Sep 02 2010
The Burger Jerk
Location: SW 4th and Hall
Hours: M-F, 11am-2pm
The Story:
Every so often, you just need a simple burger and fries. There are a few carts that offer some great burgers in Portland, but few offer the additional tasty additions we have come to enjoy. The Burger Jerk, a newcomer to the scene is here to sate that simple joy – a burger with tots.
A good burger for me is usually a 1/3 lb patty with cheddar cheese. If we’re talking gourmet, I usually forgo the lettuce and tomato in order to savor both the meat and the bun choices the chef has made for me. At The Burger Jerk, they keep it simple with a good sesame seed bun toasted, a grilled all beef patty, a large slice of tomato, a chunk of onion, some leaf lettuce and condiments. As honest a burger as you can get – like mom used to make. Add in some fresh tater tots and you have yourself a great little meal. For $5, you can’t go wrong. When I took the first bite mixing the cool tomato and onion with the warm burger, I couldn’t help remembering when McDonald’s tried the “cool side cool and the hot side hot” campaign. Uh oh, I may be dating myself.
The new burger cart took over the Thai cart that made its home on the corner of SW 4th and College for many years. The new owners have completely repainted it and installed a large awning so you can enjoy your burger out of the rain. With additional topping choices which could include bacon, a fried egg, turkey, avocado, mushrooms or peppers, you can build a pretty delectable sandwich. They offer Boca burgers for those vegetarians in line. Check out the newest burger cart on the block and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.
Sample Menu:
All burgers are 1/3lb patties served with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and sauce with fries or tater tots
- The Jerk – basic hamburger – $5
- The Big Cheese – $5.50
- The Baconarian – bacon cheeseburger – $6
- The Shroomin’ Swiss – mushrooms and Swiss cheese – $6
- El Hedor Grande – blue cheese crumbles, bacon, dressing – $6.50
- The Fat Ass Jerk – bacon, egg, cheese – $7
- Alternaburger – boca burger – $6
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm
Contact: unknown




Location: SE 43rd and Belmont
Yum Zap means “spicy dish” in Thai and when I ordered medium, the woman chuckled and asked “American medium or Thai medium.” I’m glad she asked because I like it Thai spicy. Burn my taste buds please. I have become familiar with some of the dishes, marveling at the complex flavors and loving that what I thought was a style of food I had begun to be bored with could still surprise me. The Kao Soy Huang is a vegetarian northern style pan fried noodle dish with fresh mushrooms, shallots, pickled cabbage and textured soy protein (TVP.) Don’t be scared by TVP, it looks, feels and tastes similar to chicken and sometimes surprises vegetarians who question whether the dish is safe or not. The noodles are thin and soak up a ton of flavor along with a bit of caramelization from the pan frying. The dish was hearty, full of flavor and just spicy enough to keep you going back for more.
Location: SE 43rd and Belmont
As usual, I ordered some tacos. I feel the simplest item on the menu will tell me whether their other items are worth a return trip. I shared the carnitas, asada and pollo tacos with my roommate who later texted me – “those were 5 star tacos!” I agree. They were flavorful with just the right amount of meat, finely chopped onions and cilantro. At $1.50 per taco, a great deal.
Location: SW 3rd and Stark
Location: SE 20th and Morrison
Location: SW 4th and Harrison
