The Ultimate Oklahoma Onion Burger Journey

Having grown up just a short 15-minute drive from the Oklahoma border in Northeast Texas, I've made my share of jabs at Oklahoma: 'The wind blows so hard in Texas because Oklahoma is awful,' and similar quips. However, life took a turn when I fell in love with and married an Oklahoman, leading me to spend much more time in the Sooner State over the last decade — and indulge in the Oklahoma onion burger.

For those who haven't tried it, the Oklahoma onion burger is quite straightforward: A mound of thinly sliced onions, shaved on a deli slicer, is stacked on top of a beef patty and cooked together on the griddle. The onion juices keep the meat juicy and enhance its flavor as it cooks. Once one side is done, the patty is flipped, and the onions are smashed into the burger, left to sear until the meat is beautifully charred and the onions are lightly caramelized. It's a brilliant method for burger preparation and is currently gaining popularity, appearing on burger menus nationwide, including at New York City's Hamburger America, where burger expert George Motz griddles patties to order — receiving rave reviews in the process.

Like many brilliant ideas, the Oklahoma onion burger emerged from the necessities of the Depression era. According to legend, it was created at the Hamburger Inn in El Reno in the 1920s to keep costs low. By adding onions to the patty, owner Ross Davis could use less meat in his five-cent burgers. Although the Hamburger Inn has closed its doors, the onion burger continues to thrive at three longstanding establishments, all within close proximity in downtown El Reno.

Over two days filled with grease and flavor, I embarked on the ultimate onion burger journey in El Reno, sampling burgers from three iconic spots — Johnnie’s, Robert’s, and Sid’s Diner — along with a visit to Oklahoma City to try Tucker’s, the new chain that’s helping to preserve the legacy of the Oklahoma onion burger.

Johnnie’s Hamburgers and Coneys

Just a short drive from Oklahoma City, El Reno is a small, quiet town that runs along what was once the iconic Route 66. Upon entering downtown, one of the first sights is the unassuming building that has housed Johnnie’s since 1946. The burgers here are slightly thicker than those from other onion burger joints and surprisingly juicy.

The onion strings are more charred than grilled, but a bit of burnt onion adds a delightful touch to a burger. Hand-grated cheese melts beautifully on the char-grilled patty, and the large onion rings I ordered on the side were just right — there’s truly no such thing as too much onion.

Sid’s Diner

Sid’s Diner is arguably the most renowned spot for Oklahoma onion burgers in El Reno, partly due to its features on shows like Man Vs. Food. As the name suggests, Sid’s offers a complete diner menu, including omelets and chicken fried steak for breakfast, but the main attraction is the onion burger.

The burgers served here are thin and packed with onions that range from grilled to slightly burnt. They come topped with mustard and pickles by default (and you shouldn't ask for them without these), accompanied by crispy hand-cut fries. Even amidst a burger marathon, I felt I had reached onion burger bliss at Sid’s, where the bold char of the patty harmonized perfectly with the sweetness of the soft, slightly buttery onions and the tanginess of the mustard.

300 South Choctaw Avenue, El Reno, OK 73036

Robert’s Grill

As the oldest burger joint in El Reno, and possibly in the entire state, Robert’s Grill has been serving onion burgers since 1926. It's remarkable that this small Mytoury has weathered the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and nearly a century of various challenges, yet Robert’s continues to thrive. My enthusiasm had dimmed through the burger crawl until the moment I stepped into Robert’s.

The space is cozy and compact, with just enough room for a few tables. I placed my order for an onion burger and eagerly awaited, still enchanted by the scent of grilled onions wafting through the air. Thankfully, this burger was significantly smaller than its counterparts, yet equally delicious. This was the quintessential Oklahoma onion burger for me, thanks to its perfectly griddled patty and ideal balance of onion to meat, along with the rich history embedded in those soot-stained walls.

300 South Bickford Avenue, El Reno, OK 73036

Tucker’s Onion Burgers

In Oklahoma City, where onion burgers remain a staple on diner menus, I visited the drive-thru at Tucker’s, a new wave of onion burger maker. Since its debut in 2011, this growing chain has opened four locations in Oklahoma City and one in nearby Norman. The menu is distinctly more contemporary than other onion burger spots, offering options like turkey patties and Impossible meat alongside traditional beef. The fries are crispy and double-fried, ideal for pairing with a rich chocolate shake.

Upon stepping inside, the enticing aroma of grilled onions fills the air — in the best way possible. I ordered a classic cheeseburger topped with pickles and mustard, and eagerly awaited its preparation. When it arrived, the source of the excitement was instantly apparent. The burger was juicy, featuring a perfectly smashed charred exterior and a generous heap of grilled onions on top. I devoured it in just a few bites while seated in my car. While it may lack the vintage charm of Sid’s or Robert’s, Tucker’s is likely to play a significant role in preserving this century-old tradition, expanding the appeal of the onion burger across different regions and generations.

324 Northwest 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73118

As my burger journey drew to a close, I must admit I didn’t smell the best. Onion juice seemed to seep from my pores, and I thought I could never look at another patty nestled between two buns again. Yet, no matter how many burgers you've consumed or how staunchly you identify as a Texan, the undeniable allure of an Okie onion burger is universal.