Press Play Salem Tasting TeamWe are firm believers that different burgers satisfy different cravings. The diner burger, the gourmet burger, the veggie burger — we want, no, we NEED, them all. Fortunately, Salem meets that need. Here’s a rundown of what we’ve been munching lately —
Note: This is an ongoing story…
b2 Taphouse & Brewery
When my spouse and I head to b2, we are secure in the knowledge we’ll have great beer and happy kids by the end of our meal. My spouse is a loyal fan of the Korean beef tacos, but I find the b2 Burger is a solid pick. From the (branded) fluffy bun, to the classic pickle-and-burger-sauce combo, this juicy patty is a classic. Dig in during one of their trivia nights and pair it with something from their vast selection of beers on tap. 1170 Boone Rd SE, b2taphouse.com — Anne Lapour
Best Little Roadhouse
The Best Little Roadhouse Burger is your standard, classic offering — a half-pound of fresh USDA ground chuck served on an open-faced bun. One half shows a delicious burger and melty cheese (who doesn’t love that?), and the opposite half displays lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles. The open-face style allows you to edit toppings before assembling. On first bite, you’ll notice a proper char flavor from being grilled over mesquite wood and pink center patty. Enjoy! Pro tip: If you like sautéed mushrooms try the add-on. Quartered into hefty pieces there are plenty to top the burger and have some left over. 1145 Commercial St SE, bestlittleroadhouse.com — Matt Torres
Black Sheep Cafe
In an effort to sample every signature veggie burger in Salem, a visit to Black Sheep Cafe was a must. The cafe (which also caters) offers a house-made vegan/vegetarian patty — a peanut-based creation that includes BBQ, maple and their signature mix of herbs and spices. It’s a good option for those looking for a meatless alternative, especially when you top it with your choice fixin’s. Be sure that includes ample condiments to unlock the flavor potential, but that could get messy, so be prepared. Pro tip: While the burger is substantial on its own, add a side and make it the hand-cut fries. They’re the perfect addition. 1932 McGilchrist St SE, blacksheeporegon.com — Carlee Wright
Cadillac Grille
Sometimes last-second spontaneous adventures turn out to be the most fun. Carlee shot me a text and told me Ben Mah was picking me up after work for burgers. I had no idea where we were going, but I was all in because — burgers. We ended up across town at Cadillac Grille in The Yard Food Park. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much, but I was pleasantly surprised. They were messy and greasy in all the best ways. Pro-tip: Get the sliders. You can try multiple versions and see which one you like best. 4106 State St, cadillacgrillefoodcart.com — Brian Hart
Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails
We have a new smash burger champion — nay, burger champion of ANY type — in Salem. After Venti’s and Noble Wave have been rotating in the number one spot of my heart for years, I finally tried the Smash Burger from Epilogue, and I was blown away. It has the perfect amount of char on two delicious Painted Hills patties. The homemade B&B pickles and arugula finish it off, and make this burger stand out from the rest. Pro-tip: Treat yo’self and sub the milk bun for a homemade biscuit. Hat-tip to @manicdirteater on Insta for that idea! 130 High St SE, epiloguekitchen.com — Brian Hart
Kraftworks Taphouse
When you find a burger (especially a veggie burger) that can be enjoyed without cheese, I consider it a win. Now don’t get me wrong, I do love cheese, but it’s a worthy challenge to have a tasty burger without it. I found one in the Kraft Burger, which is served with chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato, red onion and pickles. The slight sweetness of the brioche bun, the texture of the veggie patty, and the smoky spice of the chipotle aioli is a winning combination — especially that aioli. Bonus, Kraftworks makes its own curly fries and chips, and either make a great side. Next time though, I will definitely be trying the beer-battered onion rings. 241 Liberty St NE, kraftworks.wedelivereats.com — Carlee Wright
McMenamins
The first veggie burger I ever loved comes from McMenamins. It’s as dependable as your favorite sweater, and you can find it at either McMenamins Salem locations. The Hammerhead Burger is their own creation, made with malted grain and their signature hammerhead brew. It’s flavorful and satisfying, but leaves plenty of room to stack on your favorite toppings. Add a side of those crispy tots, and —what else but a pint of Hammerhead. It’s Oregon on a bun, and it never disappoints. Boon’s Treasury, 888 Liberty St NE and Thompson Brewery & Public House, 3575 Liberty Rd S, mcmenamins.com — Anne Lapour
Noble Wave
Yes, Noble Wave has a traditional (and excellent) burger, but they also serve the best-kept secret in town: the Po Boy Double Cheeseburger. Along with other great selections of authentic and classic New Orleans Po Boys — ranging from shrimp to alligator — you’ll find the Po Boy Double Cheeseburger will catapult your tastebuds right to the French Quarter. The X-Factor in this burger is Gambino’s famous French bread. Coming to Salem directly from the streets of New Orleans, it surrounds the well-seasoned smashed burger that has a crispy, griddle-crusted patty covered in melted cheese. It’s fully dressed, which in New Orleans means it comes with pickles, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and mayo. Order a side of fancy fries to accompany it, and you will be saying: Ça c’est bon (That’s good)! 189 Liberty St NE #112, enjoynoblewave.com — Mark Green
Phil’s Bar and Grill
Phil’s Bar and Grill is in a nondescript (and frankly not all that appealing) building. And, at no point in time have I asked myself: “I wonder if that place is any good?” However, this article required I stop in and what I discovered might be the best-kept secret in Salem; one of those “in the know” type of places. A serious half-pound patty on a serious bun with serious condiments. Nothing fancy, but every component is prepared like you expect it to be – no weak points, just burger excellence. Thanks for proving me wrong, Phil’s — I’ll be back for sure. 1686 12th St SE — Ben Mah
Roth’s West Salem
I’ve heard for years that Roth’s West Salem should be considered for “best burger in Salem.” A grocery store isn’t the first thing one thinks about for a freshly grilled burger, so I kept blowing it off, and I was definitely wrong. It was a great burger. Full disclosure I worked for Roth’s for more than 13 years in my younger days, but shoving all biases aside, I urge you to give them a shot. I promise you won’t regret it. The customization can’t be beaten. Pro-tip: If you like onions, get grilled AND raw. You’ll thank me later! 1130 Wallace Rd. NW, roths.com — Brian Hart
Rex Prehistoric Patties
It’s hard to find fault with a dinosaur-themed burger stand. Tucked away in the Fork Forty Food Hall, Rex Prehistoric Patties truly delivers a product worthy of the name. Substantial, tasty and juicy enough to justify the good-sized bun needed to soak up all the drippings. Be on the lookout for their daily specials, which careen pretty far outside the box. The day I went there they were offering a “Quesadilla Burger” which I am still kicking myself for not ordering. 440 State St, facebook.com/rexpatties — Ben Mah
Ritter’s Housemade Food
Ritter’s is always a good bet when you are hungry, but until this story, I had never eaten their Smash Burger. It has everything you’d want in a good burger. Quality meat, fresh ingredients, and lots of love. Even though this takes the bronze for ‘best smash burger’ in Salem, it is still very much worth having and would rank #1 in many other cities; we are just in a burger boom, which makes me happy and hungry. 102 Liberty St NE, Suite 100, ritterseatery.com — Brian Hart
Santiam Brewing
Truth be told, I’m hard-pressed to order anything at Santiam that’s not a sausage roll or steak pie. This is the place for classic English-style pub food and beer. However, in the name of burger research, I’ll try anything. One summer, long ago, I was scarred by the subpar burgers I ate in the UK. So, I approached Santiam’s burger with a healthy skepticism, but I have to say — Santiam’s All American Pub Burger delivers. It’s akin to the classic American cheeseburger, but with the welcome addition of fried onions and bacon. It’s really juicy and really big. I loved every bite. Just save room for the beer-battered French fries and aioli, as they’re not to be missed. England, take note…this is how it’s done. 2544 19th St SE, santiambrewing.com — Anne Lapour
Stonefront Tavern
Imagine a burger, cooked to perfection with all the right toppings. Yum! That’s what you’ll get with the World Famous Stonefront Burger. It’s everything you want in a burger: half-pound Angus beef, grilled to your preference — I always choose well-done because I’m hyper anxious about undercooked meat — with a choice of cheese or no cheese (cheddar for me!), topped with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard (no thank you), hamburger relish, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and (for those of you not allergic like me) red onions; all served on a soft bun. It’s a big, juicy, delicious burger that I can only finish half of because I can’t help but get the side of sweet potato fries with a sweet honey butter dip. A made-to-order classic! Be sure to ask for extra napkins — it’s that juicy! 5690 Commercial St SE — Tammy Black-Day
The Shack Bar & Grill
I went to The Shack thinking I could get a burger and a bowl of pozole for $8. Turns out, I don’t know how to read, and there was no such thing. What there was, was the burger OR the pozole — they are not offered together. As I plotted my backup option — refusing the signature burger outright because of some deal-breaker toppings (yes, I’m talking about pineapple — fight me), the server, Cassie, arrived and I decided to just ask her what she usually gets. Turns out it was the right choice for me as well. What I’ve dubbed “The Cassie Special” is a burger with grilled onions, grilled jalapenos and pepper jack cheese. It’s worth the trip. 2865 Liberty St NE, facebook.com/theshackbarngrill — Ben Mah
Top Dog Sports Grill
I pass the well-lit neon sign of Top Dog Sports Grill almost every day, and every time I ask myself: “I wonder if that place is any good?” Thankfully, this article required I stop in and find out. What I discovered was pretty much the perfect basic burger. A modestly sized (and priced) burger, with an appropriately sized bun, the right ratio of toppings to meat, and a nice sized portion of fries to go with it. For the price, you really can’t top it, especially when it was that tasty. 1798 12th St SE — Ben Mah
Venti’s Cafe
Maybe it’s the mushrooms; maybe it’s the balsamic vinegar; maybe it’s just that magic Venti’s touch. I don’t know why, but the Lentil-Mushroom Burger makes me forget everything about meat. The house-made combination of lentils, mushrooms, and black beans is so satisfying, it’s what I order 90% of the time. It’s a bit messy, very hearty, and a tasty reminder of what vegan food can (and should) be. Pro tip: lately I’ve taken to ordering it with the “rooster burger” toppings. Try it! 2840 Commercial St SE and 325 Court St NE, ventiscafe.com — Anne Lapour
Postscript…
When we surveyed our audiences for their Salem burger recommendations, The Farley from Valiant the Sandwich was mentioned more than a few times as a must-taste burger. Alas, the day we went to taste it was sold out. Good for them, bad for us, but you can guarantee we will be back to take a bite…
NOTE: This is an ongoing story.
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 14 (Summer 2022)
