Burger Week Playbook: A Dad & Daughter Guide to Doing It Right - The Source

Anyone can “do” Burger Week in Bend, but to do it well is another story.

It isn’t just about eating burgers. It’s about strategy, commitment and knowing, before you even sit down, whether your pants can handle what’s coming.

We’ve been training for this.

Our Burger Friday tradition started on Sept. 2, 2022, and we haven’t missed a single Friday since. Rain, snow, road trips. it doesn’t matter. Most weeks it’s the three of us: Mom, Emily filming, Dad eating, and Brynlee (also known as “Burger Girl,”) eating, smiling, and editing the videos afterward.

After a few years and a lot of burgers, we’ve learned a few things. Some the easy way. Some…not.

Here’s our official guide to doing Burger Week right.

Dress for Success

Burger Week is not the time to dress your best. It’s the time to dress your smartest.

We recommend camo pants.

They’re your best defense against burger juice casualties. You spill and no one knows.

There are other ways to avoid this problem. You could sit with your legs under the table, eat over your plate, and generally not be a slob.

We haven’t mastered that yet.

So…camo pants.

Stretchy pants also deserve honorable mention. Plan accordingly.

START HUNGRY (AND BRING THE RIGHT PEOPLE)

Go hungry. No snacking at home beforehand. This is not the time for a “quick bite” before your burger.

If possible, hit your first burger coming off a fast. It might sound extreme, but it’s a bit of a secret insider tip—everything tastes better when you’re famished.

Burger Week is also better with people. Going with friends or family is highly recommended. Trying different burgers, comparing notes, and laughing over the mess forms memories you won’t forget. There’s just something about sharing the experience with burger buddies that makes it more enjoyable!

That said, sometimes you have to go it alone.

If you’re trying to hit multiple locations in one day, move at your own pace, or fully commit to the mission, a solo run might be the right call.

Not everyone understands that level of dedication, and you shouldn’t feel judged for wanting to eat numerous burgers in one day.

Order Like a Pro

The best move you can make during Burger Week is to ask one more question than everyone else.

Always ask what sauce they recommend. There might be something off-menu or overlooked that takes your burger or fries to another level.

Also, don’t just default to fries. Ask what side they recommend. Every now and then you’ll find something unexpected—like the baked beans at Baldy’s BBQ, that can end up being one of the best things on the table.

Burger Week is also not the time to play it safe. If there’s a crazy burger on the menu, get it. You can always have a regular burger next week. This is your chance to try something you wouldn’t normally order.

Build a Burger Strategy

Not every burger is meant to be picked up. Sometimes skipping the bun is the way to go.

If you’re gluten-free (or even forgoing the bun because you are counting carbs or calories) don’t assume your only option is a gluten-free bun. Some places get creative. At Richard’s Sliders in Redmond, for example, they’ll put your slider on two giant waffle fries!

Some spots do a great lettuce wrap. Others say “lettuce wrap” but really mean “burger salad,” which you’ll be eating with a knife and fork. Either way, it’s worth asking ahead of time so you know what you’re getting into.

If you’re going the lettuce wrap route, especially with a messy or spicy burger, consider using a knife and fork. Spicy hands are real—and they hurt more than you think!

Eat Smart

Here’s a rule to live by: fries are a “right now” food, and burgers are a “later too” food.

If you get fries, eat them immediately while they’re hot. Don’t wait. They are not as good later.

Burgers, on the other hand, hold up surprisingly well. If you’re trying to get the most out of Burger Week, it’s not a bad move to save part of your burger for later.

Or…just skip the fries altogether.

If a place is offering a $10 Burger Week burger that doesn’t come with fries, that might be your sign to go to a second location and get another $10 burger. This is Burger Week. Focus on the burgers.

A smart move? Keep a small cooler in your car. Seriously. That’s what we do.

A Final Word

Get a good picture of your burger before your first bite. You will not get a better one later.

Take a real first bite, not a polite one. You’re not the CEO of McDonald’s, it’s acceptable to bite into that bad boy.

Dress for success. Start hungry. Try the crazy burger. Ask the extra question. Bring the cooler.

You’ll probably find yourself making a few happy “this is amazing” noises along the way. And that’s OK.

Do it right, and the only regret you’ll have is not wearing stretchier pants.