This article appears in print as the cover story of the September 2018 issue. Read more from the Best of the Best Restaurants feature story here. Click here to subscribe.

Best of the Best: Loretta’s Northwesterner

There’s a taxonomical issue when it comes to burgers: A really good fast-food-style burger and its upscale, gourmet counterparts are in classes of their own, after all.

But good taste transcends all order, and our vote here goes to a burger so perfect in its simplicity that it can stand its ground next to any of the city’s fancier burgers—despite the fact that it’s served in a dark, divey 21-and-older pub.

The double Tavern burger ($5) at this South Park gem is basically a better version of a Dick’s Deluxe—double patties and American cheese (an element of success for any burger), plus pickles, onions and special sauce—and not much more expensive.

South Park, 8617 14th Ave. S; 206.327.9649; lorettasnorthwesterner.com

OTHER FAVORITES

Bateau
Capitol Hill, 1040 E Union St.; 206.900.8699; restaurantbateau.com
TIP: It’s not on the menu, and it costs $17, more than thrice the price of our winner, but the cult favorite burger at this beautiful steak house comes by its reputation honestly. Don’t you dare order it well done, though. 

Ma‘ono
West Seattle, 4437 California Ave. SW; 206.935.1075; maonoseattle.com

Li’l Woody’s
Multiple locations; lilwoodys.com

In addition to our expert picks, we put the Best of the Best to the test on social media, March Madness bracket style, to discover our readers’ favorite pizza, doughnuts and burgers. Behold the burger bracket results:

The final votes are in—and it was the closest battle yet! Red Mill wins by just 8 votes! Congrats to both burgers!

A post shared by Seattle Magazine (@seattlemag) on Apr 28, 2018 at 4:51pm PDT

We’re down to the top two burgers! Vote now (in our Instagram story or on Facebook or on Twitter) or forever hold your peace. Winner announced tomorrow afternoon!

A post shared by Seattle Magazine (@seattlemag) on Apr 27, 2018 at 4:39pm PDT