Search 
Find the Best Burger in Portland
A rewarding search for the best burger in Portland starts with these can’t-miss restaurants, food carts, bars and burger joints.
The hamburger is an icon. While its origin is debated, its impact on our food landscape is undeniable. Over the decades, we’ve seen inventive bun choices, “secret” sauces, patty configurations, ingredients and cooking techniques emerge. Non-meat alternatives have blossomed, and smash burgers have trended. Lionel Sternberger arguably first put cheese on it. Ray Kroc built an empire on it. Killer Burger put peanut butter on it. Portland’s best grillers, smashers, chefs and connoisseurs have made their mark in innovative and bold ways. Everyone seems to have their own favorite take on what is both a steady classic and a constantly evolving barometer of cool. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide who makes the best burger in Portland.
Best Burger Finder
The restaurants, food carts, bars and joints that define Portland's burger scene.
The Top of the Charts
Tulip Shop Tavern
According to the Willamette Week’s 2024 Best Of Portland poll, Tulip Shop Tavern is the reigning champion of the Portland burger scene. This North Portland neighborhood bar specializes in smash burgers, craft cocktails and a chill vibe.
Killer Burger
If Tulip is the upstart, Killer Burger is the dynasty. This Portland-born (2010) multi-award winning champion combined burgers and beers, pickles and peanut butter, to create a thriving original. With multiple locations, including downtown, Northeast Portland, Hollywood, Sellwood, and concession stands at both Providence Park and the Moda Center (during events), Killer Burger is an easy choice for many occasions.
Credit: Killer Burger
Lo’s Burgers
If you’re looking for a crispy-edged, melted cheesy smash burger with gluten-free options and a beef or Impossible patty, Lo’s Burgers may very well be your best answer. This Mexican-American-owned food cart, which calls North Williams home, offers a few burger options along with a five-burger bundle at a discounted price.
Güero
Don’t let the focus on tortas at this longstanding Kerns restaurant fool you. The hamburguesa at Güero is not to be ignored. “In honor of the ubiquitous Mexican street burger,” Güero’s offering includes a smash patty, ham, avocado, pickled jalapeños and more.
Canard
When I saw a burger offering on the menu at Gabriel Rucker’s Canard, I knew it had to be something special. And melt-in-your-mouth special, it is. This steam burger is small in stature and simple in its approach, with pickles, onions, mustard and American cheese. But the combination, which sits on the most delightful little bun, is anything but. Order one, or a six-pack, and you’ll be rewarded for it.
Pleasure Burger
Since 2024, Pleasure Burger has called downtown Portland home, with juicy-crispy burgers and waffle fries every neighborhood needs. While a classic smash burger is never a bad idea, why not try one with jalapeño and mushrooms or chili and crushed Frito chips?
Wolfs Head
With perhaps the most intimidating name on our list, the menu at the Midwest-inspired Wolfs Head could not be any more welcoming. Malted milkshakes, curly fries and cheese curds pair nicely with a single or double burger including your choice of beef or black bean patty.
Sure Shot Burger
The straightforward burger attack at Sure Shot makes room for fries and nuggets alongside simple burgers comprised of a Franz Bakery bun, Painted Hills beef or Impossible patty, special sauce, cheese, pickle and onion. The “bag-o-burgers” (five single cheeseburgers for one low price) is a great option when feeding teenagers.
Farmer and the Beast
Tasty burgers with beef, tuna or vegan patties are on offer at Farmer and the Beast in Nob Hill, alongside hand-cut fries and milkshakes. The Beast burger includes the standard toppings on a sesame seed bun, while popular additions such as “bacon steak” make these burgers really shine. Weekend specials round out an already bountiful harvest of a menu at this dialed-in food cart.
The Wagon
Arguably the best vegan food cart in Portland, The Wagon takes the classicly meat-biased Western theme and turns it on its head. The plant-based menu includes Impossible burgers with dairy-free cheese in Classic, Deluxe and Supreme offerings, while the aptly titled Pig Out burger includes a patty, vegan bacon, dairy-free smoked gouda, barbecue sauce, onion rings and pickles on a potato bun.
The Best of the Rest
PDX Sliders
With two Southeast Portland locations, PDX Sliders is a local favorite. Inventive mini‑burgers like The Hawthorne — with bacon, goat cheese and strawberry preserves — pair perfectly with a laid‑back vibe, loaded fries and a cocktail.
Bar Bar
The beauty of a burger like the one you get at Bar Bar is that it hits at all hours. When paired with crispy shoestring fries, a cold pint and some live music at Mississippi Studios, there may not be anything better. The little details like house-made ketchup, secret sauce and a soft potato bun just add to the magic.
Hit The Spot!
This Central Eastside burger joint serves up smash burgers with special sauce, shredded lettuce and melty cheese on a perfectly crispy-edged patty. A former food cart, Hit The Spot became a brick-and-mortar establishment to meet the demand for its burgers, shoestring fries, shakes and more.
Portland Restaurants
Explore the many other delicious cuisines Portland has to offer.
Thunderbird Bar
Thunderbird Bar is a cozy Foster-Powell neighborhood spot known for its inviting vibe and stellar burger lineup, including meat, vegan and gluten-free options. The Smoke Stack includes a beef patty, bacon, onion ring, jalape˜no slaw, barbeque sauce and smoked Tillamook cheddar on a bun from nearby An Xuyen Bakery.
Expatriate
Naomi Pomeroy’s Expatriate serves up phenomenal cocktails and a fantastic burger to go with them. Their signature American Standard features two thick, medium-rare patties layered with American cheese, ketchup, mustard and raw onion in a soft, locally sourced bun.
Champs Burgers
Consistently glowing reviews, bold flavors and the good vibes that come with having a dedicated location at Away Days Brewing have Champs trending between buzzy smash burger pop-up and thriving burger powerhouse.
Loyal Legion
While better known for their 99 Oregon beer taps, Loyal Legion also earns a mention for their delightful smash burger. In their ongoing offering, a tasty, buttery bun accompanies flavorful beef and toppings, but things dial up during Burger Week. Their 2024 fig‑jam and goat‑cheese burger, “Get Figgy With It,” was a highly rated entry in the annual burger celebration.
Iron Strike Smash Burgers
Iron Strike is a consistently rated food cart at Midtown Beer Garden, and a great place to grab a smash burger and fries for lunch in downtown.
Lone Star Burger Bar
As you might guess from the name, Lone Star is a Texas-themed burger joint that scratch-makes burgers from 100% Certified Angus Beef, with specials like the 1/4 lb. brisket-sirloin burger with pork belly. What you might not guess is that they also have a full bar with daily drink specials.
Tip Top Burger Shop
Gluten-free smash burger lovers rejoice! Tip Top Burger Shop fans praise the friendly service, dedicated gluten‑free fryer and top‑notch sauces at this Nob Hill burger joint. The All American, Avocado Green Chili, and Oxtail Burgers are praiseworthy as well.
Bless Your Heart Burgers
A Sesame Collective concept, Bless Your Heart serves up crisp and tasty Northwest beef smash burgers on soft potato rolls. If you’re feeling spicy, don’t miss the Carolina‑style “Joe” burger with chili, coleslaw, hot sauce and yellow mustard.
Portland Burger
The rock ‘n’ roll-themed Portland Burger serves up a solid menu of burgers, fries, shakes and more in downtown Portland digs. The “Classic Rock” includes a 1/3 lb. beef patty, bacon, American cheese, house sauce, onion, lettuce, tomato and pickle.
Was this page helpful?