The fourth annual Aberdeen Burger Battle will kick off a little earlier next year with the 14 entries available for tasting starting Jan. 15, 2026, and voting running through March 1.
A project launched by the 2023 Leadership Aberdeen class to raise awareness about food insecurity and money for The Salvation Army, the event has become an annual contest, though it used to begin in April.
The competitors for 2026, and details about their creations, include:
• Allevity Entertainment Rubie Red’s Smash Burger: A double patty smash burger layered with melted gouda and provolone, bacon and a roasted red pepper garlic tapenade. Allevity is at 130 S. Centennial St.
• Buffalo Wild Wings Bacon Mac and Cheese Burger: Two hand-smashed patties, thick cut bacon, parmesan crusted mac and cheese, pickled hot peppers and hatch chile aioli on a challah bun. Buffalo Wild Wings is at 3401 Sixth Ave. S.E.
• Circus Sports Bar & Grill Wild West Burger: A Cajun seasoned and grilled beef patty, pepper jack cheese, shaved ham, onion ring and crispy bacon drizzled with a Circus buffalo and Circus barbecue sauce blend. The Circus is at 14 Third Ave. S.E.
• City Lights Bar & Event Center Bacon Cream Dream: A one-third pound beef patty topped with whipped bacon jam cream cheese spread, bacon crumbles, breaded jalapeño coins and tangy gold sauce on a rustic 4-inch egg wash bun. City Lights is at 316 S. Second St.
• Lager’s Inn Meat Lovers Pizza Burger: A flame-kissed, char-broiled burger stacked high with pepperoni, Canadian bacon and crispy bacon topped with the customer’s choice of melted cheese. Served with a side of marinara for dunking. Lager’s is at 20 Third Ave. S.W.
• Maverick’s Steak and Cocktails Hot Honey Burger: Hand-pattied burger drizzled with Maria’s smoky hot honey and topped with smoked cheddar cheese, crispy bacon and hot honey picked red onions. Served on a toasted brioche bun with choice of side. Maverick’s is at 720 S. Lamont St.
• Mulligan’s Sports Bar and Casino Freedom Burger: Two smash patties stacked with melty American and cheddar cheeses, crispy bacon and a house-made signature smash sauce. Mulligan’s is at 715 N. 10th St.
• Pop’s Big Easy’s Pop’s Cajun Hot Sausage Burger Po’ Boy: A hot sausage and burger patty topped with melted cheese, special mayonnaise, tomato, lettuce and pickle on fresh po’ boy bread. Pop’s Big Easy is at 414 S. Main St.
• Pounders Popeye Burger: Two smash burger patties topped with a house-made spinach artichoke dip, pepper jack cheese, jalapenos and crispy wonton strips on a toasted brioche bun. Pounder’s is at 1702 Sixth Ave. S.E.
• Richmond Oasis Philly Cheeseburger: A one-third pound steak-seasoned burger with flash-fried green peppers, onions and baby bella mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Finished with a cheese sauce and served on a toasted brioche bun. Richmond Oasis is at 12845 S. Shore Drive.
• The Market on the Plaza Meatloaf Burger: Made with local beef and eggs, ketchup, stuffing and love. A simple burger like Mom used to make. Market on the Plaza is at 506 S. Main St.
• The Zoo Bar & Grill Grand Slam Burger: A juicy beef patty with a fried egg, crispy ribbon hash browns, smoky bacon, melty American cheese and a swipe of house-made chipotle aioli. The Zoo is at 1017 S. Main St.
• Three22 Kitchen + Cocktails Jalapeno Popper Burger: Two smash patties, pickled jalapenos, pepper jack cheese and bacon with jalapeno popper cream cheese, haystack onions and plum sauce. Three22 is at 322 S. Main St.
• Wakeside Bar & Grill Hungover Buff: A bison burger topped with an egg over easy, hashbrowns, bacon, pepper jack and cheddar cheeses, bacon jam sauce and lettuce. Wakeside is at 103 S. Sunset Drive, Mina.
Burger connoisseurs will be able to visit participating restaurants and rate each of the burgers they try. Contest details and voting information can be found online at aberdeenburgerbattle.com. The burger with the highest overall score will be unveiled Thursday, March 12 at the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours mixer.
Proceeds will again befit the local Salvation Army, and the voting website allows for donations.
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Past winners include:
- 2025: Wakeside Big Buff Burger.
- 2024: Pounders County Fair Burger.
- 2023: Three22 Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger.
The Aberdeen Burger Battle is sponsored by the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Downtown Association, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dakota Plains Real Estate, Dakota Broadcasting, DemKota Ranch Beef, Pew-Tiful Plants, Blackout Industries, Quality Quick Print, Agtegra Cooperative and Helms & Associates.
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