Your Next SLU Burger

As Seattle inches toward longer days and patio weather, there’s something fitting about celebrating with one of America’s most iconic comfort foods in hand: the burger. The modern hamburger traces its roots back to the late 1800s, inspired by ground beef dishes connected to Hamburg, Germany, before evolving into the sandwich we obsess over today. The numbers behind that obsession are pretty staggering. Americans eat an estimated 50 billion burgers every year — roughly three burgers per person, per week.

Luckily, South Lake Union has no shortage of worthy contenders. From happy hour steakhouse specials to classic doubles layered with melty American cheese, here are a few burgers to add to your list during National Burger Month and beyond.

The LOCAL Burger, LOCAL Public Eatery
404 Terry Ave N

The popular SLU location of this Canadian modern pub chain has four burgers on offer, all made with two hand-pressed patties. The LOCAL is the standout, topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, tomato, shredded lettuce, and secret sauce. Sometimes a classic just hits. Is it on the happy hour menu? Yes.

The Rodeo Burger, The Victor Tavern
2121 6th Ave

Ethan Stowell’s modern tavern features a small but reliable burger lineup, including a solid veggie option, but we’re here for the beef. Consider the Rodeo — a tangy, two-handed burger topped with cheddar, bacon, fried onions, and barbecue sauce on a brioche bun. Is it on the happy hour menu? No. But the Victory Burger — stacked with American cheese, lettuce, onion, sweet pickles, and secret sauce — is.

The Double R Ranch Bacon Burger, re:public
429 Westlake

This neighborhood favorite has just one burger on its regular menu (though you can also find a smashburger version on the late-night menu), but it earns its spot here. The gastropub’s signature burger includes melted havarti, bread-and-butter pickles, red leaf lettuce, and house-made sauce, all tucked into a toasted, springy bun. Is it on the happy hour menu? No.

The Ribeye Burger, The Butcher’s Table
2121 Westlake Ave N

One of SLU’s rare fine dining entries, The Butcher’s Table is best known for high-end steaks sourced from Mishima Reserve, which crosses Japanese Black Wagyu cattle with Angus cows. The steaks are certainly worthy of a special occasion, but don’t overlook the ribeye burger on the lunch menu. It’s served with melted Beecher’s Just Jack, pickled onions, and Dijon aioli. Is it on the happy hour menu? Yes — though the happy hour version swaps in Beecher’s Flagship cheese instead.