Aberdeen Burger Battle
It was a clash of the condiments! A brawl of the buns! A punch of the patties!
The 2nd Annual Aberdeen Burger Battle took place April 1-30, 2024 in Aberdeen. The event was organized by alumni of the 2023 Leadership Aberdeen Class, along with the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Aberdeen Downtown Association. Proceeds from the month-long event will benefit the Salvation Army of Aberdeen. The battle showcased the great burgers Aberdeen restaurants have to offer, with proceeds going to the Salvation Army of Aberdeen for food insecurity programs.
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. Each restaurant in the Aberdeen Burger Battle pledged to ‘Take a Bite Out of Hunger’ with a charitable donation of at least $300 to the Aberdeen Salvation Army to help aid with local food insecurity. This year over 1100 people rated burgers and $7600 was raised for the Salvation Army of Aberdeen
Ultimately the burger with the highest overall rating was Pounders with their County Fair Burger – Congratulations Pounders! Watch this Dakota News Now feature on the announcement and winner by clicking HERE
Our Contestants
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Barbeque Twist: Lil’ Smoky
The Lil’ Smokey is a toned-down version of everyone’s favorite burger at Barbeque Twist, the Ole’ Smokey. The Lil’ Smokey is a hand pattied half-pound burger, topped with a generous amount of smoked pulled pork, smoked gouda cheese, 2 pieces of bacon, and barbeque sauce.
Business Info: 414 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401- (605) 725-2277
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Circus Sports Bar and Grill: Lipsmacker Burger
The best chargrilled burger you’ll ever taste, set on a toasted bun with American cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, and thousand island dressing. Nothing beats an original Circus burger!
Business Info: 14 3rd Ave SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 229-1936
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Danger von Dempsey’s Pizza & Brewhaus: Onion Bier Burger
Smashed Burger, white cheddar + habanero jack cheese, sautéed onion, balsamic onion spread, rye bread- served with bier cheese to dip + choice of side.
Business Info: 1023 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 262-0167
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Lager’s Inn: Cajun Melt
Fresh hand-pattied burger with bacon, sautéed peppers and onions, Cajun Aioli, pepper jack and cheddar cheese on Texas toast.
Business Info: 20 3rd Ave SW, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 229-0922
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Maverick’s Steak & Cocktails: Smokehouse Burger
Hand-pattied burger topped with home-smoked brisket, smoked cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, a little bbq sauce and crispy onion straws.
Business info: 720 Lamont St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 225-1314
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Minerva’s: The Millionaire
Served on a toasted Brioche bun, Lettuce, Tomato, Candied Bacon, Jalapeño bacon Jam, smoked gouda cheese and topped with fried pickled onions.
Business Info: 1400 8th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 226-2988
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Mulligan’s Sports Bar and Casino: Stuffed Jalapeno Popper Burger
Introducing our Stuffed Jalapeno Popper burger, a fun twist on the classic jalapeño popper burger! This mouthwatering creation features a beef patty stuffed with jalapeño-infused cream cheese. It is topped with crispy strips of bacon and our chipotle mayo. Served on a salt and pepper bun, this burger is sure to take your taste buds on a journey!
Business Info: 715 N 10th St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 725-4053
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Pounders: County Fair Burger
Two smash patties topped with sauteed jalapenos, pepper jack cheese, bacon, and gooey fried cheese curds on a toasted brioche bun, slathered with wild berry preserves.
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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Richmond Oasis: Pretzel Pub Burger
A chewy, delicious pretzel bun topped with a hamburger patty, swiss cheese, bacon, crispy onions, and ground mustard aioli
Business Info: 12845 Co Rd 6D, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 225-1122
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Schwan’s Recreation: Pastrami Burger
1/4 lb. Angus burger with shaved pastrami, American cheese and special sauce
Business Info: 714 1st Ave NE, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 229-1225
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Scotty’s Diner: The Big Rebel
The Big Rebel is a play on two of our most famous burgers. This burger will not disappoint, served smash-style with three 3oz patties of chuck brisket short rib blend. It is piled high with our signature Smash Sauce, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle. Served on a toasty bun, this burger will be as delicious as it is messy!
Business Info: 719 N Main St, Aberdeen, SD 574701 – (605) 225-2455
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The Market on the Plaza: SD Juicy Lucy
The South Dakota Juicy Lucy! Back 40 Beef, Bumpy Road Ranch pork blend stuffed with gooey cheese, topped with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, Market Sauce on a toasted house made potato bun! The juiciest and most local burger in the battle!
Business Info: 506 S Main St Suite 4, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 824-4189
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Three22 Kitchen + Cocktails: Birria Smash Burger
Hand-pattied smash burger topped with chef Tyler’s signature Birria, which is braised with a select blend of peppers and then shredded, served on a crispy cheese brioche bun with queso fresco, pickled red onion, and cilantro served with Birria consommé and choice of side.
Business Info: 322 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 725-4322
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The Zoo Bar & Grill: Double Smash Burger
Two fresh hamburger patties smashed and grilled with thinly sliced onion, topped with lettuce, tomato, choice of cheese and The Zoo Homemade Smash Sauce.
Business Info: 1017 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 – (605) 225-9539
“Big Cheese” Sponsors
These businesses donated $600 or more towards this cause!
About this event and the Leadership Aberdeen Program
This event was originally organized by the 2023 Leadership Aberdeen class, a program of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce. For 2024, several class alumni were determined to bring it back. Proceeds from the month-long event will again benefit the Salvation Army of Aberdeen. Their goal is 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.