MidCity SmashedBurger explained

MidCity SmashedBurger
Logo Alt:Graphic of an anthropomorphic hamburger wearing a hat and pointing finger guns; there is also a checkered circle enveloping the burger and the text "MCSB", "MidCity SmashedBurger", and "Est. 2020"
Current-Owner:Mike Aldridge
Chef:Mike Aldridge
State:Oregon
Zip:-->
Country:United States

MidCity SmashedBurger (also known as MidCity SmashBurger) is a small chain of burger restaurants based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Chef Mike Aldridge started the business as a pop-up restaurant in New Orleans in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic before relocating to Portland and relaunching as a food cart in early 2021. MidCity specializes in "smash" burgers, which have meat pressed directly on a flat-top grill. Elsewhere in Oregon, MidCity has operated in Bend and Beaverton. The restaurant has garnered a positive reception and has been praised for serving some of the best burgers in Portland and Central Oregon.

Description

MidCity SmashedBurger is a small chain of restaurants in the U.S. state of Oregon, operating in Portland and Bend. MidCity specializes in "smash" burgers, described by Michael Russell of The Oregonian as "burgers made from meat smashed directly on a flat-top grill". Beyond regular and vegan burgers,[1] MidCity serves fish sandwiches,[2] chicken nuggets,[3] French fries, and milkshakes.[4] The sauce in their burgers is a blend of ingredients, including mayonnaise and mustard. One Portland location features an illustration of a cheeseburger pointing finger guns by local artist Mike Bennett.[5] The cartoon burger, Smashy,[6] has become MidCity's mascot.[7]

History

Chef and owner Mike Aldridge started MidCity as a pop-up restaurant, selling burgers from his porch in New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] [9] He moved to Portland and re-opened MidCity in January 2021,[10] operating a food truck on Stark Street at the intersection of 11th Avenue in southeast Portland's Buckman neighborhood.[11] Approximately 1,000 burgers were sold in the first eight days and the business quickly built a social media following. Selling up to 300 burgers per day, by September 2021 MidCity had sold tens of thousands of burgers.[12]

In 2021, Brooke Jackson-Glidden of Eater Portland stated that Aldridge hoped to open a brick and mortar location on Lombard Street in north Portland's St. Johns neighborhood, in a space that previously housed a Bernstein's Bagels shop.[13] Restaurateur Eric Nelson (of local establishments Eem and Langbaan) collaborated with Aldridge to create a new menu with burgers, hot dogs, and margaritas.[14] [15] The St. Johns location did not materialize;[16] instead, Aldridge opened a new food cart at a pod on North Williams Avenue, near the Moda Center.[17]

In 2022, MidCity expanded outside Portland. Aldridge opened a food cart next to the Boneyard Beer taproom on Northwest Lake Place in Bend's Old Bend neighborhood.[18] [19] [20] By mid 2023, the cart had relocated to Third Street, operating outside the Hosmer bar in the Waypoint Hotel. Hosmer was opened by Aldridge and his brother.[21]

MidCity's original food cart moved in 2022.[22] Aldridge declined the nearby space that was offered by food cart pod Lil' America, relocating the cart to the Level Brewing taproom on Sandy Boulevard in the northeast Portland part of the Kerns neighborhood.[23] In March 2024, the business announced plans to relocate a cart in Belmont. The cart opened at Ship Ahoy Tavern in southeast Portland's Creston-Kenilworth neighborhood on March 27.[24] MidCity began operating at Binary Brewing in Beaverton in 2024.[25]

Reception

In 2021, Michael Russell of The Oregonian said MidCity had Portland's best smash burger.[26] [27] He also included the business in an overview of the city's best new food carts. Karen Brooks and Katherine Chew Hamilton included MidCity in Portland Monthly 2021 list of the city's best new food carts.[28] Alex Frane included the business in Thrillist's 2021 overview of "must-hit" restaurants in Portland.[29]

In 2023, Eater Portland Katrina Yentch lauded MidCity's affordability, and Jashayla Pettigrew included the restaurant in KOIN's list of the seven best smash burgers in the metropolitan area, based on Yelp reviews.[30] Ron Scott and Janey Wong included the restaurant in Eater Portland 2024 list of twenty "mind-blowing" burgers in the Portland metropolitan area.[31] Bend Magazine has also included MidCity in an overview of the best burgers in Central Oregon.[32]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wu . Waz . 2023-03-16 . Meet Portland's Glittery, '90s-Themed Vegan Smash Burger and Wings Pop-Up . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230624205444/https://pdx.eater.com/2023/3/16/23640542/daddys-vegan-smash-burgers-wings-portland . 2023-06-24 . 2023-10-11 . . Vox Media.
  2. Web site: Cohen . Jason . 2021-09-22 . These Four Portland Eateries Finally Give Fish Sandwiches the Spotlight . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230530121426/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2021/09/22/these-four-portland-eateries-finally-give-fish-sandwiches-the-spotlight/ . 2023-05-30 . 2023-10-11 . Willamette Week.
  3. Web site: Yentch . Katrina . 2015-07-17 . 20 Knockout Spots for Affordable Dining in Portland . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220305134051/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/best-inexpensive-meals-restaurants-portland . 2022-03-05 . 2023-10-11 . Eater Portland.
  4. Web site: Michelman . Jordan . February 5, 2021 . Mid-City Smash Burger Is Portland's New Orleans–Born Burger Cart . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230601133021/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2021/02/mid-city-smash-burger-is-portland-s-new-orleans-born-burger-cart . 2023-06-01 . 2023-10-11 . . 1546-2765.
  5. Web site: Wong . Janey . 2022-10-18 . Portland Artist Mike Bennett Opens Fantastical Cafe Wonderwood Springs . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230322134516/https://pdx.eater.com/2022/10/18/23411274/artist-mike-bennett-opens-cafe-wonderwood-springs . 2023-03-22 . 2023-10-11 . Eater Portland.
  6. Web site: Cohen . Jason . 2021-05-05 . Smash Burgers Are on Trend in Portland, and Two of the Best Can Be Found Just Blocks From Each Other On Southeast Stark . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230220100216/https://www.wweek.com/restaurants/2021/05/05/smash-burgers-are-on-trend-in-portland-and-two-of-the-best-can-be-found-just-blocks-from-each-other-on-southeast-stark/ . 2023-02-20 . 2023-10-11 . Willamette Week.
  7. Web site: Jackson-Glidden . Brooke . Brooke Jackson-Glidden . 2023-08-30 . Artist Mike Bennett's Guide to Dining in Portland . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230920075319/https://pdx.eater.com/2023/8/30/23851501/mike-bennett-dining-guide-portland . 2023-09-20 . 2023-10-11 . Eater Portland.
  8. Web site: Russell . Michael . 2021-03-16 . Smash burgers, everywhere: 2 new Portland carts make 2 of our favorites: Takeout Diaries . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230206214920/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2021/03/smash-burgers-are-everywhere-now-2-new-portland-carts-make-2-of-our-favorites-takeout-diaries.html . 2023-02-06 . 2023-10-11 . . . 8750-1317 . 985410693.
  9. Web site: Stole . Bryn . Calder . Chad . 2020-06-13 . The New Orleans economy is bad now. Come August, things could get much worse . 2023-10-12 . . July 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240722152821/https://www.nola.com/news/business/the-new-orleans-economy-is-bad-now-come-august-things-could-get-much-worse/article_3ed8e5ba-adc2-11ea-ab9a-e35246838d0e.html . live .
  10. Web site: Trueherz . Matthew . July 29, 2022 . Are $5 Cheeseburgers Gone for Good? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230401010804/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2022/07/food-costs-inflation-menu-prices-portland-carts . 2023-04-01 . 2023-10-11 . Portland Monthly.
  11. Web site: Portland Smash Burgers . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220523194118/https://www.oregonlive.com/galleries/GEPAEWZBNNC4TA5CDE5ABG4WRA/ . 2022-05-23 . 2023-10-11 . The Oregonian . en.
  12. Web site: Russell . Michael . 2021-09-22 . Portland's best new food carts of 2021 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220112124146/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2021/09/portlands-best-new-food-carts-of-2021.html . 2022-01-12 . 2023-10-11 . The Oregonian.
  13. Web site: Jackson-Glidden . Brooke . 2021-08-13 . Portland's Destination Thai Restaurant, Langbaan, Is Moving to Northwest Portland . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230329223631/https://pdx.eater.com/2021/8/13/22622730/langbaan-moving-phuket-cafe-midcity-smashburger-restaurant . 2023-03-29 . 2023-10-11 . Eater Portland.
  14. Web site: Jackson-Glidden . Brooke . 2021-09-14 . The Most Anticipated Portland Restaurant Openings, Fall and Winter 2021 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211011120938/https://pdx.eater.com/2021/9/14/22672707/portland-anticipated-bar-restaurant-openings-fall-winter-2021 . 2021-10-11 . 2023-10-11 . Eater Portland.
  15. Web site: Russell . Michael . 2021-08-12 . MidCity SmashBurger is expanding with new North Portland restaurant and bar . 2023-10-12 . The Oregonian . July 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240722153334/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2021/08/midcity-smashburger-is-expanding-with-new-north-portland-restaurant-and-bar.html . live .
  16. Web site: Russell . Michael . 2021-11-07 . 12 new Portland restaurants we can't wait to try this fall . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221202172600/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2021/11/12-new-portland-restaurants-we-cant-wait-to-try-this-fall-and-winter-even-if-they-dont-open-until-spring.html . 2022-12-02 . 2023-10-11 . The Oregonian.
  17. Web site: Frane . Alex . 2021-11-12 . Loyal Legion's New Tap Room Opens in Beaverton Tomorrow . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230606231105/https://pdx.eater.com/2021/11/12/22778614/loyal-legion-new-tap-room-beaverton-midcity-smash-new-cart-fortgang-flor-wines-opening . 2023-06-06 . 2023-10-11 . Eater Portland.
  18. Web site: Russell . Michael . 2022-06-03 . MidCity SmashBurger expands with new Bend cart next to original Boneyard Beer taproom . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230530034551/https://www.oregonlive.com/beer/2022/06/midcity-smashburger-boneyard-beer-bend.html . 2023-05-30 . 2023-10-11 . The Oregonian.
  19. Web site: Wong . Janey . 2022-06-10 . Buzzy Food Cart Mid City Smash Burger Expands to Bend . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230131223606/https://pdx.eater.com/2022/6/10/23162913/mid-city-smash-burger-sammich-expand . 2023-01-31 . 2023-10-11 . Eater Portland.
  20. Web site: Vulcan . Nicole . August 3, 2022 . From Portland to Bend, Smash Burger Location Opens . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230328080625/https://www.bendsource.com/food-drink/little-bites-from-portland-to-bend-smash-burger-location-opens-17428491 . 2023-03-28 . 2023-10-11 . . Bend, Oregon.
  21. Web site: Vulcan . Nicole . In Midtown, a Mocktail-Forward Bar . 2024-07-18 . The Source Weekly . en . July 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240722153516/https://www.bendsource.com/food-drink/in-midtown-a-mocktail-forward-bar-21358821 . live .
  22. Web site: Trueherz . Matthew . July 26, 2022 . New, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+-Focused Food Cart Pod to Open in Southeast Portland . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230425185747/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2022/07/bipoc-lgbtqia-food-cart-pod-southeast-portland . 2023-04-25 . 2023-10-11 . Portland Monthly.
  23. Web site: Russell . Michael . 2023-04-01 . Meet Lil' America, Portland's new BIPOC/LGBTQ-focused food cart pod . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230908072932/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2023/04/lil-america-new-bipoclgbtq-focused-food-cart-pod-holds-grand-opening-saturday.html . 2023-09-08 . 2023-10-11 . The Oregonian.
  24. Web site: Wong . Janey . May 9, 2024 . Buckman Bar There Be Monsters Closes After a Near Decade-Long Run . 2024-07-11 . Eater Portland . en . January 21, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210121191206/https://pdx.eater.com/22240842/portland-restaurant-bar-cafe-closings . live .
  25. News: Harlan . Kohr . May 27, 2024 . Kohr Explores: MidCity Smashburger gets grillin' for National Burger Day . KOIN.
  26. Web site: Russell . Michael . 2021-03-30 . Portland's 13 best smash burgers, reviewed and ranked . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220609200758/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2021/03/portlands-14-best-smash-burgers-reviewed-and-ranked.html . 2022-06-09 . 2023-10-11 . The Oregonian.
  27. Web site: Evensen . Julie . Russell . Michael . 2023-10-09 . The No. 4 best burger in America is in Portland . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231010081300/https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2023/10/the-no-4-best-burger-in-the-country-is-in-portland.html . 2023-10-10 . 2023-10-11 . The Oregonian.
  28. Web site: Hamilton . Katherine Chew . Brooks . Karen . Karen Brooks (food critic) . September 17, 2021 . Portland's 9 Greatest New Food Carts of 2021 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211216200433/https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2021/09/best-new-food-carts-2021 . 2021-12-16 . 2023-10-11 . Portland Monthly.
  29. Web site: Frane . Alex . 2020-09-11 . Where to Eat in Portland Right Now . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230407113456/https://www.thrillist.com/eat/portland/best-restaurants-portland . 2023-04-07 . 2023-10-11 . . Vox Media.
  30. Web site: Pettigrew . Jashayla . 2023-08-25 . Where to find the Portland's best smash burgers . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230831040048/https://www.koin.com/news/food/these-7-portland-area-businesses-serve-up-the-best-smash-burgers-yelp/ . 2023-08-31 . 2023-10-11 . KOIN.
  31. Web site: Scott . Ron . Wong . Janey . May 9, 2024 . Mind-Blowing Burgers in Portland and Beyond . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211011095929/https://pdx.eater.com/maps/portland-best-burgers-restaurants-pdx . 2021-10-11 . 2023-10-11 . Eater Portland.
  32. Web site: June 22, 2018. Where to Find the Best Burgers in Central Oregon . 2024-07-18 . Bend Magazine . en-US . July 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240722154529/https://bendmagazine.com/best-burgers-central-oregon/ . live .

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