Three Top Burger Joints in Portland, Oregon

Craving a burger in Portland, Oregon? No problem. Burger joints abound in neighborhoods throughout the city. This abundance of burger joints is a little surprising since Portland ranks #1 on the list of America's Best Vegetarian-Friendly Cities according to GoVeg.com. But Portland also has its share of carnivores always in search of a great burger. When I'm craving a big, juicy burger and nothing else will do, these three restaurants immediately come to mind.

Produce Row Café

My recipe for a perfect summer day: sitting on the outdoor deck at Produce Row Café and polishing off an artery-clogging meal washed down by an imported beer from some exotic locale. Since 1974, this hidden gem nestled among industrial warehouses and produce markets in Southeast Portland has drawn loyal customers who yearn for Produce Row's outstanding burgers and extensive beer selection. With more than 25 beers on tap and over 200 bottled beers from around the world, it's a beer lover's paradise!

But it's not just the outdoor beer garden oasis that brings people to Produce Row. If you're looking for just a basic burger, "The Row" is a dressed fit to kill with provolone cheese (A+), butter lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle, sweet-hot mustard, and mayonnaise. But I always have a hard time resisting "The Bacon Bleu" burger with peppered bacon, creamy gorgonzola cheese, crispy onions, fresh basil, and mayonnaise. One of those with beer-battered fries and onion rings on the side may be a heart attack in the making, but at least I'll die happy.

Hours
Mon-Fri: 11 am-12 am
Sat: 12 pm-12 am
Sun: Closed

204 SE Oak Street (corner of SE 2^nd and Oak)
(503) 232-8355
http://www.producerowcafe.com

Skyline Restaurant

Walk into the Skyline Restaurant and you might think you've stepped back in time to the 1950's with Fonzie and his "Happy Days" sidekicks. Soon you'll understand why this old school establishment has been featured on the Food Network and also has won a top spot in Portland Monthly magazine's 2009 "Best Burger in Portland" poll. But perhaps the most coveted recognition can be found in the frame bearing a yellowed newspaper clipping in which James Beard's professes his devotion to Skyline's burgers. Yes, that James Beard.

Your burger feast isn't complete without one of Skyline's thick, creamy milkshakes. And hopefully you'll save enough room for a slice of their freshly made pie.

Hours
Mon-Sun 8 am-9 pm
1313 NW Skyline Boulevard
(503) 292-6727
Cash only!

Nob Hill Bar and Grill

One day, you might find yourself in trendy Northwest Portland longing for a break from the pretentiousness that is NW 23^rd Street. Nob Hill Bar and Grill to the rescue! Nobby's, as it's known by the locals, is a down-home place that serves up some of the best burgers in Portland. I fondly recall my first burger: the Ambulance Chaser. It had me at hello! It's no surprise that Nobby's was named a winner in Portland Monthly Magazine's 2009 "Best Burger in Portland" poll.

Hours
Mon-Sun 8 am-2:30 am
37 NW 23rd Ave
(503) 274-9616

Resources:

http://www.goveg.com/f-vegcities-portland.asp
http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/eat-and-drink/articles/best-burger-0809