Neighborhood-Kids All Local. All for Kids. All the Time.

Grab a Burger at Boomer's Drive-In

by Joanna Nesbit8/8/2008 5:13:11 PM

Whenever my family is feeling like burgers for dinner, we head to Boomer’s Drive-In on Samish Way. Sometimes my kids and I end up here for lunch on the way to Lake Padden or at dinnertime when Dad is out of town. It’s quick, affordable, and about as family-friendly as you can get, with take-out or sit-down or eat-in-your-car, whatever you please.

Drive-in and take-out great burgers at Boomer's Drive-In in Bellingham, WA.

Besides the burgers, what I love about Boomer’s is its old-fashioned drive-in kind of feel with its outdoor menu for those who want to park and order from outside. There aren’t any phones like in the old days, but if you leave your lights on, a carhop will come out to take your order.

We prefer to head indoors for a sit-down meal, because even though it’s a fast-food kind of place, it doesn’t feel like a generic fast-food joint. Boomer’s has down-home, local kind of feel, where loyal customers come for same reasons we do—it’s fun and we love the burgers. More often than not, we run into someone we know. The place isn’t big, but a bank of windows keeps it light and sunny and friendly. For some reason, I always feel relaxed here. Maybe because I know that everyone in my family will find something they like. (Keep in mind Boomer’s can get crowded, so for younger kids, consider arriving a little early.)

Boomer’s offers just about any kind of burger you want, with or without waffle fries, starting with The Boomer Burger. Then there’s the Big Boom, Mushroom Swiss, Bacon Swiss, Teriyaki, Chicken Burger…the list goes on. And if you stop by Boomer’s during their annual Anniversary Sale from mid-January to the end of February, burgers are just $2.69.

The dining room at Boomer's has a fireplace and a colorful mural.

For the vegetarian set, Boomer’s also serves a great Garden Burger. I often order this one even though I renounced my vegetarianism years ago. And if you don’t want a burger, you can always order a salad.

My son likes the kids’ meal because it comes in a cardboard 50s-style car. He usually gets the corndog and waffle fries, but kids can also order a burger, fish, chicken strips, or a stadium dog. The combo meal also includes a small drink and a lollipop, always a sure hit with this crowd. The price, depending on your choice, is $2.99 or $3.69.

And, of course, there are the milkshakes, the third reason people love Boomer’s. Or maybe it’s the first, I’m not quite sure. The hard ice cream shakes come in a variety of flavors, such as the standard chocolate and vanilla, but also flavors like blackberry and banana. Just check the menu for that day’s offerings.

If you’re craving a burger and shake, this place can’t be beat. The rest of Bellingham obviously agrees, as it’s been voted the Best Burger in Bellingham over and over.

Boomer’s is located at 310 North Samish Way. Hours are Sunday-Thursday, 11am-10pm, and Friday-Saturday, 11am-11pm. For more information, call (360) 647-2666.

A Note About the Author: Joanna Nesbit

Joanna Nesbit is a home-based freelance writer. She thinks she can write and parent at the same time. She and her husband, Curt, are developing new interests through their two kids, including chess, Girl Scouts, soccer, and horses. In her limited spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and good beer.