Portland, Oregon is a beloved destination for foodies, and it's no secret that some of the best burgers in the country can be found here. With a booming food scene and a plethora of burger joints to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to find the best burgers in Portland. That's why we've compiled a comprehensive guide that covers everything from the top 10 burger joints to the unique toppings you can find on your burger in Portland, Oregon. So, sit back, grab a napkin, and let's dive into the world of Portland's best burgers.
Top 10 burger joints in Portland, Oregon
First things first, let's start with the top 10 burger joints in Portland, Oregon. These burger places have gained a reputation for serving mouth-watering burgers that keep customers coming back for more. It's worth noting that most of these places source their ingredients locally and specialize in making their own toppings from scratch. Here are our top 10 picks:
1. Little Big Burger - This place puts a big emphasis on using local ingredients, from the patties to the brioche buns. Their burgers are cooked to perfection and topped with their signature sauce.
2. Burgerville - A local chain, Burgerville has been serving high-quality burgers since the late 1960s. Their signature Burgerville sauce is a must-try, and their seasonal specials are always a hit.
3. Killer Burger - This place is known for their indulgent and unique burger toppings, such as peanut butter and pickles. They also offer a vegetarian option made with a black bean and quinoa patty.
4. Stanich's - One of Portland's classic burger joints, Stanich's has been serving up delicious burgers since the 1940s. Their signature burger, the "Stanich's Original" is a double cheeseburger that is sure to satisfy.
5. TILT - TILT offers a variety of burger options, including a meatloaf burger and a vegetarian option made with a portobello mushroom. Don't miss out on their hand-cut fries and milkshakes, too.
6. Lardo - Although known for their sandwiches, Lardo also serves up a mean burger. Their pork belly burger is a standout, and the atmosphere in their restaurant is lively and fun.
7. Deschutes Brewery - Deschutes Brewery not only offers award-winning craft beer, but their burgers are also top-notch. They use grass-fed beef and offer unique toppings such as brisket and roasted jalapeño.
8. Slow Bar - Slow Bar's burgers are made with grass-fed beef and cooked to perfection on a wood-fired grill. Don't miss out on their delicious truffle fries.
9. Gruner - This German-inspired restaurant also serves a classic cheeseburger. Although it may seem out of place on their menu, their burger is a true gem.
10. Brunch Box - As the name suggests, Brunch Box is known for their breakfast sandwiches, but their burgers are equally as impressive. Try their "OMG Burger," topped with bacon, egg, and cheese.
Portland is known for its food scene, and the burger joints on this list are just the tip of the iceberg. If you're looking for a unique burger experience, check out PDX Sliders. This food cart offers a variety of slider options, including a "Mac Attack" slider topped with mac and cheese. Another food cart worth checking out is Burger Stevens, which offers a "build your own burger" option with a variety of toppings to choose from.
If you're looking for a burger joint with a view, head to the Portland City Grill. Located on the 30th floor of a downtown building, this restaurant offers stunning views of the city skyline. Their burgers are made with locally sourced beef and served on brioche buns.
Best vegan burgers in Portland, Oregon
Portland is also known for its wide array of vegan options, and burgers are no exception. Here are some of the best vegan burger options in Portland:
1. Farm Spirit - This vegan and gluten-free restaurant offers a delicious tempeh burger that is seasoned to perfection.
2. Homegrown Smoker - This all-vegan joint offers a variety of "meat" options, including a BBQ seitan burger that tastes just like the real thing.
3. Bye and Bye - This vegan bar offers a vegan burger made with a lentil and mushroom patty that is equally satisfying as a traditional meat burger.
4. Sweet Hereafter - This vegan bar offers a classic burger made with a house-made patty, topped with vegan cheese and all the fixings. Their sweet potato fries are also a must-try.
The history of burgers in Portland, Oregon
Portland's burger scene dates back to the 1930s, when drive-in restaurants started popping up around the city. One of the first burger joints was Yaw's Top Notch, which opened in 1948 and served up burgers with their infamous secret sauce. As Portland's food scene continued to grow, so did its burger offerings. Today, Portland is considered a top destination for burgers and is home to many popular burger joints that draw in locals and tourists alike.
One of the most popular burger joints in Portland is Killer Burger, which was founded in 2010 and has since expanded to multiple locations throughout the city. Their burgers are known for their unique toppings, such as peanut butter, bacon, and pickles, and their signature sauce. Another popular spot is Little Big Burger, which offers simple yet delicious burgers made with local, high-quality ingredients. In recent years, vegan and vegetarian burger options have also become more prevalent in Portland, with restaurants like Next Level Burger and Homegrown Smoker offering plant-based burgers that are just as satisfying as their meat counterparts.
A guide to the different burger styles in Portland, Oregon
Portland offers a diverse selection of burger styles, including classic burgers, gourmet burgers, and everything in between. Here's a breakdown of the different burger styles you can find in Portland:
1. Classic burgers - These burgers typically feature a beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese.
2. Gourmet burgers - These burgers often feature unique toppings such as avocado, truffle oil, and artisanal cheeses. They are also typically made with high-quality ingredients such as grass-fed beef.
3. Slider burgers - These are miniature versions of classic burgers and are great for sharing or trying out different flavors.
4. Fusion burgers - These burgers mix and match different flavor profiles and ingredients, such as kimchi and bacon, to create a unique flavor experience.
5. Vegan burgers - Portland is known for its vegan-friendly food scene, and burgers are no exception. Many restaurants offer vegan burger options made with plant-based patties and toppings such as vegan cheese, avocado, and grilled mushrooms.
6. Seafood burgers - With its proximity to the coast, Portland also offers seafood burgers made with salmon, crab, or shrimp patties. These burgers are often topped with fresh herbs and citrus aioli for a refreshing taste.
The most affordable burger places in Portland, Oregon
If you're on a budget, fear not. Portland has many affordable burger options that won't break the bank:
1. In-N-Out Burger - Yes, the famous California chain has made its way up to Portland. Their burgers are affordable and always a crowd-pleaser.
2. Super Deluxe - This fast-food style burger joint offers high-quality burgers at an affordable price point. Don't miss out on their secret sauce.
3. Little Big Burger - Although they specialize in high-quality ingredients, their burgers are still affordable and won't cost you an arm and a leg.
4. Killer Burger - This local chain offers a variety of unique burger options at an affordable price. Don't miss out on their peanut butter bacon burger.
5. Burgerville - This Pacific Northwest chain offers locally sourced ingredients and affordable burgers. Don't forget to try their seasonal milkshakes.
The most Instagram-worthy burgers in Portland, Oregon
For those looking to impress their Instagram followers, check out these burger joints that offer some of the most visually appealing burgers in Portland:
1. PDX Sliders - These miniature burgers are both cute and delicious, making them a great option for Instagram photos.
2. Stoopid Burger - Their burgers are massive and come with a variety of unique toppings, such as fried eggs and mac and cheese.
3. Le Pigeon - This gourmet restaurant offers a burger with foie gras on top, making it a luxurious and decadent choice for a special occasion.
4. Little Big Burger - This chain offers simple yet aesthetically pleasing burgers with perfectly melted cheese and fresh ingredients, making them a great option for a quick and delicious Instagram post.
How to customize your burger order in Portland, Oregon
One of the benefits of Portland's diverse burger scene is the ability to customize your burger order to fit your preferences. Here are some tips:
1. Add an egg - A fried egg on top of your burger can add an extra creaminess and flavor that is sure to impress.
2. Try different cheeses - Switching up the cheese on your burger can make all the difference. Try gouda, blue cheese, or jalapeño jack for a unique flavor experience.
3. Get creative with toppings - Don't be afraid to try unique toppings like avocado, pineapple, or even kimchi to spice things up.
4. Choose your bun wisely - The bun can make or break your burger experience. Consider trying a brioche bun for a buttery, slightly sweet flavor, or a pretzel bun for a salty twist.
The best fries to pair with your burger in Portland, Oregon
Of course, no burger is complete without a side of fries. Portland offers a variety of fry options to pair with your burger:
1. Truffle fries - These fries are a popular choice and can be found at many gourmet burger joints around Portland.
2. Garlic fries - For those who love garlic, these fries are a must-try. Their strong flavor pairs well with a juicy burger.
3. Sweet potato fries - If you're looking for a healthier option, sweet potato fries are a delicious alternative to traditional fries.
4. Poutine - Originally from Canada, this dish has made its way to Portland and is a favorite among locals. Poutine consists of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds, making it a savory and indulgent side to pair with your burger.
How to find the hidden gem burger spots in Portland, Oregon
While the aforementioned burger joints are some of the most popular and beloved in Portland, there are also many hidden gem burger spots that are worth seeking out. Here are some tips for finding these hidden gems:
1. Ask locals - Portland is known for its friendly and helpful locals, so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations.
2. Explore different neighborhoods - Each neighborhood in Portland has its own unique food scene, so venture out and try something new.
3. Follow food bloggers - Food bloggers and Instagrammers often have their finger on the pulse of the newest and best restaurants in town.
4. Check out food festivals - Portland hosts a variety of food festivals throughout the year, including the Portland Burger Week. These festivals are a great way to discover new burger spots and try different variations of the classic burger.
The impact of food trucks on the burger scene in Portland, Oregon
Food trucks have become a staple in Portland's food scene and have had a significant impact on the burger offerings in the city. Many food trucks specialize in unique burger options and offer a more affordable option compared to traditional brick and mortar restaurants. Some popular food trucks that offer delicious burgers include Burger Stevens, The Angry Unicorn, and The Great Northwest Lobster Company.
The unique toppings you can find on burgers in Portland, Oregon
Portland is known for its unique and eclectic food scene, and this extends to its burger toppings. Here are some of the more unique toppings you can find on burgers in Portland:
1. Peanut butter - Killer Burger offers a burger topped with peanut butter that is surprisingly delicious.
2. Curry - Bollywood Theater's curry burger is made with a lamb patty and is both spicy and flavorful.
3. Kimchi - Kim Jong Grillin's kimchi burger offers a Korean twist on a traditional American dish.
Best beer and burger pairings in Portland, Oregon
Portland is also known for its craft beer scene, and what better way to enjoy a burger than with a cold beer? Here are some beer and burger pairing suggestions:
1. IPA - The bitterness of an IPA pairs well with the richness of a burger. Try pairing an IPA with a burger topped with blue cheese.
2. Porter - The smoky and roasted flavors of a porter complement a burger with bold flavors, such as bacon.
3. Hefeweizen - The light and refreshing qualities of a hefeweizen pair well with a classic cheeseburger.
A guide to plant-based burgers for meat-lovers visiting Portland, Oregon
For those who still want to enjoy a burger but are vegetarian or vegan, Portland offers a variety of plant-based burger options that are sure to satisfy:
1. Impossible Burger - A vegan burger that looks and tastes like the real thing.
2. Beyond Burger - Another vegan burger option made with plant-based ingredients.
3. Vegan Glory Burger - A burger made with a tempeh patty that is both tasty and healthy.
Behind the scenes at some of the best burger places in Portland, Oregon
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at some of Portland's best burger joints? Here are some insights:
1. Little Big Burger - All of their sauces are made from scratch in-house using fresh ingredients.
2. Burgerville - They serve their burgers on sesame seed buns, and their shakes are made with Tillamook ice cream.
3. Killer Burger - They use fresh ingredients and locally sourced beef from Pacific Northwest ranches.
With so many delicious and unique burger options in Portland, it's no wonder it's considered one of the best burger destinations in the country. Whether you're a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there's a burger out there for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in Portland, be sure to check out one (or all) of these amazing burger joints.
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