Spokane is definitely a burger capital of the world, and you probably have the same question as we do – where can I find the BEST burger in the Spokane and Spokane Valley area? Well, we took on the arduous task of trying every single one of them so that we could deliver to you a list that is sure to sizzle. Now I can’t fit into my swimsuit, but I don’t care. It’s all for science.
Reviewing the Best Burgers in Spokane
The anatomy of the perfect burger is different for everyone. Some people want it medium-rare, some hate pickles, others are bun-focused.
Not this burger lover. I am looking for a balance of lots of different criteria. First, I prefer a house-made bun whenever possible, but if the interior components are really, really good, I’ll overlook it. Next, I’m thinking about the patty. Is it well seasoned? Is it juicy and not overcooked? Did they use fresh beef instead of frozen? Any special blends of beef or even adding pork?
My last priority is what they used for the added toppings, though it is really important that they are fresh and properly prepared. Nothing makes me rage quite like having the part where the stem attaches to the slice of tomato on my burger. Not a fun thing to eat.
Also, is the lettuce crispy, green, and fresh? Did they make any special components like the cheese, a house-made pickle, or sauce? Every detail counts when it comes to one of America’s most beloved foods.
If you go to any of these spots, please do me a favor and tell them I sent you. You’ll probably get a knowing wink in return – as you’ve become a Spokane burger insider.
These are in no particular order, and any Guild Award winners are denoted with an asterisk. I’ve included prices here that are accurate the day of publication, but they’re subject to change at the restaurant’s discretion. Click on the link of each burger to learn more about where to get these beauties yourself.
The Bucket List of the Best Burgers In Spokane:
Reviewing the Best Burgers in Spokane
Heritage Bar and Kitchen
Hogwash Whiskey Den
Outsider
Wisconsinburger
Luna
Ruins
Hunt
Emry’s Beer and Mead Works
D’Lish’s
Zozo’s Sandwich House
Heritage Bar and Kitchen
If you haven’t been here yet, fix that immediately. This little hangout near Railroad Alley is a must-try if you’re a true burger lover. Their Heritage Smash Burger has fresh beef cooked to order on a brioche bun and super crisp toppings piled to perfection show you just how seriously they take the humble burger.
Heritage Bar and Kitchen
The ambiance is killer, too. The bar is designed to look like the Monroe Street Bridge, and if you love Spokane, this place definitely has that hometown feeling – you’ll notice subtle nods to our city throughout, including the menu with drinks named after beloved TV anchors. It has the added benefit of being close to Whistle Punk Brewing so you can get one of the best brews in town with each bite.
Hogwash Whiskey Den
An absolute rockstar or a burger that we keep going back for. These guys are consistently on our best burger list for a number of reasons. One – they have a fried cheddar burger on their secret menu that will blow your ever-loving mind. Ask about it. Loaded with beef, it creates this oozy awe-inspiring effect when you hold it that will even make the most dedicated vegan drool. Bonus points for a wickedly cool vibe in the basement of the super trendy Washington Cracker Building.
Durkin’s
A consistent winner, and for good reason. The beef is fresh as can be, and it’s always juicy AF. With a pretty pair of 4 oz ground chuck patties, house-made American cheese and a funky delish dill mayo and some of my favorite pickles in town, this one is worth adding an egg or bacon to. Plus, they’re open late, so you can get the burger you crave well into the wee hours.
Random thought – I haven’t tried adding their handcrafted fried bologna to it, but it may be worth asking about. This place was named after one of the most entertaining characters in Spokane history, too, so while you wait for your burger, give him a Google search. You won’t regret reading about his antics, and learning that this spot is in the namesake bar’s same location.
Outsider
Everyone that I know has heard about this place, because I can’t stop talking about it!!! Outsider is one of my favorite new spots in Spokane for casual fare done PERFECTLY. Their pizza is the stuff of legends, but their burger is equally as notable. I don’t know how they do what they do, but the beef is so tender and juicy, the house-made bun is light and fluffy but with a perfect crisp on the interior where they toast it, and the toppings are always fresh AF. Get this one and tell them I sent you to put a giant smile on their faces. Chef Ian Wingate is one of the best in the biz.
Wisconsinburger
This casual spot is beloved, and an 8 time winner from the Inlander. Need I say more? This beloved local treasure features burgers like this one with a house-ground Angus patty topped with cheddar cheese, a deep fried disc of mac and cheese, and topped with spinach and red onions tossed in their house-made mustard vinaigrette. Their rotating menu features tons of wild combinations, and yet this Return of the MAC! burger stays on there by popular demand.
Wisconsinburger’s Return of the MAC!
It has everything you’d want in a familiar burger turned up a few notches. House-made EVERYTHING and a fantastic balance of components make this a good one for anybody who is a classic burger lover.
Luna
This is the a mac daddy of Spokane burgers. It’s expensive, and it’s so. Worth. It. Don’t let the price scare you. You’re in for a whole experience! It’s one of the city’s best restaurants tucked away on the South Hill, and the ambiance alone are worth a trip here.
The Casa Cano grass-fed beef patty is a thing of beauty, and so is the bacon from the same source. This is a burger for refined palates and casual diners to admire in unison. It also has crisp Palouse greens, tomato, dill pickles, aioli and house cheese, and is served on house brioche with frites on the side. Dine on the patio in the summertime and relax with a cocktail.
Ruins
This beloved Spokane classic is in a new(ish) aesthetic location downtown. Ruins is one of my go-to spots for an amazing meal anytime of day. When it’s available, their take on a Big Mac but roughly a million times better, this bad boy will change your life a little. Juicy fresh beef, house-made burger sauce, and perfectly melty cheese with shredded fresh onion and lettuce, it’s one you won’t be able to stop thinking about.
Hunt
Conveniently located downstairs from Ruins, Hunt is an outdoors-themed speakeasy style bar and kitchen that serves up comfort food that’s expertly done and with a decidedly gourmet twist in every dish. A classic smash burger has onion, lettuce, cheese, tomato and what they call “million island”, and I have to agree. It’s a million times better than your classic thousand.
Emry’s Beer and Mead Works
This one is my husband’s favorite burgers in Spokane, and I can see why. There are four different SMAAAAAASH burgers on the menu, and each one is a symphony of flavor. I’m partial to this one – the Moonside SMAAAAASH – which has house-made cheese, moon sauce, and onion-pickle marmalade. They aren’t shy with the beef here – be sure to come hungry.
Wooden City
An unsung hero of masterful burger preparation, Jon Paul Green and his team have a winner on their hands with their Tavern burger. It’s got two signature patties topped with house-made pickles, shredded iceberg, grilled onion and double cheese. I cannot in good faith forget to tell you to order the blistered hungarian peppers, too. I was once brought dinner by these fine folks when I was sick, and they insisted on including the peppers in my care package. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Wooden City – Photo by Jon Paul Green
D’Lish’s
If you’re in a hurry and need to stay in the car on your daily commute, this should be your #1 burger stop. It’s a cherished favorite amongst hardcore Spokanites and has been on top of every best burger list in the area – especially for the value. They’re cooked fresh to order and have hand-cut fries every single day.
For less than $5 you can get a double and get it just the way you want it. It’s a messy beast, but worth every sloppy bite while in your car – just ask for extra napkins. While you’re at it, pick up some of their house seasoning with that extra money you saved and try to recreate the magic at home.
Zozo’s Sandwich House
Funny name, serious sandwiches (and burgers)! I’ve GOT to get a better image of this burger, but honestly, I always inhale it too quickly and can’t seem to wait long enough to actually snap the shot.
Whether it’s National Burger Day or not, Spokane has an amazing variety of options when it comes to burgers. If you’re looking for some of the best burgers in Spokane, make sure to bookmark this page!