BY JACKIE FENDER for WEEKLY VOLCANO | 10/16/2026
When I think of burgers, the first accompaniment I think of isn’t necessarily beignets, but they make it work, and it’s a matrimony that just makes sense.
The name Radnor’s is a nod to the roots of its flagship store in Edison Square. The website states that in 1919, Tacoma businessman and avid sailor Radnor Pratsch built the space as the RealArt Theatre, which became a community gathering place for South Tacoma Way. More than a century later, that spirit of bringing people together lives on, this time over smashburgers and beignets. And in a fitting tribute to Pratsch’s love of the sea, the Radnor’s logo even sports a little captain’s hat.
Their food truck opened over the summer and set up shop sandwiched between the Puyallup Food Bank and Firemind Brewing. You’ll spy it as you’re zipping down Stewart. Just look for the green capsule of grub and the vibrant, Puyallup-themed mural crafted by local artist Kaitlyn Lloyd.
The menu is limited in comparison to the digs on South Tacoma Way, but it has everything you need. Let’s start with the basics: the Single Smash. It boasts a smashed patty, which still translates to a juicy bite, but also has those wonderfully charred edges that define a smashburger. Then topped with melty American cheese. Whether you’re a cheese snob or not, it’s common knowledge that American is premium burger cheese for its smooth, melty texture and the way it blankets the beefy goodness below. Cozy and delectable, with Rad Sauce to finish it off.
Like many other burger sauces, Rad Sauce remains a mystery, but it carries a nice, relish-like tang and brings everything together. You can add some fixins for a nominal charge, from the usual pickles, lettuce, onion, and tomatoes, or really zhuzh it up with caramelized onion, bacon, or make it spicy with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and STW Sauce.
The tomatoes and onions are diced, which doesn’t take anything away from the burger. If anything, it makes the experience that much better because you can eat it on the go without worrying about your veggies sliding around and popping out of the sides.
One of my favorite things about Radnor’s is the fries. Hands down some of the best fries I’ve noshed upon. Fries are a very divisive topic because what defines a good fry is subjective. But for me, a balanced bite that spotlights a well-seasoned tater with a crisp crunch that gives way to a piping-hot, light, fluffy, potato-y interior is the stuff dreams are made of. It’s all about the texture, an aspect of good grub that is often overlooked.
If you’re a fan of In-N-Out (I’ve never been), grab a fork and try the Rad Fries topped with caramelized onions, cheese, and Rad Sauce. They’re a tasty treat, but those fries are so damn good that if you’re a purist, stick with a regular side. Their onion rings are not to be overlooked. They have a fabulous chew to them, too, with real onion, not the weird, battered onion paste you get at some joints. Bonus, if you have dietary restrictions, they offer substitutions, including an Impossible patty or gluten-free bun. Not a fan of burgers? Snag the STW Dog, an all-beef dog on a Hawaiian roll bun. No fluff needed: simple and delicious.
And finally, the beignets. A general rule of mine is if the menu states it as their specialty or the moniker brags of a menu item, it’s a must-try. You can order them in batches of 5, 10, or 20, and I tend to order more than I need because they disappear fast, and I’m always left mourning my empty bag. They have a croissant-like flakiness, are sugar-coated, and are perfect on their own. But dip them in the caramel sauce, and they’re next-level. It’s a nice little sweet treat, not too rich, that balances out the salty, savory goods.
Radnor’s has been known to cook up specials and collaborate with its neighbors, having made a special burger during fair season or cooking up a tasty Firemind Brewing special at the start of October. That one featured three smash patties, pepper jack and American cheese, house-pickled jalapeños, bacon, lettuce, and a crispy onion ring on top. Drool.
Their STW home base has also been known to cook up a Filipino-inspired smashburger for the annual LASA: Taste of Filipino Heritage event, and has teamed up with ThunderDome Cafe for a recent collaboration, the Gargiulo Burger. It’s a mashup of ThunderDome’s Mad Max and Radnor’s Smash Burger, featuring Boar’s Head roast beef, a smash patty, American cheese, and onion on a kaiser bun, served with au jus. The best of both establishments’ worlds.
Their STW location has more robust menu offerings, including a chicken sandwich and wings, but Puyallup has welcomed their mobile digs with open arms. Whether you’re visiting Firemind Brewing, hopping off the Sounder train during your regular commute, or looking to head to a nearby park for a picnic, Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets has you covered.
Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets, 211 W. Stewart Ave, Puyallup, WA 98371
