Harold’s Burger Bar

I was disappointed in this place. I just moved to town and was debating eating here or Burgerville. Decided to try something new. I ordered a deluxe burger, medium onion rings, and a small shake. First, they only toasted the top bun so the bottom bun was soggy and completely fell apart when I tried to eat it. It tasted ok. The worst part were the soggy onion rings… there were 6 very small rings that were obviously just frozen… for over $ 3 they should be homemade or at least better quality. The shake was good. But at over $ 16 for the meal it was definitely not worth it. Next time a burger craving hits I’ll be going elsewhere.

This place has great burgers and shakes. Don’t be put off by the way the place looks– it’s just a small drive thru but they have some of the best burgers in town. They cook to order and are worth the wait.

$ 25 for two people to get burgers (yes huge!) and fries– so not worth it! First there was no flavor, the bottom bun on one burger was so wet — ½ the burger got thrown away, there was bad lettuce mixed in with the good lettuce and the fries tasted like they had been cooked hours ago. This place used to be good– very disappointed!

The food is expensive for what you get.

My husband & I visit family in Centralia regularly & have never been tempted to stop in based on how this place looks. Well we read the Unilocal reviews and decided to give it a try! We shared the deluxe burger which was plenty for 2 people and we loved it!!!
A little history on the place… This place opened 65 years ago & the current owner has had it now for 28yrs. I guess the street it is on, Gold St. was the old HWY 99 so this place was hoppin back in the 50’s before I-​5.
Good:
–Burgers, love the pickles, chopped onions/​lettuce & seasoned meat!
–Service is friendly. not incredibly fast but that’s because they only cook to order which is great!
–Price! It is more than some burger joints but its totally worth it!!!
Bad
–Wasn’t a fan of the fry sauce
Just OK
–No indoor dining… not a deal breaker for most just wanting an order to go. May even be a plus if you’re out with your dog & want to sit at the picnic tables to eat.

It’s as good as it gets for burgers and that is what it is. It’s a drive up burger bar, nothing more. They do have other items such as foot long hot dogs and I’m sure many other items. I go there for the burgers and the Husky Burger in particular. I have to admit, I have been going there for about 40 years now. They know me by name even though I don’t show up but every couple months. The grill has a certain season to it that carries over to the burgers that make them just wonderful. Everyone I have sent here has agreed this is the best burger they have had.
On price as one person mentioned; it is a bit more than some other places would be. Expect to pay two or three dollars more than something comparable at another place. And yes, you do eat in your car or if the weather is nice they have picnic covered tables available. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.

I really wish I could rate Harold’s better. It’s been open in the same place for years – a neighborhood staple. My mom worked there, I think. Unfortunately, it’s just a tad expensive for what you get nowdays.
It’s good food, often. Tons of fries. Check your Entertainment book for a coupon here.
Try going to the Olympic Club, for adults. Bill and Bea’s for the kids, as it has indoor dining and, by default, more atmosphere.

Fries were hot and tasty, burger cooked properly and with the right proportion of toppings. Waited 15 min. Which was ok for what we got. The shake was made from a powder which was dissapointing.

Order: Double Deluxe Cheeseburger w/​small fries, small drink, tartar and fry sauce
Burger Layout: Bun, Cheese, Burger, Cheese, Burger, Tomato, Lettuce, Onion, Pickle, Mayo, Bun
Cost: $ 12
Fries: Crinkle Cut
Not knowing my way around Centralia at all, Harold’s Burger Bar was certainly not the easiest place to find. GPS was telling me to drive through people’s yards, there was a viaduct in the way of where it seemed like it was, and any number of other Centralian obstacles. This was all remedied by a call to the place that was helpful in guiding me to the humble burger joint.
Parked and walked up to place an order. The staff confirmed I was the lost person and continued to be friendly as I made sure my potential order contained zero ketchup. While conversing I noticed the man at the grill plunking down frozen puck after frozen puck to the grill. Certainly not a good sign, but I still had hope.
The order came out quick enough, but due to rain and cold my vehicle functioned as the dining area. Most of the burger was crafted perfectly: lightly toasted bun, ideal proportions of all condiments involved, fresh veggies, and a good sauce. The frozen puck factor was what came back to haunt the sandwich though. The meat was boring throughout, extra dry, and even hard /​chewy in spots.
The crinkle cut fries were great and the tarter sauce was also delicious. The fry sauce tasted too much like ketchup and was discarded immediately. It should also be noted that whoever Harold is, he must adore fries. A small was bigger than the large at many places.
Other things worth noting from the other order in the car was that this place has some fabulous bacon and some disgusting tots. Stale as can be and not worth a second bite.
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