Harold's Burger Bar (Centralia WA)

Date: January 2, 2025

Location: 727 S Gold Street, Centralia, WA 98531 

Website: https://haroldsburgers.com/

A welcome respite on a chilly winter afternoon, Harold’s Burger Bar is my kind of place: a small, local, family-owned establishment, with a classic, nostalgic look that likely hasn’t changed much since its 1947 opening.

The menu is surprisingly diverse. In addition to the typical hamburgers and hot dogs fare, Harold’s offers a number of unique culinary creations. 

I chose The Pepper Jam — a quarter pound beef patty topped with smoked gouda, bacon, relish, tomato, lettuce, and onions smothered in bacon pepper jam and topped with a grilled poblano pepper on a brioche bun.

1 Aesthetics — A modest appearance that only hints at the delights within. 6.0

2 Flavor — Tasty! A curious combination of smoky and sweet. 7.0

3 Mouthfeel — An excellent firm, juicy, perfectly prepared beef patty. The bacon, tomato and poblano, however, were limp and chewy. The mouthfeel of this burger would be improved with the addition of something crunchy, such as crispy bacon, sliced onion or pickle. 5.5

4 Quality/Freshness — Outstanding. All ingredients were fresh and flavorful. 8.0

5 Integrity —Would prefer a little more cheese and a thicker tomato slice for balance, but the sandwich held together well on its sturdy, toasted brioche bun.  6.0

6 Atmosphere — I dig the ambiance of this funky little joint. A hidden gem. 7.5

7 Service — Top notch! The friendly proprietor immediately took my order, personally prepared and delivered my food, and even paused to chat a bit. 9.0

8 Satisfaction — A damn fine burger. I should have ordered two. 6.0

9 Creativity/Uniqueness — Delightful! The Pepper Jam burger delivers a powerful flavor punch with its creative combo of smokey gouda and sweet jam. It pairs beautifully with Harold’s battered onion rings and exquisite homemade fry sauce. 8.0

10 Value — Priced at only 11.75, this burger is a winner. Recommended. 8.0

This cute, historic burger stand offers a tasty trip down memory lane. Recommended.

Total Score: 71