9 Best: Classic Burgers in Portland, OR

Grease & Glory: 9 of Portland's Best Classic Burgers

In a city celebrated for its high-concept culinary scene, there's a deep, abiding love for the simple, timeless perfection of a classic burger. Before the rise of truffle aioli and brioche buns, these places set the standard with nothing more than good beef, melted cheese, a soft bun, and a flat-top grill.

From legendary taverns that haven't changed in 70 years to modern joints perfecting the art of the smash patty, here are 9 essential classic burgers in the Portland area.

1. Stanich's

• The Vibe: A time-capsule sports bar in Northeast Portland that feels like it hasn't changed a thing since it opened in 1949. It's a true neighborhood landmark.
• The Burger: This is the "Nick's Cheeseburger," which was once crowned the "Best Burger in America." It's a flawless old-school tavern burger, built with a fresh, thickish patty, American cheese, and a signature pile of sweet, griddled onions. It's served with a classic tomato, lettuce, and mayo setup.

2. Helvetia Tavern

• The Vibe: A massive, rustic, red-barn tavern out in the farmlands of Hillsboro. It's a destination that's perpetually packed with families, bikers, and everyone in between.
• The Burger: The "Jumbo Burger." This is a classic, no-nonsense cheeseburger that's bigger than your average diner patty. It's served on a paper plate, often with a side of their famous jumbo onion rings. The magic is in its simplicity and the old-school, off-the-beaten-path experience.

3. Skyline Restaurant

• The Vibe: A beloved, family-friendly diner that's been perched in the West Hills on scenic Skyline Boulevard since 1935. It's a go-to for locals after a hike in Forest Park.
• The Burger: This is the quintessential drive-in burger. The "Skyline Burger" is a well-seasoned, griddled patty with American cheese, shredded lettuce, and their signature "goop" sauce. It's the perfect partner to one of their thick, old-fashioned milkshakes.

4. Bless Your Heart Burgers

• The Vibe: A bright, cheerful, and modern counter-service spot that specializes in one thing: the Carolina-style smash burger.
• The Burger: The "Classic" is a masterpiece of the form. A thin, crispy-edged patty (or two) is smashed on the flat-top with American cheese, "Get-in-yo-Mouth" sauce, shredded lettuce, and pickles. It's a modern classic that pays perfect homage to the original.

5. Mike's Drive-In

• The Vibe: An authentic, walk-up drive-in that's been a staple in Milwaukie (and more recently, Sellwood and Oregon City) since 1971. Expect classic cars in the parking lot and a mile-long menu.
• The Burger: The burgers here are pure nostalgia. They're classic, thin-patty diner-style burgers served in a foil bag. Go for a quarter-pound "Deluxe" with cheese, which comes with their special sauce, lettuce, and pickles. Don't forget a soft-serve cone.

6. Tulip Shop Tavern

• The Vibe: A beautifully restored, dark, and cozy neighborhood tavern in North Portland with a great patio and a top-tier craft cocktail menu.
• The Burger: Their "Tavern Burger" is a smash burger for grown-ups. It features two crispy-edged, locally sourced beef patties, American cheese, pickles, and a tangy sauce on a soft bun. It's quickly become a city-wide favorite.

7. Fuller's Burger Shack

• The Vibe: A tiny, no-frills, walk-up burger shack that's been serving Portland since 1947. It's an actual piece of living history.
• The Burger: This is old-school fast food, perfected. The classic cheeseburger is a simple, griddled patty with melted cheese, onions, pickles, and sauce. It's greasy, delicious, and best eaten immediately at one of the few outdoor tables.

8. Wolf's Head

• The Vibe: A Midwest-inspired burger joint (formerly a pop-up, now with multiple locations) that is 100% focused on the classic smash burger.
• The Burger: Their "Single" is a model of perfection: a 4oz patty smashed with melted onions, American cheese, burger sauce, and dill pickles on a soft Franz bun. It's a beautiful, greasy, and incredibly satisfying take on the style.

9. The Observatory

• The Vibe: A beloved, dimly-lit neighborhood bar and restaurant in Montavilla known for its stellar cocktails and elevated comfort food.
• The Burger: The "Observatory Burger." While the rest of the menu is inventive, the burger is a study in classic execution. It's a thick, juicy, perfectly cooked patty with high-quality cheddar, lettuce, onion, and a house-made aioli on a substantial bun. It's a classic bar burger, done right.

The Final Bite: Portland's burger scene is dynamic, offering something for everyone. This list provides a starting point for your exploration, and with a little research, you're sure to discover your perfect bite. Consistency can be critical, so don't hesitate to delve deeper and find your personal burger haven.