Vancouver, WA’s burger scene defies simple mapping. Ask a dozen locals for their top picks and you’ll get a dozen different lists. But here’s what’s certain: This city across the Columbia is packed with patty perfection. From classic drive-ins with secret sauces to gastropubs stacking brisket blends, we’ve hunted down the definitive must-try spots. Here are the Vancouver burgers to add to that ever-growing foodie checklist.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (360) 253-2296 | WEBSITE
Applebee’s Grill + Bar, a welcoming burger spot in Vancouver, is the reliable chain restaurant from the neighborhood dining scene. Though there’s plenty of familiar comfort with its classic American fare—perfectly cooked ribeye steak, a warm and inviting space you can settle into for hours—this is hardly some generic experience.
Applebee’s feels like the dependable, more accessible cousin who’s embraced suburban dining traditions: large parties are welcomed and accommodated, servers treat you with bubbly friendliness, and most dishes cost less than $30. Applebee’s serves food worthy of a casual night out with the ease of a local place where you can gather without fuss. Be sure to get the four cheese bacon chicken Mac and any special that comes during happy hour.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (360) 694-9513 | WEBSITE
On busy evenings, we like to settle into a booth at this reliable burger joint in Vancouver with a Red Robin Royal and those bottomless fries. Or you could grab seats at the bar where families share milkshakes and friends split towers of onion rings. The menu is straightforward with classic burgers and a few surprises, with the standout being the turkey burger that’s surprisingly juicy. Red Robin gives you options.
What’s consistent, though, are the prices: most burgers are around $15 and come with those endless fries, and we’ve yet to leave without feeling fully satisfied.
Stack 571 Burger & Whiskey Bar – Vancouver
$$ | (360) 450-0774 | WEBSITE
Stack 571 Burger & Whiskey Bar is a riverside spot in Vancouver that’s home to some of the most exciting burgers in the Pacific Northwest. The order-at-the-counter space has a welcoming indoor area, but if you come with family or friends, you’ll want to grab one of the outdoor tables. The menu consists mainly of creative burgers with inventive toppings and your choice of sides (the PB&J burger is a standout), but under no circumstances should you leave without the Gorgonzola waffle fries.
They’re a savory-creamy, decadent side made with crispy waffle fries, tangy Gorgonzola, and a perfect crunch. If you’re here with two to three people, share the fried green tomato BLT, the Poutine burger, and the 3 Pepper Bomb burger, which comes with juicy patties, creative sauces, and those essential waffle fries for around $45. Leftovers will be a given, especially with that stunning view of the sparkling Columbia River.
Killer Burger Hazel Dell
$ | (360) 258-1151 | WEBSITE
At this laid-back PNW spot, you’ll hear grunge tunes and see casual groups grabbing burgers at the simple counter. A row of local beer taps lines the back wall. Killer Burger Hazel Dell is chill, unpretentious, and a fine place to slide into a booth and eat classic burgers with creative twists, like the peanut butter bacon burger with its perfect thin crispy edges and a gooey cheese melt that tastes like comfort.
Finish with the perfect plate to go splitsies on: crispy fries, a juicy burger, and a scoop of herby aioli.
Burgerville
$ | (360) 573-8223 | WEBSITE
When it comes to great burger spots in Vancouver, WA, your options are pretty much endless. That said, if you only have time to try one place, make it Burgerville. This beloved local chain isn’t just our favorite spot for burgers in the area, it’s one of Vancouver’s great restaurants, and a place everyone needs to experience at least once.
There’s a solid chance you’ll find yourself paying a bit more than at other fast food joints, but even so, the star here will always be the food, with the friendly staff making sure you’re enjoying yourself. Don’t worry, after a meal featuring savory hamburger sliders, the Sausage Crunch Biscuit, and the off-menu hazelnut milkshake, your only answer will be a resounding ‘YES.’
Burger King
$ | (360) 574-3000 | WEBSITE
This classic, family-friendly spot near Costco is serving up the kind of reliable, consistently satisfying fast food that’ll keep you coming back—week after week. Think fresh and hot cheeseburger sliders, tasty chicken wraps, and a Whopper that you’ll be craving on your drive home before you even finish your meal.
There’s plenty of parking and a great old-school play place here, so this certainly is a perfect spot for kids and groups, and if you’re looking for a quick, affordable bite with friends, it doesn’t get better than Burger King.
Grady’s Public House
$ | (360) 433-9569 | WEBSITE
With a town that has as many great burger joints as Vancouver does, you’d expect there’d be some good pub spots, too. But you wouldn’t expect them to be as good as Grady’s Public House, the Irish-style pub on the list that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They serve killer biscuits and gravy, fantastic fish and chips, and a tasty Caesar salad.
They’ve also got some great breakfast and brunch options (our favorite is the flavorful chicken), for when you’re heading out of the non-bar area and need something to soak up the drinks you just had.
3HowlsRemedyHouse
$$ | (360) 729-9007 | WEBSITE
The moment 3HowlsRemedyHouse settled into its beautiful house location, it was obvious this spot would become a Vancouver staple. They’re less of a strictly vegan joint (they’ve moved away from the fully vegan menu, though still offer solid options), and more of an all-purpose gothic-inspired eatery with something for everyone, but that’s fine with us. Grab a seat in the cozy, low-key space, and let the friendly staff guide you.
They’re accommodating in a way that makes you feel like you’re part of an impromptu celebration, and they’ll gladly tell you about their popular items. This will involve the Nashville Mushroom sandwich, the chickpea patty sandwich, and—if you’re feeling adventurous—the spicy udon noodles. Add in some of the best fries around, a gorgeous cocktail, or a tasty mocktail, for a truly worthwhile visit.
Crave Grille
$ | (360) 256-2001 | WEBSITE
They might serve burgers, but Crave Grille is no ordinary burger joint. This welcoming, family-friendly spot in Vancouver is also one of the area’s best casual dining destinations. The perfectly cooked Bleau burger is deeply satisfying, layered with savory, juicy, and rich flavors, and truly wonderful.
The menu is so full of crowd-pleasing dishes that you could go here once a week for a year and still be ordering new and great every time: Rockfish Tacos, Pulled Pork Nachos, chicken wraps, and mozzarella sticks. The list keeps going, and you’ll keep going back, especially for those $4 mimosas on Saturdays.
Killer Burger East Vancouver
$ | (360) 836-5274 | WEBSITE
Killer Burger East Vancouver is just as good as the original Portland locations, but with one major bonus: it’s actually in Vancouver. And even more so when you’re eating some of the best burgers in the area. Prioritize their smoky Motley Que with its perfect char and the earthy Fun Guy piled high with mushrooms and onions.
We’d send you to this burger spot solely for the latter burger, but the clean, casual environment is also a pleasant place to linger with crispy fries and a refreshing strawberry lemonade.
Waterfront Taphouse
$$ | (360) 719-2043 | WEBSITE
Waterfront Taphouse might be a popular spot by Vancouver standards, but the reason we love this waterfront restaurant is that its vibe is thoroughly upbeat and casual. There are dishes praised by customers like the bacon fig pizza cooked to perfection, chicken sesame ginger salad, and amazing blackened Mahi Mahi. Though there are a few items like the halibut fish and chips that received less favorable reviews, most of Waterfront Taphouse’s offerings are like comforting meals with a view.
The charming setting at the waterfront is mainly a sit-down experience—there’s patio seating with options for both sun and shade—but before you finish your meal and head out, spend a moment at their bar for an expertly crafted lavender margarita or a perfectly balanced Manhattan.
SmackTown Burgers & Wings
$ | (360) 258-1329 | WEBSITE
The vibe at this family-friendly burger joint is so welcoming, you’ll feel like you just discovered a hidden gem. Families settle into cozy booths, passing plates like the mushroom Swiss burger called “The Swiss Bank Account” and chicken wings with bold flavors. A neon sign casts a warm glow over friends enjoying burgers with fresh toppings and Ginger Ale. Classic rock and upbeat tunes play over the speakers.
SmackTown nails the rare combo of friendly staff, amazing burgers with big patties, and a satisfying dining experience (the owner ensures every visit feels special).
Gorilla Grill
$ | (360) 892-3866 | WEBSITE
Tucked away inside a Shell gas station mini mart, Gorilla Grill is Vancouver’s best-kept secret for burgers and a true speakeasy for cheeseburgers. You can certainly come to this hidden gem and find super juicy deluxe smashburgers with crispy edges and fresh ingredients, but Gorilla Grill’s greatness lies in their signature gorilla glaze. The Killa Gorilla Burger—expertly cooked, gorilla-sized, and dripping with that flavorful sauce—is simply too delicious to finish in one sitting.
Bring as many people as you can to Gorilla Grill, because between the bomb seasoned fries, the affordable prices (most burgers under $10), and the sweet, friendly staff, there are simply too many great things to enjoy.
Billy Blues Bar and Grill
$ | (360) 694-3114 | WEBSITE
The Vancouver burger scene is packed with spots aiming to satisfy hungry locals without emptying wallets, and Billy Blues Bar and Grill is the king of them all. A gourmet house burger or an impossible burger from this lively spot’s grill are perfect for a casual sit-down meal, but Billy Blues is best experienced with a full lineup of steak, seafood, and live music. Whichever route you choose, make sure to grab a seat on the patio when the weather’s nice to enjoy food and drinks with the band.
The Diner Vancouver
$ | (360) 859-3338 | WEBSITE
The Diner Vancouver is so brightly lit and clean you can practically see your reflection in the polished Formica countertops, making it easy to spot whether the person devouring pancakes next to you is a regular or a first-timer drawn in by the smell of bacon. Once you settle into the cheerful, no-frills space, you’ll discover a genuinely welcoming local spot serving hearty American classics.
The breakfast dishes are satisfying if straightforward, but the lunch offerings can compete with any comfort food joint in town, especially the generous Meat Lover hash finished with that unique bacon breakfast gravy.