Best Hamburger in Spokane: Top 5 Spots Ranked [2026 Update] | Arteflame

Introduction

Spokane has quietly transformed into a culinary heavyweight in the Pacific Northwest, and nowhere is this more evident than in its burger scene. From upscale gastropubs in downtown to classic drive-ins that have stood the test of time, the search for the perfect patty is fierce. We visited the city's most acclaimed spots to see who actually delivers the goods. Whether you crave a greasy smash burger or a gourmet creation topped with pork belly, our guide breaks down exactly where to go. But we didn't stop at tasting; we also analyzed the cooking techniques so you can replicate that steakhouse sear in your own backyard.

• The 2026 Spokane Burger Rankings
• Comparison: Price & Style Breakdown
• The 3-Step Fix for Home Grilling
• The Social Grill Experience

The Best Hamburger in Spokane: Top Spots Ranked

Key Takeaways

• Top Overall Pick: Durkin's Liquor Bar for its high-quality beef blend and upscale execution.
• Best Variety: Wisconsinburger offering premium toppings and authentic curds.
• Best Value: D. Lish's Hamburgers for that classic, no-nonsense drive-in experience.
• Local Favorite: Waddell's Pub & Grille for their famous 'Rube' burger.

What is the Best Hamburger in Spokane?

Based on our culinary reviews, the best hamburger in Spokane is widely considered to be Durkin's Liquor Bar due to their proprietary house-ground beef blend and classic American preparation, followed closely by Wisconsinburger for their diverse menu options.

We found that Durkin's Liquor Bar elevates the humble burger to an art form. Located downtown, their signature burger features a house-ground patty that we found to be exceptionally juicy, topped with house-made pickles and a dill mayo that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Next on our list is Wisconsinburger. In our testing, the freshness of the ingredients stood out immediately. Located on the South Hill, they grind their beef daily. We loved the 'Awe Geez,' which pairs perfectly with their fried cheese curds—a true nod to the Midwest right here in the city.

For those seeking nostalgia, D. Lish's Hamburgers delivers. If you are looking for a quick, high-quality meal reminiscent of famous Seattle drive-ins, this is it. The patties are thinner, smashed for crispy edges, and served with a heap of fresh fries.

Comparison: Which Burger is Right for You?

How to Make the Best Hamburger at Home

I used to think my backyard burgers were decent, until I realized I was essentially steaming them on a standard grate instead of searing them. The juices would drip away, causing flare-ups that charred the outside while leaving the inside gray and lifeless. The missing link wasn't the beef; it was the cooking surface.

You can absolutely achieve the perfect steakhouse burger at home, matching the quality of the top spots in Spokane. The secret lies in high-heat contact cooking, which locks in flavor rather than letting it drip into the flames.

The "Searing" Technique: Why Arteflame Excels

Using an Arteflame grill provides a distinct culinary advantage over traditional grate grilling. Here is why we prefer it for burgers:

1. 1,000°F Steakhouse Sear: The solid carbon steel cooktop reaches temperatures over 1,000°F. This allows you to achieve the Maillard reaction (browning) instantly across the entire surface of the patty, sealing in juices that standard grates lose.
2. Grill All Food at Once: Because the cooktop is solid, nothing falls through. We found you can grill your burgers, toast your buns in the butter, and caramelize onions side-by-side without needing a separate pan.
3. No Flare-Ups: Since the food cooks on a solid surface, grease doesn't drip directly onto the coals. This eliminates the bitter taste of carbon smoke caused by flare-ups, leaving only the pure wood-fired flavor.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to feed a crowd, we recommend visiting the Costco on N Division St in Spokane. Buying fresh ground beef logs from Costco is an excellent base to start with. You can form your own patties, season them heavily, and grill them on your Arteflame. If you already own a Weber or Green Egg, you can still get these results by using the Arteflame Grill Griddle insert.

Why We Call It The "Social Grill"

An Arteflame grill isn't just a cooking appliance; it completely changes the dynamic of how you host. In our experience with traditional grills, the chef is often stuck against a wall or in a corner, separated from the guests. The Arteflame's 360-degree round design invites friends and family to stand around the fire, holding a drink and chatting while the food cooks. It turns burger night into an interactive event rather than a solo chore.