The Bear&#x27;s Den

Smittys In & Out is exactly the kind of old-school drive-in that is getting harder and harder to…read morefind. Tucked away in Elma, Smitty's has that classic small-town, roadside burger-joint appeal that makes stopping there feel like part of the experience rather than simply grabbing another fast-food meal. The simple drive-in setup, casual atmosphere, and straightforward menu give the place a genuine nostalgic charm. The prices are another big reason to like Smitty's. You can get a satisfying burger-and-fries meal without feeling like you are paying premium modern day inflation price. The same burger fry and shake would be 50%-100% more in cost in Tacoma or Seattle. The portions are generous, and the food delivers the kind of comfort-food experience you want from a local drive-in. The burgers are definitely the highlight. They are flavorful, have that grilled taste, and have that classic burger-joint taste that you just don't get from the big national chains. Whether you go with a basic burger or something more loaded, the quality and flavor make it clear that Smitty's knows what it is doing. The menu also has plenty of classic sides and other options if you want to mix things up. The wait time was perfectly reasonable for a small, popular drive-in. Smitty's prepares food to order, so you may have to wait a little longer than you would at a typical fast-food chain, but that is a tradeoff I am happy to make for hot, fresh food. It never felt like an unreasonable wait, and the friendly staff made the experience even better. The service was good. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and welcoming, which adds to the small-town character of the restaurant. There is something refreshing about getting good food from people who actually seem happy to have you there. Overall, Smitty's is a great example of what a local drive-in should be: old-school atmosphere, reasonable prices, tasty burgers, fresh comfort food, friendly service, and a relaxed small-town feel. It may not be the fastest stop in town, but the combination of quality, value, and nostalgia makes it well worth the visit. If you are passing through Elma, Smitty's is absolutely worth stopping for.

Stopped in for a burger, fries, and a milkshake and had a really solid experience. The gluten-free…read morebun was actually very good -- soft and held together well, which isn't always the case. Definitely appreciated that. The fries were thin and crispy just how I like them. Nicely salted and fresh. The milkshake was delicious too -- thick and creamy without being overly heavy. Service was friendly and welcoming, which always makes a difference. Chill area, fast service and nice to eat in your car. Overall, a great meal and I'd happily come back.

Smitty's In & Out from outside

Turkey Club Sandwhich

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Fries

Shujacks

3.9(73 reviews)

7.3 mi

These are the nicest people!! They are very dog friendly, and Kaiden brought out water and bacon…read morefor our dog, and offered to make a custom taco salad for my vegetarian wife. The club sandwich and tots were tasty too. Highly recommend this spot.

Came to Elma for Olympia Dog Fancier show. We came for…read morebreakfast and was a total disappointment I had the Philly cheese sandwich and as you can see we got the grill scrapping. Service was poor. We had to ask for napkins forks etc. We should have gone to the Rusty Tractor.

Cluckin Bloody Mary

Chicken strips and fries

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The Ritz Burgers

4.1(177 reviews)

13.3 mi

We've been going here for 20 years. Excellent, every time…read more Does that mean we have to watch the game? I wish we Best place in town to get double burger and fries for the prize

We stopped by this quaint burger shop for a quick bite and it was pretty good! They had some of the…read morebest prices around and the family deal was perfect for us. The burger was tasty and fries were super hot. You can tell it's a local spot and it's a loved one as people were quickly shuffling in and out with a friendly greeting while we ate. They were very kind and made our food fast even with a very long drive thru line. It's a really good spot for an old school burger and fries in a friendly and warm environment. I'll be back the next time I am in the area!

Menu and Counter

Doublecheese W fry!

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Outdoor seating

Rusty Tractor Family Restaurant

3.3(303 reviews)

6.7 mi

5/17/26: so late writing this review, I was shocked to see it only had 3-1/2 stars on Yelp!. All…read morefour of us thought it was great. We were on our way to the airport after visiting a weeks in Forks & were looking for a decent place for breakfast. Rusty popped up on Google, it was right off the interstate so we popped in. Glad we did. Food: fantastic! Between us we had the shrimp salad, Belgian waffle, French toast, chicken fried steak, and a cinnamon roll. The waffle was crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside; the hashbrowns were crispy, not mushy; let's just say we all devoured the food. Service: Angel was wonderful. Very friendly, smiling the entire time, and attentive. Ambiance: cool decor in- & outside, great patio area, and plenty of parking.

Food is hit or miss. Its either fabulous or just ok. I have always had fairly good service. It can…read moreget a bit loud at times. But when the food is good like this breakfast burrito OMG, its craveable.

Great Reuben and Tractor Tread fries!

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Habanero infused bloody Mary

Burger Stand

3.8(163 reviews)

25.0 mi

Great little burger place in Hoodsport. Got the deluxe cheeseburger and was very impressed. Not…read moresuper greasy, and their sauce adds to the experience. I also got their onion rings. Big, crunchy rings cooked just right. You can't go wrong with an order of them. They have a selection of ice cream, and they advertise bulgogi which I did not try this trip. It is a small business, so you pay a bit more, bit it's not excessive. Also, fresh food takes time to make, so your order might take a bit to be made, but it is worth the wait.

Got a deluxe burger with fries and chocolate chip shake and it's been sooooo delightful so far I…read morestopped eating just to write this review. The burger is juicy and flavorful cooked to perfection both the burger and fries are made hot and fresh because it took me a minute to let it cool and then some. The fries are the best! Not limp or cold or tasteless. Crispy golden and not too salty! I don't think you could go wrong with any of the shake flavors. Also fun and random to see a sword for sale ($250) in the restaurant. Gives it a little spunk. The service was also just fine, no complaints, simple, smooth, to the point. Try it out and enjoy the weather in their outside seating. Surprisingly no flies present.

Breakfast burrito

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January 2026 menu

Ranch House BBQ & Steakhouse

3.8(531 reviews)

7.5 mi

Cool, hidden spot off the freeway. Smells like a bbq house right when you drive up. The staff is…read morealways friendly and the food is always good. The beef ribs are ok, not the best. The pork ribs are very good. The coleslaw is not the best, the potato salad is very good. All personal taste. The food came out hot and tasty.

Finally stopped at this place during a trip down to Astoria. I'm pissed I haven't stopped sooner…read more So good!! Food was real good, moist and fresh, great bbq sauce and their sides were perfect. Staff was quick, friendly, funny and clearly enjoys working for the owners. Definitely a little country style, not a bad joint what so ever.

Carnivore Burger

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Pulled Pork

Highway 12 Drive In

4.0(45 reviews)

18.0 mi

On a vacation from Pa and stopped in for an early dinner. Food was great and so was our waiter!read more

Exactly what you'd expect from a burger joint on the side of the road. Old fashioned hospitality ,…read morebig portions, and decent prices.

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Al's Hum Dinger

4.2(201 reviews)

29.5 mi

Yum! I am visiting the area and was driving past before i turned around and pulled back in, best…read moredecision ever! Food was hot and fresh and low price! What a perfect spot for a quick lunch as i am passing through. I had a cheeseburger with fries, crinkle cut if you're wondering & the pup had a pup patty! Service was friendly too!

Best burgers and fries around. Even the fish and chips are better than anywhere else on the harbor…read more The burgers are full of flavor and the buns are perfectly toasted. The fries! Oh the fries...crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, are perfection. The ice cream and shakes are great too. And the service is always super friendly and helpful. And the prices are really good. Its so much better in every way compared to the other overpriced tourist trap burger "den"

Fried gizzard

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View from the back

Grizzly Den

4.0(224 reviews)

30.5 mi

I always make a stop here when I'm traveling in the area. The customer service and food at the…read moreGrizzly Den is outstanding and keeps me coming back. Each meal has been impressive and well-made. This is a great place to stop if you find yourself near Hoquiam. I highly recommend!

Food is decent but these prices are kinda high…read more $11.75 for a bacon burger and over $4.00 to add fries. Definitely other options out there that are just as good, and not as pricey. Guess it's worth stopping if you've passed all others in Hoquiam and want to grab a bite, before heading out to the beach. But I wouldn't go out of my way for it.

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Big daddy

Double Bacon with Waffle Fries

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Garlic Fries

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21 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Ava W.

7 years ago

this place is terrible. the food is gross and high priced for the quality. more importantly, the owner is a sleezy guy. literally thats his last name! hes constantly changing hours or closing randomly. when he is there, he is incredibly abusive to his staff, steals money from his customers, condescending, rude, and openly mocking customers in front of others. he uses foul language and makes jestures that turns this nice small town family burger spot into an absolute pit. if you have kids please do not go here. definitely dont let them work here. dont pay to be abused or help an abusive person stay in the community! fyi: smittys and the eagles nest in elma are so much better and not far up the road! they support the small town communities instead of tearing them down too! not to mention the raspberry shake at eagles nest is devine ;) read more

Gloria M.

8 years ago

Hey everyone: If you want a really good place to eat with quite a extensive menu for a small place, stop in to the Bears Den in McCleary. The folks there are some of the friendliest people that you will ever meet. The burgers are to die for! Yummy. You can get them just how you like them. Prices are pretty good also. Stop in and say "Hi". My friend and I stop in there all the time and really enjoy ourselves. The owner really tries his very best to make all of his customers happy. In my opinion, he has succeeded! It has been under new ownership for around 6 months or so now, so a lot of these older posts are not something that you need to worry about now either. Just pay attention to the ones since around the fall of 2018 to 2019. All others are out of date. read more

Kaylee B.

128

7 years ago

do not give him your money. he is a disgusting excuse for a man. i wouldn't even call him a man. the way he treats his employees and customers is sick! i didn't even work there a full month! he shamed me for needing to go home because i started my period and had blood all over my legs and showing through my jeans!!!!!!!!!! i'm attaching a review i left for him that he actually deleted on facebook. i'm thankful i took screenshots! also i took screenshots of some things other people have said that i'm including here. stop. giving. him. your. money. and. support. read more

Jeannine S.

7 years ago

This place is not what it used to be. Since new ownership took over, it has gone downhill fast. What used to be one of our favorite spots in our little town is now one we avoid. If you enjoy overpriced, average burger joint food and watching an employer berate his female staff (who seem to change by the week) then by all means - this is the place for you. I've experienced his behavior in person, and have read multiple stories on local social media to be convinced it's the norm as opposed to just a bad day on his part. Save your money and go elsewhere! read more

Jim V.

7 years ago

New owner is really turning this place around. Decided to give it a try after ownership changed and I couldn't be more pleased. Been there multiple times and the food and service are both wonderful. Time and time again the owner and wait staff have been outstanding. If you're driving to the coast, you have to stop in and give the Bear's Den a try. Well worth the stop!! read more

Jordan F.

3 years ago

Just drove through today and grabbed a jalapeño, Swiss burger and fries and they were delicious all the updates they've made the building look really great and I even had the owner Amber Eaton take my order in the drive-through. She and her staff were super friendly and the service was quick. Definitely got to make it back to try one of the many shake flavors. read more

Kristina G.

7 years ago

Now that there is a new owner the place has gone down hill. He treats his employees and customers horrible. Talking behind there backs and talking to others about past and currents employees. Food has been rare and the presentation is a mess. Owner is rude and I will not be back until he is gone read more

Sara B.

7 years ago

The food is lackluster. And if you're trying to pay with a gift certificate be prepared to lose whatever is left on it if you don't spend the full amount (illegal in WA btw). And the owner is known to the locals for the horrid way he treats his staff. read more

Linda S.

7 years ago

Burger undercooked and tots over cooked and extremely small portion. What's worse is the great big extremely rude guy is so sweaty I lost my appetite. I say pass this one up and go to one of the other restaraunts that has a nice calming atmosphere. read more

Brianna A.

8 years ago

Very lovely place to be with the family. Always ordered chicken strips and a hamburger and always comes out the same!!! Highly recommend coming here for family dinner or by yourself read more

Renee M.

7 years ago

Awesome burgers! My favorite side is the deep fried pickles. Very clean and excellent service. They added on outside picnic tables to enjoy the beautiful weather. read more

Gerard G.

3 years ago

Terrible ownership/management. Workers underpaid. Don't waste your money here, and don't waste time on applying here. Much better places in the area. read more

Aidyn J.

6 years ago

Amazing food great service and very quick for these times only things is there not always open when they are the food is amazing 10/10

Lisa T.

7 years ago

Steve, the owner, is amazingly friendly....the food is fantastic. I highly recommend stopping by if you're in the McCleary area!!

Randi L.

8 years ago

This place is excellent! Perfectly cooked beef and bacon! Will recommend this place to anyone. Thanks for the fantastic lunch!

Joe S.

5 years ago

Just driving through else this would be our regular place. The wife says it's her new favorite place. Glad we found it

Matt S.

8 years ago

There was no bears, very disappointed. Took my son expecting to see at least one bear, only to find it there was none

Jerry B.

7 years ago

OK I've ate there once was very disappointed in portion so I personally would never eat there again

Eddie N.

300

7 years ago

Over priced for what we got and the owner/ manager was very rude to the girl waiting on us.

Christopher M.

110

16 years ago

This is everything you want from a small town restaurant.

The Bear's Den - burgers - Updated September 2026

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Interesting place! It is a big and beautiful space, but a little out of place in a rural area…read more Out of the way for most people, but we made our way over to check it out. Huge parking lot since this looks to be an up and coming event center considering the business also does catering. We were quickly greeted by a very friendly and informative lady. We chose to try both of the Chef's Specials, Taco Salad and Thai Noodles. We also opted for dessert, Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with Rhubarb Apple Compote and Bourbon Pecan Balls. After checkout we were given some buzzer and picked a table to sit down at. There is indoor seating and outdoor seating. Being that the weather was being bipolar we sat inside near the window, which was beautiful after the clouds cleared. Our food was ready after not too long. Although we chose to eat there our food was still packaged in to go containers. It is nice to have the to go containers as most people might have leftovers, but we would have liked to seen reusable tableware. The Taco Salad was different than most others I have had. The chicken was nicely grilled. The tortilla strips were very thin and appeared to be hand cut then fried, making for a nice crunch. The cheese was grated farmhouse style. I did kind of expect that the housemade salsa would be served with this, but it had a cream lime dressing. The salad was a good size. Addition of avocado would have been divine. The Thai noodles were non traditional. The lemon grass was a bit on the heavy side. The overall flavor could use a little more adjusting and the noodles were a little chewy, but over all--fresh tasting. The cheesecake was good. The crust was okay. What really made it was the Meyer Lemon. The Rhubarb Apple Compote was good, not much Rhubarb flavor--but it was sweet and spicy. The Bourbon Pecan Balls seemed a little dry--or maybe it was trying to cut into them with disposable forks, not sure. There wasn't much of a bourbon flavor, but the pecans were there. Not bad. Would go well with coffee. They also sell housemade items to take home like salsa, vinaigrette, dips, etc. Lots of yummy looking bakery items, like small cakes and cookies. They have some alcoholic beverages that are sold by the can. We did notice that the way the tables are made that food crumbs gets stuck in the crevices--which overtime could become pretty gross...hoping they can find a way to keep the tables cleaner. We would definitely return to try other offerings and hope this business is successful. Something a little different and out of the way in a peaceful and serene area. Stop by and check it out!

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