THE BIG BURGER
We love everything about Burger Day but let's be honest, the real star of the show is The Big Burger. Every year, thousands flock to Downtown El Reno to watch in real time as our incredible team of volunteers cook the world's largest fried onion hamburger (& then help us eat it!). The Big Burger weighs over 850 pounds, is crafted using 250 pounds of beef, 150 pounds of onions, and 350 pounds of bun, and is served with pickles and mustard.​
​
This year the beef for the Big Burger has generously been donated to the
Main Street Program by Cattlemen's Steakhouse.
THE ORIGINS OF THE FRIED ONION BURGER
The fried onion burger, also known as the "Depression Burger," originated in El Reno during the early 1920s. Faced with the economic challenges of the Great Depression, local restaurateur Ross Davis of the Hamburger Inn sought a way to stretch limited beef supplies. He began pressing thinly sliced onions into ground beef patties, creating a flavorful and cost-effective meal that quickly became a local favorite
WHERE TO GET A FRIED ONION BURGER IN EL RENO
We hope that you will grab a fried onion burger from The El Reno Main Street Burger Booth while you watch the Big Burger cook but no trip to El Reno is complete with out a visit to one of our iconic Burger Joints. Robert's Grill, Sid's Diner, & Johnnie's Hamburgers & Coneys are all located within one mile of the festival and must-visit stops.