A list by zaphodchak
Burgers I ate, and opinions I had
This event is in the past
Brisket Bacon Brie Burger
at Duke's Public House
Every day, through August 21
The last burger of Burger Week inevitably gets a bit lost in a 'beef haze,' but this one was darned good, though it was not readily apparent that the patty was any more brisket-y than a standard grind, and the brie was either restrained (absent?) or perhaps just very well integrated. I don't like brie, so the fact that it wasn't obtrusive was a plus! The sauce was great as well, and so were the fries.
This event is in the past
Messy Joseph Burger
at Loyal Legion
Multiple dates through August 21
What can I say, it's a Sloppy Joe but fancier! Loyal Legion never disappoints. The keys here are nice crispy lettuce and a toasted bun, which prevent this sandwich from becoming a "Soggy Joe." Tasty!
This event is in the past
Bone Marrow Burger
at Wine & Growl
Tuesdays - Saturdays, through August 21
Outstanding flavor, with a depth of flavor most burgers never approach. The photo is unassuming, but this is proof that a fancy burger needn't be piled high with add-ons nor too eccentric with novelty. Insert some Robin Williams quote about sucking the marrow out of life. Worth the hike out to Beaverton (the only burger so far I drove for), but they're done for the week, so that ship has sailed, O Captain.
This event is in the past
Dick's on Fire
at Dick's Primal Burger
Every day, through August 21
Outstanding. Spicy, but just at the threshold before it became unpleasant. Enjoyable even for people who don't otherwise love spicy foods! The heat is cut by the fruitiness of the pepper jam, and the experience is delicious and holistically enjoyable.
Traditional burger fixins on the side to include or omit according to preference. Cheese, crispy onions, and a thick grass-fed patty make for as engaging a textural experience as a flavorful one.
Incidentally, the fries are outstanding, inexpensive, and should not be missed. You can score some more of that delicious garlic aioli with the fries.
This event is in the past
Buffalo Ranch Burger
at Holler
Multiple dates through August 21
As they were leaving, someone asked me "Do you know what the idea behind this place is? Like, it's sports themed, but it's not a sports bar? IDK, is it doin' it for you?" to which I replied, "Honestly I'm just here for Burger Week." That is a valid question, but the decor and branding are slick, and I suspect that the idea is that this is a good place to bring a kids' softball team after a game.
Anyway, on to the burger! It was outstanding, easily in the top 5. Ranch in a burger is inspired, and it works. Interestingly I don't concretely recall an onion ring, but do remember it having some crispy onion in there somewhere.
I got a small peach salad with it, which I would not recommend, mostly because it clashed with the flavor of the burger, but also because the peaches were unripe.
But the burger is good! Definitely worth a visit to Sellwood, and ample outdoor seating was also a plus.
This event is in the past
Beef Shawarma Burger
at Ya Hala
Every day, through August 21
I was excited for this one, but it was better in my imagination. The shawarma contained an unfortunate amount of gristle, but otherwise, the sauce, etc. were good. The potatoes were skippable, but they (or another side) could be a nice way to round this out into a meal.
This event is in the past
The Rosa LuxemBurger
at Oregon Public House
Multiple dates through August 21
The Polish inspiration is clear even without reading the description (though I was also tipped off by the availability of pierogi on the menu, which I will have to try next time!). Modestly sized, this will appeal to fans of sauerkraut, cabbage, and onion. The beet aspect was more subdued in practice than it looks in the photo, but the end result is tasty. A good choice if you're trying two different burgers in a single meal, because of the smaller size — otherwise, you may wish to round it out with sides (pierogi!)
This event is in the past
The Horseshoe Bierock
at Bad Habit Room
Every day, through August 21
This is an interesting one. The impression overall is far more stuffed "fondue pretzel" than burger, though it is tasty in spite of relying rather heavily on potatoes. A must try if you love fondue and want some more variety (and it's okay to push the definition of 'burger'!) in your lineup of burgers, but otherwise, this might be one to pass on.
This event is in the past
The Super Delicious
at Bar Bar
Every day, through August 21
Big, piquant fresh garlic flavor, the spice of which is cut nicely by cream cheese. Delicious, and definitely a must-try for garlic/onion lovers. Maybe not the burger to get on a first date ; )
This event is in the past
Big Nick
at Nick's Famous Coney Island
Every day, through August 21
This one suffered a bit for having been boxed up to go (any burger would), but was delicious nonetheless. Smashed, well-done patties are firmer, but not dry, thanks to the ample sauce, and the kale-forward slaw is a welcome burst of green in a double-stack burger. Get there early before they run out!
This event is in the past
Jenny 867-5309
at Portland Burger
Every day, through August 21
Welcome to the big leagues. Portland Burger never disappoints, and Jenny is no exception. The secret sauce is indeed the 'secret sauce,' and while it did suffer a bit from being boxed up to-go (any burger would), it traveled reasonably well. If you can read the writing on the wall, this is one burger you need to make yours.
This event is in the past
The Spicy Pakora Chicken Burger
at The Sudra
Every day, through August 21
The Sudra never fails to impress, and while this is (admittedly) much more of a (vegan) chicken sandwich than a burger, it's outstanding. Texture, spice, substance, and tang are counterbalanced perfectly. At no point do I wish it were beef (or chicken, for that matter), nor would I change anything about it.
This event is in the past
The Chungus Burger
at Bar Maven
Multiple dates through August 21
Wow, there's a lot going on here, and the balance achieved is sublime. Fat and cream cheese offset spice (the 'net' heat is really minimal, suitable even for people who don't like spicy foods, like me!), as does the marionberry. 8oz patty is the biggest game in town. Bacon is always a welcome addition. Crispy onion adds texture and crunch, which is essential for a jam-containing burger. Somehow it all works together. Burgers are more expensive this year, and it feels like Bar Maven, making a bold return to Burger Week after a memorable and innovative poached pear burger in 2019, is using the extra $3 to take their game to the next level. It's too early in the week to declare a winner, but it's hard to imagine a stronger contender.
This event is in the past
Fancy Beast 2.0
at Farmer and the Beast
Multiple dates through August 21
Delicious, and texturally light in a pleasing, melt-in-your-mouth way. Most Burger Week entrants aren't able to offer medium-rare burgers for practical reasons, making this a delightful exception. (Horseradish is understated, in case that's a turnoff.)