Ask 10 people what makes the best burger in Port Angeles and you’ll probably get 10 different answers.
Some swear by thick, juicy patties stacked high with toppings. Others argue that a proper smash burger with crispy edges is the only acceptable answer.
Then there are the bacon devotees, the cheese fanatics, the sauce obsessives, and the folks who believe a burger should be simple enough to fit in one hand.
But when Port Angeles residents recently gathered online to answer a simple question — “What’s the best burger joint in town?” — one restaurant stood above the rest.
The overwhelming favorite? The Rail.
Mentioned repeatedly by locals discussing the city’s burger scene, the downtown eatery earned far more recommendations than any other restaurant in the conversation, making it the closest thing Port Angeles has to a consensus pick for the best burger in town.
Why The Rail Keeps Winning People Over
Among dozens of responses, The Rail was mentioned again and again by locals who seemed remarkably confident in their choice.
“You nailed it! The Rail for sure. Bacon cheddar is so good,” one commenter wrote.
Another simply declared: “The rail hands down.”
Even one burger enthusiast who suggested learning to make burgers at home couldn’t resist giving The Rail a nod.
“Definitely suggest you learn to make your own, so many great YouTube videos on how to make them, but if yer buying the rail is a solid contender.”
It’s hard to argue with that endorsement.
More Than Just A Burger Joint
Part of The Rail’s appeal may be that it’s more than simply a place to grab a burger.
Located in downtown Port Angeles near the waterfront, the casual eatery serves breakfast, coffee, lunch, dinner, and craft drinks, making it a popular stop for locals, commuters, and visitors arriving via the nearby ferry.
The restaurant is considered the younger sibling of Barhop Brewing and Artisan Pizza, another well-known Port Angeles destination.
Its name pays tribute to two different pieces of local culture: the logging railroads that once helped shape the region and the traditional bar rail found in pubs.
During the morning hours, guests can grab locally poured Caffe Vita coffee and breakfast before heading into Olympic National Park or exploring the Olympic Peninsula.
Later in the day, the focus shifts toward burgers, beers, cocktails, and casual waterfront dining.
What People Are Ordering
The Rail’s burgers start with one-third-pound locally sourced beef patties served with fries or a small salad.
Among the customer favorites frequently highlighted online and in reviews:
Sweet Spot Burger
One of the restaurant’s signature creations, featuring bacon, cheddar cheese, spicy tomato jam, and crispy fried onion rings.
Bacon Cheeseburger
A classic loaded with bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and your choice of cheese.
Porter Burger
A local twist featuring mushrooms and red onions sautéed in a house sauce made with porter from Barhop Brewing and topped with Swiss cheese.
The restaurant also offers plant-based Beyond Burger substitutions and chicken breast alternatives for guests looking for something different.
Another frequently praised menu item isn’t technically a burger at all.
The Rail’s sliders allow diners to sample miniature versions of its signature burgers, while the restaurant’s “Tachoes” — loaded tater tots topped with pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese — have developed their own loyal following.
Not Everyone Agreed — And That’s Part Of The Fun
While The Rail clearly dominated the discussion, several other restaurants earned passionate support from local burger fans.
Grayson’s received enthusiastic praise for its pimento smash burger, with one commenter calling it “the best burger I’ve ever had.”
Firehouse Grill was another popular choice, particularly its Smoke ’Em Out burger, which one commenter joked was “perfect for a hungry teen.”
Midtown Public House was described as a “sleeper contender,” while Frugal’s, Country Coffee & Grub, and Jasmine Bistro’s Kobe sliders all earned mentions.
One person even argued that the best burger in town comes from an unexpected source: the concession stand at the local Little League fields.
And in perhaps the most Pacific Northwest answer of all, another resident skipped Port Angeles entirely and nominated Shadowline Burgers & Brews in Sequim, prompting a reply that called it “literally the best burger you’ll ever have.”
The Verdict?
There may never be universal agreement on the perfect burger.
Some people want towering gourmet creations. Others prefer greasy roadside classics. A few will always insist homemade is best.
But based on this informal vote from locals, if you’re new to Port Angeles and wondering where to start your burger tour, The Rail appears to be the place most residents would send you first.
That’s a pretty strong recommendation in a town that takes its burgers seriously.
If you Go
📍 The Rail – 128 E Railroad Ave Port Angeles, WA 98362
💻 Check out their menu and hours on their website
