Frisko Freeze
Tacoma, WA
Photo courtesy Mike

The giant hamburger and swooping arrow at Frisko Freeze have been tempting hungry motorists for generations. It's one of those classic roadside signs that's almost impossible to drive past without wondering if it's time for a burger. Photo courtesy Mike

Since opening in 1950, this Tacoma favorite has been serving burgers, fries, and shakes from its walk-up windows while the candy-striped pole and glowing neon sign became one of the city's best-known landmarks. The building itself is a wonderful survivor from the early days of drive-in restaurants, looking much the way it did when cruising was a Saturday night tradition.

Frisko Freeze has changed owners over the years, but thankfully the landmark sign and classic look remain. It's still one of the best reminders of the days when Highway 99 and Tacoma's streets were filled with chrome, fins, and neon.

UPDATE: Frisko Freeze remains open after a careful renovation that preserved its historic appearance and iconic roadside sign. 07-26

Triple XXX Root Beer (Closed)
Issaquah, WA
Photo courtesy Steve Felder

Here is a Triple XXX Root Beer stand located in Issaquah, Washington (honorary Roadside Peek "East" member). This is a mandatory stop for all of you in the Washington area, if only to marvel at the stand built around a huge root beer barrel exterior. This Triple XXX is one of the last two locations still in existence. The other Triple XXX Root Beer drive-in is located in West Lafayette, IN.

Built around its famous barrel in 1968, Triple XXX became one of Issaquah's best-known roadside landmarks. Burgers, frosty mugs of root beer, and classic car nights have made it a favorite gathering place for generations. Step inside and you'll find vintage signs, old gas pumps, and plenty of memorabilia that make it feel like the 1950s never quite ended.

When this photo was taken, the Issaquah stand was one of just two original Triple XXX Root Beer locations still operating anywhere in the country, making it a mandatory stop for anyone who appreciates classic roadside Americana. It's the kind of place that's worth visiting even if you're not hungry.

Check out this special section on the Triple XXX Root Beer of Issaquah, WA, courtesy of Dan Brown.

UPDATE: Triple XXX closed in 2023, but the landmark barrel building and famous roadside sign were preserved. The restaurant reopened in 2026 as a Burgermaster, allowing one of Washington's most recognizable roadside icons to live on. 07-26