This long-standing family-owned diner has a lot of historic charm and the service is a real standout. The cashier was incredibly friendly and detailed when I asked about the history of the establishment. The food is unfortunately average, and for the price point my chicken Caesar salad could have more chicken. Still I'd consider returning the next time I visit the island to support this local business and enjoy the wonderful service again. read more

We decided to stop in for a quick meal before boarding the ferry back to the mainland. Given that we only had about half an hour before we had to get to the terminal, Vic's seemed like a good choice. I do have to comment - the name of this restaurant is strange. What exactly makes this restaurant a Drive-In? Considering there's no parking specifically for the place, no car hop service, nor any semblance of a drive through. Instead, it's street parking and typical counter service restaurant. On the window, they had signs for a crab cake sandwich, which we decided to order along with another burger. Even though this was on a weekend during the height of summer, there was only a single other party in the place throughout our meal. I guess most people show up later in the night? But then again, they close at 7PM, so I dunno. The food took about 10 minutes to come out. Deluxe Cheeseburger ($10.99) - Firstly the bun - it's a very thick sesame bun that seems to be homemade, or perhaps from a local bakery. It's toasted well until very darkened looking, but isn't dried out at all and is instead soft and fluffy. Tons of shredded lettuce, sliced onion, and tangy pickles, form a base layer on the bottom bun, glued on by a dollop of their secret burger sauce that's nicely creamy, sweet, and tangy. On top is a juicy ¼ pound patty that's cooked to perfection for a diner burger (e.g. well done, but not dried out at all). On top, of course, the melted, fatty cheese. Everything works together very well; this is just a very solid diner-style cheeseburger. There's not really much I could envision to improve it. (5/5) Crab Cake Sandwich ($14.99) - This is pretty much the same as above but without cheese and substituting the beef patty with a crab cake. The cake is fried well, giving a good crunchy breading, whereas the interior is soft and tender, mostly filler without any taste of crab. Seems to be a typical frozen crab cake, but expected for this price point. It's a salty and savory bomb that goes well with the rest of the ingredients. This sandwich comes with a giant pile of crinkle cut fries. Unlike most crinkle cuts I've had in the past, which are typically floppy and sad, these are fried relatively well, creating a decently crisp crust on the outside while maintaining a fluffy interior. I think if these were immersed in the oil for another 30 seconds to a minute, it would create a better experience? Regardless, these are pretty good fries. (4/5) Overall, I was pretty impressed with the food served at Vic's. I'm not sure why they don't have more business at night? It's probably one of the best (if not the best) diner burger on the island. Pricing is high, yes, but it's kind of expected since it's in a tourist area, not to mention on an island. I would happily return on any future visit to Friday Harbor. Bathrooms - Single unisex room Edit: After doing some more research, it seems this place used to be a drive-in. They had to modernize but kept the name. read more

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Came in for a quick bite at lunch. Ordering was quick and the food took a few minutes so you know it's being made to order. The inside was spacious and had memorabilia which was fun to look at. I ordered the deluxe cheeseburger, a dirty soda - summer, and a soft serve in a cone. Deluxe cheeseburger was good. Classic flavors. Classic taste. The dirty soda summer was on the sweet side but it was refreshing. It was orange soda with pineapple and mango. The soft serve was delicious! It was creamy and had a real nice texture. The nice thing was you can order and pay for it with your meal but ask to get it at the end of the meal. read more

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Vic's Drive In one of those storied businesses that has been a centerpoint of the community for decades. Multiple generations of youngsters have had their first dates and celebrations of all sorts in this space since 1958. As drive-in culture grew, and the islands became more and more of a tourist destination, Vic's cemented its place in Friday Harbor history as one of the oldest and most popular businesses in town. It's hard to miss this gorgeous diner as you head up the hill from the ferry terminal. In a treed setting, with mid-century signage, the green and white building draws your attention. And the good vibes continue once you enter the building as well. Their giant menu and order window evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, as well as the vintage signage and displays throughout the building. There is lots of seating inside, as well as some benches outside on the sidewalk. The menu is pretty straightforward drive-in fare, with the burgers, fries and milkshakes you'd expect to find. Everything is hand made, to order. The prices were a little higher than I'd hope for, but in a tourist town during a period of high inflation, I guess it's to be expected . We had a lovely experience, taking our food to go, choosing to eat on the bluff overlooking the harbor just two blocks away. There's a tiny park with several picnic tables and benches, making a perfect setting to enjoy our delicious burgers. The reviews for Vic's seem a bit polarizing, but I sense there may be some small town politics at play. The business has a long history as a neighborhood gathering place, and I'd love to see that tradition continue. When I return to visit the island in the future, they will have my continued support. read more

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I am a sucker for a good old fashioned drive in style burger. Vic's doesn't disappoint in this category. I got the deluxe cheeseburger which was loaded with lettuce, chopped onion and just the right amount of pickle. I like onions on a burger but not if they are cut thick and these were not. Though I'd go light onion if I go back. Other than missing a tomato it was a solid burger. read more

Service: The employees that worked there were so, so nice and helpful. The service alone was amazing. Food: I ordered a bubblegum milkshake, and while the flavor wasn't strong, it was still good. Environment: The restaurant itself seemed a little old and beat up, but not entirely in a neglected way. It rolls with the restaurant's vintage theme. The place felt dirty, though, which I suppose is to be expected with fast food places. The vintage theme was fun, though, allowing for lots of bright (and sometimes clashing) colors in decoration. Final thoughts: I'd go back, even just to try more of their milkshake flavors. read more

THE BEST SPOT! Burger was immaculate. Lemonade so absolutely delicious and quenching. Service was so real and personable and a beautiful family style. I will be back read more

Expensive and not worth it. We ordered grilled chicken and black burgers. The burger buns are not good and is just only filled with lettuce and mayonnaise. read more

Super nice, great customer service, good is really yummy! you should definitely stop by for a quick bite

Overpriced! And to make it worse my friend ordered right after me and their food took so long mine was cold and soggy the crinkle fries were bland with bad texture read more

Encouraged to violate Washington RCW 16.52.350 by the assumed owner a moment ago. We have attempted to visit Vic's over the last 2 years. Coming from Florida we like to support local along our journey. Last year during our visit Vic's was closed for a considerable amount of time so we attempted to stop in again today during our current visit to the island. I've never worked so hard to support a 3.5 star stop in my life. We went out of our way again to stop in and immediately left. We have two dogs with a combined weight of 10lbs. The second we walked into the desolate restaurant with no seating inside or out we were told to they don't allow dogs per Washington state law. We asked if we could place a to-go order since that was our plan and the owner said no. She suggested I tie a geriatric, febrile dog and his sibling to a bench outside and leave them unattended with no water and no supervision. This not only violates RCW 16.52.350 but it also is a great risk to any dog to be left unsupervised within such a heavy traveled and dog friendly space. We've visited many restaurants on the island and each one welcomes dogs. I'm writing this from inside The Bait Shop. Read the other reviews and trust the lower rated ones to correctly reflect the company. read more

I STRONGLY suspect the 5 star reviews here are fake. Waaaaay overpriced for what you get. $17 for fish and chips which included 2 small pieces of fish and about half a potato worth of fries. I get it, things cost more, but this was ridiculous. Maybe humor me and give a bunch of fries if you're going to charge that much. Wife had a salmon salad which was a sad piece of salmon, old chipped romaine and a couple small pieces of tomato...$17. read more

Service was friendly and food was great! I am vegetarian and ordered the veggie burger, which had garlic mushrooms instead of a patty (they also offer beyond or bean burgers), and it was a bit messy to eat but SO good!! The mushrooms were super tasty. My fiancé also enjoyed his beef burger, and the milkshake was good, too. read more

Expensive for the quality of food. The burger was ok doesn't come with fries. We ordered a double burger, fries, bottle water and onion rings, sauces (1 ranch) are a dollar extra .. they don't give complementary water for these items it was 36.00 not worth the price. Cashier was friendly but that won't help my pocket. read more

Service and overall quality of the food was inadequate. Very disappointed. This place had so much potential but it falls short in every category. read more

Good burger and onion rings, quick service I recommend this place to anyone who wants a a no fuss experience read more

Sorry to do this but its not worth it we spent $ for of us make them show you what your getting for your money read more

Vic's Drive In - $17 worth of food - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

Awesome food and the people here are amazing. A great spot to come to if you're in Friday Harbor!

Loved my stop here. Cheeseburger and fries!! Great choice. Very pleasant staff. Following all Covid precautions read more

This is the heart of the town! Everyone loves Vic's. Especially my son. He has been watching them cook his burgers since he was a child. Now he can't wait to work there so he can make the delicious burgers. I love that they are the classic burger joint but with so many wonderful choices on the menu. I am partial to the Mushroom Swiss burger without a bun. read more

They serve the burgers dry and don't give any condiments. When on vacation your mind is in a jumble. Condiments are the furthest thing on your mind. If they want to serve their burgers dry, fine, they just NEED to give little containers full of mayo, mustard and ketchup and put them in your to go bag. Especially when everything shuts down at 6. I can't even go get condiments anywhere. read more

I love this place! Bacon burger deluxe with fries is my go to. Classic diner food at a great price!

Simple old school burger joint. Great food, great prices and exactly what you remember an old drive inn to be.

Looked good from the outside but not so. Charged extra for things that should be included like condiments. They should tell you there is an add on instead of wondering why your bill was higher. Asked for napkins when I didn't see any she stated WA law not to include. They should also let the customer know that as well before sitting in the car trying to find a napkin. Inside eating is closed! French fries were awful. Wish I could have given a better review read more

This is my kinda place!...Little greasy diner where the locals go for a good burger and fries. With huge menu from breakfast to dinner they have everything - burgers, sandwiches, fish, pancakes and more..Very friendly service!...I loved the ham & bacon burger! read more

Vic's Drive In - a man walking his dog - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

So good AND cheap. We've been on the San Juan Islands for two days and it's all we've eaten! Well, that and doughnuts. :) Veggie Boca Burgers! read more

Had the fish with fries and was disappointed with the fish...... two of the thinnest and smallest pieces of fish. It was like one piece of fish cut into two pieces. The fries were freezer burned and the quantity was minimal. It surprising what a restaurant can get away with such poor quality in a tourist town at peak season. I will avoid this place next time. read more

This place is great!! The food is delicious and the owner is a riot! I had the pill cheese steak and it was delicious, perfectly carmalized pins and peppers and loads of cheeeeese!! Definitely would recommend! read more

Vic's Drive In - Our whole bridal party showed up and they had our food out to us super quick! - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

Great place...comfort food. Not fancy but good burgers, etc. very friendly. We ate dinner here, wish they were open for breakfast during the week. Open at 11 am except Saturday they open at 8 am. read more

Vic's Drive In - Classic Americana - American Near Me - Friday Harbor, Washington

Still great after all these years of coming here as an Island visitor. The owners are super nice people. This continues to be an Island must stop. read more

Fantastic, homey drive-in. Don't know what there is for people to complain about. Prices are great, food is great. I've been coming here for years, have never had a problem with the service. I guess I could knock it a little for cleanliness, used a high chair for my kid, they were all a little dirty. Some people might be turned off that they don't take cards, but there's an ATM right next door. Have had their shakes, burgers, fries and chicken strips. Haven't had a bad experience. read more

Great food at a great price! The staff is friendly and it's convenient to downtown.

Great burgers. Great service. Three recent trips. It's old school but great. I haven't ventured from a burger. The prices are great for those on a budget. The island can be expensive!! read more

Yesterday we had the patty melt and philly cheese steak sandwich with a chocolate shake to wash it down and they were fabulous! The girl taking our order had such a nice attitude. Simply, it's a cute, old-school place with excellent burgers and fries and unpretentious, kind people. read more

Good food, great milkshakes. Service always fast and friendly. The French fries are tasty but the order is kind of small. I only treat myself to fries once in a while, I gave four instead of five because of the fries read more

You'll go back in time thirty years when you step into this place. This is classic island fast food, and the last of it's kind. Luckily no heavy handed Starbuckesque type remodel has happened here like what is happening to so many of these old diners everywhere and the menu hasn't changed in generations. The attraction here is value, just like thirty years ago one can take the whole family out to eat and not break the bank. The more things change, the more they stay the same! read more

TOURISTS BEWARE! Owner saw us walking into the diner for a late lunch. Being tourists we stopped outside to take a picture of this rustic diner. Owner saw us and decided to yell at us from inside the restaurant as we were approaching 'GO AWAY'. By far the weirdest and rudest experience I have ever had! STAY AWAY! read more

Great chocolate shake. But after using the restroom and walking around the restaurant it was so hot, smelly and dirty I didn't want to eat it. read more

Vic's is an okay place to grab a bite. Cheap food and friendly service! An ole time burger place, like before the golden arches took over.

This guy knows how to cook a burger'! Great food! Very local, we were the only ones out of town. They don't take card, which is always a negative for me. Chicken Fingers were good and they even gave us our special sauce on the side. Which according to our cashier is a 50 year plus recipe! read more