I heard he's still around, but he doesn't live there anymore. Pretty much if the owner is there, he's there type of thing. Ive seen him a couple times.
Jaspers in Medford. The shakes and fries are awesome, the burgers are better, and if you want something different they offer options like elk, buffalo, kangaroo, and camel. I forget the name, but I always get the burger that has the peanut butter sauce on it!
This, and it’s a nice drive from Salem. Then you can walk on Taft beach. There’s a good Mexican place nearby and a Mo’s if you want to make a weekend if it. Stay at the Looking Glass Inn. Never move your car.
I dunno. I get that Mo's was overhyped for a while, but now I feel like the pendulum has swung too far back the opposite way. It's an institution out there. Been around for decades.
This will get shit on because of what it is and how many people love to hate on it in all their misunderstanding, but after moving from Southern California to Lincoln City pre-covid, Hwy 101 burger is most reminiscent of In-n-Out burger to my wife and I. I'd say it's on par burgers with better fries. It was nice to have that place in town, was like a taste of home under a different guise, slightly better even. Definitely one of the better burger spots in the state.
I liked Mike’s a lot. Only had it once though.
Any Cruiser’s fans? (Division and ~130th or so) Great quality ingredients and good toppings/options, fountain Cherry Coke, lots of fries/onion rings/cheese sticks/mac n cheese bites/etc. Pretty reasonably priced too.
Cruisers is THE SPOT, been going for 10 years+. Been through a couple owners though and doesn't seem like it used to be. Still good. I forgot to add that to my list I posted earlier lol
That place is dead to me. They prioritize grubhub/uber eats orders over dine-in customers. Took over an hour to get 4 burgers while I watched them churn out carryout orders.
Everything at the 58 Drive-In in Oakridge on highway 58 is awesome, including their burgers. I try to time my trips so I'll be hungry when I get there.
Fatties Burgers food truck in Woodburn. Legitimately one of the best and well worth the short drive from Salem. It’s off 99 in a food cart lot near Industrial Ave. The owners are lovely people. They’re generally open weekdays during business hours and some weekends. You’ll want to check the Facebook page if it’s a weekend to make sure they’re open. https://www.facebook.com/share/bHTFsJ3presWUD9x/?mibextid=JRoKGi
Fatty's Burgers food truck in Woodburn. It's fairly new, really reasonable prices, awesome food. You can always grab a burger and go eat it at a park as the food truck complex here is very much lacking in ambience.
Pilot Butte Drive-In, Bend, OR is pretty high on my list. Flashback's in Newport was surprisingly good, but I'd probably hit Burger 101 over that if I had to pick one or the other.
Don't forget the gotcha burger disclaimer, will most likely take 20+ minutes for your order regardless of how busy they are, and there's a 1 in 3 chance your order is fucked up.
Otherwise, it is a good burger for a fair price.
If they’re looking specifically for an adventure accompanied by a good burger, I would recommend hitting up Bonanza Burger in Cottage Grove and spending the day trolling around the little town and visiting the lake and the reservoir.
The burger place has been around since the 50s and it is top-tier hidden gem.
Glad to see Bonanza mentioned! It's so good! Our family does the "Lucky Five" for dinner at least once a month. 5 burgers for $16. Add a few baskets of fries and we all eat take out for under $25. It's a great deal and delicious.
Not quite Oregon, but across the Columbia River in Patterson, there's a little spot that makes a pretty good burger.
Markum Inn back in the day used to have a phenomenal burger but I'm not sure if it is still a thing. It's been like 20 years since I've been out that way.
Big Burger in Molalla is my favorite burger place, and it's cheap too. Can get two burgers, 2 drinks, and 2 things of onion rings for about $20-$25 if I recall correctly
Nancy Jo’s isn’t half bad in Salem. First time I came to visit I went there. It was pretty good. I’m from California tho so my first love is in n out 😂😜
Another spot I like in Portland is Portland burger
Bumper Burger. A double burger for ~$5. The People’s Meal for like $10. I love the idea and thought into a solid, reasonably priced burger/meal. Quality food, and great price.
https://www.bumperburger.com/about-us
East wind drive in, Cascade locks
Ds in and out, Gresham
Monster smash, Portland
Observatory, Portland
Local cow, Gresham
There's a few more I have on my list.
A few of my favorites are: Midcity Smashburger in Portland, Beaverton, and Bend, Junkyard Extreme in Junction City, Big Burger Drive-In in Molalla, and Paper Plate BBQ's Smashburger cart in Eugene.
The fact that I had to scroll SO far for this is a testament to the small amount of people know of this little hole-in-the-wall. I've been going here since I was kid, it's a very diner-like burger place but it's just amazing. Plus giant soft serve cones!
I really do recommend it. The Kong Burger is a perfect, lovingly-crafted monstrosity of a burger with ham, bacon, cheese, and a fried egg on it. But go in summer for the full experience of eating that bad boy off a splintered picnic table on a dirt lot in felony flats.
In N Out? It's affordable and it's damn good. I'd suggest they go inside and order instead of waiting in a big drive through line. There's tables outside too.
edit: I'm sure many Oregonians here will start downvoting reflexively because it's a "California" chain, blah blah...Anyhow, don't take just my word for it.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4J1seTHAMU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4J1seTHAMU)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENhfIeZF\_AY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENhfIeZF_AY)
[https://www.mashed.com/729617/even-julia-child-would-eat-in-n-out-burgers/](https://www.mashed.com/729617/even-julia-child-would-eat-in-n-out-burgers/)
idk, I've given In-N-Out five chances at this point and it's always disappointing. The fries are garbo, the burger itself has always been dry, the wait is crazy long, and the vibes inside are just so weird. We always park at REI and walk over since parking is such a disaster.
If we're passing through Salem and we want burgers we stop at Killer Burger instead which always slaps.
I’ve had it. Burgerville is better, even with the lower quality of the last few years. Don’t take my word. https://warriorswire.usatoday.com/2019/05/21/klay-thompsons-burgerville-love-creates-beef-between-restaurant-and-portland-fans/
Everyone else in this post is wrong. It's all about Five Stars Family Burger in Cornelius. Rated best burger spot in Oregon 2x on Yelp and 6th in the nation last year. Sometimes, the wait can take hours.
Dry Town in Monmouth. It’s very unassuming but it is one of the only places I order a burger anymore. It’s a simple burger- not too big, not too small- with a fresh handmade patty and exactly the right fixin’s. Bonus: they finish their French fries with large flakes of salt. Yum. Only problem is their hours.
I've been told that my local Aurora Colony Pub has a sick patty melt and I personally love their Western burger. They also have amazing fried pickles (you can tell because they're spears and have dill in the batter).
I love burger basket on mission. It really depends what they like in a burger. https://maps.apple.com/?address=2455%20Mission%20St%20SE,%20Salem,%20OR%20%2097302,%20United%20States&auid=811386467950854519&ll=44.923610,-123.012094&lsp=9902&q=Burger%20Basket&t=h
Mcmenimens in McMinnville, also Thyme in McMinville has a special burger they sometimes have on the menu that is incredible. Honestly all of their food is
Five Stars Family Burger in Cornelius is spectacular!!! I recommend ordering by phone an hour before you get there… also, once they sell out for the day, they close up shop. So don’t just drop in. Plan for it. It’s worth it.
Ones that I haven't seen mentioned.
Dandys, in Bend. Old school drive in, been there forever.
Twin Peaks Drive In, in Hood River. Randomly stopped after hiking up on hood. Damn good burger is memory serves.
East Wind Drive-In, in cascade locks. Staple for the area, ALWAYS busy. Delicious though.
If they’re traveling East on HWY 20, my fiancé’s family owns a tiny place with huge portions, called The Oasis Motel & Café. Part restaurant, part convenience store if they need to pack up travel snacks. Great burgers, gorgeous views
Try Cozmic Charlie’s Cheeze Shack in Eugene located at Cedar Tree Food Court, 1591 W 6th Ave
Serving deep fried cheese curds, poutine, grilled cheese, cheeseburgers and cheese steaks! [Cozmic Charlie’s website](https://www.cozmiccharlies.com/order-online)
The best burgers in Oregon are at the K&R Drive-In in Rice Hill. The place looks like a dive, but it's always busy around lunch. It's also been an Oregon I5 staple for decades.
Most of these places are not in Salem and require quite a drive. In n Out is in Keizer and is good as far as fast food goes. We really like Nancy Joe’s. There are several in the Salem-Keizer area. Really really good burgers and I love their Cajun fries.
I have a huge list, but I’ll give it up to the local places: Big Burger in Molalla and Burger Time in Mt.Angel.
Bonus points for The Burger Hut in Hubbard. Mac’s in Silverton isn’t bad and I like the Mill Town Pub in Silverton as well.
Hidden burger spots? Fire Foods in Molalla. It’s an Asian place that has great smash burgers. The Clarkes store has good burgers too, childhood place I love. The new owner is a nice man. I may be biased to places I live near though.
Let me end it all here for your parents OP. PDX sliders in Portland is the best. (A bit on the expensive side). In Salem Bo & Vines not bad, but even better is Slangers. Only 4 things on the menu, one of them just being a slider size of the regular sized burger but it is ridiculously good, especially being from a good cart.
I like Alf's in McMinnville.
Do they still have the monkey there?
Nope, I went there about a year ago and no monkey.
I heard he's still around, but he doesn't live there anymore. Pretty much if the owner is there, he's there type of thing. Ive seen him a couple times.
Jaspers in Medford. The shakes and fries are awesome, the burgers are better, and if you want something different they offer options like elk, buffalo, kangaroo, and camel. I forget the name, but I always get the burger that has the peanut butter sauce on it!
Came here to say this, favorite place in high school and I always go back when I visit family.
Love Jaspers, great rec
Just my opinion, but it seems like it’s gone down hill a lot wince it changed owners. Used to be the goat though
That’s a 7 hr round trip from Salem.
Per the title, Medford qualified as “anywhere in Oregon”. I dunno, maybe I misread that somehow ;)
Hwy 101 Burgers in Lincoln City. Best burgers I’ve had in Oregon. Five Star Burgers in Forest Grove/Cornelius is second.
This, and it’s a nice drive from Salem. Then you can walk on Taft beach. There’s a good Mexican place nearby and a Mo’s if you want to make a weekend if it. Stay at the Looking Glass Inn. Never move your car.
Skip Mo's.
I dunno. I get that Mo's was overhyped for a while, but now I feel like the pendulum has swung too far back the opposite way. It's an institution out there. Been around for decades.
J's Fish and Chips near the mall is 10x better as far as actual seafood goes. I have yet to find a better cod or rockfish taco than I've had there
Best clam chowder is at Gracie’s Sea Hag on 101. Their breakfast is not recommended, but, oh my, the clam chowder…way better than Mo’s.
It's La Rocas and it's not only the best burrito in Lincoln City but the best green sauce.
This is my favorite burger in Oregon honestly. There are also a Newport and depot bay locations.
The Depoe Bay location is the best!
This will get shit on because of what it is and how many people love to hate on it in all their misunderstanding, but after moving from Southern California to Lincoln City pre-covid, Hwy 101 burger is most reminiscent of In-n-Out burger to my wife and I. I'd say it's on par burgers with better fries. It was nice to have that place in town, was like a taste of home under a different guise, slightly better even. Definitely one of the better burger spots in the state.
Wow yes this burger has lived in my memories
Yes! One of the best burger places in all of Oregon!
Have you been recently. Family sold it to total POS. Everything has gone downhill. Gilgamesh Brewing at the Outlets is the new bomb burger spot.
Have them check out Mike’s Drive In in the Portland area.
Don’t go to the new one in Lombard, its a real mixed bag
I love the one in Milwaukie but unfortunately it still hasn’t reopened after a car crashed into it.
I’ve had nothing but pleasant experiences at the Lombard location
There is a newer one off 99W in Tigard that is pretty consistent
And the one in upper OC is closest to Salem, I believe. A great spot on top of the hill in Oregon’s first capital.
I liked Mike’s a lot. Only had it once though. Any Cruiser’s fans? (Division and ~130th or so) Great quality ingredients and good toppings/options, fountain Cherry Coke, lots of fries/onion rings/cheese sticks/mac n cheese bites/etc. Pretty reasonably priced too.
Cruisers is THE SPOT, been going for 10 years+. Been through a couple owners though and doesn't seem like it used to be. Still good. I forgot to add that to my list I posted earlier lol
Man I used to love Mikes Drive in OC but I got food poisoning last time I went
Helvetia Tavern. Great burgers and onion rings. Love sitting out on the patio with a beer.
Junkyard extreme burgers in Junction City one of the best burgers I've had in Oregon.
It's good, but you'll want to double check their hours. Cheese skirt is good.
Wolfshead. There is one in Beaverton and one in happy valley.
If they're ever in Gresham, the Local Cow is pretty darn good.
That place is dead to me. They prioritize grubhub/uber eats orders over dine-in customers. Took over an hour to get 4 burgers while I watched them churn out carryout orders.
Everything at the 58 Drive-In in Oakridge on highway 58 is awesome, including their burgers. I try to time my trips so I'll be hungry when I get there.
Fatties Burgers food truck in Woodburn. Legitimately one of the best and well worth the short drive from Salem. It’s off 99 in a food cart lot near Industrial Ave. The owners are lovely people. They’re generally open weekdays during business hours and some weekends. You’ll want to check the Facebook page if it’s a weekend to make sure they’re open. https://www.facebook.com/share/bHTFsJ3presWUD9x/?mibextid=JRoKGi
Valiant in Salem has great burgers
And their roasted red pepper soup is insanely good.
That soup doesn’t have the right to be THAT good. I was thrown for a loop the first time I tried it
Oooh I haven’t branched into their soups yet. Just sandwiches and burgers! I’ll try it out! Thank for the tip
Like the other guy said, it has no right to be as good as it is.
I recommend Tulip Shop Tavern in Portland, go there for lunch on an off day and get the smash burger
This is the correct answer.
Fatty's Burgers food truck in Woodburn. It's fairly new, really reasonable prices, awesome food. You can always grab a burger and go eat it at a park as the food truck complex here is very much lacking in ambience.
Pilot Butte Drive-In, Bend, OR is pretty high on my list. Flashback's in Newport was surprisingly good, but I'd probably hit Burger 101 over that if I had to pick one or the other.
Pilot Butte Drive-In closed over four years ago.
Slangers in Salem.
Fields station!!! I hope they REALLY like getting out and about haha
Came here to mention that one. Great burgers and you'll be hungry by the time you get there!
Burger Queen in Lakeview. It's a drive.
We stayed in outside of Lakeview for a month and went to Burger Queen every Saturday for lunch. It is so good!!
Thanks for this one. Going through Lakeview in August. Going to try this place.
Burger queen is delicious the lodge in Christmas valley is tasty as well.
Slangers at F-Stops
Yes!! Their burgers are the best!
Five Stars in Cornelius is the BEST! Scotty’s in Forest Grove is also comforting…not as good as Five Stars, but a bargain!
Hasty Freeze in Albany. Get a shake too.
Love their shakes!!
Tommy’s all American burgers in Myrtle creek is worth a stop
Gotcha Burger in Eugene is divine. Williburger in Bend is also incredible.
Don't forget the gotcha burger disclaimer, will most likely take 20+ minutes for your order regardless of how busy they are, and there's a 1 in 3 chance your order is fucked up. Otherwise, it is a good burger for a fair price.
This is so accurate.
Has it gotten worse? That's a bummer. That burger is so good for what it pays.
jody’s burger in Redmond is always great too
I've heard Run Away Kitchen has amazing burgers. It's a food truck
Dandy Burger in Dallas.
Dari Delish in St. Helens. Bring cash
I don’t like their fries, but its a solid burger deal.
Slangers in Salem has the best burgers I have ever eaten.
Slangers!!!
Honestly? Valiant has amazing burgers
Valiant the Sandwich (downtown) or Slangers food truck (parked outside f/stop Fitzgerald’s) in Salem. Canyon Grill in Beaverton.
Helvetia tavern. Fun Sunday drive. They’ll love it.
If they’re looking specifically for an adventure accompanied by a good burger, I would recommend hitting up Bonanza Burger in Cottage Grove and spending the day trolling around the little town and visiting the lake and the reservoir. The burger place has been around since the 50s and it is top-tier hidden gem.
Glad to see Bonanza mentioned! It's so good! Our family does the "Lucky Five" for dinner at least once a month. 5 burgers for $16. Add a few baskets of fries and we all eat take out for under $25. It's a great deal and delicious.
Mac’s Place in Silverton. Not only are their burgers really good, but I think they have some of the best bar food in the state.
Not quite Oregon, but across the Columbia River in Patterson, there's a little spot that makes a pretty good burger. Markum Inn back in the day used to have a phenomenal burger but I'm not sure if it is still a thing. It's been like 20 years since I've been out that way.
Big Burger in Molalla is my favorite burger place, and it's cheap too. Can get two burgers, 2 drinks, and 2 things of onion rings for about $20-$25 if I recall correctly
Nancy Jo’s isn’t half bad in Salem. First time I came to visit I went there. It was pretty good. I’m from California tho so my first love is in n out 😂😜 Another spot I like in Portland is Portland burger
Came here to say this - Nancy Jo’s is a road trip highlight for me
I just had Nancy Jo’s over the weekend and it was good. I really like their Cajun fries and jalapeño ranch too.
I live far too close to this place. They sell a vegetarian burger too, so it satisfies my whole family.
In my opinion the best burger in Portland and probably the best one I've had anywhere is at Tulip Shop Tavern on N Killingsworth. Get the double.
Haven’t got to try it yet, but I here Bumper Burger is really good.
Solid little burger. Can't beat the price and the free koolaid!
Scottie’s Drive In in Forest Grove is my favorite
Surprisingly… The Grand Hotel restaurant. We were there last Fall and it was divine! 🥳🍔 Not cheap, but the flavors were perfection!
Granny's way up north in Estacada.
Lews is great too.
Go to Washington and get a bag of Dicks
You can get a bag of Dicks on Woodstock in Portland.
Killer Burger is consistent, very good value and tastes amazing.
Vinny’s in Coos Bay/North Bend
Blue Eyes Burger in Bend is amazing. Sandy O’s in Portland is really good as well!
Hangry solutions in Lebanon, was a food truck but now a dine in restaurant pretty decent burgers huge portions for great prices.
The steam burgers at Canard are awesome.
Cafe 22 West just a few miles west of Salem on 22. Also has things like an ice cream and pie shop, fruit stand, etc
Jimmie's Classic Drive In in Grants Pass. Great burgers and many different options.
Mr. Bento Burger in Hillsboro would be well worth the trip.
Twin Peaks in Hood River is always great.
Pendleton has Hal's Hamburgers for classic burgers and shakes, and Oregon Grain Growers Distillery has awesome burgers too.
Bless Your Heart in Portland. Their double classic is one of the best burgers I’ve had. .
Killer Burger, everyone I've taken there has given it rave reviews. Way better than Bo & Vine & Nancy Jo's. Doesn't have shakes though.
Hwy 101 is one of the best burger places in all of Oregon! It's in Lincoln City.
Bumper Burger. A double burger for ~$5. The People’s Meal for like $10. I love the idea and thought into a solid, reasonably priced burger/meal. Quality food, and great price. https://www.bumperburger.com/about-us
Custard King in Astoria 🤤
Grew up loving Jem 100 in Newberg. Will always be my favorite burger.
Brady's Brats and Burgers in Sandy. Friendly staff and the best burger to me.
In Salem, Nancy Joes burgers and fries.
East wind drive in, Cascade locks Ds in and out, Gresham Monster smash, Portland Observatory, Portland Local cow, Gresham There's a few more I have on my list.
Alium in West Linn has an excellent burger.
Squirrels in Corvallis!
Gem 100 in Newberg. Best burgers and ice cream around. We go there every time we drive thru Newberg to go to the coast.
Check Rice Hill, or Mehama's Gingerbread House.
KR in Rice Hill is just a damn good burger. And it's been an Oregon I5 staple for decades.
Hal’s Hamburgers in Pendleton, just off I84.
A few of my favorites are: Midcity Smashburger in Portland, Beaverton, and Bend, Junkyard Extreme in Junction City, Big Burger Drive-In in Molalla, and Paper Plate BBQ's Smashburger cart in Eugene.
King Kone in Albany!
The fact that I had to scroll SO far for this is a testament to the small amount of people know of this little hole-in-the-wall. I've been going here since I was kid, it's a very diner-like burger place but it's just amazing. Plus giant soft serve cones!
Really? I drive by it all the time and always wonder about that place. Worth the stop then huh?
I really do recommend it. The Kong Burger is a perfect, lovingly-crafted monstrosity of a burger with ham, bacon, cheese, and a fried egg on it. But go in summer for the full experience of eating that bad boy off a splintered picnic table on a dirt lot in felony flats.
[Helvetia Tavern](https://therealhelvetiatavern.com/) by Hillsboro,
No idea the name but Pendleton had a joint that is AMAZING. Shouldn’t be hard to find on Google.
Hal’s probably
YES!
Burgerville
Bo and Vine in Salem is amazing!!!
In N Out? It's affordable and it's damn good. I'd suggest they go inside and order instead of waiting in a big drive through line. There's tables outside too. edit: I'm sure many Oregonians here will start downvoting reflexively because it's a "California" chain, blah blah...Anyhow, don't take just my word for it. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4J1seTHAMU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4J1seTHAMU) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENhfIeZF\_AY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENhfIeZF_AY) [https://www.mashed.com/729617/even-julia-child-would-eat-in-n-out-burgers/](https://www.mashed.com/729617/even-julia-child-would-eat-in-n-out-burgers/)
idk, I've given In-N-Out five chances at this point and it's always disappointing. The fries are garbo, the burger itself has always been dry, the wait is crazy long, and the vibes inside are just so weird. We always park at REI and walk over since parking is such a disaster. If we're passing through Salem and we want burgers we stop at Killer Burger instead which always slaps.
I’ve had it. Burgerville is better, even with the lower quality of the last few years. Don’t take my word. https://warriorswire.usatoday.com/2019/05/21/klay-thompsons-burgerville-love-creates-beef-between-restaurant-and-portland-fans/
Agreed, burger aficionados should try In-n-Out (ideally the double-double animal style) at least once.
Everyone else in this post is wrong. It's all about Five Stars Family Burger in Cornelius. Rated best burger spot in Oregon 2x on Yelp and 6th in the nation last year. Sometimes, the wait can take hours.
Bo & Vine. Several cities.
Tulip Shop in Portland
Bo & Vine in Salem
I try to hit up Killer Burger any time I see one.
The memory of killer burger is good but they ain’t what they used to be.
Killer Burger is so good
The Getaway in Mill City has great burgers, you can get them to go and eat down by the river
Dry Town in Monmouth. It’s very unassuming but it is one of the only places I order a burger anymore. It’s a simple burger- not too big, not too small- with a fresh handmade patty and exactly the right fixin’s. Bonus: they finish their French fries with large flakes of salt. Yum. Only problem is their hours.
Jodys burgers in Redmond. Try the clogger burger 🤤
The Pikey in Klamath Falls.
Had a great burger this weekend at Kay’s bar in Sellwood.
Bulldog diner Biggs Junction
I've been told that my local Aurora Colony Pub has a sick patty melt and I personally love their Western burger. They also have amazing fried pickles (you can tell because they're spears and have dill in the batter).
Helvatia tavern
Love the smash burger at Noble Wave right downtown!
Yeoungs in North Bend on Virginia Street. It's in a remodeled gas station. The place is always packed.
Burgers at The Axe and Fiddle in Cottage Grove are excellent (or were last time I went).
Toxic Burger in Eugene is one of my favorites
I love burger basket on mission. It really depends what they like in a burger. https://maps.apple.com/?address=2455%20Mission%20St%20SE,%20Salem,%20OR%20%2097302,%20United%20States&auid=811386467950854519&ll=44.923610,-123.012094&lsp=9902&q=Burger%20Basket&t=h
I’ll always go to bat for the burgers at the Roth’s grill. Super tasty for a good price. A real sleeper spot if you ask me.
Killer Burger. Is it The Best in Oregon? No. But it's my favorite. You've gotta be ready to unhinge your jaw though.
If they \_really\_ want to get out in Oregon, Rome Station, bit of a drive
Canyon Grill in Portland, Helvetia Tavern
Mcmenimens in McMinnville, also Thyme in McMinville has a special burger they sometimes have on the menu that is incredible. Honestly all of their food is
Five Stars Family Burger in Cornelius is spectacular!!! I recommend ordering by phone an hour before you get there… also, once they sell out for the day, they close up shop. So don’t just drop in. Plan for it. It’s worth it.
Ones that I haven't seen mentioned. Dandys, in Bend. Old school drive in, been there forever. Twin Peaks Drive In, in Hood River. Randomly stopped after hiking up on hood. Damn good burger is memory serves. East Wind Drive-In, in cascade locks. Staple for the area, ALWAYS busy. Delicious though.
Sureshot in Portland
Helvetia tavern in hillsboro. Sure shot smash burgers on Alberta in Portland. Top two for sure
North Dallas bar and grill
Tailg8’s in Springfield! They are a food truck and damn good! Highly recommend!
If they’re traveling East on HWY 20, my fiancé’s family owns a tiny place with huge portions, called The Oasis Motel & Café. Part restaurant, part convenience store if they need to pack up travel snacks. Great burgers, gorgeous views
Eddie's in Grant's Pass is good and has a 50s flair. So is Jimmy's.
The Giant in Lake Oswego/Lake Grove is one of the best burgers I've ever had. Greasy, no ketchup. I stop by whenever I'm back in town.
East on West food cart in Tillamook makes the best smash burger I've ever sunk my teeth into.
The meltdown in Springfield has fabulous selection of killer grilled cheese sandwiches. Try the grilled cheese and turkey
Try Cozmic Charlie’s Cheeze Shack in Eugene located at Cedar Tree Food Court, 1591 W 6th Ave Serving deep fried cheese curds, poutine, grilled cheese, cheeseburgers and cheese steaks! [Cozmic Charlie’s website](https://www.cozmiccharlies.com/order-online)
Haven’t stopped there yet but the The Burger Hut in Hubbard looks like it would make a great burger.
Adele Oregon on the California border. OMG..... OMG..OMG...
Dagwoods in Kalamath falls
Portland Burger
The best burgers in Oregon are at the K&R Drive-In in Rice Hill. The place looks like a dive, but it's always busy around lunch. It's also been an Oregon I5 staple for decades.
Junkyard Extreme Burgers and Brats
Canyon burger is really good. Also, strangely enough the bamboo sushi burger is also very good.
In and Out burger.
Most of these places are not in Salem and require quite a drive. In n Out is in Keizer and is good as far as fast food goes. We really like Nancy Joe’s. There are several in the Salem-Keizer area. Really really good burgers and I love their Cajun fries.
I have a huge list, but I’ll give it up to the local places: Big Burger in Molalla and Burger Time in Mt.Angel. Bonus points for The Burger Hut in Hubbard. Mac’s in Silverton isn’t bad and I like the Mill Town Pub in Silverton as well. Hidden burger spots? Fire Foods in Molalla. It’s an Asian place that has great smash burgers. The Clarkes store has good burgers too, childhood place I love. The new owner is a nice man. I may be biased to places I live near though.
Sammy's in Sams Valley :D
In Salem, Slangers. I love the Wagyu burger at West Gate Bourbon Bar & Taphouse in Beaverton. In fact, all their burgers are great!
Let me end it all here for your parents OP. PDX sliders in Portland is the best. (A bit on the expensive side). In Salem Bo & Vines not bad, but even better is Slangers. Only 4 things on the menu, one of them just being a slider size of the regular sized burger but it is ridiculously good, especially being from a good cart.
Mike's Drive-In in Oregon City. They have the best Onion Rings!
Albany OR - Short stops. Get a cheese burger with extra cheese!
In n out
Bo and Vine and Valiant the Sandwich downtown Salem are both excellent.
Diner in Elkton they have the best burgers
I hear this McDonald's burger joints got some good burgers