National Cheeseburger Day is basically an open invitation to treat yourself. It’s the perfect excuse to sink your teeth into something cheesy, beefy, and downright satisfying. And in Portland, the cheeseburger game is strong. The city is packed with spots serving up creative twists and perfected classics, from cozy taverns to street-side food carts.
Sure, you can grab a burger at any local diner or pub, but if you want the best of the best, this list has you covered. These are the cheeseburgers worth marking your calendar for and maybe even standing in line.
Tulip Shop Tavern
825 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217
Tulip Shop Tavern is the kind of neighborhood bar where you instantly feel at ease, and their burgers deliver the same kind of comfort. The “Double, Double” is a smashburger done to perfection, with a crispy lace edge on the patty that gives way to juicy, flavorful beef.
The bun is soft yet sturdy, toasted just enough to add texture without overpowering the fillings. Inside, you get American cheese melted over the patty, shredded lettuce, crinkle-cut pickles, and a creamy “secret sauce” that ties it all together. Pair the burger with their crispy onion rings or perfectly cooked fries, and you’ve got a meal that feels both familiar and elevated.
Champs Burgers
1234 SE Cora St, Portland, OR 97202
What started as a pop-up in 2023 has turned into one of Portland’s most talked-about burger carts. Champs Burgers sits tucked behind Away Days Brewing in the Brooklyn neighborhood, serving up smashburgers that look familiar but taste like something completely new. The difference starts with the bun which is made right in the cart using Cairnspring Mills flour, with a texture somewhere between pillowy brioche and soft shokupan.
The beef is dry-aged for deeper flavor, and the American cheese comes from New School, giving each bite richness without being overwhelming. Their specials keep things interesting, from burgers layered with hickory-smoked cheese and brisket jam to mushroom-Swiss creations topped with shiitake marmalade. Everything feels intentional, from the seasoning to the sauce placement, and it shows in how quickly people come back for more.
Expatriate
5424 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
At Expatriate, the cheeseburger isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, it’s here to remind you why the classic works so well. The “American Standard” comes with a quarter-pound chuck patty cooked medium rare, topped with melty American cheese, ketchup, mustard, and crisp rings of raw white onion.
It’s a stripped-down burger with nothing to hide, and that confidence makes it all the more satisfying. The bar’s dim, intimate setting pairs perfectly with their thoughtful cocktail menu, making it just as much a date-night destination as a casual bite spot.
Farmer and the Beast
1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
Farmer and the Beast may be known for colorful salads and creative vegetarian options, but the burger is the clear star of the show. Two smashed patties with charred, crispy edges hold onto their juiciness, layered with molten American cheese that melts into the fresh iceberg lettuce and shaved onions. House pickles add brightness, and a Franz sesame seed bun keeps everything together without getting soggy.
The specials board is worth a look before you order with past offerings that have included toppings like poblano pepper spread or caramelized onions with Comté cheese. Between the rustic fries, friendly service, and casual cart atmosphere, it’s an easy spot to linger and enjoy your food.
Wolfs Head
80 SE Madison St, Portland, OR 97214
Wolfs Head started as a smoked barbecue cart, but their transition to a burger-focused brick-and-mortar has been a win for Portland burger lovers. The space has a diner-style counter where you can watch the action in the kitchen, with tables covered in cheerful red-check tablecloths.
The standard single burger features a 4-ounce patty made from a beef-and-brisket blend, smashed on a hot griddle for maximum flavor. It’s topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, dill pickles, and their house burger sauce, creating a juicy, tangy, and slightly sweet bite.
Hit the Spot
676 SE Morrison St, Portland, OR 97214
Long before smashburgers took over the food scene, Hit the Spot was already serving thin, juicy patties with melty cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, and special sauce. What started as a food trailer in a parking lot is now a permanent location, but the commitment to fresh, made-to-order burgers hasn’t changed.
The fries are crisp shoestrings, best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, and the onion rings are so good they could rival Portland’s most famous spots. The atmosphere is clean and relaxed, and the “farm-to-table fast food” approach means you get comfort food speed with better ingredients. This is the kind of burger you eat hot and fresh, sitting down, and savoring every bite.
Your Cheeseburger Day Game Plan
Portland has no shortage of great burgers, but these spots all bring something unique to the table. Some stick to tried-and-true classics with perfect execution, while others get creative with toppings, buns, and sauces.
National Cheeseburger Day is the perfect excuse to explore a new place or return to an old favorite. Bring a friend, split a couple of burgers, and figure out which one tops your list. And for the die-hards, keep an eye on these restaurants’ Instagram pages so you never miss a new special.
Whichever you choose, you’re in for something delicious.
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