Cool Finds in Bonney Lake and Sumner: An Unusual Order at El Charro

It's not on the menu, but following a tip from a once-upon-a-time vanpool mate of mine (we'll call him Joe), I walked into El Charro in Sumner recently and ordered a burger.

Yes, I know El Charro was voted by Patch readers last year as the best place in town to grab a burrito. So who orders a burger at a Mexican restaurant, right?

Joe explained to me his rationale: he didn't want a burger made from a frozen meat patty, and Mexican restaurants keep fresh ground beef on hand for the assortment of burritos, enchiladas and other goodies on the menu.

El Charro's burgers were among the best he's tasted in this area, he said.

I had to try it. Linda Collie, whose parents opened El Charro in Sumner 30 years ago, didn't blink an eye when I asked for a burger. She even elaborated they do it 'old school' and serve the burger with a huge pile of not previously frozen fries.

'Old school' also meant simple. The freshly cooked beef patty came to my table on a sesame seed bun along with melted cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and pickles on the side - plus a helping of homemade Thousand Island dressing.

No fuss, no muss and it was indeed delicious. All totaled, the burger, fries plus an horchata cost me just $9.25.

Thank you, Joe, for the find.