misc PDX burgers: Joe's Burgers & Carl's Jr.

marketing 101: there's nothing like a really good sign to get your place noticed. we had passed by Joe's Burgers lot in downtown PDX, and always felt compelled to try them just for the solid, compelling, classic, stand-up sign outside the place. based on the striking signage alone, we expected a large, formal-ish burger spot, but when we finally popped in for a taste we found a small counter-service fast-food style joint. the menu is simple but features all the classics (just a few varieties of burger, hand-spun milkshakes, dogs), all seeming to be focused on stand up ingredients.

the burgers look just like a quintessential simple burger... no fuss. and the lil guys delivered - they had a lot of flavor. and killer sauce. and really good fries. what looked like plain old fast-food style burger was actually delightful... and good enough to get the "i'd totally go back" rating. 
****
Carl's Jr., at the other end of the spectrum. Carl's Jr. ads are all over town, declaring the wonder of their fresh-baked buns. we had to try em. the bun was... just a bun (honestly i think they probably just heat them up on site vs. bake them from scratch...they didn't seem like homemade buns. but anyway). i ordered the Western X-tra Bacon Thickburger.  the toppings had a lot of flavor... the 4 strips of bacon, the onion rings, the super-strong tasting slightly offensive BBQ sauce. which was good. because the burger patty itself had NO flavor at all. it was kinda in there just as filler, a small plate to hold the toppings. the hubby was equally unimpressed with his (and mind you, we're not fast food snobs... and not comparing this to a $15 fancy pants gourmet burger. it just sucked for fast food standards). i'd go back, but only to see  if the chicken nuggets are any good. meeeeep.