BURGER WEEK
Welcome to NCJ Burger Week!
Deep breaths, people. This year’s NCJ Burger Week has 35 tender contenders to tempt you at locations around the county over 10 days. They come grilled and smashed, stacked and smothered. Are you here for the cheese? Havarti, cheddar, queso fresco, Swiss, Gouda and brie are all here. These local restaurants have beef … grass-fed, brisket, corned and tri-tip, plus chorizo, boar, elk, bacon and soppressata. And you can get lost in the sauce with Thai-style peanut, blackberry aioli, pesto, barbecue, balsamic and gochujang, or plain old ketchup.
Before you fall into a food coma, be sure to vote for who gets a trophy (see page 6). Hey, you gonna eat your pickle?
NCJ Burger Week Pro Tips
Sometimes restaurants run out of burgers.
Good news: #NCJBurgerWeek will be even meatier than last year’s event! That also means more fellow diners showing up and, because kitchens aren’t sta ed with genies and supplies are not infinite, a given restaurant could run out of its #NCJBurgerWeek burger toward the end of a shift. If that happens, know that we feel your pain and it’s going to be OK. There’s always a tomorrow when you can come back and order the burger we all want you to have. Don’t let your hangry self get the better of you and remember that making and serving burgers is a noble calling. Be kind to those doing this important work.
Yes, you may have to wait.
As mentioned above, folks are excited for #NCJBurgerWeek.
Word about last year has spread and your favorite participating spot may go from sleepy to packed. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait a little. Treat yourself to a beverage. Revel in the anticipation. And when your burger shows up in all its juicy glory, post about it on social media using #NCJBurgerWeek and you could win a prize.
Not tipping makes you that customer.
Don’t be that customer.
We all get caught up in the excitement of a deal. But don’t lose your manners and remember the folks cooking and serving are handling more orders and delivering a gourmet burger during
the frenzy that is #NCJBurgerWeek. Tip at least 20% and walk out with your head held high, making your parents and the NCJ team proud. Your patty purveyors will remember it when you come back.
You should get some fries and a drink, too.
You’re not required to buy anything else but can you really say you’ve had the full experience without some kind of fried side and a beverage? This is the perfect time to try out the fries, onion rings and other goodies our restaurant pals are dishing out while showing a little love to local businesses. Is there craft beer on the menu? Milkshakes? Go big or go home, burger fans.
You can keep up with the madness on Facebook and Instagram.
#NCJBurgerWeek is on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us and get up-to-date info on everything #NCJBurgerWeek while you peruse the foodporn. And don’t be shy — join the fun and share your own burger photos using #NCJBurgerWeek.
Point your phone here for a map to guide your burger quest
AA ISLAND BURGER
Teriyaki bacon jam, Swiss cheese and grilled pineapple ring on a bed of sweet slaw.
Available Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dine-in only. Take-out is limited. $11$15.50withSIDE
AA Bar & Grill
929 Fourth St., Eureka, (707) 443-1632 aabarandgrill.net
CHILI BURGER
Our traditional burger served open-faced, topped with chili, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeños and diced onions.
$1599
Adel’s
1724 Broadway, Eureka, (707) 445-9777
Facebook @Adels-Restaurant-Eureka
Available 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Dine-in, call-in, take-out welcome.
PB AND J BURGER
Char-grilled beef patty topped with house made Thai-style peanut sauce and spicy blackberry jelly, bacon, crispy fried onion tanglers and garlic aioli on a brioche bun. Includes a side.
$18 with a SIDE
Cap’s Food Shack (707) 798-7147, capsfoodshack.online
Available open hours Wed.-Sat. See locations and schedule on Facebook and Instagram. Not available 9/20 at Taco Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dine-in, call in, take-out welcome.
LOADED BRISKET SMASH BURGER
A ½-pound smash burger stacked with house-smoked brisket, crispy haystack fries, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, bacon, and chipotle aioli. Served with fries.
$16
Alice’s Restaurant at Blue Lake Casino
777 Casino Way, Blue Lake, (707) 668-9770 x 2781 bluelakecasino.com
Available daily, 4-9 p.m. Dine-in, call-in, take-out welcome.
THE GULF OF AMERICA BURGER
his massive Mexican/American fusion-inspired burger starts with a 1/2-pound patty made from a blend of ground beef and our house-smoked tri-tip on a bed of a house-made honey chipotle aioli slaw and fresh cilantro. Next, we top it with bacon, avocado, house-pickled red onion/jalapeños and cotija cheese. All of this on a toasted brioche bun. Comes with choice of side.
$2299
Eel River Brewing Company 1777 Alamar Way, Fortuna, (707) 725-2739 eelriverbrewing.com
Available daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Call-in orders, take-out welcome.
GUAC SMASH BURGER
Pepper jack cheese, Sriracha mayo, guacamole, lettuce, tomato and onion.
THE BREAKFAST BURGER
A burger includes a tasty hashbrown patty, fried egg, bacon, cheese, ketchup and a 1/4-pound beef patty, all stacked within a warm and toasty brioche bun.
Beau Pre Golf Course
1777 Norton Road, McKinleyville (707) 839-2342
Available Sat.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., and Fri. 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dine-in, take-out welcome.
DOUBLE FRY BURGER
Two deep-fried burger patties and cheese(s) with onion and pickle on a signature toasted bun.
Bob’s Footlongs
505 12th St., Fortuna, (707) 725-2016 bobsfootlongs.com
Available Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Dine-in, call-in, take-out welcome.
DUBLIN DOUBLE OKTOBERFEST BURGER
7-ounce certified Angus beef patty and Havarti cheese over fresh lettuce, tomato and red onion, topped with our famous corned beef, Swiss cheese, fresh sauerkraut, house-made Thousand Island dressing on a Bavarian-style pretzel bun. Served with your choice of crispy fries or authentic German-style potato salad.
THE 6TH DEADLY SIN
Humboldt grassfed beef, with chipotle aioli, bacon tomatillo jam, brie, and spring mix on a brioche bun. Café Waterfront
102 F St., Eureka, (707) 441-1756
Available 11am-8:30pm daily, except for Wed., Sept. 24. Take-Out Welcome.
DOUBLE THREAT
Two patties smothered with caramelized onion, Gouda cheese and bacon with a chipotle aoli on a Hawaiian bun with deep fried pickles chips resting on top. Served with fries. Egg is optional.
$1699
Fry Burger 411 First St., Eureka (707) 601-3913 instagram.com/fry.burger
Available daily 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Take-out welcome.
139 Second St., Eureka, (707) 442-1177 gallaghersirishpub.com
Available Tue.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Dine-in only, call in welcome.
Greene Lily 516 2nd St., Eureka, (707) 798-6083 thegreenlily.com
Available daily 9 a.m.-2 p.m. while supplies last. No substitutions.
Think you know Humboldt’s best burger?
Now’s your chance to prove it. As part of this year’s Burger Week (Sept. 19–28, 2025), we’re letting you crown the champions. From juicy classics to wild creations stacked with local flavors, your votes will decide who takes home the glory.
We’ve set up categories for every kind of burger lover: Best Overall | Most Creative | Best Use of Local Ingredients
Plus, don’t forget to snap a selfie with your Burger Week feast and tag #NCJBurgerWeek2025 for bonus entries and prizes.
Cast your vote, show o your burger pride, and help us celebrate the chefs, restaurants, and flavors that make Humboldt’s burger scene one of a kind. Winners will be announced in the North Coast Journal and online the week after Burger Week wraps up.
Are you ready to pick your favorites? Voting opens Sept. 19. Dig in and let
LA REINA DEL MAR BURGER
A bold celebration of Latin flavors and coastal bounty. A housemade fresh Mexican chorizo pork patty spiced with chili, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic and a splash of tequila. Crowned with garlic-seared prawns, creamy crumbles of queso fresco and juicy tomato slices, and balanced by zesty paprika-lime mayo on a perfectly toasted bun.
Gyppo Ale Mill
1661 Upper Pacific Drive, Shelter Cove (707) 986-7700, gyppo.com
Available Mon.-Tues. 5-8pm, Wed.-Sun. noon-8pm Dine-in, call in, take-out welcome.
Every bite layers smoky heat, bright citrus, creamy tang, and ocean-fresh sweetness — an homage to both the Lost Coast and Latin heritage.
FIRE BURGER
Fresh flame-broiled burger served with crispy bacon and topped with melted pepper jack cheese, Bu alo sauce, mayonnaise and jalapeños.
$1699
Kristina’s Restaurant
250 W Fifth St., Eureka (707) 444-3322
Available daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Dine-in, take-out welcome.
HOT CHEETO BURGER
A layer of crisp lettuce topped with mayonnaise, cheese sauce, and a crunchy finish of Hot Cheetos.
$1350
Humboldt Bay Burgers
1679 Myrtle Ave., Eureka (530) 716-0784 instagram.com/humboldtbayburgers
Available daily, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Call-in orders, take out welcome.
AHEAD OF THE “GAME” BURGER
A 1/2-pound patty featuring a harmonious combination of elk, wagyu, and boar meat, garnished with lettuce, tomato, fried pickles, spicy garlic aioli, and topped with white cheddar and red onion, served on a toasted sweet potato bun.
A BIG DAM DILL BURGER
Sink your teeth into a 1/2-pound patty stacked with fresh tomatoes, pickled onions, arugula, melted Havarti dill cheese, French-fried pickles and our house-made spread of roasted garlic aioli. All of this served with a toasted burger bun — a masterpiece of melt-inyour-mouth magic. Comes with our house-made fries. $18
Humboldt Brews
856 10th St., Arcata, (707) 826-2739 humbrews.com
Available Mon. 4-9 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 4-10 p.m., Sat. Noon-10 p.m., Sun. Noon-9 p.m. (Closed Tues.) Dine-in, call-in, take-out welcome.
THE DRIVE THROUGH
Moonstone special beef grind, Moonstone sauce, lettuce, pickle, onion, fried onion strings.
FIREHOUSE BURGER
All beef patty topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, jalapeños, onion strings and topped with smoky chipotle sauce and served with homemade french fries and a soft drink.
$1599
$17
$2199
Lost Coast Brewery & Cafe
617 Fourth St., Eureka, (707) 445-4480
Available Wed.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Dine-in, call-in, take-out welcome.
Moonstone Grill
100 Moonstone Beach Road, (707) 499-2372 moonstonegrill.com
Available for lunch Wed.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and dinner Mon.-Sat. 4-9 p.m. Dine-In Only
2145 Central Ave., McKinleyville, (707) 839-3417
Available daily, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Take-out welcome.
SEPT. 19-28, 2025
Joe’s Green Barn
THE AMERICAN DOUBLE SMASH
Two 1/4-pound patties, American cheese, caramelized mushrooms and onions, chipotle aioli and pickles on a grilled bun.
Dine in, call in, take-out welcome. Available 7 a.m.-7 p.m. $999
Murphy’s Markets
Trinidad: 1 Main Street, Trinidad (707) 677-3643
Cutten: 4020 Walnut Drive, Eureka (707) 443-7388
Glendale: 1451 Glendale Drive, McKinleyville (707) 822-1157
Sunny Brae: 785 Bayside Road, Arcata (707) 822-7665
Westwood: 100 Alliance Road, Arcata (707) 822-0411 murphysmarkets.net
WESTERN
BURGER
Fresh beef patty cooked to order topped with bacon, jack and cheddar cheese, grilled onion, zesty barbecue sauce, lettuce, pickle and tomato on a sesame seed bun. Served with your choice of French fries, potato salad or fresh fruit.
BACON MANGO HABANERO BURGER
1/3-pound local hand-pressed beef patty with bacon and grilled pineapple on our toasted bun. Topped o with our homemade mango habanero sauce, onion, lettuce and fresh homegrown tomato.
$18
5000 Valley West Blvd., Arcata, (707) 826-0607
Available daily, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Dine-in, call-in, take-out welcome.
No Brand Burger Stand
1400 Main St., Ferndale, (707) 786-9474
Available Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dine-in, take-out, call-in orders welcome.
WESTERN BURGER
Fresh beef patty cooked to order topped with bacon, jack and cheddar cheese, grilled onion, zesty barbecue sauce, lettuce, pickle and tomato on a sesame seed bun. Served with your choice of French fries, potato salad or fresh fruit. Pepper’s
719 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna, (707) 725-5580
Available daily, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Dine-in, call-in, take-out welcome.
Two locations to serve you: 5000 Valley West Blvd., Arcata, (707) 826-0607 719 S. Fortuna
BRIE HERE NOW
Eel River grass-fed burger topped with chopped bacon, grilled onions, and local shiitake mushrooms with brie cheese melted over the top and finished with our homemade jalapeño shishito pepper jelly. Top that with local farm-fresh lettuce and tomato.
1584 Reasor Road, McKinleyville, (707) 630-5084
papawheeliespub.com
Available Tues.-Sat. 4-10 p.m.
Dine-in, call-in, take-out welcome. Please be patient with us and other sta during this week and all others. Cheers.
THE SPAMBRULEE BURGER
Pub bun, Humboldt Grassfed burger patty brushed with our SGC sauce, panko-encrusted deep-fried Spam, sweet chili aioli, brown sugar brûléed pineapple slices, homemade kimchi (optional, but most definitely recommended).
$17-20
(depending on if you get a side)
Pineapple Express
(808) 392-3359
1019 Myrtle Ave., Eureka pineappleexpresseureka.com
Available Mon.-Sun., 11:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Call-in orders and take-out welcome.
Two locations to serve you:
5000 Valley West Blvd., Arcata, (707) 826-0607
719 S. Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna, (707) 725-5580
Available daily, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Dine-in, call in, take-out welcome.
Papa Wheelies Pub
Index by City
TRINIDAD
Moonstone Grill, pg. 7
Murphy's Markets, pg. 8
Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery, pg. 11
MCKINLEYVILLE
Beau Pre Golf Course, pg. 5
Cap's Food Shack, pg. 4
Joe's Green Barn, pg. 7
Papa Wheelies, pg. 8
Six Rivers Brewery, pg. 11
ARCATA
Humboldt Brews, pg. 7
Murphy's Markets, pg. 8
Pepper's, pg. 8
The Pub at the Creamery, pg. 10
Roman's Kitchen, pg. 11
South G Kitchen, pg. 10
Toni's 24 Hour Restaurant, pg. 10
Wild Hare Tavern, pg. 11
Wildberries & Cafe, pg. 11
GLENDALE
Murphy's Markets, pg. 8
BLUE LAKE
Blue Lake Casino, pg. 4
EUREKA
AA Bar and Grill, pg. 4
Adel's, pg. 4
Cafe Waterfront, pg. 5
Cap's Food Shack, pg. 4
Fry Burger, pg. 5
Gallagher's Restaurant and Pub, pg. 5
The Greene Lily, pg. 5
Humboldt Bay Burgers, pg. 7
Kristina's Restaurant, pg. 6
Lost Coast Brewery, pg. 7
Murphy's Markets, pg. 8
Pineapple Express, pg. 8
Ramone's Bakery, pg. 10
Smalls Fusion Comfort, pg. 11
Time Out Restaurant and Sport Bar, pg. 10
FORTUNA
Bob's Footlongs, pg. 5
Cap's Food Shack, pg. 4
Eel River Brewing Co., pg. 4
Pepper's, pg. 8
Redwood Cafe, pg. 10
FERNDALE
No Brand Burger Stand, pg. 8
SHELTER COVE
Gyppo Ale Mill, pg. 6
SACRILICIOUS
Two fresh ground 3-ounce burger patties smashed with onions and grilled — one topped with melted American cheese and one with melted white American cheese — stacked and topped with bacon onion jam with latkes for buns. “I know I shouldn’t eat thee, but ... Mmm... Sacrilicious.” — Homer J. Simpson
$18
The Pub at The Creamery
824 L St. Ste. A, Arcata, (707) 630-5178 facebook.com/thepubatc
Available Mon.-Thurs. 4-9 p.m., Fri.-Sun. Noon-9 p.m. Dine-in only. No alterations. While supplies last. Limited quantity daily.
THE GUIDO
House made Italian pork sausage seasoned and smashed, layered with melted provolone and balsamic grilled onions on a toasted brioche bun with roasted red pepper marinara and basil pesto.
$14
South G Kitchen
550 South G St., Arcata (Redwood Curtain Brewery) (989) 598-4401 southgkitchen.com
11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Dine-in, take-out welcome.
BULDAK BURGER
A 7-ounce beef patty topped with a buldak slaw (mandarin orange, cabbage, carrot and cucumber), avocado, pickled onions and a gochujang aioli, served with chips or greens. Sweet potato fries available for $3.
$1650
Café
2297 Harrison Ave., Eureka, (707) 442-1336 ramonesbakery.com
Available Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dine-in, call-in, take-out welcome.
HAWAIIAN STYLE BURGER
½-pound beef patty topped with sliced fresh roasted pineapple, melted Colby cheese and teriyaki glaze served on a brioche bun.
$1899
Time Out Restaurant and Sports Bar
3502 Broadway, Eureka, (707) 440-2222 timeouteureka.com
Available 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Dine-in, call in orders, and take-out welcome.
THE SOURDOUGH CHEESEBURGER
Add bacon for extra charge. More than a ½ pound of burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion. Served on garlic butter toasted sourdough French roll.
$1709
1206 Main St., Fortuna (707) 725-3998
Available daily, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Dine-in, take-out welcome.
THE PB&J FIRECRACKER
1/4-lb. beef patty, bun, peanut butter, blackberry jam, honey, blue cheese, pepper jack cheese, carmelized red onion, jalepeños, lettuce.
$1199
Toni’s Restaurant
1901 Heindon Road, Arcata, (707) 822-0091 tonisrestaurant.com
Available 24 hours a day. Dine-in, call in, take-out welcome.
Ramone’s Bakery &
Redwood Cafe
SWEET AND SPICY BACON BURGER
A Humboldt Grassfed burger patty, hardwood crispy bacon, pepper jack cheese, barbecue sauce, homemade spicy mayo, tomatoes, onions and pickles with a side of small fries.
$1799
Roman’s Kitchen
1301 D St., Arcata (707) 407-9750 romanskitchen.com
Open for Burger Week Daily, 11am-6pm
Dine-in, call in and take-out welcome
APOLLOS SNACK ATTACK
1/2-pound Foggy Bottoms Beef, topped with Cypress Grove olive chèvre, balsamic glaze, fried soppressata salami, Woody Ryno Farms lemon-dressed arugula and our housemade basil aioli on a grilled seeded brioche bun.
$34
Trinidad Bay Eatery 607 Parker St., Trinidad, (707) 677-3777 @trinidadbayeatery
Tues. & Wed. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Thu.-Mon. 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Dine-in only, call-in orders welcome. The inspiration and proceeds from this burger go to support our chef’s child who has leukemia. It’s worth every dollar!
NOT FLOCKING AROUND
1/3-lb. turkey burger topped with carmelized onions and *apples, bacon, bleu cheese crumbles and *blackberry aioli on a buttery brioche roll. Served with our signature hop salted fries. (*Apples and blackberries are from Old Dog Farm in Willow Creek.)
$19
Six Rivers Brewery
1300 Central Ave., McKinleyville, (707) 839-7580 sixriversbrewery.com
Available Tues.-Sat. Noon-8 p.m. Dine-in only, no substitutions.
HARE HOUSE HAMBURGER
1/4-pound all beef smash burger on a grilled bun with house-made jalapeño ranch dressing, crispy shallots, dill pickles, fresh heirloom tomato and butter lettuce. Optional adds: cheese and bacon.
$16
The Wild Hare Tavern
915 H St., Arcata, (707) 499-2468 www.instagram.com/the_wild_hare_tavern
Available Tues.-Sat. 5-10 p.m. Dine-in only.
CRAB MAC SURF-N-TURF BURGER
Crispy fried crab mac, beef patty, lettuce, tomato, housemade half-sour pickle on a local hamburger bun. Served with a side of house-made seasoned steak fries.
$20
Smalls Fusion Comfort
1323 Fifth St., Eureka, (707) 798-1319 smallsfusioncomfort.com
Available Tues.-Sun. 4-9 p.m. Call-in, take-out welcome.
THE PACIFIC RIM BURGER
Gochujang-seasoned beef patty with blistered shishito peppers, pickled cabbage and ponzu aioli on a wheat bun.
$1299
Wildberries Marketplace
747 13th St., Arcata, (707) 822-0095 wildberries.com
Available Mon.-Sat. noon-7 p.m. Call-in, take-out welcome.
TASTE THE DIFFERENCE
Lush, pristine pastures, fertile soils, cool summers, mild winters, and dedicated local family ranchers combine to make Humboldt County the ideal place for authentic grassfed beef. Cattle are raised without hormones or antibiotics while being allowed to graze naturally on perennial grasslands.
A dedication to stewardship of the land, cattle and the natural resources provided by the uniqueness of our climate ensures that beef provided by Humboldt Grassfed Beef is wholesome, healthy, and great tasting.
Humboldt County’s long growing season is ideal for raising premium authentic grassfed beef, ensuring our
customers a fresh product year round.
At Humboldt Grassfed Beef we believe in gaining and maintaining the trust of our customers by providing healthy natural beef using local ranchers who share our values. Values like sustainable agricultural practices, humane handling, and a commitment to the local community.
Humboldt Grassfed Beef cattle come from ranches throughout Northern California from ranchers that have been stewards of the land and cattle for generations. Our partnership with these ranchers helps us to meet our goal of providing beef with the best flavor while being sensitive and respectful of our natural resources.
Small family ranchers are an important part of Humboldt Grassfed Beef’s success. Our partnership with these generational ranchers and independent markets make our product a truly Northern California experience that our customers can be proud to serve to their families.
- Lee Mora, Humboldt Grassfed Beef