Aberdeen Burger Battle
It was a clash of the condiments! A brawl of the buns! A punch of the patties!
The first Inaugural Aberdeen Burger Battle took place from April 1-30, 2023 in Aberdeen. Ten participating restaurants across Aberdeen, shown below, showcased their unique take on the classic burger. Each business in the Aberdeen Burger Battle pledged to ‘Take a Bite Out of Hunger’ with a charitable donation of at least $250 to the Aberdeen Salvation Army to help aid with local food insecurity.
Over 1100 people voted and the burger with the highest overall average score at the end of the battle was Three 22 Kitchen + Cocktails with their Bourbon Bacon Burger! Congratulations!
Take a Bite out of Hunger, the driving mission behind the Aberdeen Burger Battle, was formed to raise awareness of food insecurity in the community of Aberdeen. Through the generosity of the participating restaurants and generous sponsors listed below, the Leadership Aberdeen Class of 2023 was able to donate $10,000 to the Salvation Army of Aberdeen. Burger voters also generously donated about $500.
Watch here for details on the 2024 Battle!
Our Contestants
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Circus Sports Bar and Grill: The Lion Tamer
Bacon, grilled onions, jalapenos, and chipotle mayo topped with pepper Jack cheese
Business Info: 14 3rd Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 229-1936
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Danger von Dempsey’s Pizza & Brewhaus: The Smash & Grab Burger
A double patty smash served on a brioche roll with jalapeno pepper slaw, diced bacon, tangy pub sauce, and topped with lettuce and tomato
Business Info: 1023 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 262-0167
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Lager’s Inn: The Rodeo Burger
Melty mixed cheeses, bacon, onion rings and slathered in Old West BBQ Sauce. Yeehaw!
Business Info: 20 3rd Ave SW, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 229-0922
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Maverick’s Steak & Cocktails: The Campfire Burger
Hand-pattied burger topped with pepper jack cheese, house-made jalapeno cream cheese, applewood smoked bacon and crispy onion straws
Business info: 720 Lamont St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 225-1314
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Mulligan’s Sports Bar and Casino: The Ultimate Breakfast Burger
Wagyu beef patty, cheddar and pepper jack cheese, fried egg, maple bacon, and hash browns all on a glazed donut bun (available on regular bun on request)
Business Info: 715 N 10th St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 725-4053
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Pounders: The Zach Attack
Guaranteed to attack your taste buds! The classic Pounders burger blend, but prepared in a chopped style with sauteed peppers and onions & pepper jack cheese. Drizzled with siracho mayo for a little extra kick
Business Info: 1702 6th Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 725-2337
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Red Rooster Coffee House: Mac Bean Burger
Rich and mildly spicy black bean veggie burger topped with mac n cheese, melty provolone, romaine, red onion, tomato, and Sriracha mayo on a toasted pub grain bun. Served alone or with the meal deal: kettle chips, pickle, and soup du jour (or side salad)
Business info: 218 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 225-6603
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Schwan’s Recreation: Schwanny Burger
We’re Keeping it Simple – 1/4 lb burger patty, ham, bacon, American and cheddar cheese
Business Info: 714 1st Ave NE, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 229-1225
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Three22 Kitchen + Cocktails: The Bourbon Bacon Burger
Two smashed patties layered crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, haystack onions, and bourbon molasses sauce on a toasted brioche bun
Business Info: 322 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 725-4322
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The Zoo Bar & Grill: The Zoo Burger
A cheeseburger topped with carmelized onions, smothered in melted cheese, drizzled with pub sauce.
Business Info: 1017 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 225-9539
“Big Cheese” Sponsors
Thank you to the following Burger Battle sponsors who each donated $500 or more towards this cause:
About this event and the Leadership Aberdeen Program
This event was organized by the 2023 Leadership Aberdeen Class, a program of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from the month-long event organized by the class, benefited the Salvation Army of Aberdeen. Their goal was to secure event sponsors and donations for food insecurity programs facilitated by the Salvation Army, while also showcasing the great burgers Aberdeen restaurants have to offer.
Leadership Aberdeen is a comprehensive leadership training program facilitated by the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce. The program provides participants with the opportunity to sharpen their skills, share their experiences, and make life-long connections with fellow participants. Participants follow a 12-week curriculum which focuses on growing their individual skills by focusing on leadership attributes.
The class also gains broader knowledge of the businesses, opportunities and challenges in our community through tours of local businesses and hearing from local leaders on company philosophies, goals, and success stories. Plus, the class gives back to the community by facilitating a local project, like the Aberdeen Burger Battle, that will have a positive impact on the Aberdeen community.
The Salvation Army’s food pantry supplies free fresh produce, canned goods, and healthy frozen items that provide valuable meal supplementation while helping those in need maintain their independence and dignity. From sit down programs that provide nutritious hot meals and valuable human interaction, to mobile meals and weekend backpacks, they help the most vulnerable members of society escape the daily burdens of food insecurity.
Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce
The Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce has been an established, voluntary non-profit membership organization since 1884. As a 501(c)6 corporation, the Chamber supports and speaks for those engaged in business, industry, agriculture, transportation, education, healthcare and private sector enterprises.