Zesto Burger & Fish House

IT’s NOT closed. At least, not yesterday, Mar 17, 2012.
I had the patty melt and it was soooooo good. but too much cheese and onions for my tummy! owww.
i had a wonderful succotash! have never had such good succotash, and i really like succotash!
but the 5 stars are really for the music! I’d say it was 1978 top 40.

I drive by this place all the time and decided to try it out because of a sort of morbid curiosity. The parking lot and dining area are deserted, and with good reason. The dining area was utterly depressing, and the kitchen looked like it was a knife’s edge away from failing its last health inspection.
Nevertheless, I soldiered on and ordered a mediocre burger that cost more than seemed fair, and a milkshake that was actually pretty good. The people working there were pretty nice as well, but I’m not going back. I’m not sure how they stay in business when they have so few customers; maybe they get rushed after school by the high school across the street? It’s a mystery.

Walking through the door I was instantly transported back to the ‘80s. (Think the look from Fast Times at Ridgeon High) The décor is probably exactly the way it looked 25 years ago. Including a fake wood grain Formica covered Frogger video game. That was fun.
The burgers were ok. In a lot of towns a burger like that would be an easy 4 star. This, Seattle has so many great burger choices that a burger really has a lot of competition and that’s why a 2 star is appropriate. Also, the fries were not that great. After everything considered, it was «Ok» but I experienced better.
Also, I read some reviews about cleanliness and I will agree. Considering the competition nearby like RedMill, The Counter and Zaks they might want to tidy up a bit to encourage repeat business. Their typical customers are teenagers from the High School next door so I’m sure that contributes to the mess.
Overall, I’m glad I tried Zestos for the sake of trying it. I feel better about marking that off my list.

Was just here a couple of weeks ago and was really upset when I found out their french fries had changed :(
The burger was still good and the fries were as well, but I definitely miss their old fry batter that made them that much more delicious.
I’ve been going here for 12+ years and its still some good grub, food is quick after you order and there is hardly ever a line of people.

Curiosity killed the cat, and then served it up as a burger…
Not very good. There were a lot of novelty burgers on the menu that were not accompanied by a description, so i had to ask the cashier a few times what each burger was. The wait was pretty long for a burger and fries, maybe they needed a couple extra minutes to whip up that side of indigestion…

We had a good time here. The food is a bit over priced; however, the people are nice and the fish is good. We ended up getting a special with chowder, fish, chips and two drinks for about twenty or so dollars.
Compared to the touristy areas it is reasonable.
The good: the food
The bad: the location and the slightly over priced menu.
Thanks

yeah, I definitely feel there’s some haters in this mix here. I was expecting better reviews, but sheez…2.5 stars?
I ordered a bacon cheeseburger meal… no frills. just straight up the normal shit. There was only 3 other groups there… who already had their food… and the wait wasn’t that bad… maybe 15 mins. But it was all good because they have big screen tvs in the dining room playing movies… I watched Empire of the Sun.
After watching bitch ass japan kick over the food for those poor whities… I finally get my food and the cook was more than happy to give it to me…“hey, I appreciate it, enjoy!” said the cook sincerely.
Took my first bite and was automatically at that place… where my eyes close and almost everything falls away except for flavor goodness to the body. The burger patty isn’t anything special, but it was cooked properly and ran juicy. The cheese isn’t anything fancy, but was melted onto the patty that was a notch before dripping… the tomato was cold and fresh, the lettuce the same. The bacon! Nice and crispy, but not breaking at the touch. still had a firmness that once a bite was taken. it would easily break apart from the rest of the piece.
The fries are another thing entirely. They weren’t super crispy, but almost tasted like a seasoned fry. but not seasoned… it was the batter. they batter it, then fry. The fry was soft and hot in the inside, and the batter made it crispy. I’d eat these fry’s by themselves… for days.
Overall, not a place that should be put on TV as the worlds best burger, but definitely a place of recognition. It was a dependable burger that hit the button for me… and that’s what matter most. Check the pics people.
ps — they have big screen tvs while you wait for your food! awesome.

My fiancé and I finally decided to try a new burger joint. We always pass by Zesto’s and figured, «Why not?!»
Well, we entered and stared at the menu for a moment, and had a question about what was on the «Pacific Burger». The kid at the counter walked away while he was in mid-​sentence. Seriously. «The Pacific Burger hasmmf-​mmph …» Then a friendly girl comes up to the register and greets us with a clear and peppy tone. We order (a bit pricey) get our drinks and head outside to wait.
And wait … and wait … and wait some more with a dash of more waiting.
The place wasn’t packed so we weren’t exactly sure why it was taking so long. My fiancé went in to check on the status twice and was told rather briskly that that it was just about ready. I think we waited for a good 15 minutes at the least.
Finally we get our food, and hoped against hope it was worth the wait. We both looked at each other and did an eye-​roll. VERY salty. The salt is the first and last thing you taste.
We didn’t finish anything, their portions are REALLY LARGE, but considering it’s loaded with salt … well, we didn’t really want to bring anything home. Plus, all the way home we had the most horrific stomach cramps we’d ever had.
We left feeling like we had been duped. Oh Zesto’s … y’got us!
I think we’ll just stick with Red Mill from here on out when we have a monster burger craving. Less expensive, little wait … fantastic food.
Bottom line … don’t waste your money or your time at Zesto’s.

I’m pretty much scared of this place after the fact it was shut down last year due to health violations. I know that it passed it’s most recent inspection in early October, but that doesn’t mean I’m not still wary of the food here.
I suppose it doesn’t matter though since the only reason I come here is to get butterscotch milkshakes. They aren’t the best I’ve had, but they satisfy my craving in a pinch.
They do charge 50 cents on any debit/​credit purchases… so a word to the wise.

I came here hoping Zesto’s was going to hearken back to the Arctic Circle of my youth (19 cent hamburgers and crinkle-​cut fries that came with a special fry sauce (catsup, mayo and a spot of mustard).
But no dice. Long menu at Zesto’s, but bland food and a looong wait for your order that may or may not have been botched.
Place has a grimy feel to it too.
Not only no, but hell no!

I don’t know what’s up with the haters. Zesto’s is a factory of delicious treats! And a fun, somewhat well preserved relic of a drive in.
Their fries are my very favorite — battered and seasoned like curly fries but not curly. Excellent, gooey, giant grilled cheese makes my cheese-​heartin’ self very happy. Also in my pescetarian menu range are their fish and chips, which are awesome: all their fish comes exclusively from the Northern Glacier, one of Ballard’s fishing boats. Two big pieces with those awesome fries are only $ 6.95, which is a bargain.
Definitely get a shake, they are huge (enough for two, unless it’s your entrée, which I wouldn’t judge you for). And they have awesome flavors like mint oreo!
I love the old pictures on the walls with the years they were taken posted below them. These shots are like straight outta Grease! Love it. The ruffians working when we were there last Sunday evening (and they were actually cute, nerdy ruffians who were very friendly) were watching a Phish concert DVD on the two new flat screens and debating music theory (loosely, of course, in the context of Phish).
And then, if all that weren’t enough, they have happy hour. Two dollar beers, and not just Bud Light, my friends. Red Hook, Corona, Sierra Nevada, and… wait for it… GUINNESS. Yes, it’s in a bottle, but I still challenge you to find another $ 2 Guinness in this town. 5−7pm everyday, kids!
I hereby conclude: haters need to put their low blood sugars and odd expectations for a greasy burger joint aside and feel the Zesto love. The chick who spent $ 17 must have ordered the intriguing «Zesto Burger» which we noted to cost $ 12, and weren’t sure why (Kobe beef?). The rest of the menu is in the normal range of prices for burger places like Red Mill. Don’t be a victim, just read, fool!