The vote is in. And our readers say Stoopid Burger is the People's Choice for the best burger in the Portland area.
John Hunt and co-owner Danny Moore started their food cart in the summer of 2014. They buy their produce fresh daily at the nearby New Seasons on North Vancouver Avenue, Hunt said. Their burgers are hand formed and the fries hand cut, he added.
They were an instant hit. "We're like a hidden jewel," in the neighborhood, Hunt said. And their customers agree:
"From the time I knew they existed, I've loved Stoopid Burger," wrote Raina Casey in an email. "The service is great and that's just a complement to the food. Even the Stoopid Juice is so good, I've taken half gallon containers and have had them filled up. The chicken sandwich and hot link are like eating my own at home. When it's hot, (they have) the best strawberry shortcake and floats you'll ever get your hands on!"
"Here's why I like SB," wrote Leonie Williams in an email. "Great customer service. Great food. I love their story and what they represent in the neighborhood."
And Rebecca Navarrette wrote in an email that her 7-year-old son told her about Stoopid Burger after one of the owners came and talked to the boy's class about business, work and being responsible. "Since then he has been motivated more for school. Amazing!!!" she wrote. Since then, they've been to the food truck a few times and always had "a perfect burger."
"Good job for these young men following their dream," she added.
So when Stoopid Burger asked for help getting out the vote, you can bet their customers responded. And Stoopid Burger quickly flew to the top of the nominations and the final voting, capturing 28.1 percent of the vote. As the winning burger spot, Stoopid Burger will receive a "Best of" badge for all to see. (Full terms and conditions.)
The top finishers in our best burger poll are:
Stoopid Burger, 28.1 percent
Helvetia Tavern, 21.7 percent
Killer Burger, 14.6 percent
Tilt, 11.3 percent
Stanich's, 8 percent
Mike's Drive-In, 4.7 percent
Foster Burger, 3 percent
Slowburger, 2.93 percent
Little Big Burger, 2.9 percent
Skyline Restaurant, 2.4 percent
It's clear, from emails and comments, that our readers value fresh ingredients, a juicy, beefy patty and a good bun. Some like their burgers simple, others like them piled high.
By the way, we began our mission to find the best burger in the Portland area with our critics' choice. For Samantha Bakall and Michael Russell, the best burger is Trifecta's.
Congratulations to Stoopid Burger and to the top 10 finishers. And thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate your favorite burger spot, to write to us to tell us why and especially for voting.
-- Sue Jepsen