Portland, Oregon’s Best Burger Spot Does the Classic American Burger Right, With 23 Shake Options

Portland's food scene is one of the most acclaimed in the country, and Portland Burger at 304 SW 2nd Avenue competes not through novelty but through execution.

Family-owned and operated, the restaurant sources local and fresh ingredients, makes all sauces from scratch, runs a rotating burger special every two weeks, offers 23 shake options, and keeps eight local beers on tap.

In a city where new restaurants open every week and food trends move fast, building a loyal following through consistent quality is harder than it sounds. It made the best burger in each of the 50 states.

The bi-weekly rotating burger special is the kitchen's creative outlet. Two weeks of a regular menu, then something new. That cadence keeps regulars checking in and gives the team room to experiment without disrupting the core menu.

What to Order

The build-your-own foundation uses half-pound Angus beef patties. The rotating bi-weekly special pushes into more creative territory and is worth asking about before you order.

Shakes in 23 flavors, made with quality ice cream, are as much a reason to come as the burger itself. Eight rotating Oregon craft beer taps make pairing easy.

Beyond Meat patties available for vegetarians and vegans on any burger build. Full kids' menu available. The dining room accommodates larger groups with reservation. For more on the food scene nearby, see Portland restaurants worth building a trip around.

A Downtown Portland Constant

Portland Burger has maintained a reliable downtown presence through the disruptions that have closed many of its contemporaries. Family ownership keeps the kitchen accountable to scratch-cooking standards.

The location on SW 2nd Avenue puts it one block from MAX light rail, making it accessible from anywhere in the Portland metro area without requiring a car.

Portland Burger's family ownership model has kept the kitchen accountable in ways that corporate ownership rarely does. The owners are present during service, which keeps the quality standard consistent across shifts.

The 23 shake flavors include seasonal options that rotate several times a year, giving regulars a reason to check the board even on familiar visits. The kitchen takes the milkshake program as seriously as the burger program.

The rotating bi-weekly burger special is the kitchen's primary creative outlet. The format lets the team test combinations that would not justify a permanent menu slot, and regulars check the board every two weeks.

Portland Burger's family ownership model has kept the kitchen accountable in ways that corporate ownership rarely does. The owners are present during service, which keeps the quality standard consistent across shifts. For more of the state's dining history, see Oregon's best burger spots.

Plan Your Visit

Portland Burger is at 304 SW 2nd Avenue in downtown Portland. Hours run daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call (971) 242-8725.

MAX light rail stops one block away. Street parking and nearby garages available. While you're planning the trip, check out Portland food cart pods that define the city.