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. One such place is legendary among Olympia locals. Eastside Big Tom in Washington has been serving epic burgers and fries for over 75 years and bears the distinction as the very first drive-thru restaurant in Washington. Although the original building and name have changed over the years, the Eastside Big Tom menu continues to give patrons a delicious meal in Olympia.

Eastside Big Tom's humble beginnings date back to 1948 when it opened as In and Out Hamburgers in Olympia, Washington.
East Side Big Tom
At the time, diners with convenient drive-thru windows were gaining popularity as "America's Motor Lunch." Let's look at more Eastside Big Tom photos from the past and 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 restaurant was renamed after the restaurant's signature burger.
Eastside Big Tom
You can't miss Eastside Big Tom with its brightly-colored building and whimsical décor.
Eastside Big Tom / Google Reviews
Kids of all ages love the prehistoric residents lurking in the bushes and throughout the property.
CM / Google Reviews

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You can't help but smile when greeted by the colorful characters at Big Tom's.
Eastside Big Tom / Google Reviews
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.
Eastside Big Tom / Google Reviews
Rest assured the food is delicious! Eastside Big Tom 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.
Eastside Big Tom / Google Reviews
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.
Haylie Abele / Google Reviews
Regular flavors include chocolate, vanilla, and swirl. Additionally, Big Tom's adds featured flavors like salted caramel for a unique and creamy treat.

If you’ve never tried Eastside Big Tom in Washington, you’re missing out. Nostalgia abounds at the oldest drive-thru restaurant in Washington. Have ever eaten at Big Tom’s restaurant? What are your recommendations? We’d love to hear from you in the comments. Visit the Eastside Big Tom website and the Eastside Big Tom Facebook page for more information.

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

The 12 Very Best Milkshakes You Can Possibly Find In Washington

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More to Explore

Historic Burger Joints In Washington

Chris Muras | February 25, 2024

What are the oldest burger restaurants in Washington?
Washington has plenty of roadside burger joints that have been welcoming hungry patrons for decades. Here are some of the oldest burger restaurants in Washington where you will be treated like family:

  • Miner’s Drive-In, Yakima, WA: Another historic place to grab a burger in Washington is Miner's. It has been around since 1948. The Big Miner Burger may not be loaded with toppings, but it has been a go-to menu option for guests for over 75 years. And it is Big! Especially if you attempt to eat the even bigger Big Miner Double.
  • Red Horse Drive-In, Ellensburg, WA: This classic burger joint got its start as a Mobil gas station in 1936. Wit wasn't long before it expanded its services and opened a diner as well. Today, you can enjoy plenty of vintage automobile memorabilia while grabbing a nice meal. It even added a bar serving up local microbrews in 2017. The biggest burger on the menu is the Dead Man's Curve, named after the 1964 Jan & Dean song of the same name.
  • Mrs. Beesley's Burgers, Toledo, WA: This old-school eatery has been an icon in the charming town of Toledo since the 1960s. It officially became Mrs. Beesley's Burgers in 1976 and has been treating guests to home-cooked meals under that name ever since. If you are looking for a good old-fashioned burger and fries, make sure you stop on by as you travel between Portland and Seattle.

If you are up for a road trip, check out some of the best places to grab a hamburger in Washington. As you travel through our great state in the family RV, you'll need to top up the tummy tank with a good meal. These are some of the best places to stop.

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Featured Addresses
Eastside Big Tom, 2023 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98506, USA