Al Fresco Friday: Bellevue's Not-So-Ordinary Burger Joints

August 27, 2021 - by Sandy Vo

Al Fresco Friday:
Bellevue's Not-So-Ordinary Burger Joints

Burgers are the staple of most American restaurants. It starts off with the bun, but from there it’s an endless possibility. The Heart of Bellevue includes several restaurants taking the ordinary burger to extraordinary with big flavors that are worth all the mess. Here's our list of al fresco burger spots that are fit to fulfill your dream burger bucket list. Recommended drink pairings, too!

STK Steakhouse

Opened just a month ago in the Heart of Bellevue, STK Steakhouse artfully blends the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge into one. The venue has a DJ to create an infectious high-energy atmosphere and the sleek environment is all intentional to gather people in to mingle. Grab a seat, join in on the party and order mouthwatering burgers for the whole table.

The Perfect Pairings

Lil Brgs & Strawberry Cobbler Cocktail:
Served as a starter, Lil Brgs are designed to be shared. This burger slider is made with premium wagyu beef, special sauce and a sesame seed bun. Try it with their sweet strawberry cobbler cocktail made with Belvedere vodka, muddled strawberry and graham cracker crust. The ideal meal to enjoy on their patio before summer ends!

520 Bar & Grill

The 520 Bar and Grill offers classic comfort food with a twist of seasonal flair. It's a place for all kinds of occasions. Rich-tasting burgers are just the start. Here, you'll find a casual, relaxing outdoor patio where locals gather, celebrate and unwind.

The Perfect Pair

520 Burger & Strawberry Mango Margarita:
Named one of the best burgers in Bellevue, the signature 520 Burger is everything you're looking for. It's freshly ground, flame grilled & juicy, garnished with tomato, cheese, lettuce, and onion on a toasted brioche bun. Marry it with 520's specialty strawberry mango margarita cocktail. It's a perfect blend of fruit purees, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.

Daniel's Broiler

There's nothing better than a good burger unless it's a good burger with a view. Daniel's Broiler offers both. They pride themselves on developing and growing unique restaurants where a guest can expect a great meal in a distinctive atmosphere. A memorable dining experience is not only an expectation but also a guarantee at Daniel's Broiler.

The Perfect Pair

Daniel's Prime Cheeseburger & Early Summer Cocktail:
Daniel's Broiler signature cheeseburger is stacked with custom-ground USDA prime beef, cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, onion and Schwartz Brothers Bakery organic bun. Their bun is specially stamped with their own logo, what more could you ask for? It's perfect with their Early Summer cocktail, a drink made with Absolut strawberry juice, cranberry, Salish Seas lemongrass liqueur and Fever-Tree soda.

Lunchbox Laboratory

It wouldn’t be right to not include Lunchbox Laboratory... Known for having the world’s best burger and shake, Lunchbox Lab continues to produce successful uncommon burgers perfect for any patio outing. Stop by and enjoy a space filled with classic video games from the ’80s, eclectic drinks and a relaxed outdoor seating environment.

The Perfect Pair

Shroom + Truffle Shuffle Burger & Cinnamon Toast Crunk Milkshake:
Lunchbox Lab has combined American Kobe beef, swiss, grilled onion, sauteed cremini, oyster mushrooms slathered in black garlic truffle mayo to make the ultimate perfect burger. Take it up a knotch with a boozy Cinnamon Toast Crunch milkshake, made with vanilla ice cream and Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal spiked with Sin Fire cinnamon whiskey.

John Howie

Who said burgers can’t be elevated? John Howie offers a premier dining experience with comfortable surroundings, prime custom-aged steak, and side dishes that define culinary excellence. This won’t be any ordinary burger; this is an Al Fresco fine dining special.

The Perfect Pair

USDA Prime Beef Bacon Cheeseburger & Cherry Blossom:
This burger can only be described as downright delicious. You can expect a 10oz ground prime chuck and short ribs, Beecher’s reserve cheddar, Kurobuta bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles on a house baked sweet roll delivered right to your table.< br/> The perfect drink? A Cherry Blossom made with Hendricks, cassis, sugar, lemon and cherry blossom vermouth. Come only to expect greatness from John Howie

Cheesecake Factory

While the cheesecake may be the main star, the Cheesecake Factory has more to offer than just a dessert menu. They have a long list of Glamburgers that are worth the extra napkins.

The Perfect Pair

Macaroni + Cheese Glamburger & Oreo Milkshake:
If you're looking for something truly unique, here's your opportunity. The macaroni and cheeseburger is served with lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion topped with creamy fried mac and cheese balls and cheddar cheese sauce! “Wow” is all we can say about this one. Pair it with an Oreo milkshake with vanilla ice cream and Oreo cookies blended together. A perfect indulgance to enjoy at a patio.

Enjoy any burger al fresco!

There are several Downtown restaurants that don't have a patio, but include a great burger to-go. Skip the patio and take your burger to the park! Here are a few more favorites:

Blog images courtesy of: STK Steakhouse, Cheesecake Factory, John Howie Steak, Lunchbox Laboratory, 520 Bar & Grill and Sol Ingrao from Unsplash

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.