Wesley Angel
Google
I was told about this place from my friend's YouTube viewers, telling me I MUST make a trip there on my layover in Seattle. I was short on time, dressed for warmer weather, and without an umbrella, but the food was well worth it! I had never used the metro system there, but equipped with a new Orca card and Google Maps, I made the trip fairly quickly. Dick's Drive-In was only 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) away from SeaTac airport.
I got there a little early but was pleasantly surprised to see it was in the retro drive-in style. Apparently, this is its original construction and they have been busy serving happy customers since the 1950s. The orange, yellow, and white sign was the beacon from the street and the restaurant with its big windows was the port in the proverbial storm. I was able to watch the folks inside prepare everything for the day and marveled at the speed and intensity as they made everything perfect for opening.
They have a limited menu, thankfully, which I've learned from many other places they excelled in offering. Dick's Drive-In was no different. I ordered the Dick's Special (Single 1/8 pound grilled patty, with lettuce, mayonnaise and pickle relish), fries, and a chocolate milkshake. The burger and fries tasted very unique since they used sunflower oil instead of the usual vegetable oil. I was very surprised at the flavors and how delicious everything tasted. The burger was thick and juicy, and even though I don't typically care for relish, this was absolutely amazing! The fries were very crispy and had a satisfying crunch with a soft middle. Basically, exactly the way I like them. The chocolate milkshake was made from real ice cream, hand scooped just minutes before I ordered. There's nothing like handmade, fresh made food to order.
I thought there were only three of us in line, until I got my receipt and turned around. I was surprised to see 12 other people behind me, just minutes after opening! But the time I walked around to the little outside bar, which I placed my food on, took pictures of, and savored, another half dozen showed up. But the time I finished my meal, the line was wrapped around the side of the building, but was moving fast. Everyone was excitedly talking with each other, strangers meeting for the first time over the anticipation of a rumored delicious meal. The experience was SO worth it and I'm looking forward to returning on my next layover!