalty of 14% of voters with 189 tallies.

Perry Smith opened Frisko in 1950, focused on ice cream but quickly expanded to burgers. It remained in the family — although in the early 1990s his son-in-law opened three franchise locations that fizzled — until just two years ago. John and Nico Xitco purchased the Tacoma icon from the estate of the late Penny Jensen-Gerber, Smith’s daughter, and last year finalized a comprehensive upgrade to the interior. The building itself, emblematic of the midcentury Googie style of architecture, was registered as a Tacoma historic landmark in 2008.

I see Frisko Freeze as a story that could have gone terribly wrong — if someone, especially a lustful outside entity eyeing nothing but dollar signs — had swooped in. It ending up in the Xitcos’ hands was met with some trepidation by longtime Tacomans who hold indelible memories of time spent in this Division Avenue lot, as my late colleague Matt Driscoll wrote as news of the sale made its rounds. But the Xitcos wanted only to keep the “icon” in “iconic.”

Retaining the Tacoma burger crown, presuming it was never bestowed elsewhere, is an honor for John Xitco. As he also mentioned during the sale and renovation process, he grew up eating double cheeseburgers at Frisko Freeze, and Nico has, too.

“An immense amount of passion along with a conscious and considerable investment in the infrastructure is the foundation for the next 75 years,” he told TNT Diner. “We have fostered a sustainable and enjoyable work environment for our team so we can deliver consistent, efficient and affordable food and a clean and welcome environment for our customers.”

Importantly, he added, “Only if it was broken, we fixed it. Otherwise we left it alone.”

1. Frisko Freeze

While nostalgia almost definitely plays a role — generations’ worth of feeding the people beefburgers, golden fries and thick shakes can do that — many readers see the memory as living up to the moment. It’s as much about the consistency of the product and the fair price, said one, as it is about “most importantly the place.”

“I went there since I was a small child with my father, so it’s been over 50 years,” wrote Doreen. “I still get a cheeseburger, fries and a wild cherry shake every time.”

Why keep up the routine decade after decade?

“The classic, simple-tasting, greasy burger!” said Leslie Pearson. That and “hanging out with others and chatting about this iconic location and burgers.”

2. Pick Quick Drive-In

Not far behind was Pick Quick Drive-In, referring here to the original stand in Fife, with 156 votes, about 12% of the total.

The memories also hit home for readers.

Tracy said simply: “Burgers are great. Love the sauce. Great memories.” John Anderson expounded on that sentiment: “The setting, the real fries, the burgers are perfectly cooked and toppings are perfectly appropriate to the point that I just look forward to going to Pick Quick, always!!!”

(Uncomfortable addendum: Pick Quick no longer cuts potatoes in house for the fries.)

3. Out & About Burgers

Rounding out the podium might be a surprise to those who have never ventured to the first food trailer on Meridian — it’s been there since 2009! — or the newest one on 112th near Canyon Road, which opened in 2022. Out & About Burgers earned a loyal 123 votes, or 9%.

Many readers shared their love of Out & About in detail.

Lindsay Nixon described the offerings as “fresh, simple and well made.” Daniel Harris pointed also to just the right amount of seasoning, “FRESH veggies” and the “best burger sauce.” Molly Crowley appreciates the “perfect crispy edges on patties” and “excellent meat-to-bun-to-veggies-to-sauce proportions.”

Julie Rhee is trying to take my job, because her description sums it up beautifully: “The double cheeseburger with their regular sauce, toppings and grilled onions is PERFECTION. The burger is perfectly cooked, the cheese is melty, the onions are done right, the lettuce is cold and crispy, the tomato slice is good and even the BUN is grilled/toasted to perfection. Every. Time. Seriously a thing of beauty! Yes, it is drive-thru only but it is efficient and friendly and the price cannot be beat. I love this burger.”

4. Lefty’s Burger Shack

Sneaking into fourth place was Lefty’s Burger Shack, a 10-year-old octagonal gem in University Place, also with about 9% of the vote or 116 tallies.

Lefty’s also received a lot of feedback in our survey.

“The food here is just classic. No fuss. No over-charging. It just feels authentic,” wrote Emily. “The burgers are tender, the cheese melty, and the shakes always hit. I’m a Tacoma native, and I think they’ve supplanted Frisko Freeze as the best burger place in town.”

Another reader, Jason, shared similar high praise: “I have tried 75% of the burger places you have listed on here and Lefty’s is on the top of my list.”

5-10: Bomb Burger, Frugals, Radnor’s, Best Burger, Burger Seoul

From there votes fell below the 80-mark, starting with Bomb Burger, the yellow food truck parked on 6th and North Fife Street in Central Tacoma, which snagged 72 tallies or 5% overall.

Close behind was Frugals in Parkland and Radnor’s in South Tacoma each with 66 votes. Best Burgers, which has served Lakewood since the late 1980s, secured 57 votes and Burger Seoul 55.

Lots of folks agreed with me on the minor details done right at Burger Seoul, including the Korean influence of owner Young La with his mother, who leads the meat marination that’s integral to the shop’s signature flavor.

“The owner relentlessly pursues excellence,” said Eileen Sullivan. “The burgers are delicious and the fries are a triumph — crispy outside, soft inside.”

“Unlike anything else out there in terms of toppings and flavor. Quality is top notch!” said Scott Smriga.

Others to break 40 votes included Wally’s Drive-In in Buckley, Jake’s Burgers at Sterino Farms, Lucky’s Drive-In and Spanky Burger on Sixth Ave.

Reader Brian called out Wally’s atmosphere, shake flavors and the variety of the menu. He also appreciates the drive-in’s eclectic customers, from fans leaving a high-school football game to Crystal Mountain skiers, Mount Rainier hikers and truckers. “All of these people drive by and stop in at Wally’s — a staple to the local economy and an iconic restaurant even going back to the days when it was Vizz’s.”

Other burgers readers love: Jake’s at Sterino Farms, Lucky’s Drive-In, Legendz

Although they didn’t fare as well in the vote, Jake’s and Lucky’s resonate with TNT readers.

“All of the ingredients are as fresh as they can come!” said Hailey Bree of Jake’s. “The atmosphere is so welcoming. It is such a joy to be on the farm.”

In addition to the fresh-berry shakes (I agree, Jack!), Brooke Warner mentioned the service and speed — without sacrificing quality or taste: “They always get food done on time and in a fashion like I’ve never seen before. You can give them a 20-burger order with shakes and fries and they will have it done in 15 minutes if you asked them to. Best part about that you may be wondering?? The food is fresh, delicious, and put together with love from the employees. The owners are the sweetest people you will ever meet and deserve the recognition for their hard work.”

Lucky’s earned hearts for the “best vibes and burger combo,” as Mike put it, adding, “Feels unlike most other burger shacks in the area, and the whole menu has something for everyone as well as a solid*** burger.”

For several reasons, Martin Allison has forgiven that the name belies the fact that you have to exit your vehicle to order.

“I rarely eat beef or, for that matter, fries or drink milkshakes. But for the two to three times a year I splurge, it has to be all three, usually at Lucky’s,” he said. “Part of that is loyalty to non-franchise local Parkland/Spanaway neighborhood businesses, part is the mostly all-fresh-from-scratch burgers as good as any such burger joint I’ve encountered anywhere, part is the granddaughters liked to eat in the 1950s streamlined bus fitted out with tables and a Mitishubi mini-split that keeps it cool or warm.”

Legendz didn’t rank highly in the poll, but at least 22 people don’t find my perhaps controversial take that it’s a sleeper-hit quite so controversial. “As a card-carrying American I’m genetically predisposed to seek out the best burgers in the vicinity,” wrote Warren. “Legendz is (hands down) the best burger on the list. Do yourself a favor: Eat at Legendz. Trust me on this. I know what I’m talking about — you won’t be disappointed.”

Have more burger thoughts? Let us know in the comments or email TNT Diner directly.