Some restaurants serve burgers. Others dare you to prove something. At Giant Burger, larger than life burgers have been part of their identity for generations. This old school burger joint in Springfield, Oregon has been turning out thick, juicy patties since 1947, and while a lot has changed in the world outside, inside it still feels like a place where tradition is alive and well. At some point in the last 79 years, someone decided a regular burger just wasn’t big enough, and a monster was born, spawning a brand new tradition: a one hour battle against five pounds of burger and an equally intimidating pile of fries.
A 5 Pound Challenge Built On Decades Of Tradition
Giant Burger first opened in 1947 under the name Silver Bell, and much of what stands today still reflects those early days. The building feels familiar because customers like it that way. The look hasn’t changed much and the food hasn’t either. For generations, Giant Burger has focused on thick patties, old fashioned milkshakes, and keeping things consistent. But even a place rooted in tradition knows it has to keep people talking.
Enter the monster five pound burger challenge. You heard that right, five pounds of fresh, grass-fed beef on a bun, and it's all yours to try to finish off in one sitting, along with five pounds of fries.
The idea behind the five pound burger was simple: draw attention. What started as a bold move quickly became the thing people whisper about before they even sit down.
Here’s how the five pound burger challenge works: you get one hour to polish off a five pound burger loaded with fixings and five pounds of fries (that's ten pounds of food total). You must eat everything by yourself and can't leave the table. When the hour ends, you have to keep all of that food down for ten minutes, or else lose the challenge and pony up the $39.95 for your meal.
Do you love Oregon?
Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas.
If you win, you'll get a stomach ache, challenge T-shirt, bragging rights and a spot on the Winner’s Wall.
If I fail the challenge, do I get to take my leftovers home? This king size burger challenge is available for dine in only, so you won't be able to take leftovers home with you.
Reservations and payment are required 48 hours in advance of taking the challenge. You'll need to come hungry and with a plan on how to complete your meal. When the challenge first rolled out, dozens of people signed up to test themselves. Most people that take on the challenge don't make it, and the five pounds of fries alone have humbled more than a few.
Giant Burger Serves Up More Than Five Pounds Of Regret And Meat Sweats
The five pound challenge may get headlines, but most locals come for the everyday menu.
Burgers here are made with Willamette Valley grass fed beef, ground fresh daily and formed into thick patties that are cooked well done unless requested otherwise. These aren’t thin smash style burgers, they’re thick, juicy, and made to satisfy some serious hunger cravings.
Specialty options include the American Burger with double cheese, the Chili Willie piled with beefy chili and grated cheddar, and the Cowboy Bob with thick bacon, barbecue sauce, and a beer battered onion ring.
The Thug Burger stacks a crispy chicken tender, thick bacon, grilled ham, and two cheeses onto a single patty. We highly recommend adding a fried egg to this bad boy for $1.99 extra.
Sides at Giant Burger are just as serious.
Fresh straight-cut fries, Irish chips, chili cheese fries, onion rings, and tots round out your meal.
People Come For The Old Fashioned Milkshakes By Themselves
Each shake at Giant Burger starts with scoops of Oregon made Umpqua ice cream blended thick with cold milk, poured into a tall metal cup, and finished the way a proper classic should be: crowned with whipped cream and a red cherry on top. The shakes are blended thick enough that you'll need both a straw and a spoon to finish one off.
The Apple Pie A La Mode shake folds real apple pie filling and bits of graham cracker into creamy vanilla ice cream. You'll definitely want to add caramel to this one!
The Milky Way shake swirls caramel, chocolate, and malt together for something rich and over the top, while The Bart shake leans into crunch with Butterfinger pieces, peanuts, and peanut butter blended into sweet vanilla.
Among the most popular shakes at Giant Burger is the Oregon Berry shake, a blend of raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries that feels like summer in the Willamette Valley poured into a cup. These might just be the best milkshakes you've ever had!
Check out their full menu here.
Giant Burger Information
- Address: 3760 Main St in Springfield, Oregon
- Hours:
- Thursday through Saturday - 11:30 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday through Wednesday - Closed
- Get more information and up to date hours and specials at the Giant Burger website and Facebook page.
Thinking about taking on the five pound burger challenge, or just craving an old fashioned burger and shake? Giant Burger is the perfect place to test your appetite and see if you end up on the Winner’s Wall or just leaning back in your chair wondering what you signed up for.
