Loretta's Northwesterner (Seattle WA)

Date: April 30, 2025

Location: 8617 14th Ave S, Seattle WA

Website: http://lorettasnorthwesterner.com/

I first learned about Loretta’s Northwesterner a few years ago when the website Thrillist included its burger in a list of the 100 Best Burgers in the USA. After seeing a recent feature on Vice.com, in which celebrity chef Josh Henderson praises this South Park neighborhood pub for making his favorite burger in Seattle, I decided it was time to find out what all the fuss is about.

I ordered The Deluxe Cheeseburger, a grilled 1/3 LB chuck patty with melted Tillamook cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and special sauce, on a toasted potato bun.

1 Aesthetics —  Absolutely beautiful. A perfectly charred patty with evenly melted cheese, served open face next to a giant pile of fresh veggies. 9

2 Flavor — Smokey, salty, tangy, and sweet. So good! 8.5

3 Mouthfeel — Outstanding! The magical Maillard reaction in full effect: the charred crust of browned beef, firm to the bite, together with the crispy crunch of green lettuce, onion, pickles, and thick, ripe red tomato slices — just right. 9

4 Quality/Freshness — Excellent. 8

5 Integrity — Great overall. Could be improved with a sturdier bun. 8

6 Atmosphere — I dig it. A dark, cozy, hole-in-the-wall dive bar, with a sunny outdoor seating area, and a friendly neighborhood vibe. 7

7 Service — Good, fast and efficient. 7

8 Satisfaction — Very satisfying indeed. Excellent hand-cut french fries as well. 8.5

9 Creativity/Uniqueness — Not especially creative or unique. Just your basic classic cheeseburger, well-made, with great ingredients. 7

10 Value — At $15 without sides, this burger costs about $5 more than it should. But I’m not complaining; it was worth the expense. 7

This joint deserves its reputation for excellence. I’ll definitely return when I’m in the area. Recommended.

Total Score: 79.0