West Seattle Blog…

New Dick’s Drive-In in West Seattle? (Or …)

August 30, 2010 at 5:51 pm | In West Seattle news, West Seattle restaurants | 164 Comments

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli)
West Seattle has some great burgers, both sitdown and takeout – we are sure you’ve got your fave – but you have to admit, the peninsula is a little short on fast-food burger options. So a big announcement today by the fabled Seattle burger chain Dick’s has some West Seattleites abuzz as well as folks elsewhere around Puget Sound: Dick’s just announced it’s going to build a new location for the first time in decades. You can vote for the “South” option – including West Seattle – in the official webpoll

164 Comments

At the corner of Fautleroy & Alaska, where Huling was :) I wish they had a veggie burger!

Comment by waman — 5:54 pm August 30, 2010 #
YES!!! Dicks needs to come to West Seattle

Comment by donut — 6:02 pm August 30, 2010 #
Fill in the hole and put it right on top!!!Perfect spot.Make it happen people,vote!!!

Comment by bolvar — 6:04 pm August 30, 2010 #
Not having many fast food joints in West Seattle is a good thing too. Let them put this new Dick’s location somewhere else.

Comment by Jeff — 6:14 pm August 30, 2010 #
Yay! More yummy food for West Seattle!

Comment by Noelle — 6:17 pm August 30, 2010 #
West Seattle, please! I can taste the Cheeseburger, fries, 3 catsups, and a Coke right now!

Comment by Rod Nelson — 6:17 pm August 30, 2010 #
I honestly don’t get the appeal. Low grade beef, mushy bun, soggy fries. No thanks.

Comment by wsgolfer — 6:17 pm August 30, 2010 #
Anywhere in Issaquah please!

Comment by Jennifer — 6:17 pm August 30, 2010 #
yeah…not exactly a great burger unless you’ve got major late-night munchies…and then anything tastes good which is why Dick’s is so popular. Personally, I’d like to see Zippy’s expand…fresh ground beef (every day) and good toppings…and he has a black bean burger for the veggies in the crowd. Fries and rings could use some revision though…not very interesting (cut ‘em fresh Blaine!)
Next choice would be Redmill or Fatburger.

Comment by onceachef — 6:24 pm August 30, 2010 #
Link is taking forever to load… WSBers must have crashed the server!

Comment by Ken — 6:55 pm August 30, 2010 #
Just voted, took a while to get on the site. South (West Seattle) is trailing the North 36% to 46%.

East side is lagging.

Comment by WesCAddle — 6:56 pm August 30, 2010 #
Woo-hoo! And no competition for Zippy’s or a sit-down Jak’s, etc. Totally different animal (so to speak) and Dick’s would have its place in our rotation for sure!

Comment by GenHillOne — 7:07 pm August 30, 2010 #
I think that California and Stevens, SW corner, would be a good spot for a Dick’s.

Comment by Gina — 7:11 pm August 30, 2010 #
Please DO NOT PUT A DICK”S ON THE EASTSIDE!!!!! Dick’s is a SEATTLE TRADITION!! Dick’s does not belong on the Eastside!
West Seattle is the PERFECT PLACE for the new DICK”S! Alki is a classic in Seattle! It doesn’t have to be at the beach, but it needs to be in West Seattle!!!
Capital Hill, the U-district, Downtown and West Seattle! They just go together! The Northend already has a Dick’s…or two!!! The Eastside wasn’t even around when Dick’s became a TRADITION!!!!!!!!!
‘South’ is WAY TOO GENERAL!!! I grew up in Rainier Beach in the 60′s, and we went to Seward Park, and Alki to hang out!!!
So, West Seattle is the only place to build a new Dick’s Drive-in!!!
I can’t wait!!

Comment by Joan Easton(Maple Valley) — 7:32 pm August 30, 2010 #
I say No thanks to Dicks- we have enough quality joints in the area-

Comment by wally — 7:37 pm August 30, 2010 #
Yeah Gina, then we can hang out at the Times paper shack afterwards. Good Times!

Comment by Jim — 7:41 pm August 30, 2010 #
Issaquah would be a good location. Let the eastside expansion of Dick’s begin! And please… Not up on the plateau, but down near the commons.

Comment by HDSportyfreak — 7:42 pm August 30, 2010 #
Regardless of whether you like Dick’s or not (I think it is a horrible fast food/drive-in burger), West Seattle doesn’t need it. The appeal of West Seattle is that we don’t have places like that. Take it somewhere else, please!!!!

Comment by Paul — 7:42 pm August 30, 2010 #
Those of you that are anti Dick’s Drive-In are clearly not Seattle natives.

Transplants go home and eat your In-n-Out Burgers!!! LOL!

Comment by WesCAddle — 7:52 pm August 30, 2010 #
“Regardless of whether you like Dick’s or not (I think it is a horrible fast food/drive-in burger), West Seattle doesn’t need it. The appeal of West Seattle is that we don’t have places like that. Take it somewhere else, please!!!!”
I don’t understand the “places like that” comment – it sure beats the McDonalds and Taco Time here in West Seattle!!
Vote Dicks for West Seattle!

Comment by wseavirgo — 7:57 pm August 30, 2010 #
Take McDonalds and Taco Time with you.

Comment by Paul — 8:03 pm August 30, 2010 #
Duh! Yes!

Comment by WSFoodie — 8:03 pm August 30, 2010 #
Wow, that’s such a shocker!
A new DICKS???

Recession food plus.

Golly, I can’t even think of where a NEW Dicks would fit. I’m befuddled by the whole idea.

I liked them 30 years ago – but only very, very late at night. Know mean?

OK, maybe every neighborhood should have one for those very, very late occasions when only the greeziest food will do.

I guess.

But, blech.
So greezy.

Comment by westseattledood — 8:05 pm August 30, 2010 #
Can’t even get through to their site. Overloaded!

Comment by JBL — 8:05 pm August 30, 2010 #
gross. unless you’re a stoned teenager or have no tastebuds, then I guess Dick’s is for you. Grease is not a vegetable.

Comment by HelperMonkey — 8:09 pm August 30, 2010 #
YES!!!! WE NEED DICK’S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Alex — 8:18 pm August 30, 2010 #
1 more vote logged against new Dicks in the south end.

Comment by austin — 8:19 pm August 30, 2010 #
Grew up with DICKS BURGERS, i seek them out when i am in town… West Seattle would be PERFECT as there are no DICKS south !!!

Ps. Cant get through to the polling site to vote!

Comment by Samantha — 8:23 pm August 30, 2010 #
In-N-Out is a million times better than Dick’s will ever be. Sorry. (And I am not from California)

Comment by Aaron — 8:25 pm August 30, 2010 #
Then please move there !!! Dicks in WS !!!! SURE HOPE SO !!

Comment by Darren — 8:31 pm August 30, 2010 #
A few other things to think about. They stated they would be employing 20 new people (i think it might be more, but that is what I thought I heard on TV), they pay a much better rate than most other fast food places. That’s good for our job seakers over here. They also pay for college tution, yet another plus, for the students at the local college. You might not like them, but at least they are a good company to their employees. Much more than I can say for most fast food places over here. Are they the best burger, no, but they are good.

Comment by coffee — 8:32 pm August 30, 2010 #
It would be great to have a Dicks anywhere in west seatte.

Comment by ann — 8:33 pm August 30, 2010 #
Let’s not forget that Dicks’ restaurants create great local jobs. Unlike other fast food joints, Dicks actually pays a decent wage with benefits and tuition matching.

To those voting against Dicks, I can only say, what is wrong with you? Don’t like it? Don’t eat there. Dicks is locally owned and a Seattle institution.

Comment by Seaviewer — 8:34 pm August 30, 2010 #
A Dick’s would fit perfectly in George Town area, West Seattle needs a Dairy Queen and Taco Bell before a Dick’s!!

Comment by Silly Goose — 8:40 pm August 30, 2010 #
Hmmm , glad you mentioned all that Coffee and Seaviewer.

Those things count. And they count big.

I’m on board.

Let’s help the Dick’s folks out with a few locations, eh?

How about Delridge south of Pho Aroma and Olympia Pizza?

Or on the beach?
Ha. Don’t really see that one happenning.

Comment by westseattledood — 8:47 pm August 30, 2010 #
Dick’s is just not very good. I don’t object to it being here or anything, but wow what a letdown that place was after my friends built it up to me.

Comment by Jeff — 8:49 pm August 30, 2010 #
Ooooo. Dicks food is unhealthy and greasy. I don’t want to see it anywhere around lovely west Seattle.

Comment by L — 8:56 pm August 30, 2010 #
I’d love to see Dick’s over here. Shake, Deluxe, fries- that’s a tasty little meal.

Comment by TM — 9:14 pm August 30, 2010 #
VOTE EARLY AND VOTE OFTEN!

Yeah, the burgers seem not quite as good as when they made them in trans-fat. Afaik they switched to “healthier” grease. All the same,
LONG LIVE THE DICK”S DELUXE!!

Comment by Admiral935 — 9:47 pm August 30, 2010 #
Seems like Issaquah would be perfect! Anyplace other than our lovely West Seattle. We have many great spots to grab a deluxe and fries. Please go someplace else!

Comment by Out for a walk — 9:58 pm August 30, 2010 #
WOW West Seattle is moving up A Dick’s would nicely countrbalance the snobbby eateries.

Comment by William Moak — 10:00 pm August 30, 2010 #
No thank you! I agree with Jeff. I had it for the first time recently and I’d compare it to McDonalds. There was nothing special there. I am shocked when I hear people compare it to In N Out Burgers. No way. I say no to Dicks and yes to another Zippys!! (closer to my house please) :)

Comment by A — 10:04 pm August 30, 2010 #
Corner of 35th Ave SW and SW Graham St. please!
And to all you WS nimby’s, #%^*+! Support local businesses!

Comment by Albert — 10:06 pm August 30, 2010 #
just keep on walking to where-ever you came from — Out for a walk.
LONG LIVE DICK’S DRIVE-IN.

Comment by Deb — 10:08 pm August 30, 2010 #
Put it where the Bank of America is on Alaska—big parking lot, they don’t use the drive through. The bank can move elsewhere.

Comment by Dale — 10:15 pm August 30, 2010 #
Dicks is the best fast food in Seattle, hands down. It’s where I go when I must be bad. Just had Dicks in Wallingford last week. I think Dicks and West Seattle were made for each other and just as soon as I can get their site to load, I’m hacking in and changing the votes. ;))

Comment by ellenater — 10:17 pm August 30, 2010 #
Are you KIDDING ME?!?! ALKI!!!!!!!! DUH!

Comment by Kristian — 10:18 pm August 30, 2010 #
I’m with Gina…Calif. Ave. and SW Stevens…replace what’s there :)

and to waman…the first commenter. Trader Joe’s is going in at the old Huling showroom at Fauntleroy/Alaska…unless, of course, you mean the “hole” or the property on the SE corner…:)

just hope that if WS wins, that the building is tastefully landscaped to make it blend in ;-)

Comment by JanS — 10:21 pm August 30, 2010 #
As Mayor of West Seattle, I wholeheartedly welcome Dick’s into our community.

And I say ‘nay’ to all who think this wouldn’t be a good fit. There are some of us who remember WS before it became “Little Bellevue”, and Dick’s would steer us back in the right direction.

Comment by WMF — 10:36 pm August 30, 2010 #
Seriously – Alki would be a very smart move. That or the Triangle. And if anyone from Dicks is reading this – about time you showed the South/Westside some love. No more North ones, you already have too many that direction.

WMF – West Seattle is “Little Bellevue?” I grew up here and yes there has been some change, but I have no idea what is prompting that?

Comment by Glenda — 10:49 pm August 30, 2010 #
Kidd Valley please.

Comment by george — 10:51 pm August 30, 2010 #
Im so torn !!! I would love a Dicks here but then i would eat it !!!!!!!!!!!and its so bad !!which makes it soooo good. Fries w tartar and a Deluxe …yum yum yum and yes Dicks and Seattle go together . pre sonic game dinner … lunch with grandpa….late nite eats after the frat parties…such great memories associated with going to Dicks. How fun to make new ones with a Dicks right here at home!!!!

Comment by cclarue — 10:55 pm August 30, 2010 #
Are you kidding me!?! I grew up in West Seattle and have craved a quality burger joint forever that you do not have to give a kidney for. Dick’s is so purely simple; it is a retro art form. Dick’s is expanding for the same reason that Mad Men keeps winning Emmy’s and 60′s clothing is making a comeback; it brings us all back to a simpler time where $7 cheese burgers didn’t rule the burger dining world. I will take mine with a chocolate shake.

Comment by DC — 10:56 pm August 30, 2010 #
Just a thought for those wanting a WS Dicks…
How about those WS supporters actually GO TO Dicks for a fix (sorry) and express your opinion in person.
If they get alot of WSrs making the effort, it could mean actions speak louder than generic voting
(After reading the posts I need a Dicks Deluxe and choc shake now..!)

Comment by KRM — 11:04 pm August 30, 2010 #
OK someone explain to me where the great burger joints (other than Zippy’s) are in West Seattle? Really!? Dicks is a great Seattle icon; cuisine or not. McDonalds?!? Good god! Give us choices. Better Dicks than ONE more grocery store totalling four in a three block radius…

Comment by WTF — 11:22 pm August 30, 2010 #
Another vote for Alki. Put the Dick’s on the empty lot that was formerly Pegasus Pizza.

Comment by Mack — 11:48 pm August 30, 2010 #
I love Dicks… restaurant! :) The burgers and milkshakes are great but the french fries are a bit too limp… uh, soggy for me. ;)

Comment by sun*e — 12:07 am August 31, 2010 #
I doubt Alki is in the mix because it is tough in the winter to support restaurants. I think the Triangle, 35th near High Point, and North Delridge would all be better bets. Zippy’s and Dick’s are totally different and would both flourish. But McDonald’s and Jack in la Box would struggle.

Comment by Westside — 12:08 am August 31, 2010 #
I would gladly trade any of our three McDonald’s for a Dick’s in West Seattle. And for variety’s sake, there should also be a Red Mill.

Comment by Jeffro — 12:14 am August 31, 2010 #
Please make this a reality!!!!!!!!

Comment by World Citizen — 12:40 am August 31, 2010 #
Bring back Groucho’s

Comment by Will — 12:48 am August 31, 2010 #
The fries are good if you see them dump them just before you order them, and then stand at the counter and eat them. They don’t par cook them, but they are skinny enough that they are lightly crispy and pretty good for a couple of minutes. If you keep them in the bag they start to get soggy real quickly, so don’t bother to go back to the car, the Deluxe will still be warm when you get there, eat the fries as soon as you can.

Comment by dawsonct — 4:36 am August 31, 2010 #
Dick’s thrives on the night life crowd. I don’t see how West Seattle would be a good place for them.

Comment by David — 5:51 am August 31, 2010 #
I’d like to see a Dick’s in West Seattle, but somewhere else besides Alki. The Alaska Triangle, perhaps. Plenty of room, relatively close to the Junction, and it goes with the area, which is already has a high vehicular traffic volume, and the potential for plenty of parking. Maybe Avalon near the bridge, or Alki Avenue in the same area. (I personally wonder how a Dick’s on Alki would go over with the neighborhood ? More traffic and people later at night, more garbage, more noise. Potentially more hassle.)

Comment by PeterT — 6:06 am August 31, 2010 #
to the powers that be: in addition to dick’s, we need red mill and mad pizza. kthxbye.

Comment by mar3c — 6:17 am August 31, 2010 #
dicks will make west seattle look cheap and gross, we dont need it here. put it in white center or burien

Comment by barry — 6:31 am August 31, 2010 #
i’m with the folks saying no.

Comment by k — 6:34 am August 31, 2010 #
I vote Clyde Hill! They need it….

Comment by Carson — 7:09 am August 31, 2010 #
Has anybody ever lived in an area around Dick’s? Yeah, those are great memories…the cranked up druggies all wallowing around, the trash everywhere. Yeah, as if we don’t have enough crap to deal with here. Go visit a Dick’s, ask the neighbors what they think.

Comment by Bad Dick! — 7:23 am August 31, 2010 #
Anyone who is comparing it with other burger joints is clearly a transplant. Who else would compare the food at Dick’s to any other burger joints. Every bite is a taste of real Seattle.
I got a smile on my face immediately reading the headline and the possibility of a Dick’s here in WS. Then it sank with every comparison of the food to some other chain or dismissive comment because they don’t serve veggie burgers or put sprouts on top. Is it just me or are the transplants taking over and telling the locals what we should or shouldn’t have?
Oh, and of course Dick’s is to blame for “druggies” going to neighborhoods. Yes, I get that you’re concerned about your property values, and so am I. But a burger joint isn’t what changes your neighborhood for the worst.

Comment by NativeSon — 7:28 am August 31, 2010 #
Correction to my post above: I said “Alki Avenue”-as a potential location-I meant “Harbor Avenue” !

Thanks !

Comment by PeterT — 7:44 am August 31, 2010 #
West Seattle please go to the website and vote ! We are currently last behind such places as Edmonds and Bellevue.

Comment by Jack Loblaw — 7:54 am August 31, 2010 #
Along the lines of telling them in person…maybe if someone can actually get onto the site (I can’t), you could share an email address? If I could provide the link, I’d also point out that Dick’s does a lot for the community. I’m sure plenty of us have seen them in our school auctions and they don’t even have a location nearby – yet :)

Comment by GenHillOne — 7:55 am August 31, 2010 #
but, but, Dick’s is a chain. We can’t have chain restaurants in West Seattle. Especially not one that serves meat!

Comment by Bob Loblaw — 7:56 am August 31, 2010 #
Brother Bob – I guess that means Trader Joes can’t be here either ?

Comment by Jack Loblaw — 8:05 am August 31, 2010 #
VOTE!! This is a huge opportunity for WS

http://www.ddir.com/Dicks_Drive_In_Restaurants/About_Us.html

Comment by Eddy — 8:51 am August 31, 2010 #
ARGH, we’re losing to the E. Side. Keep voting!!!

Comment by Kevin — 9:00 am August 31, 2010 #
The Triangle does not need another drive through restaurant or coffee house. We spend a great deal of time picking up the trash that gets tossed out all in the name of convenience.

Comment by Triangle Resident — 9:13 am August 31, 2010 #
I am a Seattle native, and never had Dick’s until I was 22. My friends were astounded I’d never had it, and “oh my god its SOOOOOO good!” – I tried it and had NO idea what the appeal was. Soggy mushy fries and a soggy greasy burger. I do agree that they are a good employer – they pay higher than average wages and that’s a good thing. I guess if Dick’s wants to make a home here and it creates local jobs then I can’t object to that. You certainly won’t catch me eating there – if I want a good burger I am heading to Zippy’s.

Comment by HelperMonkey — 9:14 am August 31, 2010 #
oh, and I am 37 now and have never been back after that initial visit at 22.

Comment by HelperMonkey — 9:16 am August 31, 2010 #
The 35 and Morgan/Graham area sounds like a good location – near where Marination sets up on Saturdays.

Comment by Paul in Gatewood — 9:34 am August 31, 2010 #
Dicks should be placed were it is not that busy in West Seattle or in White Center . that way it could bring business to those who are slow. White Center has a lot of new restaurants that just opened up. and White Center is growing strong . Perhaps they should think of taken one of those McDonald out on California Ave and replace it with a Dick’S may be the one across the street form that High school ..just a thought , ideas … nice to have the whole world in West Seattle or White Center :)

Comment by LMA — 9:45 am August 31, 2010 #
Yes! More Zippy’s please! Like say, oh, my backyard. Kthnx.

Comment by WSN Helen — 9:48 am August 31, 2010 #
Just so you know Glenda, we are watching the blogs. Thanks EVERYONE for your thoughts and comments!

Comment by John @ Dick\'s Drive-In — 9:51 am August 31, 2010 #
Dick’s: Seattle’s hub for drunk driving since 1954.

Comment by blander — 9:54 am August 31, 2010 #
How about a return of Gil’s and Dag’s?

Comment by nulu — 10:03 am August 31, 2010 #
Eating mistreated, drugged, and diseased cattle. Yum!

I’ll become a patron when they sell veggie burgers.

Comment by Michael — 10:11 am August 31, 2010 #
I’d love to see a Dick’s in the West Seattle area.
They are locally owned and not a chain. They pay better wages than most fast food places. To those who don’t like Dick’s, don’t eat there. I stopped eating at Spuds a few years ago. Since Ivar’s owns them the food quality there is now dismal.

Comment by Will — 10:13 am August 31, 2010 #
@ Joan Easton – Actually, Dick’s did have a location in Bellevue, but closed it in the ’70s. So to say that “The Eastside wasn’t even around when Dick’s became a TRADITION!” is disingeneous at best. Anyway, who are we to say where a business “belongs”?

That said, I’m not a fan of Dick’s. Liked them when I was a kid. Tried them again after 10-15 without eating there and was underwhelmed. That’s just me. Also being a vegetarian now, I’m not likely to eat there. However, as people have pointed out, they are local (good), they pay well considering the industry (good), they’ll provide new jobs (good), and they provide good employee benefits (good). Considering these things, this wouldn’t be a bad move.

Comment by Mark K. — 10:15 am August 31, 2010 #
Can I vote for In-N-Out? Now THAT I’d line up for, in West Seattle or anywhere else in Seattle.
.
Nom Nom Nom.

Comment by Jasperblu — 10:32 am August 31, 2010 #
Yes! Please open a West Seattle location!

Comment by JD — 10:36 am August 31, 2010 #
I voted for the south-end. Born and raised Seattleite here and I would love to see Dicks closer to me. Recently had my first In-n-Out burger and I didn’t see what all the hype was about them and the fries were over cooked, not the hand-cut that Dick’s serves. As for the argument that it should be a red mill or whatever, you seem to be missing the point. Dick’s is the one expanding, not the other burger joints.

Comment by Eli — 10:39 am August 31, 2010 #
I lived in 9 blocks from the one in Wallingford and it was always very clean around it, no problems like one comment said above… it is the ONE thing I miss after moving here!!! Dicks is local, and a SEATTLE icon. It needs to stay in Seatlle! West Seattle to be more specific!!!! Deluxe, fires and choc shake!

Comment by TTT — 10:49 am August 31, 2010 #
Go to the “Media room” on their website and you can send them an encouraging email too!

Comment by TTT — 10:59 am August 31, 2010 #
DICK’S DRIVE-IN “PAID MATERNITY LEAVE”
WON’T FIND THAT AT THE OTHER DRIVE-INS
WEST SEATTLE NEEDS DICK’S

Comment by Deb — 11:04 am August 31, 2010 #
Like I said earlier – YUCK! And go away Dicks, you’re not wanted in West Seattle! I will vote though on their site… for the north and eastide!

Comment by A — 11:13 am August 31, 2010 #
I REALLY would have loved to see those with up-turned noses over having Dick’s come to our side of town living in WS about 35 years ago, when the Jack-in-the-Box was Dags, the West Seattle Nursery was Herfys, the Blockbuster was Royal Fork and there was a DQ in WS.
I can see why not everyone would go to Dick’s, but if you don’t like it DON’T EAT THERE!!!!
Zippy’s is GREAT but for what I pay for a meal there, I can feed my whole family at Dick’s.
Bring Dick’s and a Red Robin/Applebees/Olive Garden style restaurant. The last one we had was The Keg in the old Sea Galley place in Westwood Village in what is now Rite-Aid.
WMF is absolutely correct when he says that WS has become “Little Bellevue”

Comment by Ex-Westwood Resident — 11:22 am August 31, 2010 #
You can just as easily go to McDonalds – the food tastes the same as Dicks. And you pay for good food, btw. Zippys is good food!

Comment by A — 11:24 am August 31, 2010 #
McD’s is CRAP compared to Dick’s

Comment by Ex-Westwood Resident — 11:25 am August 31, 2010 #
Wasn’t the original question whether Dick’s should expand to West Seattle? (Yes please!) Why drag in the off-subject names of other chains such as In and Out?

Comment by margaritaville — 11:34 am August 31, 2010 #
I don’t get the people that are voting for other neighborhoods because they don’t personally like Dick’s. What are you afraid of? Just don’t go there. Clearly there are plenty of people in WS that would though.
Is it disheartening to discover that some people eat meat in Seattle? Did that ruin your image and dreams when you moved here from somewhere else that we aren’t all vegetarians?
What happened to tolerance in Seattle? Has it simply been replaced by intolerance that hides under the mask of being vegetarian or vegan and therefore better for all, including those that need your help to “see the light” by removing all other options for others that don’t meet your own personal tastes? Or is it only “tolerated” to eat meat if it’s served in a “gourmet” establishment? Sounds like intolerance to me.

Comment by NativeSon — 11:36 am August 31, 2010 #
Zesto’s
Penny’s Doghouse
Dairy Queen
Herfy’s (2)
Gil’s Drive-in
1st Kentucky Fried Chicken Francise in Seattle
(housed in same building as Gil’s)
Chicken Delight
Frozen Custard
John’s Drive-in

These use to be in Grand ol’ W.S.
Give us a Dick’s Drive-in
AND FOR YOU PEOPLE THAT CANNOT REMEMBER AT LEAST
HALF OF THE FORE MENTIONED EATERIES– YOU ARE NOT WEST SEATTLITES JUST IMPORTS

Comment by Deb — 11:40 am August 31, 2010 #
McDs and Dicks = same. Face it.

Comment by A — 11:42 am August 31, 2010 #
who cares about their burgers…vote for the milkshakes!!!

Comment by westseattlegrl — 11:44 am August 31, 2010 #
Native,
You hit the nail on the head. Dick’s is “low brow” and not good enough for WS, according to people like A, nulu, Jasper, Michael and Blander.
They are going to save us from ourselves and the mistake of enjoying a cheap, greasy, tasty meal for a few bucks.

Comment by Ex-Westwood Resident — 11:45 am August 31, 2010 #
A you are OBVIOUSLY a transplant with dead taste buds.
You saying Dick’s = McD’s is the same as me saying Zippy’s = McD’s (with the exception that I know it’s not true)

Comment by Ex-Westwood Resident — 11:48 am August 31, 2010 #
who cares? dick’s is gross. now, i could get behind red mill moving to the neighborhood…

Comment by peabody — 11:48 am August 31, 2010 #
So far I’ve logged 32 votes for Dick’s to build here and I’m not done yet! I have access to the computer labs at two colleges and am asking a few a my buddies to do the same. We’ll have a Dick’s here come Hell or high water!

Comment by conlux — 11:51 am August 31, 2010 #
Please, just vote YES for Dick’s in West Seattle.

Comment by Peter — 12:11 pm August 31, 2010 #
ANYONE who compares McDonald’s to Dick’s CLEARLY doesn’t see the point.
If you want to compare a large, faceless trans-national corporation that REALLY has no connection to the communities they invade to a locally owned restaurant chain which naturally employs more people per unit and, for every dollar they make, return a MUCH larger percentage of each dollar spent to the local community, then go ahead, but your connection between the two is specious, at best (They both sell hamburgers, therefore they are the same. Right).

Dick’s, By’s and the local chain you remember from your youth are part of the fabric of the local communities. When you travel to Seattle, or Buffalo, or Crawfordsville, In., there are places that have “always been there” which are unique to those communities. Is the food they serve the BEST available anywhere, or even in the same city/town? Not always, or even usually, but they retain the flavor of the community. That is something that can never be attained with a meal at a McD’s/Applebee’s/Red Lobster/Outback, each one of which will serve you the same strip-mall restaurant meal from coast-to-coast, if that is what you want.
You can HAVE your homogeneity, I like local flavor.

Comment by dawsonct — 12:12 pm August 31, 2010 #
Dick’s…meh…I think another redmill (since you ahve to line up at 10AM for the 11AM open any day of the summer…ever..to get one in under 1 hour….), more zippys would be better and a fat burger would be best…

hk

Comment by HolyKow — 12:17 pm August 31, 2010 #
WEST SEATTLE <3

Comment by Maria — 12:21 pm August 31, 2010 #
I agree that Dick’s aren’t the best burgers but they have the nostalgic taste that when you bite into it all the fun memories of hanging out there come back! It’s the only reason i can think of why people like In-N-Out. I thought they were very underwhelming for all the hype but it’s probably a nostalia thing.

Comment by Chris — 12:44 pm August 31, 2010 #
I don’t remember seeing the “D” word written so frequently, ever.

Comment by Baba — 12:51 pm August 31, 2010 #
Lived on the hill for 12 years and when the wind blew right my whole would smell of Dicks Drive In. Not the best burgers…now the fries and shakes…with a side of tartar please. I would rather have a Red Robin…….sorry. And don’t mess with my Taco Time. Would rather see less “chain” food…love the fact that we already have a pretty good variety here in West Seattle.

Comment by RJB — 12:52 pm August 31, 2010 #
35th and Barton. We need good food, not another beer store!

Comment by buddsmom — 1:13 pm August 31, 2010 #
I don’t see on their site where I can vote!

Comment by Steph in WS — 1:16 pm August 31, 2010 #
Was able to get on their site for the first time since I saw the story and now it’s a different poll :(

Comment by GenHillOne — 1:44 pm August 31, 2010 #
The “What happened to tolerance / Go back to wherever you came from” crowd is pretty funny.
Whatever else dicks drivein is, it’s also a magnet for tweakers bums and junkies.

Comment by austin — 2:16 pm August 31, 2010 #
Dicks is gross and attracts a very obnoxious clientele. College students and drunks. What we really need is a Red Mill.

Comment by jsv — 2:26 pm August 31, 2010 #
Um, I’m not a drunk or college student and I love them! Cheap and tastes better than Mc D’s. West Seattle is filled with a lot of old, crabby people, Geez. BTW, I’m 43.

Comment by Steph in WS — 2:42 pm August 31, 2010 #
I’m thrilled Dick’s is building a new site. I think WS is a great market for them and I think that the people who would frequent it would be those for whom it’s convenient (i.e. you would expect to find a bunch of students near the UW!). While I loved to hit the Broadway location while I was in high school and thought I was edgy and hip, now I’m boring ‘married with children’ and visit the 45th or Queen Anne ones at times :-) I totally agree that they are a local company with a handful of different sites, which to me is very different than a ‘chain’. As others have pointed out, they offer competitive wages and great benefits. I don’t understand all the negative passion – wow. Anyway, WS would be great, though maybe Burien would stop me from stopping toooooo often :-)

Comment by NT — 2:54 pm August 31, 2010 #
If you don’t like Dick’s you are living in the wrong city. It’s a Seattle classic. Please move away if you don’t like:

-Seafair
-JP Patches
-Nordstrom
-Boeing
-Microsoft
-Almost Live
-Dick’s

The Junction is dead anyway. White Center is the new hot spot if you haven’t noticed.

Have fun being grumpy in the Junction!

Comment by Chadwick — 3:03 pm August 31, 2010 #
Deb, I very clearly remember all except two of the places on your list!

.

The custard shop sounds vaguely familiar. Is that the one that was in the building at Fauntleroy/Morgan/42nd, which is now the Escrow place, kitty corner from the backside of Thriftway?

.

I don’t actually remember it when it was there, but in recent years have seen a pic of it on either the Seattle, or UDub Photo Archives, possibly originally linked here on WSB.

.

John’s Drive-In doesn’t ring a bell at all. Where was it located?

.

dawsonct @12:12, very well stated!

.

Mike

Comment by miws — 3:04 pm August 31, 2010 #
@ miws, you nailed Frozen Custards location
was a beauty salon in 70′s .
John’s Drive-in -use to be where the existing 7-11 store is on calif. ave. and edmonds st.
served vanilla and chocolate swirl ice cream cones
you definitely must remember Quinnels(sp.) bottom of jacobson rd. on beach dr.

Comment by Deb — 3:39 pm August 31, 2010 #
I don’t eat at Dick’s regularly but I love that they are part of my Old Seattle memories. Same with Seafair and JP Patches, hydroplanes, etc. Red Mill is awesome but it isn’t Old Seattle–it’s New Seattle. There’s room for both.

Comment by Kayleigh — 3:46 pm August 31, 2010 #
voting is back on the main Dick’s link. vote, vote, vote!

Comment by strange_owl — 4:22 pm August 31, 2010 #
If you’ve voted already (yesterday) vote again. New poll with old and new numbers combined.

Comment by JBL — 4:48 pm August 31, 2010 #
Deb- you’re a true westsider!

To those that think Dicks is too low brow for WS, you haven’t lived here long enough to lay claim. The roots of this community have dirt under thier nails.

Comment by Westside J. — 4:50 pm August 31, 2010 #
And if I could vote to get grouchos back, say, where the drive in starbucks is, i’d line up for that too!!!

Comment by Westside J. — 4:53 pm August 31, 2010 #
To all the “old timers” ha, ha…yeah progress is so hard upon those who stay in one place their entire lives. I bet you all love how your property values are up though. Bitching about being from this town back in the day and how it’s all lost reveals so much about your little tunnel lives. Bring out your picks and pluck Deliverance, yee haw!

Comment by Bad Dick! — 5:07 pm August 31, 2010 #
Forget dicks. Can’t west Seattle get a wendys?

Comment by nj — 5:23 pm August 31, 2010 #
I would like to bring back Shakey’s Pizza or Pizza Haven.

Comment by Admiral Janeway — 5:54 pm August 31, 2010 #
I tend to agree with “Bad Dick’s” post about the dim bulbs who think that being raised in WS somehow makes them smarter and better than the rest of the WSB community. They are something of an embarassment to other natives (including me).

Comment by Forest — 6:16 pm August 31, 2010 #
I vote for In-N-Out burger

Comment by Tut — 6:18 pm August 31, 2010 #
It’s not at all that we think were smarter or any of that B.S. It’s that we have fond memories of growing up in this neighborhood, and with all of the “progress” a lot of the aspects of the neighborhood have been swept aside in order to “keep up with the jones’s”.

And by the way, I find you use of “progress” to be offensive. Maybe evolution or even simple change would be better. Don’t be so pompus.

Comment by Westside J. — 6:49 pm August 31, 2010 #
Wow I can not believe all the haters!! If u don’t like it don’t go. Dicks is unique and it is what it is , a burger joint ! Please those in charge at dicks , NEVEr ever add a veggie burger to your menu !!!!!! That is a crazy suggestion !! If u are vegan dicks is not your spot!! It belongs to us bacon loving carniverous west seattleites!!!!! Now bacon … There’s a condiment you would need in west Seattle !!;)

Comment by Cclarue — 8:25 pm August 31, 2010 #
Bring back HERFY’S and Amigo Taco!!

Comment by JD — 9:04 pm August 31, 2010 #
If “progress” is having more chains like Wendy’s, Taco Bell, In-N-Out, Fatburger, Red Robin, Applebee’s, Olive Garden, or whatever, I’d rather stagnate in a community that holds on to it’s own character.
—
I love Zippy’s, Red Mill, and Kidd Valley as well, but sometimes you want to stuff your face with a pretty good B, S, & F for about half the price and about a quarter of the time as for the admittedly superior product at the other three places.
—
Don’t worry, those of you who prefer their communities and neighborhoods be colored beige and flavored blandly, WS and the S. End are lagging WAY behind the other two possibilities.

Comment by dawsonct — 9:30 pm August 31, 2010 #
if you dont like dicks then dont go and eat there!!! west seattle is the perfect place for dicks. the north has several dicks already and the eastside doesnt really fit the seattle tradition of dicks burgers. BRING DICKS TO SEATTLE. and all those people that dont want dicks, stop being dicks and ruining it for everyone else.

Comment by johnny — 10:01 pm August 31, 2010 #
Dawsonct & Johnny: the first round of shakes is on me! Hell every one else who’s down, I’ll get you too!

Serious.

Comment by Westside J. — 11:10 pm August 31, 2010 #
Probably when Dick’s opened back in the day, it was much higher quality beef and i’ll bet the shakes and even the fries were better..
These days everything is much more processed to meet the high demand of fast food junkies. Keep in mind it IS a hangout for teenagers and all the other late night foodies/////////I’m just sayin’…

Comment by sara — 2:39 am September 1, 2010 #
Do you fast foodies even know what real beef tastes like? Please people..where is your taste?

Comment by sea-see — 2:49 am September 1, 2010 #
While I agree, Dick’s is a Seattle tradition, I think everyone here forgets that the original Dick’s is still in downtown SPOKANE.

Comment by JD — 6:10 am September 1, 2010 #
Dick’s please consider your Vashon Island devotees (11,000 strong if we can convert some vegans). Anywhere between the West Seattle bridge enroute to the Fauntleroy Ferry would be fine with us.

Comment by tom | tall clover farm — 8:03 am September 1, 2010 #
Thanks, Deb!

.

Yep, I remember Quesnel’s, although don’t remember specifically eating there.

.

Do you remember how long John’s was there? I lived my first nearly 11 years in the Belvidere area, and remember quite a bit of the Junction, but only down to about Edmunds.

.

The family moved over to the Kitsap Peninsula in June of ’69, then I ended up back in WS, in Arbor Heights, around the end of ’73. I still occasionally made it to the Junction, when I’d visit my Aunt and Uncle that lived a few blocks from my original home, but again don’t remember much south of Edmunds.

.

When I moved out on my own in April of ’78, I moved practically across the street from that 7-11, above Venable & Wing’s (now for many years, Barnecut) Law Offices. Loved being so close to Skippers!

.

Also, remember Angelo’s Burgers where Be’s has been for so long? Excellent burger and fries!

.

As far as the “big guys”, I wouldn’t mind a Wendy’s. Although the rest of them make make an adequate burger, to me Wendy’s has always stood out from the rest of the major fast food burger joints. There use of fresh beef is very noticible to my simple taste buds.

.

Mike

Comment by miws — 8:53 am September 1, 2010 #
I have a few friends that have worked at Dick’s and despite smelling like grease, they say it’s a respectable job compared to other places. They prefer working there because it’s a LOCAL joint, rather than a uber large corporate chain like McDonalds. I’d support local businesses over disgustingly massive chains any day. I wish we could just get rid of McDonald’s and Jack in the Box already, we got rid of Burger King in the 90′s. Let’s have a vote for that.

Oh. And I’m a vegetarian.

Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it, but Dick’s has a scholarship opportunity for employees. Thought I’d put that on the table.

Comment by M — 9:35 am September 1, 2010 #
Great marketing gimmick by Dick – look at all this free press! Hate to burst the bubble, but I had a talk with an upper level exectutive at Dick’s Drive-In (tongue somewhat in cheek) and unofficial word is the expansion will go NORTH, regardless of the polls. Decision influencer lives in Shoreline. What I’d really like to see is a Red Mill Burger in WS!

Comment by Trevor — 12:37 pm September 1, 2010 #
Totally agree, brilliant marketing gimmick. Lots of people do polls/quizzes/votes and we hesitate to “fall for it” so we don’t publish separates on all of them, but this one was – whether you think it’s predetermined or not – a no-brainer – people who don’t realize we published this item shortly after this all became public two nights ago, are still sending e-mails saying “write about it!” Who knows, even if they do build the next one elsewhere, perhaps they’ll consider a SECOND new one :) – TR

Comment by WSB — 1:29 pm September 1, 2010 #
Hey Ex-Westwood Resident, where did I EVER say Dicks wasn’t good enough for WS? If Dicks came to WS I’d likely eat there often! I’m a big fan, I just love In-N-Out more (of the fast food burger chains in the world, they & Sonic are my favorites). But I’m also a HUGE fan of Zippy’s and any other local WS business. I tweeted about the Dicks poll so that people would vote for WS or at least the south end of Seattle, including Burien & White Center. So keep my name off your list of WS haters. I love it here. And I love anything that will benefit WS. The end.

Comment by Cheryl — 4:36 pm September 1, 2010 #
Yaaaay! Vote for a south end Dick’s. It’s a superb greasy hot burger, and yummy fries made from real potatoes. And great milk shakes. All for cheap. No, it’s not health food, but it’s locally owned, they pay well, with good fringe bennies for a fast food place, and they do local philanthropy. And there’s a crying need for a good burger place in West Seattle.

Comment by Amy Thomson — 4:40 pm September 1, 2010 #
Cheryl,

Unless your are one of the people bolded in my post, then you have me confused with someone else.
I don’t recall saying anything about YOU saying anything pro/con about Dick’s.
.
You hit the nail on the head. Dick’s is “low brow” and not good enough for WS, according to people like A, nulu, Jasper, Michael and Blander.
They are going to save us from ourselves and the mistake of enjoying a cheap, greasy, tasty meal for a few bucks.

Comment by Ex-Westwood Resident — 5:05 pm September 1, 2010 #
HOW DO PEOPLE NOT LOVE DICK’S HAMBURGERS?! I mean come on people, you are an un-American terrorist if you don’t like their hamburgers. I’m tired of Mickey D’s, I wants Dick’s hamburgers!

Comment by I <3 Dicks — 9:30 pm September 1, 2010 #
@Ex-Westwood Resident – my WSB forum log in is Jasperblu. So yes, it WAS my earlier comment you were referring to.

Comment by Cheryl — 9:38 pm September 1, 2010 #
JD, I have always understood that the Seattle and Spokane Dick’s have always been unrelated. Same 1960′s style burgers, but that and the name are all they have ever shared.

Comment by dawsonct — 12:55 am September 2, 2010 #
Gross Dicks!

I say Move Zippy’s in the space Zippy’s is awesome and they have a killer bean burger!

Comment by 3dogslater — 10:16 am September 3, 2010 #
DICKS, WS! I’m there!

Comment by ws — 10:05 pm September 3, 2010 #
I have been saying for years that WS needs a Dicks Drive-In. West Seattle is so big that there is a place for Dicks, Wing Dome and Top Pot Donuts. Maybe even a Pete’s Coffee. Come on people and get with the times. These places are or are becoming Seattle Institutions and why shouldn’t WS have access to them. If you don’t like these places don’t go and the rest of us can enjoy. WS will never be as good as it can be unless we are open to change. “Keep on Rocking on the West Side” and bring on the cheese, fry, vanilla-chocolate.

Comment by Papa T — 10:18 pm September 3, 2010 #
I’ve lived in W.S. my entire life. In the 1970′s, when I was in high school, we used to make road trips to Dick’s. Of course that was when gas was still cheap, & snobbish newcomers hadn’t yet clogged the roads to the point where you couldn’t get anywhere. That same road trip would now cost $6.00 in gas alone. Those of you with no sense of local history, who wish for no Dick’s in W.S., who feel the need to protect us local “rubes” from ourselves, feel free to continue to patronize your favorite local upscale eateries. You didn’t require anyone’s permission to move here; Dick’s doesn’t require yours. Perhaps you can look the other way when you drive by the blight that would be a W.S. Dick’s.

Comment by Native W.S. dimbulb — 11:20 pm September 3, 2010 #
I echo dimbulb’s comments and would love to see a Dick’s in WS close to Alki but not ON Alki (traffic is already heavy…sorta like the one on 45th in Wallingford).
My family goes back four generations here. I remember going to Dick’s late-night while a frat guy at the U Dub. Great fight there one night in ’64…
Anyway, Dick’s is my guilty pleasure! Move it closer to WS!

Comment by Thomas Condon — 12:12 pm September 4, 2010 #
No, thanks! I’m not drunk and 19 anymore.

Comment by Alkira — 9:02 pm September 4, 2010 #
Everyone has to VOTE to have them even consider WS. North Seattle is kicking our ****.

C’mon – lets show them the WS Power in NUMBERS..

They have extended the voting until the19th. Here is the link.

Its easy to vote.

http://www.dicksdrivein.com/index.html

Comment by Alki77 — 8:38 am September 14, 2010 #
Am I the only one old enough to remember Artic Circle? It was three blocks from my house. Those were the days when you could walk to a little store close by for candy and stuff.

Comment by madashell — 1:54 pm September 20, 2010 #
artic circle 35th and roxbury..penny’s doghouse, the shack, grouchos, the original herfy’s with the build your burger bar, don’t forget gil’s before they sold out to kfc.
we’d love to have a bigger zippy’s. we’re open for ideas. gotta spot? drop us a line..

Comment by rahelc — 6:28 pm September 20, 2010 #

Sorry, comment time is over.

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