There’s a tiny white building on 15th Avenue NW in Ballard where every weekend you’ll see a line of people, all smiles, pushing their way inside the vintage lunchbox- and kitsch-swathed tiny dining room of Lunchbox Laboratory, home to some of the best burgers in Seattle. They’re truly gourmet. Restaurant-owner Scott Simpson ditched his gourmet digs to use his culinary training and homestyle inclinations to create high-end comfort food that spares no expense.
For about $15 you can choose everything about your burger except the bread and temperature—there are seven different meats to choose from, including buffalo and the dork (a mix of duck and pork), and scores of sauces, cheeses and even a multitude of salts to go over three different kinds of fries. The specials change all the time according to the whims of Simpson and his staff, and are not to be missed. One week, rumors say, the menu even showcased a classic TV dinner. For the best time, get there on a weekday and feel like family.
Oh man, I went there for the 1st time about a month ago and it was by far one of the best burgers I’ve ever had! I live all the way in Lynnwood and work in Bellevue so I hardly ever go through Ballard but I definitely have to go back to try the Dork. I really like their presentation as well. What a great Seattle restaurant!