I Explored Oregon’s Food Carts To Taste 12 Unique Burgers (And 6 Were Game-Changers)
Oregon has turned the humble food cart into an art form, and nowhere is that clearer than in the burger game.
I spent weeks bouncing between Portland, Bend, Salem, and Eugene, chasing smash burgers, farm-fresh patties, and creative spins that made me rethink what a burger could be. Some were solid.
Some were forgettable. But six of them stopped me mid-bite and made me wonder why I ever wasted time at drive-throughs.
Here’s what I found, ranked by location and ordered by the sheer joy each bite delivered.
1. Farmer and the Beast, Portland (Nob Hill Food Carts) – Double Smash
Flat-top magic happens at this cart tucked into the Nob Hill pod at 1845 NW 23rd Place. Two thin patties hit the griddle hard, edges crisping into that lacy crown everyone chases.
American cheese melts over pickles and a tangy house sauce that cuts through the richness without overpowering the beef.
The cart leans into seasonal, farm-minded add-ons that change with what’s fresh. I hit it on a Tuesday around noon, beat the lunch rush, and watched the cook work the spatula like a maestro. Lines grow fast, so timing matters.
This one earned its game-changer badge.
2. MidCity SmashedBurger, Portland (Level Beer, Uptown Beer Co., Prost! Marketplace) – Signature Double
Three carts, one mission: deliver a crisp, caramelized smash burger that tastes the same whether you’re at Level Beer on NE Sandy, Uptown Beer Co., or Prost! Marketplace.
Onions, pickles, and house sauce form the backbone, but the monthly specials keep regulars guessing.
I tracked down the Level Beer cart on a Thursday and ordered the signature double. The patties had that deep brown sear, the kind that only comes from a screaming-hot griddle and zero hesitation. Each bite balanced salt, tang, and umami.
Roving carts can be tricky, but MidCity nails consistency across all three stops.
3. Burger Ritual, Portland (Cartopia) – Cheeseburger
Cartopia’s newest arrival debuted in late September and brought back the kind of cheeseburger that doesn’t need a backstory. Classic build, crinkle-adjacent vibes, and sides that taste like summer without the county-fair grease.
I stopped by on a Friday night when the pod was buzzing. The burger arrived simple: beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a soft bun that held together through the last bite.
No frills, no fuss, just solid execution that reminded me why I love food carts in the first place. Evening crowds are real here, so plan accordingly.
4. Sure Shot Burger, Portland (NE 42nd Ave) – The Double
A parking-lot cart that turned into a cult favorite, Sure Shot keeps it tight: two patties, melted cheese, onion, pickle, and house sauce. Locals still talk about the wild hot dog hamburger special that popped up once and vanished into legend.
I ordered the double on a Saturday afternoon and understood the hype immediately. The patties were juicy, the cheese melted into every crevice, and the house sauce added just enough sweetness to balance the savory punch.
It’s messy, it’s satisfying, and it’s exactly what a parking-lot burger should be. This one earned its game-changer status through sheer consistency.
5. Jojo Food Truck, Portland (SE Powell + pop-ups) – Jojo Burger
Known for fried chicken and those crispy, seasoned jojos, this truck also slings a burger that holds its own. Juicy, saucy, and built for two-handed bites, the Jojo Burger keeps pace with the truck’s star players.
I caught the truck on SE Powell during a weekday lunch run. The burger arrived hot, with a soft bun that soaked up the sauce without falling apart.
The beef was well-seasoned, and the toppings were fresh. It’s not trying to reinvent anything, just doing the basics right.
The truck rotates locations and shows up at events, so follow their schedule closely.
6. Monster Smash, Portland (behind Belmont Station) – Smash with Lacey Edge
Hidden off SE Stark behind a legendary beer bar, Monster Smash cranks out deeply browned patties with that coveted crispy crown. Hours stay tight, and lines form early on weekends, so timing is everything.
I showed up on a Sunday morning, third in line, and watched the cook smash each patty with precision. The edges crisped up like burger lace, and the center stayed juicy.
The cheese melted perfectly, and the bun held up under pressure. It’s the kind of burger that makes you want to skip small talk and just eat.
This one’s a game-changer for anyone chasing texture.
7. Americana, Bend (food truck) – OG Burger
A no-nonsense griddle burger that reads simple and eats perfect. Seared beef, melty cheese, classic fixings, and small-town hospitality make this truck a local favorite. Bend crowned it Food Cart of the Year, and the accolades keep rolling in.
I stopped by on a Wednesday afternoon and ordered the OG. The burger arrived hot, with a perfectly griddled patty, gooey cheese, and fresh vegetables.
Every element worked together, and nothing felt out of place. It’s the kind of burger that reminds you why simple is often best.
This one earned its game-changer badge through pure execution and heart.
8. WillieBurger, Bend (food truck) – Smash with Grilled Onions
Mom-and-pop energy fuels this cart, where burgers come as singles, doubles, or triples with a sweet hit of grilled onions and secret sauce. New ownership kept the lane: quick, crispy, satisfying.
I ordered a double on a sunny Friday and watched the onions caramelize on the griddle next to the patties. The secret sauce added a tangy-sweet kick that complemented the beef without masking it.
The bun stayed soft, and the whole thing came together in about five minutes. It’s fast food done right, with care and consistency.
Bend locals know what’s up with this one.
9. Blue Eyes Burgers & Fries, Bend/Redmond (food truck at Otto’s Landing) – Local-Beef Smash
Central Oregon beef meets smart flavor combos at this Redmond truck posted up at Otto’s Landing. The house veggie patty gives plant-curious friends a solid option, but the beef smash is the main attraction. Weekly specials keep regulars chasing new combinations.
I hit the truck on a Thursday evening and ordered the local-beef smash. The patty had that deep, beefy flavor that only comes from quality sourcing, and the toppings were fresh and thoughtful. The truck slings late hours, which makes it perfect for post-adventure meals.
This one’s a game-changer for anyone who cares about where their beef comes from.
10. Slangers, Salem (food truck) – House-Baked-Bun Smash
Scratch-baked buns cradle a juicy double at 335 Grove St NE in Salem, a truck that draws late-night lines.
The buns are soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to handle the sauce and juice without falling apart. Slangers style means double patties, cheese, pickles, onions, and that house sauce.
I rolled up around 9 p.m. on a Saturday and joined the line. The burger arrived warm, with a bun that tasted fresh and homemade.
The patties were thin, crispy, and stacked perfectly. Every bite had that satisfying balance of textures and flavors.
Keep an eye on hours, then show up hungry.
11. Zandos, Eugene (Whiteaker neighborhood) – Japanese-Twist Cheeseburger
A burger cart with a little Tokyo in its DNA, Zandos grinds chuck and brisket together, then tops it with house mayo, quick pickles, and occasional yuzu-leaning specials. Comfort food with personality thrives in Whiteaker’s cart-dense streets.
I ordered the cheeseburger on a Tuesday afternoon and tasted the difference immediately. The beef blend had more depth than your standard patty, and the house mayo added a subtle richness.
The quick pickles brought acidity without overpowering the other flavors. It’s a burger that respects tradition while nodding to something different.
This one’s a game-changer for adventurous eaters.
12. Burgers On The Run, Eugene (Oakshire Public House) – Build-Your-Own
Grab a pint, then build your burger in Oakshire’s courtyard, where this cart keeps hours most days and pushes a classic checklist of toppings. Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, bacon, mushrooms, and more line up for your choosing.
I stopped by on a sunny afternoon, ordered a single with cheese, pickles, and grilled onions, and settled into a patio chair. The burger arrived hot, customized exactly how I wanted it, and paired perfectly with the courtyard vibe.
It’s simple, it’s customizable, and it’s exactly what you want when the sun sneaks out in Eugene.
Perfect patio food for indecisive burger lovers.