Standing out in Portland’s crowded smash burger scene isn’t easy. In the four years since we hunted down and ate approximately 25 local renditions, dozens of new bars, carts and restaurants have started serving smash burgers in Portland. Champs makes a special smash burger. The pop-up turned Brooklyn neighborhood cart has put serious thought into every aspect of its burger-making process, from the house-baked buns to the dry-aged beef to the specific type of American cheese it melts over its smashed — but not too smashed — patties. Perhaps that’s why there’s often a small crowd milling around the back patio of Away Days Brewing on Thursdays, when Champs opens for the week. Follow the link in our bio to read more from restaurant critic Michael Russell. This video brought to you by travelportland 📹 by seanspix #portland #hereisoregon #smashburger