BY JACKIE FENDER for WEEKLY VOLCANO 6/12/2026 |
Stack 571 delivers a family-friendly dining experience at Point Ruston without sacrificing flavor or personality.
Waterfront dining has never been something I rush to celebrate. Too often, those coveted views come with crowded patios, long waits, and menus that seem designed more for tourists than locals. There’s also something to be said for the charm of independently owned neighborhood spots that aren’t burdened by the overhead required to secure prime real estate along the water.
Still, every rule has its exceptions.
Whenever my family and I head to Point Ruston for a movie, there’s one stop that has become just as much a part of the outing as the film itself: Stack 571 Burger and Whiskey Bar.
Stack 571 brings together two of my favorite things: well-crafted burgers and a respectable pour of brown liquor. The restaurant strikes a balance between polished and approachable, with a sleek, modern atmosphere that feels equally suited for a family dinner, happy hour gathering, or casual date night, just steps away from Commencement Bay.
The menu centers around juicy burgers stacked high with flavorful toppings and paired with crave-worthy sides. The Parmesan truffle fries are a standout companion to nearly anything coming off the grill, while the whiskey program offers plenty of opportunities to linger a little longer. Beyond a thoughtfully curated whiskey list, guests will find creative craft cocktails and barrel-aged libations that showcase the bar’s expertise.
Families will also appreciate the restaurant’s playful milkshake menu. Options such as the Miso Caramel Donut, Washington Triple Berry, and Lucky Charms S’mores intrigue and delight if you aren’t afraid of a few extra calories. Guests can keep things family-friendly or opt for an adult version with a spirited addition. Seasonal milkshake specials rotate throughout the year, providing another reason to return.
Here’s a personal rule of thumb: If there is a menu item that shares the venue’s moniker, try it! In this case, that means the 571 Burger.
It’s a beautiful beast of a burger built with attention to every component. A thick beef patty is joined by marinated tomatoes, crisp iceberg lettuce that actually contributes texture rather than wilting into the background, pickles, onions, American cheese, and the restaurant’s signature Stack Sauce. Everything comes together on a soft potato bun that somehow manages to contain the towering creation. It’s messy in all the right ways and delivers the kind of satisfying bite that reminds you why classic burgers remain timeless.
Another menu highlight comes in the form of the Nashville Chicken Wings. Sticky, sweet, and packing a pleasant level of heat, the wings arrive atop a flavorful slaw featuring fresh sliced jalapeños. Fried pickles and sliced radishes add brightness and crunch, while the sauce delivers layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish. Most impressive is the texture, a beautifully crisp breading that holds up from first bite to last. Texture is too often the overlooked component to a tasty dish, but it’s not a miss here.
What ultimately keeps bringing me back isn’t just the food. It’s the versatility. Whether you’re wrapping up a stroll through Dune Peninsula, looking for a comfortable happy-hour destination, grabbing a pre-movie meal, or simply seeking a satisfying burger with the waterfront at arm’s reach, Stack 571 consistently delivers.
Waterfront dining may not always be my first recommendation, but Stack 571 makes a compelling case for making an exception.
There are a few Stack 571s to visit in the PNW, but you’ll likely find the nearest one to you at 5061 Main St., Tacoma, or 625 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Olympia.
