Located in Downtown Kennewick, Hot Mess Burgers and Fries is much more than a burger truck; it’s an anchor for a neighborhood filled with welcoming, third spaces. Loud, proud, and unapologetically authentic, this queer-owned business offers not only the largest burgers you’re likely to find in the state, but also a safe, inclusive environment where everyone can feel seen.
Burgers with a Side of Boldness
Hot Mess Burgers and Fries isn’t your average food truck. Founded by Cara Nokes, a trans woman and executive chef, and managed alongside her wife Alysson Nokes and co-owner Ben Nichols, Hot Mess’s crew brings over 40 years of combined culinary expertise together for a fantastic dining experience you simply won’t find anywhere else. Just about every element of the menu is made from scratch, from buns baked fresh daily to house-made American cheese and ketchup. Even the meatless patties are made right next door by Hot Mess’s crew in the Red Mountain Kitchen.
Cara says that the best part about owning the business is, “Not being able told ‘No that will never work!’”, and their weekly specials are a testament to that. A loving homage to Bob’s Burgers rotating menu, folks can expect to find a variety original creations ranging from things like their Krampusnacht (a 1/3lb cheesy beef smash patty with german sausage and sauerkraut), to The Comfort Express (a Beef Stroganoff inspired burger), to Tie Me Up Big Fry (their XL fry box covered in diced chicken tenders, Thai peanut sauce, and Thai slaw) alongside their standard regular menu of massive burgers and loaded fries.
But Hot Mess is about more than just good food. It’s about creating a space where people can show up as their authentic selves—whether that means loudly sharing space or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends in a welcoming environment.
Why Create a Third Space?
For Cara, the inspiration behind Hot Mess Burgers and Fries was deeply personal. As a trans woman, she found there were too few spaces in her town where she felt truly comfortable. So, she set out to create one herself—a space where everyone, especially members of marginalized communities, could feel valued and celebrated.
“Because there are so few places I feel comfortable at in my own town… I would be damned if I didn’t make one myself,” Cara shares.
The result is a space that embodies the best kind of weirdness and subversion. Hot Mess isn’t just a food truck; it’s a statement: visibility matters, and everyone deserves a seat at the table.
Fostering Community
Hot Mess goes beyond serving delicious burgers to actively foster community connections. Events like their “very queer and diverse” night markets, themed parties, and Chefs Giving – a community-funded “buy a stranger a burger” promotion – bring people together in meaningful ways. These gatherings provide a space for celebration and collaboration, shining a spotlight on warmth and creativity in the community.
Hot Mess’s open-air setup encourages social interaction. Whether you’re enjoying a burger on your lunch break and checking out the community bulletin board, or striking up a conversation with folks you hadn’t met before, the space is designed to make everyone feel welcome.
“We’re loud and obnoxious and invite you to join in,” Cara says, describing the energy of Hot Mess.
It’s a philosophy that extends to their mission of creating visibility for queer folks in places where they’re not always seen or celebrated. In doing so, Hot Mess is reshaping perceptions and fostering understanding, one meal at a time.
A Space to Feel Seen
Hot Mess isn’t just a gathering spot; it’s a place where people can feel truly seen. Cara and her team have cultivated an atmosphere of radical acceptance. Customers aren’t just patrons—they’re part of a growing community where every identity is valued.
From the first bite of a handcrafted burger to the warm camaraderie shared with strangers, Hot Mess is about creating experiences that stick with you long after you leave.
Join in
When you visit Hot Mess Burgers and Fries, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re becoming part of a community. It’s a space where burgers and fries create belonging and friendships, and where every meal is a celebration of individuality.No matter what brings you by the truck, know this: at Hot Mess, you’re welcome exactly as you are. And if you leave feeling a little more seen, a little more connected, and a lot more full, well, that’s exactly the point.
