- Photos of the Hungry For History Onion Burgers Historical Marker in El Reno, Oklahoma
- Know Before You Go
- Where to Stay Near the Hungry For History Onion Burgers Historical Marker
- Attractions Near the Hungry For History Onion Burgers Historical Marker on Route 66
- Plan Your Route 66 Road Trip
- Reviews & Ratings
Photos of the Hungry For History Onion Burgers Historical Marker in El Reno, Oklahoma
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to the Hungry For History Onion Burgers Historical Marker in El Reno, Oklahoma, here are some things to know before you go.
What is the Hungry For History Onion Burgers Historical Marker?
The Hungry For History Onion Burgers Historical Marker is a historical marker honoring El Reno’s claim as the birthplace of the Oklahoma fried onion burger. Installed in 2024 through the William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s Hungry for History program, the marker recognizes the onion burger as an important part of Oklahoma’s culinary heritage and Route 66 history. It was the first Hungry for History marker installed in Oklahoma.
Where is the Hungry For History Onion Burgers Historical Marker located?
The marker is located in downtown El Reno along historic Route 66 near the El Reno Mother Road Monument and the Route 66 Centennial Monument. Visitors will find it on West Wade Street in the heart of the city’s Route 66 district. Street parking is available nearby.
What does the marker say?
The marker commemorates the creation of onion burgers in El Reno and explains how shredded onions were combined with small amounts of ground beef to create an affordable local specialty. The marker highlights the dish’s origins and lasting impact on the community.
Hungry for History: Onion Burgers
Introduced in the 1920s, shredded onions fused with limited amounts of ground beef made these burgers an affordable local specialty.
— William G. Pomeroy Foundation, 2024
Why are onion burgers important to El Reno?
The fried onion burger is one of Oklahoma’s most famous regional foods and originated in El Reno during the 1920s. Restaurant owners began adding large amounts of thinly sliced onions to hamburger patties as a way to stretch expensive beef while creating a flavorful and affordable meal. The style became a local tradition and remains closely associated with the city today.
Who invented the onion burger?
Ross Davis is credited with creating the onion burger at the Hamburger Inn in El Reno and popularizing the onion burger during the 1920s. The burger was developed as an economical way to serve customers during difficult economic times while maximizing flavor.
Does El Reno celebrate its onion burger heritage?
Yes. El Reno hosts an annual Onion Burger Day Festival, celebrating the city’s famous fried onion burger tradition. The event attracts visitors from across Oklahoma and beyond who come to enjoy onion burgers and learn about the city’s food history.
Can you get an onion burger nearby?
Yes. Several well-known El Reno restaurants continue serving the city’s signature burger, including Sid’s Diner, Robert’s Grill, and Johnnie’s Hamburgers & Coneys. These restaurants are popular stops for travelers wanting to taste the food that made El Reno famous.
Where to Stay Near the Hungry For History Onion Burgers Historical Marker
Exhausted after a full day of exploring? Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest at one of these Oklahoma hotels near this Route 66 attraction.
Lucille’s Hotel
Experience classic Route 66 hospitality at Lucille’s Hotel in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Just behind Lucille’s Roadhouse and near the original station in Hydro, this renovated hotel offers modern comforts like free WiFi, hot breakfast, and a pool—plus a nod to Lucille Hamons, the “Mother of the Mother Road.”
Travel Inn Weatherford
This budget Route 66 motel features 24 rooms. The Travel Inn is within walking distance of Lucille’s Restaurant and is just a short drive away from the museum!
Classen Inn Motel
If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Oklahoma City that combines vintage charge, modern amenities, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, you’ve got to spend the night at The Classen Inn. The renovated 1963 motel complements its original Googie architecture and neon sign with modern amenities and hip artwork and murals.
The Skirvin Hilton
This 1911 hotel was known as being the “newest, finest hotel in the Southwest.” Notable figures such as Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Bob Hope have all spent the night in this historic Oklahoma City hotel. The Skirvin Hotel is now fully restored and updated, you can experience the rich history of the building alongside luxurious amenities, comfortable furnishings, and beautiful décor.
Attractions Near the Hungry For History Onion Burgers Historical Marker on Route 66
Route 66 Love Locks in El Reno, Oklahoma
