6 Outstanding Smash Burgers In Portland
Though many from outside of the city may not know, Portland is quite the burger city. While you can find them all, from thick boys to “I didn’t know that was possible to do between two buns,” today, we’re focusing on the almighty smash burger.
Trendy? Perhaps. Delicious? Nearly always. Here are our six favorite Portland smash burgers atm.
#1: Champs
The Champs boys aren’t only exceedingly chill, they’re a deeply talented and determined bunch. At the Champs cart, you can expect locally sourced beef, buns made in-house (inspired by Japanese milk bread and brioche), and sumptuous beef tallow fries that are reminiscent of old-school McDonald’s fries in the best way possible. They also make a damn fine cookie.
1234 SE Cora St, Portland, OR 97202
#2: Monster Smash
Another infinitely solid burger cart in the good ole’ Rose City, Monster Smash is a must-hit for smash burger enthusiasts. While you’ll find other smash burgers in the city with cheese crisped around the edges, Monster Smash has truly mastered this art. Delicious shoestring fries as well.
4500 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215
#3: Wolf’s Head
Wolf’s Head is one of the burger spots on this list that you’re probably not just going to stumble upon by walking past. Located in an unassuming building in SE Portland, these burgers are for the crispy, crispy, and more crispy smash burger enthusiasts. No standard French fries, but they have cheese curds and deliciously nostalgic curly fries. Also, the malt shake should not be skipped.
80 SE Madison St, Portland, OR 97214
#4: Steely’s
New to the smash burger game, but right at the top of my personal go-to list when I’m in the mood for a quick smash. The basic Looper is great, but I love some grilled onions on my burger, so I will usually opt for the Looper deluxe. Fries are solidly crispy shoestrings, and one portion is definitely enough to split between two people getting burgers.
4343 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
#5: Tulip Shop Tavern
Though the servers may sometimes sigh and roll their eyes at you, Tulip Shop Tavern may have the best smash burgers in Portland. By all accounts, all their other burger-like offerings, like fish and chicken sandwiches, are also incredible. Also, not being hyperbolic, their draft beers are actually the coldest in the city. Top-tier smash burger, go get one.
825 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217
#6: Sure Shot
Dope branding, scrumptious burgers, and soon, a permanent brick-and-mortar location. At the time of writing this, Sure Shot has temporarily closed as they transition from a cart to their new permanent location, which is, fortunately, right next to where the cart has been situated. This is a beloved Portland burger institution, and one bite will show you why.
5011 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97218