12 Oregon Burger Joints That Consistently Get It Right

Across Oregon, burger lovers are spoiled for choice. Portland’s vibrant streets serve up bold flavor combinations that surprise and delight, while along the coast, small-town grills craft burgers so good they’ve earned cult followings.

These 12 destinations prove that in the Beaver State, great burgers are a way of life.

1. Little Big Burger: Small Spot, Mighty Flavors

Don’t let the name fool you. These quarter-pound patties pack a flavor punch that rivals burgers twice their size. The truffle fries alone are worth the visit.

Founded in Portland and now with locations throughout the Willamette Valley, Little Big Burger keeps it simple with a focused menu.

Their Camden’s Catsup (housemade ketchup) has developed such a cult following that regulars have been known to request extra containers to take home.

2. Burgerville: Northwest Ingredients, Classic Taste

Burgerville turned me into a seasonal eating enthusiast before it was trendy. I still remember my first Walla Walla Sweet Onion Rings in the summer of 2005 – pure crispy, sweet perfection.

This regional chain embraces local ingredients like no other fast food joint. Their rotating menu features Tillamook cheese, marionberry shakes, and hazelnuts when in season.

The commitment to sustainability extends beyond ingredients to compostable packaging and wind-powered restaurants.

3. SuperDeluxe: Drive-Thru Dining Elevated

SuperDeluxe has reinvented what drive-thru burgers can be. Their double cheeseburger achieves that perfect balance of beef, cheese, and special sauce that burger dreams are made of.

Founded by Micah Camden (the same mind behind Little Big Burger), this growing chain keeps expanding for good reason. The patties have that ideal smash-burger texture – crispy edges with a juicy center.

Their breakfast offerings, including egg sandwiches on English muffins, have created morning lines rivaling their lunch rush.

4. Mike’s Drive-In: Old-School Charm Since 1971

Walking into Mike’s feels like stepping back in time. I celebrated every Little League victory here as a kid, with chocolate shakes so thick they defied straws and burgers that dwarfed my small hands.

This family-owned institution has maintained its quality for over 50 years. The burgers come wrapped in paper, juicy and unpretentious. Their special sauce remains a closely guarded secret, though many have tried to replicate it.

The Milwaukie location’s covered outdoor seating area makes it a year-round favorite.

5. Helvetia Tavern: Farm Country’s Hidden Treasure

Baseball caps cover the ceiling at this rural Hillsboro tavern, where farmers and tech workers sit side by side at wooden tables. The Jumbo Burger lives up to its name, extending well beyond the bun.

Helvetia Tavern doesn’t care about trends or social media buzz. Cash only, no reservations, and minimal menu changes since opening decades ago. The beef is fresh, the onion rings hand-breaded, and the atmosphere authentically rustic.

Their no-nonsense approach to burgers has earned them a fiercely loyal customer base.

6. Dandy’s Drive-In: Bend’s Blast from the Past

Carhops still deliver trays to your window at this Bend institution, where the ’50s never really ended. Their signature Dandy Burger comes loaded with all the classics: special sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion.

My first visit to Dandy’s involved a snowstorm, a steamy windshield, and the best chocolate malt I’ve ever tasted. The burger patties are hand-formed daily, never frozen.

Locals know to order the crispy tater tots as their side – they’re the perfect vehicle for the house-made fry sauce.

7. Nancy Jo’s Burgers & Fries: Salem’s Burger Empire

Nancy Jo’s handcrafted approach has built a mini-empire across Salem and beyond. Their patties get a special seasoning blend that creates an addictive crust when grilled.

The menu offers creative options like the Bleu Cheese Burger with caramelized onions, but regulars often stick with the classic cheeseburger. Fresh-cut fries come in generous portions.

The family-friendly atmosphere makes it a popular spot for post-game celebrations, with walls adorned with local sports memorabilia.

8. Bo & Vine Burger Bar: Gourmet Meets Casual

The owners of Bo & Vine once told me they tested over 200 bun recipes before finding the perfect one – that level of dedication shows in every bite. Their commitment to quality ingredients creates a truly elevated burger experience.

The menu reads like a culinary adventure, with options like the “Willamette” featuring goat cheese, smoked bacon, house sweet chili sauce, grilled onion, and a house balsamic reduction.

The modern, airy spaces in Salem and Corvallis attract college students and professionals alike. Their housemade sauces, from sriracha aioli to blackberry ketchup, deserve their own spotlight.

9. Dick’s Primal Burger: Woodstock’s Grass-Fed Wonder

Sustainability meets flavor at this Woodstock neighborhood gem. The grass-fed beef comes from local ranches, creating patties with a distinct, rich taste that conventional burgers can’t match.

The rustic-modern space feels welcoming, with wooden tables and a community vibe. Vegetarians aren’t an afterthought here – their housemade veggie burger has converted many meat-eaters.

The sweet potato fries with chipotle aioli have developed such a following that they’re often ordered as a standalone snack by neighborhood regulars.

10. PDX Sliders: Small Burgers, Big Reputation

What began as a food cart has expanded into multiple locations, proving that Portlanders know a good slider when they taste one. Each mini-burger is named after a Portland street, creating a tasty tour of the city.

The Sellwood (with blue cheese and caramelized onions) remains their signature offering. Despite growth, they’ve maintained quality and creativity. The brioche buns are perfectly toasted, providing that ideal soft-yet-sturdy foundation.

Their Hawthorne location’s patio becomes one of Portland’s most sought-after outdoor dining spots during summer months.

11. Bless Your Heart Burgers: Southern Charm Meets Northwest Beef

Chef John Gorham brought North Carolina-style burgers to Portland, and the city is better for it. These thin-patty, mustard-forward creations offer a different take on burger perfection.

Growing up in North Carolina, I nearly cried when I first bit into their Carolina-style burger – it transported me straight back to childhood cookouts. The patties get a quick sear on a flattop grill, creating those coveted crispy edges.

Their current locations operate independently rather than in collaboration with Pine State Biscuits.

12. Cornucopia: Eugene’s Award-Winning Burger Institution

University of Oregon students and Eugene locals alike flock to Cornucopia for their legendary half-pound burgers. The Reuben Burger (with sauerkraut and Russian dressing) has won so many local awards they had to build a special shelf.

The restaurant feels like a neighborhood pub, with wooden booths and local beer on tap. Their commitment to quality shows in the hand-formed patties made from locally sourced beef.

The extensive topping options let you customize your burger experience, though first-timers should trust the signature combinations.