The giant hamburger and swooping arrow at Frisko Freeze have been tempting hungry motorists for generations. It's one of those classic roadside signs that's almost impossible to drive past without wondering if it's time for a burger. Photo courtesy Mike
Since opening in 1950, this Tacoma favorite has been serving burgers, fries, and shakes from its walk-up windows while the candy-striped pole and glowing neon sign became one of the city's best-known landmarks. The building itself is a wonderful survivor from the early days of drive-in restaurants, looking much the way it did when cruising was a Saturday night tradition.
Frisko Freeze has changed owners over the years, but thankfully the landmark sign and classic look remain. It's still one of the best reminders of the days when Highway 99 and Tacoma's streets were filled with chrome, fins, and neon.
UPDATE: Frisko Freeze remains open after a careful renovation that preserved its historic appearance and iconic roadside sign. 07-26
Triple XXX Root Beer (Closed)
Issaquah, WA Photo courtesy Steve Felder
A giant root beer barrel made Triple XXX Root Beer an easy place to find in Issaquah. The oversized roadside display promised burgers and frosty mugs before you reached the parking lot. Even if you weren’t hungry, this was the kind of stop that deserved a look around. This Triple XXX is one of the last two locations still in existence. The other Triple XXX Root Beer drive-in is located in West Lafayette, IN.
The familiar Gilman Boulevard location opened in 1968, continuing an Issaquah restaurant tradition dating to the 1930s. Originally offering service to customers in their cars, it later became especially popular for its classic car gatherings and collection of automotive memorabilia. The parking lot could be almost as entertaining as the restaurant.
UPDATE: Triple XXX closed in November 2023, but the landmark barrel survived. Burgermaster opened at the property on May 26, 2026, bringing back service to parked cars and continuing the tradition of car gatherings. The restaurant name has changed, but this roadside stop still gives motorists a reason to pull in. 07-26
Frisko Freeze
