Picture this: You’re cruising through Gorham, Maine, when suddenly, your stomach growls louder than a moose in mating season.
Fear not, hungry traveler!
Your taste buds are about to embark on a flavor adventure at the Backwoods Burger Shack.
Nestled in the heart of Gorham, Maine, like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by hungry explorers, sits the Backwoods Burger Shack.
This unassuming little joint might not look like much from the outside, but don’t let its modest appearance fool you.
It’s like that quiet kid in school who suddenly reveals they can juggle chainsaws while reciting Shakespeare – full of surprises and guaranteed to leave you impressed.
As you pull into the parking lot, you might wonder if your GPS has led you astray.
The building, with its dark green exterior and red roof, looks more like a cozy cabin than a culinary hotspot.
But that’s part of its charm, my friends.
It’s as if the forest decided to open a restaurant and forgot to tell the trees to leave.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Another burger joint? I’ve seen more burgers than a cow has seen grass!”
But hold your horses (or in this case, your cows), because Backwoods Burger Shack is about to flip your world upside down faster than you can say “medium-rare.”
Let’s start with the star of the show – the chicken sandwiches.
Yes, you heard that right.
In a place with “burger” in its name, it’s the chicken that’s stealing the spotlight.
It’s like going to a cat show and finding out the real champion is a golden retriever wearing a fake mustache.
The menu boasts an array of chicken options that’ll make you wonder if you’ve stumbled into poultry paradise.
From the “Mockingbird” to the “Kingbird,” these sandwiches are named after our feathered friends, which is both adorable and slightly unsettling if you think about it too much.
But trust me, one bite and you’ll be too busy savoring the flavors to ponder the existential implications of eating a sandwich named after a bird.
The “Mockingbird” is a crispy fried chicken breast nestled between two perfectly toasted buns, adorned with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a special sauce that’ll have you singing its praises louder than its namesake.
It’s so good, you might find yourself involuntarily mimicking bird calls between bites.
Don’t worry; the locals are used to it.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous (or just really hungry), the “Kingbird” might be your new monarch.
This royal treat features a double chicken breast, because why have one when you can have two?
It’s topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, and a spicy mayo that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha.
It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited.
But wait, there’s more!
(I’ve always wanted to say that.)
The Backwoods Burger Shack doesn’t just stop at chicken.
Oh no, they’re equal opportunity flavor providers.
Their burger menu is like a “Who’s Who” of bovine brilliance.
Take the “Happy Camper,” for instance.
It’s a quarter-pound beef patty topped with American cheese, bacon, and a fried egg.
It’s like breakfast and lunch had a beautiful baby, and you get to eat it.
Talk about happy camping – this burger will have you pitching a tent of joy right there in the restaurant.
(Please don’t actually pitch a tent. The staff frowns upon that.)
For those who like their burgers with a bit of pizzazz, the “Campfire” might just ignite your taste buds.
Topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and chipotle mayo, it’s hotter than a summer day in Death Valley.
But unlike Death Valley, you’ll actually want to stick around and savor every bite.
Now, I know what you health-conscious folks are thinking.
“But what about my diet?”
Well, fear not, my leafy green lovers.
The Backwoods Burger Shack has got you covered too.
Their “Voyageur” burger swaps the beef for a black bean patty that’s so good that even the most dedicated carnivores might be tempted to switch sides.
It’s topped with avocado, lettuce, and tomato, making it a journey of flavors that’ll have you saying “Oui, oui!” faster than you can paddle a canoe.
But let’s not forget about the sides, because at Backwoods Burger Shack, they’re not just playing second fiddle.
Oh no, these sides are ready for their solo career.
The fries here are crispier than a Maine winter morning and more addictive than binge-watching your favorite show.
They come in various forms, from the classic “Fries” to the loaded “Undergrowth” topped with cheese curds, bacon, and scallions.
It’s like a forest floor, but instead of leaves and twigs, it’s covered in deliciousness.
And then there’s the poutine.
Oh, sweet, glorious poutine.
For those uninitiated in the ways of this Canadian delicacy, imagine fries, but make them fabulous.
Crispy fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds – it’s like a warm, comforting hug for your stomach.
The Backwoods Burger Shack’s version is so good, you might find yourself pledging allegiance to the maple leaf flag.
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But wait, there’s more!
(I really do love saying that.)
The “Lil’ Lumberjacks” section of the menu is perfect for those with smaller appetites or for when you just want a little snack.
The “Grilled Cheese Waffle Fry” is exactly what it sounds like – a grilled cheese sandwich made with waffle fries instead of bread.
It’s the kind of food innovation that makes you wonder why you didn’t think of it first and then makes you grateful someone else did.
Now, let’s talk about the atmosphere because eating great food is only half the experience.
The Backwoods Burger Shack embraces its name with a rustic charm that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy cabin in the woods.
The dark green exterior gives way to a warm, welcoming interior that’s as comforting as a bear hug from a lumberjack (minus the splinters and awkward small talk).
The decor is a delightful mishmash of woodland kitsch and burger joint classics.
You half expect to see a moose walk in and place an order.
(Note: If you do see a moose, please alert the staff. They’re not on the menu.)
The walls are adorned with various woodland creatures and camping paraphernalia, creating an atmosphere that’s part summer camp, part gourmet getaway.
The staff at Backwoods Burger Shack are friendlier than a golden retriever at a frisbee convention.
They’ll greet you with a smile warmer than a freshly grilled patty and are always ready to help you navigate the menu.
Need recommendations?
They’ve got ’em.
Want to know the secret to their amazing sauces?
Well, they can’t tell you that, but they’ll happily bring you extra napkins for when you inevitably drool over your meal.
One of the things that sets Backwoods Burger Shack apart is their commitment to using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible.
It’s like they’ve got a direct line to Mother Nature’s pantry.
The beef is sourced from local farms, the produce is so fresh it was probably picking out its outfit this morning, and the buns are baked daily.
It’s farm-to-table dining, but with less pretension and more fun.
And let’s not forget about the drinks!
Because what’s a great meal without something to wash it down?
The Backwoods Burger Shack offers a selection of beverages that’ll quench your thirst faster than a rainstorm in the Sahara.
From classic sodas to locally crafted beers, they’ve got something for everyone.
But the real star of the drink menu is their selection of “adult” milkshakes.
These boozy concoctions are like a childhood favorite that grew up, went to college, and came back cooler than ever.
The “Campfire S’more” shake, with its blend of chocolate ice cream, marshmallow vodka, and graham cracker rim, is like sipping on nostalgia with a kick.
It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to sing campfire songs, but you’ll be too busy slurping to hit the high notes.
For those who prefer their drinks on the non-alcoholic side, fear not!
The Backwoods Burger Shack also offers a range of craft sodas and fresh-squeezed lemonades that are so good, you might forget alcohol exists.
The blueberry soda, made with real Maine blueberries, is like summer in a glass.
It’s so refreshing, you half expect to see a moose wearing sunglasses and sipping it through a straw.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds great, but what about dessert?”
Oh, my sweet-toothed friend, prepare to have your sugar-coated socks knocked off.
The Backwoods Burger Shack may be known for their savory offerings, but their dessert game is stronger than a bear’s grip on a honeycomb.
Their homemade pies are the stuff of legend.
Rumor has it that people have traveled from as far as Canada just to get a slice of their wild blueberry pie.
It’s so good, it might make you consider moving to Maine just to be closer to it.
The crust is flakier than your friend who always cancels plans at the last minute, and the filling is bursting with more blueberries than you’d find in a forest full of berry-loving bears.
But the pièce de résistance of the dessert menu has to be the “Lumberjack’s Delight.”
This monstrosity of a dessert is a warm chocolate chip cookie, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with maple syrup, and sprinkled with bacon bits.
It’s sweet, it’s salty, it’s hot, it’s cold – it’s a roller coaster of flavors that’ll have your taste buds doing backflips.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes you question all your life choices up to this point, wondering why you haven’t been eating cookies with bacon every day of your life.
As you waddle out of the Backwoods Burger Shack, belly full and heart happy, you’ll find yourself already planning your next visit.
Will you try that burger you’ve been eyeing?
Or stick with the chicken that stole your heart?
Maybe you’ll just come back for pie.
Whatever you choose, one thing’s for certain – the Backwoods Burger Shack isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience.
So, the next time you find yourself in Gorham, Maine, follow the scent of grilling burgers and frying chicken.
Let your nose guide you to this unassuming shack in the woods.
Because sometimes, the best adventures – and the best meals – are found off the beaten path.
For more information about their mouthwatering menu and to stay updated on their latest creations, be sure to check out Backwoods Burger Shack’s website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own flavor adventure, use this map to find your way to burger bliss.
Where: 680 Gray Rd, Gorham, ME 04038
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for the journey.
Remember, life’s too short for boring food.
So go forth, brave culinary explorers, and may your burgers be juicy, your chicken be crispy, and your adventures be delicious!