It seems like everywhere you turn, people are talking about smash burgers. It wasn’t long ago that someone might look at you sideways at the mention of this flattened burger. Now, they’re a regular craving awaiting satisfaction. Whether you like your smashy with grilled onions or prefer a loaded triple patty, you will surely find smash burgers in Bend, Oregon, that fit your taste.
What is a Smash Burger?
Simply put, a smash burger is a beef patty firmly smashed into a hot grill. According to Chef Kenji Lopez-Alt, smashing a beef patty into a piping hot grill increases the “Maillard reaction,” creating the rich brown crust that makes burgers taste so satisfying. The burgers are smashed, seasoned, flipped, and topped with a slice of cheese. Then, patties are stacked and served over a buttered bun, dolloped in special sauce.
Still, there are a few styles of smash burgers. It’s likely that the smash burger was first invented in the Midwest. Known as the “Oklahoma onion burger,” these burgers are prepared with a generous amount of thinly sliced onions, then cooked on a mega-hot griddle and thinly smashed with a grill press or metal spatula. Oklahoma style is the most common style found at food carts.
Moreover, this thin and crispy burger has a few other variations. Southern California style typically includes crunchy iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato, pickles, and special sauce. Meanwhile, Texas style adds fried or grilled jalapeños to each smash patty. Now, let’s explore some incredible smash burgers in Bend, Oregon!
1. Willie Burger
What started out as an events-only pop-up has quickly become one of the most popular smash burgers in Bend, Oregon. Chris and Kahla started their burger cart in the summer of 2022, serving up single, double, and triple patties at Munch & Music and the Saturday Farmers Market in Northwest Crossing. It only took a few pop-ups at Boss Rambler Beer Club, and they sold out before every event’s end.
The idea behind their smash burger is straightforward yet brilliant. First, seasoned beef is grilled and topped with thinly sliced onions, then firmly pressed into the grill. Then, they add a slice of American cheese and special sauce before serving the burger on a grilled, buttered bun. We think it’s best to “make it spicy” with grilled jalapeños, but you can decide for yourself.
Since then, Willie Burger has upgraded—it now has a new truck and a permanent location. You can find them at Deschutes Brewing Tasting Room every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon until sold out. Visit WillieBurger.
2. Americana
Sure, you can get a standard smash burger from Americana with all of your favorite fixings. Or, you can opt for one of their specials, like The Sloppy Goat. First, they make their classic two-patty smash and top it with white cheddar cheese. Then, they add whipped goat cheese, bacon-onion-date jam, grilled onions, thick bacon, and a balsamic drizzle.
And, hey, if you’re not into the fancier specialty smash burgers, you can’t go wrong with their OG Americana burger. This burger comes with two smash patties, American cheese, caramelized onions, secret sauce, lettuce, and tomato, served on a brioche bun. Visit The Americana at The Podski and enjoy your smash burger of choice with a pint of Rainier or Clear Mind kombucha. Visit Americana.
3. CHOW
When the burger cravings start to hit before lunch, there’s a solution: CHOW. While Chow Burger is no longer operating, you can still get a smashy from its namesake brunch hub. CHOW’s smash burger is made with Cascade Farms beef and topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and house-made aioli, all on a brioche bun.
Should you dare, you can add carnitas (or bacon) to your smash burger. And, because it’s brunch, you can still pair it with one of CHOW’s famous sides, including roasted sweet potatoes and bacon-cheddar grits. Why not make it a whole brunch experience and add a Bloody Mary for the perfect Sunday (or Tuesday)? CHOW is open every day from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
4. Blue Eyes Burgers and Fries
This midtown burger joint combines Oklahoma and Southern California styles on their smash burgers. They start with local beef sourced from Central Oregon’s Pitchfork T (sister ranch to Rainshadow Organics). Then, they finish it off with American cheese, “supreme sauce,” crunchy iceberg lettuce, and pickles, all laid out on a Jackson’s Corner griddled sweet bun.
Blue Eyes Burgers and Fries keeps it simple with side offerings of fries and onion rings, Root Beer floats, and soft-serve ice cream. It’s also worth mentioning that they offer a vegetarian option made with Oregon chickpeas and mushrooms. On their drinks menu, you can find craft cocktails and mocktails to pair with your single, double, or triple smashy. Visit Blue Eyes Burgers & Fries.
5. MidCity SmashedBurger
Economically priced, packed with flavor. That’s what you’ll find at MidCity Smashedburger in Bend. Originating in Portland, the smashed burger cart opened its third location more recently in Central Oregon.
Now, you’ll find MidCity Smashed Burger at Waypoint Hotel. Here, you can get their signature “Smashy Boi” for just $6. This simple smash burger comes with one smashed patty, Smash sauce, and cheese over a Franz Bakery bun. Or, upgrade to the Deluxe Boi with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and bacon. Yes, they have fries, and they’re just four bucks. Visit MidCity SmashedBurger.
6. Alley Dogz
Don’t let the name fool you—Alley Dogz now serves smash burgers alongside their extensive hot dog and corn dog offerings. This smashy comes with a heaping of grilled onions, pickles, and gooey American cheese.
Of course, you can pair this smash burger with almost any beer, cider, or wine you can dream of. Why? Because Alley Dogz is located at the Midtown Yacht Club food cart lot, where they have dozens of taps, beer and ciders by the can, wines by the bottle, and CBD sparkling beverages galore. Open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
7. Worthy Brewing Beers & Burgers (Downtown)
Create your perfect smash burger at Worthy Brewing’s downtown burger hub, Worthy Beers and Burgers. They start by sourcing local beef from Greene Bros. Ranch (Powell Butte). Each 3.5-ounce patty is seasoned and smashed to griddled perfection and layered in your choice of toppings between a Big Ed’s Bakery brioche bun.
The options are almost endless, with choices like American cheese, caramelized onions, fresh jalepeños, and fried egg. Stack your burger to the max with a double or triple patty option, and add your choice of fries or salad for an extra few bucks.
While the taps constantly rotate, you will surely find your favorite Worthy brews like Icarus Golden Stout and Cucumber Gin Fizz Experimental Ale. But with a full bar and exciting cocktails like the rum punch cocktail, you can enjoy your smash burger with just about any drink of choice on their Brooks Alley patio or dining room.
Smash Burgers in Bend, Oregon
Listen, folks. We can’t possibly list every amazing smash burger in Central Oregon. While many of your favorite restaurants and food carts offer deliciously smashed burgers as specials, these are some tried and true spots serving (almost) exclusively smash burgers in Bend. We think this list of seven smash burgers in Bend, Oregon, will satiate nearly every appetite and craving for every variety and style of smashies. Be sure to check restaurant listings and Instagram pages for updated hours of operation, as they may vary.
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