Dick's Drive-In (Wallingford)

Dick's Wallingford is the original 1954 location of Seattle's beloved cash-cheap burger drive-in. A friend sends you here for a genuinely local rite of passage — thin griddled burgers, hand-cut fries, and real ice cream shakes, all under $6. Caveat: it's fast food, walk-up only, and famously cash-first.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Wallingford location special?

It's the original, opened in 1954 — the flagship where the whole thing started. If you're going to visit one Dick's, this is the one with the history. It's a genuine piece of Seattle.

Does Dick's take credit cards?

Dick's is famously old-school and the classic locations lean cash-first, so bring cash to be safe. Some payment options have expanded over the years, but don't count on it. A few bills in your pocket saves any hassle.

How late is Dick's open?

Every day until 2am, which makes it a legendary late-night stop after a night out. That's arguably when the Dick's experience is most fun. Just remember to bring cash.

What should I order at Dick's?

The Dick's Deluxe is the signature — two patties, lettuce, cheese, and special sauce — around $5.75. Add hand-cut fries and a real ice-cream milkshake and you've done it right. The whole menu is under six bucks.

Is there seating?

It's a walk-up, order-at-the-window drive-in, so seating is minimal to none — people eat in cars or standing. Don't come expecting a dining room. It's grab-and-go by design.

Are the shakes really made with ice cream?

Yes — real hand-dipped ice cream, not soft-serve mix, which is part of why regulars swear by them. They're thick and worth the couple of dollars. Get one alongside your burger.

How do I get there without a car?

Metro buses run along NE 45th St through Wallingford, so transit works even though there's no adjacent light rail station. It's also a walkable neighborhood if you're already nearby. Parking exists but the lot is small and busy.

How much does a meal cost?

Almost nothing by today's standards — the Deluxe is about $5.75 and the entire menu stays under $6, so a full meal with fries and a shake is still cheap. It's one of the best food values in the city. Bring cash and you're set.

Nearby in Ask Seattle

• Fremont TrollLandmark1.52 km · 19 min walk
• Woodland Park ZooAttraction1.54 km · 19 min walk
• Lighthouse CoffeeCafé1.56 km · 19 min walk
• Burke Museum of Natural History and CultureMuseum1.65 km · 21 min walk
• Milstead & Co.Café1.66 km · 21 min walk