Restaurants across town have put their spatulas to the grill in preparation for the fourth annual Aberdeen Burger Battle.
The Aberdeen Burger Battle was first launched in 2023 by the same year’s Leadership Aberdeen class. Driven by a mission to combat food insecurity in the community, the inaugural event featured ten participating restaurants and raised $10,000 for the Salvation Army, with members of the community donating an additional $500. Three22’s Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger came out on top and was claimed the winner.
With the competition becoming a local staple, Pounders’ County Fair Burger took home the blue ribbon the following year, and in 2025, Wakeside Bar & Grill won with their Big Buff Burger.
The winner was announced on March 1, the same day as the magazine’s release date. Check out aberdeenmag.com to see who was crowned the best burger of the bunch.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army has several food assistance programs. Their local food pantry operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, while their meal share program has lunches served daily. Each summer, the Salvation Army’s Feed the Kids Summer Meal Program trucks distribute lunches for children at churches and local parks, and they even have a mobile food pantry specifically for college students. //
Rubie Red’s Smash Burger
Allevity Entertainment
- A double patty smash burger layered with melted gouda and provolone, bacon, and a roasted red pepper garlic tapenade.
Wild West Burger
Circus Sports Bar and Grill
- Cajun seasoned and grilled beef patty, pepper jack cheese, shaved ham, an onion ring, and crispy bacon drizzled with a Circus Buffalo and Circus barbeque sauce blend.
The Lion Burger
Cuzco Peruvian Cuisine
- A bold and juicy burger crafted with ground Brazilian Picanha steak, expertly seasoned with authentic Peruvian spices, topped with a rich blend of melted cheddar and provolone cheeses, finished with sweet caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce.
Bacon Mac and Cheese Burger
Buffalo Wild Wings
- Two hand-smashed patties, thick cut bacon, parmesan crusted mac and cheese, pickled hot peppers, hatch chile aioli, all on a challah bun.
Bacon Cream Dream
City Lights
- A 1⁄3 lb beef patty topped with whipped bacon jam cream cheese spread, bacon crumbles, breaded jalapeno coins, and tangy gold sauce on a rustic egg wash bun.
Meat Lovers Pizza Burger
Lager’s Inn
- A flame-kissed char-broiled burger stacked high with pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and crispy bacon, topped with a choice of melted cheese.
Hot Honey Burger
Maverick’s Steak & Cocktails
- A hand patted burger drizzled with Maria’s smoky hot honey and topped with smoked cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and hot honey pickled red onions on a toasted brioche bun.
Freedom Burger
Mulligan’s
- Two smashed patties stacked with melty American and cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a housemade signature smash sauce.
Pop’s Cajun Hot Sausage Burger Po’ Boy
Pop’s Big Easy
- A hot sausage and burger patty topped with melted cheese, their secret special mayonnaise, tomato, lettuce, and pickled on fresh po’ boy bread.
Popeye Burger
Pounders
- Two smash burger patties topped with housemade spinach artichoke dip, pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, and crispy wonton strips on a toasted brioche bun.
Philly Cheeseburger
Richmond Oasis
- A 1⁄3 lb steak seasoned burger with flash fried green peppers, onions, and baby Bella mushrooms, and Swiss cheese, finished with cheese sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
Meatloaf Burger
The Market on the Plaza
- A meatloaf burger made with local beef and eggs, ketchup, and stuffing, this simple burger is a reminder of what mom used to make.
Grand-Slam Burger
The Zoo Bar & Grill
- A juicy beef patty with a perfectly fried egg, crispy ribbon hash browns, smoky bacon, melty American cheese, and housemade chipotle aioli.
Jalapeno Popper Burger
Three22 Kitchen + Cocktails
- Two smash patties, pickled jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, and bacon loaded up with jalapeno popper cream cheese, haystack onions, and plum sauce.
Hungover Buff
Wakeside Bar & Grill
- A bison burger topped with an over-easy egg, hashbrowns, bacon, pepper jack and cheddar cheese, bacon jam sauce, and lettuce.
View more articles about:
- Share
