Top 20 Burgers in Van/Port
The great American sandwich. There’s countless variations. Some are great. But there’s plenty that are not. If you going to order a burger, have a fantastic one. Here’s a list of 20 of the best burger joints in VanPort.
1. Tulip Shop Tavern
Portland – North
I’ve tried a lot of smash burgers but Tulip is the best example of a smash patty in Portland. I like the Double-Double (no relation) with bacon, jalapenos and grilled onions. The edges are thin, crispy and delicious. Some smash burgers have a bit of that but Tulip is the poster boy for smash burgers. The toppings plus the lacy edged smash patties combine forces to create a fantastic hand-held epicenter of deliciousness. I don’t care for the fries last time so I order the onion rings. The onion rings were good but the burger was so filling I didn’t really need them. The prices all around are very reasonable. BAR: Tulip has an excellent bar stocked with superb base spirits, mixers and liqueurs. The mixologists take pride in their work and serve really savvy cocktails. VIBE: It’s a no reservation, seat yourself place. It gets really busy on the weekend and the kitchen can be an hour wait. Also on the weekend the music is very fast, lots of attitude and crazy loud. Street parking is a bit challenging. PRO TIP: Patty melt Monday-only special.
2. Ondus on the Waterfront
Vancouver – Waterfront
Ondus is the restaurant in the AC Hotel on the waterfront. It’s a fantastic eatery that serves elevated food for reasonable prices. Their Waterfront Burger with cheddar, bacon, romaine, tomato, red onions, house-made pickles, focaccia bun and black garlic aioli is gourmet burger that rivals the Multnomah Whiskey Library and is only $20.
3. BarNone
Vancouver – CentralBarNone is the latest venture by the folks behind Nuestra Mesa and Nostra Tavola. You get the sense they’re still dialing things in, but they’re going for a Wild West saloon vibe.
The shining tin star is the BarNone Burger. It has all the usual suspects: cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, and bacon. But it also comes with a couple of onion rings and what they call “Hangman Sauce,” all on a beef patty enrobed in a pillowy bun. The batter on the onion rings has a hint of sweetness. This ensemble is a home run. In my opinion, it’s one of the best burgers in VanPort.
4. Gorilla Burger
Vancouver- Central
Gorilla Grill is a speakeasy for cheeseburgers. It’s hidden inside a Shell gas station. On face value it’s a bit suspect. You’d never know they serve one of the best burgers in the area. OH MY! It’s delicious and gorilla size. I have no idea how many calories it is, but I’m pretty sure it approaches or perhaps exceed the FDA standard of calories for daily consumption. I ordered mine with jalapenos and grilled onions. On my 2nd visit it was very good buy not as epic as the 1st time. My guess is it depends on who’s on the grill. The joint is take out only and there’s just one table with a sign saying it’s only for staff. That’s odd but the burger is fab.
5. Killer Burger
Both – Several
My favorite Burger Chain in the World. Smash patties combined with Killer toppings (bacon always included) make a superb burger. I get the Jose Mendoza. The chicken sandwich is fantastic. I like it with the buffalo but add lettuce and tomato. They’ve also added Frito pie! PRO TIP: If you like spicy, ask for serrano peppers. It’s not listed but they usually have them. They have several other locations but the one on 164th in Vancouver is my favorite. Everything is just right plus they play classic rock. Adequate parking. INSIDER INFO: The 164th location in Vancouver has a 2nd kitchen that they use to try out new items.
6. Multnomah Whiskey Library
Portland – Downtown
Te members club(mostly) is known for being one of the best craft cocktail bars in the VanPort but they also serve an amazing gourmet cheeseburger. If you can get in, it would be a crime to not order one to go along with your epic drink. PRO TIP: If you can’t get into the Library, The Green Room downstairs (owned by MWL) is open to the public and serves the burger.
7. Canard
Portland – Central
Canard in Portland is a delightful French restaurant with a fantastic happy hour. The Happy hour menu is limited but worth it. The shining star are the steam burgers/sliders which are like an elevated white castle burger beloved by East Coasters. Another must have are the garlic fries. Their bar is small but they have an excellent selection of liqueurs and mixers making it possible to have a good variety of craft cocktails. I need to return for a dinner to truly experience the full meal deal, but Canard is cool.
8. Monster Smash Burgers
Portland – Central
Monster Smash Burgers is on some of the notable lists of best burgers in the Van/Port area, including Oregon Live and EATER. I grew up loving the Universal Monster movies, so the decor is fun for me. This cart might be playful in its theme but they’re dead serious about their burgers. Not much to choose from for toppings though. Only cheese, pickles and sauce. It’s all about the smash patties and the bun. Both are exceptional. The cart is behind Belmont Station, so there’s beer and seating available. If you’re a smash burger purest, this is the joint for you.
9. Crave Grill
Vancouver – East
One of the best Vancouver eateries with fantastic food and great service. I love their sandwiches ansalads but most people associate Crave with burgers. That’s probably because they’re impressive looking. It doesn’t look like a run-of-the-mill burger. You can see Carve is passionate about America’s favoeite handheld. They have several to choose from including their burger of the month. They’re big so come hungry.
10. Angel’s Donuts & Ice Cream
Vancouver – Central
Angel’s is a donut shop that also serve ice cream….and fantastic cheese burgers! When I was first told this I was very skeptical and thought that they can’t be very good. But after looking at photos on Google Maps, I knew I had to experience this for myself. I ordered the Angel’s Burger. It comes with Cheddar cheese, bacon, ham, a sausage patty, a fried egg and the usual stuff (mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, etc. Who can say no to that? It’s a great burger. It’s not Killer or Crave Grill level but it’s fab. They also serve Philly and chicken sandwiches and hot dogs. Pretty unusual for a donut shop. Plenty of parking.
11. MidCity SmashedBurger
Portland – Central
Oregon Live says MidCity SmashedBurger is the #1 smash burger in Portland. I went to find out for myself. I ordered their burger of the month: The Jala Atcha Boi. 2 patties, bacon, pepper jack, pickled jalapenos, lettuce and tomato. It was really good. Is it the best? Tulip Shop Tavern still has the crown in my mind. Nevertheless it was a great burger and has been added to my best burger list.
12. Bless Your Heart
Both – Several
I’m trying to pin-point what makes them taste so good. I had The Love Burger which had spicy mayo, grilled jalapenos, American cheese, onions and lettuce. The combination of flavor and texture is so delicious. Although the confetti lettuce reminds me of a Big Mac. They have BBQ fries which have a somewhat spicy BBQ salt which are pretty good. Hotdogs are available as well. They offer Coke products including Mexican Coke in a bottle. Also a very limited beer and wine selection and a few base spirits. Ample parking. BOTTOM LINE: The burgers are really good….but they’re pricy. The patties are too small to order a single. So you’re looking at $15.17 before tip. Add-ons are $1-$2.50 each. If you pass on a drink and just go with a burger and fries, you’re looking at $20 minimum.
13. Chuck’s Produce
Vancouver – East & Salmon Creek
You wouldn’t think to look in a grocery store to be served an amazing cheeseburger but Chuck’s little known secret should be shared. The user experience is lacking due to having use a kiosk to order but the result is excellent.
14. hit the spot!
Portland – Central
Hit The Spot is an amazing burger truck turned brick-and-mortar that is one of my favorite cheeseburgers on the planet. Simple menu. Just burgers and fries. It’s hard to pinpoint why they’re so good. It could be because of the way the smash patty is cooked. Whatever it is, it’s working. The approach reminds me a bit of In-n-out…but better. I add jalapenos, bacon and grilled onions which pair deliciously. I’m not big on fries but Hit The Spots fries are great. The patties are smaller so I go with a 3×3.
15. SmackTown Burgers & Wings
Vancouver – Central
This eatery is highly unusual for a mall. The owner/operator is a passionate chef creating inspired food. His cheeseburgers aren’t fast food. Each one is made to order. PRO TIP: Ask about the Special. It’s always epic.
16. Fuller’s Burger Shack
Portland – Cascade Station
Not big on toppings but fresh, quality ingredients + top notch meat = a clean, delicious burger. Be sure to check out their specials.
17. K&M Drive-In
Vancouver – Camas
Great Camas burger joint. They have just a few tables inside and a few outside when weather permits. But for the most part it’s a drive-thru. I like their Bacon & Blue burger.
18. Portland Burger
Portland – Downtown
Epic rock-‘n’-roll burger joint with a massive flying V guitar shaped table, Marshall cabs and drum light fixtures. The attitude of burgers are as loud as the decor. Our burgers with really good. The onion rings were on point too. INSIDER TIP: Portland Burger and Killer Burger have the same roots. You’ll recongnize the family resemblance of what they serve. Street parking can be challenging but there’s plenty of lots around $$$.
19. The Cravory
Vancouver – East
The Cravory is a cart at Oak Tree Station. They make an excellent smash burger. It comes with two 2.5 oz (.15 lb) patties and American cheese. I add lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, jalapenos, bacon and awesome sauce. FINE POINTS: The patties are pretty small. Together they equal point .30 lb. That’s slightly larger than a quarter pound patty but smaller than a 1/3 lb. But you can add an extra patty for $1.75. The bacon cost a dollar. I felt it was underrepresented within the burger compared to Killer Burger. The gilled onions cost .25¢ but the jalapenos were free! All in all, for the same price I can go to Killer and have my meal brought to me and a better vibe.
20. Farmer and the Beast
Portland – North East
Some say Farmer and the Beast is the best in Portland. I think they’re very good but I wouldn’t say it’s the best. But one size doesn’t fit all. Patties are fab. Good bun. I added jalapenos, bacon steak and grilled onions. The bacon tastes like ham. The basic burger is $11. With my additions it came to $16. Parking is challenging. Tap and pay accepted.
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