The Very First Drive-Thru Restaurant In Washington Has Been Serving Burgers For 75 Years

I'm always looking for a good hamburger. Drive-thru restaurants are a fast and convenient way to enjoy a quick meal on the road, and the Evergreen State has no shortage of these popular grab-and-go eateries. In fact, the first drive thru fast food place is legendary among Olympia locals. Eastside Big Tom's in Washington has been serving epic burgers and fries for over 75 years. It also bears the distinction as the very first drive-thru in Washington State. Although the original building and name have changed over the years, Eastside Big Tom's menu continues to give patrons a delicious meal in Olympia.

The first drive thru fast food place's humble beginnings date back to 1948 when it opened as In and Out Hamburgers in Olympia, Washington.

At the time, diners with convenient drive-thru windows were gaining popularity as "America's Motor Lunch." Let's look at more photos from the past and compare to what it looks like now.

The Eastside In and Out soon became the go-to spot in Olympia for a quick and affordable meal. Menu staples included hot dogs, fries, shakes, and the iconic Big Tom Burger. Eventually, the first

drive thru in Washington State was renamed after the restaurant's signature burger.

You can't miss Eastside Big Tom's with its brightly colored building and whimsical décor.

Kids of all ages love the prehistoric residents lurking in the bushes and throughout the property at Washington State's first drive-thru.

You can't help but smile when greeted by the colorful characters here.

Imagine sipping a peanut butter and banana milkshake with the King himself!

With so much fun and whimsy, you might be wondering about the food.

Rest assured the food is delicious! Washington's first drive thru fast food joint features a simple menu including juicy burgers, crisp fries, and frosty shakes. The shake menu is updated with fun, seasonal flavors so you'll want to stop by often.

Crinkle-cut fries are served with a side of Goop.

What is Goop, you might ask? We can't tell you. It's a closely guarded secret recipe. Suffice it to say, Goop is a mouth-wateringly tasty dipping sauce, the likes of which you've never tried.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Try the lactose-free soft serve.

Regular flavors include chocolate, vanilla, and swirl. Additionally, Eastside Big Tom's adds featured flavors like salted caramel for a unique and creamy treat.

Visit the Eastside Big Tom website and the Eastside Big Tom Facebook page for more information.

If you've never tried Washington State's first drive-thru, you're missing out. Have you ever eaten at Eastside Big Tom's restaurant? What are your recommendations? We'd love to hear from you in the comments.

Work off those calories on the trails! Check out what AllTrails has near you.

For more epic shakes, check out some of the best milkshakes you can find in Washington.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/washington/12-best-milkshakes-wa/