Whether you’re headed there for the wine variety, the lush and beautiful landscape, the crunchy weirdness, or the heavy-handed smattering of gentlemen’s clubs all over the city, Portland is one of those cities that offers a little something for nearly everybody. Want to support some starving (and thriving) artists while sipping some amazing Pinot, and eating a delicious and steaming bowl of Pho? Then you’ve got to go to Portland, Oregon and see what all they have to offer.
If you’re vegan, Portland has plenty of menu options for you, but if you’re a red-blooded American carnivore looking to sink your teeth into the best burgers that the country has to offer, then you’re also headed the right direction. Portland has put itself on the map for making some delicious food, something from nearly every nationality, but their play on the humble burger is getting them some attention as well. Here are some of the best, juiciest, weirdest, Portland burgers on the map!
Stanich’s –This joint went off the rails famous when they were named the best burger in Portland by a Thrillist columnist and it just about closed them down. With their newfound fame, they had a difficult time handling the demand for their delicious burgers and had to turn people away due to long lines. Another side effect of their popularity is that they were subjected to a random health inspection that they passed, but made the choice to close down for a couple of months to clean things up. It’s not a pretty burger. There aren’t any fancy ingredients. It’s just a burger, but a damn good one!
Grain and Gristle –Sometimes when you want a burger, you want just that. You want dripped browned meat with a subtle pink center on a soft bun with little in the way of frills and this burger is the one you’re looking for. This burger is most famous for its delicious sear and that it can go completely naked and free of cheese, while still delivering an impressive bite.
Trifecta Tavern –When you think of your most delicious burger, are you thinking about pimentos? Probably not, but Portland’s people swear by this one. Brioche bun? Check. Pink-centered patties? Check. Pimento cheese and thousand island all over the place? Check and check. It’s messy and veggie-less, but it’s oh-so-delicious.
Little Bird Bistro –Want to pay $20 and add foie gras to your burger? Then you’re gonna want to make your way to Little Bird Bistro and sink your teeth into their half-pound burger. With or without the foie, it’s decadently covered in pickle relish and goat cheese. It may sound like burger sacrilege, but it’s mouthwatering and absolutely tasty!
Helvetia Tavern –Come for the gorgeous countryside view, but definitely stay for the tasty burger. Using thinner patties, the Tavern still manages to keep a slightly pink center on this massive, but a frill-free burger. It’s garnished with traditional burger fare; lettuce, tomato, onion, American cheese, and mayo, but it’s probably one of the best things you’ll ever put in your mouth.
There are literally twenty different lists of everywhere you can go to get a divine burger in the capital of weird, Portland, but most of these have a spot on each and every one. Want to feel the clear juices dripping down your chin as you get the crunchy, salty, and juicy sampling in every single bite? Then head to one of these five burger joints to get the best of the best in terms of what Portland has to offer. If these burgers aren’t fancy enough for you, lift your pinky fingers when you’re eating and enjoy it anyway!
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