Dick’s is famous in Washington for its old-school legacy and tasty burgers, but those traveling to the state often have no idea that this is a must-visit spot. The drive-in first opened in 1953 and has since spread like wildfire across the state.

At the time, burgers and fries were a classic American meal, but the idea of fast food hadn’t quite emerged. Dick’s offered the then novelty of receiving a delicious meal quickly and at a low price.

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It rapidly became a crowd favorite with everyone from families out to dinner to teens spending pocket money. The menu is simple but effective: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, milkshakes, and your basic condiment toppings.

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Though the concept was a huge success, and could easily have turned into a McDonald’s-style franchise, founder Dick Spady wanted to keep things local. Dick’s has seen substantial growth, but they contain it in the Seattle area where they have strong connections to the community.

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The Dick’s menu has remained almost exactly the same since the joint opened. With the exception of a few new burgers introduced in the 1970s, the old standards reign here.

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Quality is another way Dick’s differentiates itself from contemporary fast food chains. While freshness and local sourcing has been passed over in favor of cost-cutting at many establishments, Dick’s continues to prioritize high quality ingredients.

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After 64 years, Dick’s has catered to generations of Seattle residents. That rich connection to the community has remained strong.

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Still, decades in, Dick’s continues to be a Seattle hotspot. The Queen Anne location is the only one with indoor seating, the rest are all still operating as old-school drive-ins. And the people love it. If Dick Spady figured anything out, it’s that a classic American favorite, however simple, never goes out of style.

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Address: Dick’s Drive-In, 111 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105, USA