Most burger spots in the Portland area play it safe, but Mr. Bento Burger in Hillsboro decided to throw Japanese-American fusion into the mix, and locals are absolutely here for it.
This Korean-owned gem has been serving made-to-order burgers with kimchi, roasted pineapple, peanut butter, and crispy potstickers since 2015, creating a menu that feels unlike anything else in Oregon.
It’s the kind of place where you go in for a burger and leave wondering why every restaurant doesn’t serve potstickers and a citrus salad alongside every meal. 🍔🥟
How they won local’s hearts
Mr. Bento Burger won over Hillsboro by doing something deceptively bold: combining the best parts of a gourmet burger joint with Japanese-Korean flavors that actually make every bite more interesting.
Locals fell hard for the made-to-order patties and the creative toppings: kimchi, jalapeños, fried eggs, roasted pineapple, and peanut butter that somehow all make sense once they hit that juicy beef patty.
Reviewers consistently describe it as reminiscent of the fancy burger spots you’d find on cable food shows in Las Vegas, which is high praise for a spot tucked on NE Cornell Road. 🌟
The default sides sealed the deal instead of just fries; every order came with a fresh citrus salad and crispy potstickers dipped in tempura sauce, which turned curious first-timers into regulars who genuinely look forward to the whole meal, not just the burger.
Word spread through Hillsboro and beyond once people realized you could swap the bun for rice on most builds, making it one of the most adaptable burger menus in the Portland metro area.
Add in genuinely friendly service, a cozy atmosphere that never feels overwhelmingly crowded, and a price point that delivers real value for the quality, and Mr. Bento Burger quietly became one of the most beloved hidden gems in Oregon’s burger scene. 🎉
Food Highlights
- Angry Cow Burger: Kimchi, jalapeño, and fried egg on a juicy made-to-order patty is the most talked-about build on the menu, and a must for anyone who likes their burger with serious personality. 🍔🌶️
- Godzilla Burger: The biggest, most loaded build on the menu with flavors that reviewers describe as genuinely out of this world. 🦎
- Skippy Burger: Peanut butter and onion rings on a juicy patty, a combination that sounds wild and tastes completely right once you try it. 🥜
- Hawaiian Burger: Roasted pineapple on a super juicy patty that reviewers rave about. One loyal customer says she orders it every single visit without exception. 🍍
- Beef Rice Burger: A bun-free build served over rice that showcases how thoughtfully the kitchen adapts its menu for different preferences without sacrificing a single bit of flavor. 🍚
- Japanese Pot-stickers: The default side that comes with most orders is crispy, golden, and served with tempura dipping sauce, which one reviewer noted also works brilliantly with the fries. 🥟
Atmosphere
Mr. Bento Burger keeps things casual and cozy, the kind of neighborhood spot that stays popular without ever becoming loud or chaotic.
The space is clean and comfortable with a welcoming staff that reviewers consistently praise for being friendly and genuinely helpful with first-time orders.
The “hidden gem” quality is real, regulars love that it draws a loyal crowd without the long waits and rush-hour chaos of bigger chain spots nearby. 🌿
Bottom Line
Go to Mr. Bento Burger for Japanese-American fusion burgers unlike anything else in Oregon, crispy pot-stickers that deserve their own fan club, and creative builds that make every visit worth the drive.
Between the Angry Cow, the Hawaiian with roasted pineapple, and those default citrus salad sides, this Hillsboro hidden gem is one of the most exciting and original burger spots in the entire Portland metro area.
Go hungry, order the Angry Cow, and absolutely dip those fries in the pot-sticker sauce. 🍔🌟
Address:
Mr. Bento Burger
7180 NE Cornell Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124
📞 (503) 746-7325
🕔 Mon–Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM