Located 15 miles from Shasta Dam is the restaurant that helped build it. Constructed over 80 years ago, this iconic dam changed Northern California forever when it was built. Not only did it turn into a major source of water and energy, but the project of constructing the dam brought thousands of workers from all over the country. As a result, entire communities were built, including the one and only Damburger in the historic town of Redding. Home to the most famous burger in Northern California, knowing the history behind the world-famous damburger makes it taste even more delicious.
Widely known as "The Best Hamburger by a Dam Site," Damburger is truly a Northern California icon. Located in Redding, this locally owned burger joint has been serving up their famous hamburgers for over 80 long years.
It all started in 1938 when Damburger's founder, Bud Pennington, started selling hamburgers from a small tent outside the hiring hall for Shasta Dam construction workers. It turns out this was a great idea and Bud's business really took off. You could even go as far as to say that Damburger was responsible for fueling the construction of one of California's most impressive man-made wonders.
Bud saw such success with selling his hamburgers that he set up a permanent location in downtown Redding on Yuba Street. It moved to its present location at Pine Street in 1962, and they've been thriving ever since. Walk into Damburger on any given day and you're bound to spot some loyal regulars enjoying their usual order.
Damburger has changed owners a few times since its beginnings and it's currently operated by Julie and Nell Dickey (the daughters of previous owners.) However, the delicious Damburger has always stayed the same and enjoying one is a true Northern California tradition.
The original Damburger is a 1/6-pound burger served with mustard, lettuce, and onion. It's most notable for its super thin patty that gets crispy along the edges. You can order it as a double or triple and you can even add cheese if you like, but nothing beats the original.
The Helen burger is another staple of this famous burger joint. It was named for Helen Henry, one of Damburger's regular customers. As the story goes, one day Helen asked Bud to "take two of those meatballs and put them together and don't cook them so much." It's remained a popular menu item ever since!
Although simple, the quality and taste of this burger speaks for itself. Steeped in NorCal history, the story behind the famous Damburger's creation makes it all the more enjoyable! Be sure to stop by this famed eatery and try it for yourself.
