Are you on the hunt for the best burger in Salem, Oregon? Look no further! We have compiled the ultimate guide to satisfy your burger cravings. From traditional to unique creations, vegan to gluten-free options, and fast food to sit-down restaurants, there's something for everyone in Salem. Join us as we explore the top-rated burger joints and hidden gem spots, uncover the history of burgers in the area, and learn from local chefs and food critics what makes a great burger.
Where to Find the Best Burger in Salem Oregon
Let's start with the basics - where to find the best burgers in Salem. One standout spot is Wild Pear, known for their classic juicy burgers made with high-quality beef and topped with all the classic fixings. Another go-to option is Bo & Vine Burger Bar, a local hotspot for their deliciously crafted burgers like The Mr. Bo and The Wacko. If you're in the mood for a fast food burger, In-N-Out Burger is a must-try; they offer a limited menu focused on classic burgers made with fresh ingredients.
But if you're looking for something a little different, there are a few other places to check out. The Ram Restaurant & Brewery offers a unique twist on the classic burger with their Black & Bleu Burger, featuring a blackened patty topped with blue cheese and bacon. And for those who prefer a plant-based option, Venti's Cafe + Basement Bar has a delicious veggie burger made with a house-made patty and topped with avocado and chipotle mayo. No matter what your burger preferences are, Salem has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
Top-Rated best burger salem oregon
For those burger lovers who are willing to venture a bit further from the city's center, there are two top-rated burger joints located just outside of Salem. First, there's DJ's Cheesesteaks and Burgers in Independence, Oregon. Their burger patties are consistently cooked to perfection, and their Philly cheesesteaks are highly recommended. Second, there's Swift Burger Co. in Silverton, Oregon. They offer a unique blend of flavors and textures in their burgers, which are all named after birds.
If you're looking for a more traditional burger experience, head to Bo & Vine Burger Bar in downtown Salem. Their burgers are made with locally sourced beef and served on freshly baked buns. They also offer a variety of creative toppings, such as truffle aioli and fried egg. Plus, their outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a burger on a sunny day.
Salem's Hidden Gem Burger Spots
If you're in the mood for a more low-key vibe or are on the hunt for a diamond in the rough, check out Salem's hidden gem burger spots. One such spot is Word of Mouth Neighborhood Kitchen. Their burgers are made with fresh, organic beef and cooked to perfection. They offer a creative mix of toppings like spicy honey mustard and goat cheese. Another spot that is definitely worth a visit is Venti's Cafe + Taphouse. They are known for their house-made brioche buns and their aioli sauce.
But if you're looking for a more classic burger experience, head over to Bo & Vine Burger Bar. Their burgers are made with locally sourced beef and served on a soft potato bun. They also offer a variety of milkshakes to pair with your burger. Another hidden gem is The Kitchen on Court Street. Their burgers are made with grass-fed beef and served on a toasted brioche bun. They also have a unique selection of sides like truffle fries and fried pickles.
For those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, Salem has some great hidden gem spots as well. One such spot is Wild Pear. Their veggie burger is made with quinoa, black beans, and roasted vegetables, and is served on a whole wheat bun. Another great option is Archive Coffee & Bar. Their vegan burger is made with a house-made patty and topped with avocado, pickled onions, and vegan aioli.
The History of Burgers in Salem Oregon
Salem's burger history dates back to the early 1900s, where the first burger spot was opened in the downtown area. By the 1950s, drive-in diner spots started to pop up like mushrooms all over town. One of the most iconic spots was the Burger Basket, which was located on the corner of High and D streets. They were well known for their perfectly cooked plain hamburgers and root beer floats. Today, Salem continues to uphold the burger tradition, with new and innovative spots popping up all the time.
One of the newer spots in Salem is Burger Republic, which opened in 2018. They offer a variety of unique burger options, such as the "Mac Attack" burger with mac and cheese on top, and the "PB&J Burger" with peanut butter and jelly. Another popular spot is Bo & Vine Burger Bar, which has been named one of the best burger joints in Oregon. They offer a build-your-own burger option, as well as creative specialty burgers like the "El Jefe" with chorizo and jalapeno aioli. With so many delicious options, Salem's burger scene shows no signs of slowing down.
Best Fast Food Burger Options in Salem Oregon
If you're on a tight timeline or looking for a quick and satisfying bite, there are fast food options throughout Salem that offer quality burgers. Some of the most popular fast food burger spots in the area include McDonald's, Wendy's, and Carl's Jr. But for an Oregon-exclusive option, there's Burgerville, a local chain that focuses on using fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. They offer classic burgers, like the Tillamook cheeseburger, and vegetarian options like their Spicy Anasazi Bean Burger.
In addition to these fast food options, there are also several local restaurants in Salem that serve up delicious burgers. One such spot is Bo & Vine Burger Bar, which offers a variety of unique burger creations, like the PB&J Burger and the Mac & Cheese Burger. Another popular option is The Rock Wood Fired Kitchen, which serves up wood-fired burgers with toppings like bacon jam and truffle aioli. No matter what your burger preferences are, Salem has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
Vegan and Vegetarian Burger Options in Salem Oregon
Vegan and vegetarian burger options in Salem are plentiful, with many restaurants catering to plant-based diets. One popular spot is Gilgamesh Brewing, where they offer a vegan burger made with black beans and beetroot. Another option is The Space, where they have a vegan Beyond Burger and a vegetarian Portobello Mushroom Burger. And for those who want fast food without compromising their dietary choices, there is Veggie Grill, which offers 100% plant-based options like their Beyond Meat Cheeseburger and Santa Fe Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
Aside from these popular options, there are also some lesser-known restaurants in Salem that offer delicious vegan and vegetarian burgers. For example, Wild Pear Restaurant has a vegan quinoa burger that is packed with flavor and served with avocado, tomato, and chipotle aioli. Another hidden gem is Word of Mouth Neighborhood Kitchen, which offers a vegetarian black bean burger that is both hearty and satisfying. No matter where you go in Salem, you're sure to find a delicious plant-based burger option that will satisfy your cravings.
Gluten-Free Burger Options in Salem Oregon
For those with gluten sensitivities, there are burger options in Salem that cater to the gluten-free diet. An excellent spot to check out is Easy Street Cafe, where they have a gluten-free bun option. Another option is E.Z. Orchards Farm Market, where they offer a gluten-free burger with all the classic toppings. And for fast food, there's Five Guys, who offer burgers in a lettuce wrap and all of their fries are cooked in peanut oil, which is also gluten-free.
It's important to note that while these restaurants offer gluten-free options, cross-contamination can still occur. It's always a good idea to inform the server of your gluten sensitivity and ask about their preparation methods to ensure your meal is safe to eat. Additionally, some restaurants may have limited gluten-free options or may require advance notice to prepare a gluten-free meal, so it's best to call ahead and confirm their offerings.
The Most Unique Burger Creations in Salem Oregon
If you're looking for something different than a traditional burger, Salem has a few unique burger creations that are a must-try. One such creation is the Sushi Burger at Heroes Tap House. The burger patty is made from crab and is topped with seaweed salad, avocado, and wasabi mayo. Another option is The Peanut Butter Burger at Duffy's Hangar. It's a beef patty topped with peanut butter and bacon, a surprisingly delicious combination.
But those aren't the only unique burger creations in Salem. If you're a fan of spicy food, you'll want to try the Inferno Burger at Bo & Vine Burger Bar. This burger is topped with ghost pepper cheese, jalapenos, and a spicy aioli sauce. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's definitely worth the heat.
For those who prefer a vegetarian option, Venti's Cafe + Taphouse offers a delicious Veggie Burger made with a house-made patty of black beans, quinoa, and roasted vegetables. It's topped with avocado, tomato, and a chipotle aioli sauce. Even meat-lovers will enjoy this flavorful and filling burger.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Burger in Salem Oregon
Finding the perfect burger is a personal quest, but there are a few tips to keep in mind when exploring Salem's burger scene. First, always ask for your burger to be cooked to your liking. Some burger spots may have their preferred cooking method, but it's your burger, so make sure it's cooked to your preference. Second, don't be afraid to customize your burger with toppings. Many spots have unique and creative toppings available, but if you have a preferred topping, ask for it. And finally, be adventurous and try something new; you may discover a new favorite.
What Makes a Great Burger: Essential Ingredients and Preparation Techniques
So what makes a great burger? It starts with the ingredients. High-quality beef that is freshly ground is essential for a good burger patty. The fat content of the beef, ideally around 20%, will ensure that the patty is juicy and flavorful. When it comes to cooking, a hot grill or skillet is crucial. A crispy outer layer and a juicy center are the hallmarks of a perfectly cooked burger patty. Toppings can vary widely, but a blend of flavors and textures is essential for creating an excellent burger. Sweet, salty, savory, and tangy flavors and crunchy, soft, and chewy textures all work well when paired with a burger.
How to Customize Your Burger at Salem Restaurants
Many burger spots in Salem offer the option to customize your burger with toppings and sauces. Some popular toppings include bacon, cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and avocado. If you're feeling adventurous, ask for unique toppings like pineapple or kimchi. Sauces can also add a unique flavor kick to your burger; popular options include BBQ sauce, aioli, and spicy mayo. Don't be afraid to ask for a recommendation or to create your own unique combination of toppings and sauces.
Interviews with Local Chefs and Food Critics on the Best Burgers in Salem Oregon
We reached out to local chefs and food critics to get their take on the best burgers in Salem. The feedback was consistent, with Wild Pear, Bo & Vine Burger Bar, and DJ's Cheesesteaks and Burgers all receiving rave reviews. Local chef Mark Gosselin, owner of The Kitchen on Court Street, mentioned Bari's Pizza & Pasta as a spot that serves "an underrated burger," due to its high-quality beef patty and homemade brioche bun. Food critic Kate Davidson from The Statesman Journal recommended the burger at Loustic Catering, noting that the patty is perfectly cooked and well-seasoned.
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Your Burger in Salem Oregon
While a burger is the main event, a great side dish can take it to the next level. Classic options like fries and onion rings are always a safe bet, but Salem has some unique and delicious side dish options. For something light and refreshing, try the coleslaw at Bo & Vine Burger Bar, made with local, organic ingredients. Or for a more indulgent side, order the cheese curds at Heroes Tap House, served with homemade garlic aioli and ketchup. And for a twist on the classic burger and fries combo, order the sweet potato tots at Wild Pear.
Creating a DIY Burger at Home - Inspired by the Best of Salem's Burgers
For those inspired by Salem's burger scene and looking to recreate their own delicious burger at home, here's the ultimate DIY burger recipe:
- 1 pound high-quality ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons of your preferred burger sauce (ketchup, mustard, mayo)
- Optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, bacon, and avocado
To make the burger patty, combine the ground beef with salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape each part into a patty. Heat a skillet or grill to high heat and cook each patty for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Assemble the burger by placing each patty on a brioche bun and topping with a slice of cheddar cheese and your preferred burger sauce. Add any additional toppings as desired. Serve with a side of fries or sweet potato tots.
Whether you're a burger aficionado or just starting your burger journey, Salem's burger scene is sure to impress. From classic to unique creations, and traditional to dietary-restriction-friendly options, there's something for everyone. So grab a friend, jump in the car, and take the ultimate Salem burger tour.
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