The Box & Burgers Eatery in Kirkland, Washington: Meet the Chef
Meet the Chef: The Box & Burgers Eatery in Kirkland, Washington
We sat down with executive chef and owner Reis Llaneza of The Box & Burgers Eatery in Kirkland, Washington. In the waterfront city of Kirkland, The Box & Burgers Eatery serves up a crave-worthy take on creative twists of familiar favorites. Known for its juicy, flavor-packed burgers and perfectly crisp fries, this local hotspot delivers a dining experience that’s both satisfying and memorable.
The Box & Burgers Eatery in Kirkland, Washington
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
Wake up in the AM, get kids ready, drop them off at school. Come home, eat a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats and have a cup of coffee. Shower, get ready for work. Head into work.
Come home from work, say good night to the kiddos, eat a peanut butter jelly sandwich, and wind down with some TV.
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
Gordon Ramsey! After culinary school, venture out and work for some of the best chefs in your area. Gain their knowledge and view on food. Push yourself to be better every day. Really enjoy what you do, that will get you through the years.
The Box & Burgers Eatery in Kirkland, Washington
Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
2025 - Best of 425 "Food Truck"
2023 - Seattle Times Best of PNW Gold Winner "Best Burger"
2023 - Best of 425 "Burger"
2023 - Best of 425 "Food Truck"
2020 - Best of Kirkland "Burger"
2020 - Best of 425 "Burger"
2020 - Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in America
2019 - Citywide Spotlight Top 5 Lunch Spots in Seattle
2018 - The Best of Kirkland "Burger"
2018 - The Best of 425 "Food Truck"
2017 - The Best of 425 "Food Truck"
2017 - Seattle A-list #2 Food truck out of 120 in Seattle area
2016 - The Best of 425 "Food Truck"
2016 - Seattle A-list #1 Food truck out of 120 in Seattle area
The Box & Burgers Eatery in Kirkland, Washington
What do you typically cook at home?
Comfort food. Dishes I grew up eating when I was younger. Love grilling and smoking food at home.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
Sushi Omakase - I really appreciate how different chefs treat the same ingredients but make the experience so different.
The Box & Burgers Eatery in Kirkland, Washington
What drink do you enjoy most?
An Old Fashioned.
The Box & Burgers Eatery in Kirkland, Washington
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
No, not yet.
What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
Chili and mayo.
What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?
You can follow @theboxandburgers.
The Box & Burgers Eatery in Kirkland, Washington
Why should readers visit The Box & Burgers Eatery?
We have burgers with unique flavor combinations, probably not like anything you have tried anywhere else!
