12 Best Milkshakes in Washington

Two of our goals in life are to adventure hard and eat well. So far, all our blogs have been about the adventure side, but not today! This post is all about the best milkshakes in Washington.

Meghann considers herself a milkshake connoisseur, so we’ll be adding to this list as we find more treasured locations. She takes this job very seriously, so these shakes are ranked in order of greatness.

1. Lunchbox Laboratory

Lunchbox Laboratory’s shakes are ranked in the top 10 best milkshakes in the NATION. If that’s not enough to convince you to stop by, their Kobe beef burgers and mac and cheese sides should be. Just don’t add booze to these shakes — the booze comes in a test tube (laboratory theme and all) and it melts the shake when you stir it in.

They have four convenient locations: Gig Harbor, Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle — the Seattle location is right next to REI in case you want to double dip.

2. Stack 571

With five locations throughout Washington, Stack 571 is a must-try. Their seasonal flavors are always amazing and splitting a shake works perfectly with dinner. They have the option to add booze to these shakes as well, and it’s blended in perfectly.

3. Canna Cabana

Come for the awesome milkshakes and leave with some extra snacks! Located in Olympia, they serve made-to-order sandwiches that look so fresh. They also have “munchies,” including Scooby Snacks! The reviews here say you could be waiting in line at the drive-thru for a while, but we were the only customers there on our visit.

4. Scoopers Market

Located in Long Beach, this shop has more ice cream flavors than Baskin-Robbins. If you can resist getting a scoop, opt for a milkshake and you won’t be disappointed. There is usually a line, but it’s worth the wait. They serve Umpqua Ice Cream (Meghann’s favorite), and are one of two locations in Washington serving flavors like black licorice.  

5. White Trail Produce

Located along Highway 28 right outside of Quincy — Meghann’s hometown — is a seasonal fruit stand. They’re open seasonally between spring and fall and make their milkshakes with fresh fruit. Always worth a stop!

6. The Filling Station

With two locations in Bellingham, they have great food, shakes, and mocktails. This is the perfect post-hike treat!

7. Red Wagon

Red Wagon is a hidden gem of the South Sound. They have locations in Puyallup, Tacoma, and Tumwater. The burgers are huge, and the shakes are delish.

8. Red Arrow

When traveling on I-90, you’ll see the Twin Pines Drive In near Cle Elum from the freeway. Exit as if you’re going there but drive past it. Just down the road is the Red Arrow Drive In. Unlike the Twin Pines, it’s less crowded, open year-round, and has better milkshakes.

9. 59er Diner

You’ll find this diner on Highway 2 right before turning off the go to Lake Wenatchee, near Leavenworth. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and one of their milkshakes is the perfect side for any meal.

10. Laredo Drive In

If you wander down Chinook Pass to Naches, you’ll find Laredo Drive In. The food is cheap, and the shakes are a local treat.

11. Shake Shake Shake

Known for their 50’s theme style, Shake Shake Shake is a favorite in Tacoma. Grab a classic milkshake or try a spinner drink (soft serve ice cream mixed with soda) for a change of pace.

12. Dick’s

This list wouldn’t be complete without Dick’s. Although they have many locations, we love the original location on NE 45th Street near UW. They’re open until 2:00 am, and you can expect your meal to be cheap and fast.

Need to try:

Northwest

Greater Seattle Area

Southwest

Olympic Peninsula

Eastern Washington

Know a place with great shakes? Comment below and help fulfill Meghann’s dreams of consuming the world’s best milkshakes.

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