Willy’s Burgers — Restaurant in Gold Hill

Last Friday, a friend and I found ourselves ravenous and nearby. We pulled off Interstate 5 at Gold Hill Exit 40 and crossed the Rogue River, traveling north on Old Highway 99 until we reached the little red trailer at the corner of Fredenburg Street and Second Avenue.

Willy’s is a throwback to classic, family-owned roadside burger stands, which once lined America’s highways long before soulless fast food restaurants mushroomed around interstate interchanges.

A red, metal carport covers the red trailer and a wood picnic table. Another picnic table sits further back from the road under two, vinyl Coca-Cola patio umbrellas. There’s enough shaded, outdoor seating for 12-16 people. At the furthest corner of the lot, Willy’s provides a (red!) porta-potty for customers.

As luck would have it, a short, disheveled 50ish woman tumbled out of her midsize sedan and scuttled to the counter a minute before us. We listened as she hemmed and hawed before placing an $80 takeout order for 16 burgers. She retrieved four wadded $20 bills out of her ragged purse with the faux amazement one expects from a children’s party magician.

I didn’t applaud her act. She tottered off to her car and drove off.

“That’s a big order,” I said into the order window.

“Ahh, sorry guys,” said Mark. “Yeah, it’ll take me twenty minutes. I’m in here by myself. My wife should be back soon.”

I told Mark his burger shop came highly recommended and we’d be happy to wait.

“Thanks, guys,” said Mark. “I’ll go as fast as I can.”

He returned to the grill and we took seats at the end of the picnic table closest to the trailer’s entrance. The real magic show began, enveloping us in the savory smoke of grilled meat and onions.

Jennifer Shehorn arrived a few minutes later. She kindly acknowledged us as she entered the red trailer. Working together, they made quick work of the 16-burger order with Mark providing status updates through the screen door as our order — two double, bacon cheeseburgers and fries — neared the grill.

Our burgers arrived paper wrapped, sesame seed buns filled with two beef patties, thick strips of bacon, crisp iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickle slices, and a generous serving of grilled onions. Seasoned shoestring fries filled the rest of the basket. From my vantage point, I had seen the First Street brand hamburger patties and shoestring fries were frozen, alleged unforgivable sins in today’s culinary culture, where the trend drives overpriced burgers.

Therein is the magic of Willy’s Burgers & Bullets. From humble (frozen) beginnings, Mark and Jennifer serve simple but delicious burgers and fries with pleasing flavor and texture, all from a kitchen not much larger than two phone booths pressed side by side.

Today’s culinary culture, of which this website is incorporated, too often ignores old-fashioned audiences. Located across the street from Sweed Machinery, Willy’s fills a community need. We watched welders and machinists cross Second Avenue to place hamburger and hot dog orders; we watched a young, married couple enjoy lunch with their preschool-aged son under a patio umbrella; and, at the end of our picnic table, we watched two white-bearded men pause to say grace before eating their cheeseburgers.

Willy’s is a community treasure.

We finished our burgers and ate as many fries as we could before throwing in the towel. As I cleared our table, I asked Mark why he didn’t have a restaurant sign posted on I-5.

“We tried,” said Mark. “But the state won’t accept us. They don’t accept restaurants unless it has indoor seating or a 10-car parking lot.”

That’s a shame. There’s no reason Willy’s Burgers & Bullets should be a place only locals know about. Don’t let foolish bureaucracy dissuade you from taking Gold Hill Exit 40. As a burger lover, Willy’s offers great customer service with good, old-fashioned burgers, tasty, filling and...

I really think we have found one of the best burger spots 🤤 yes we have many that are good, but let me tell you about Willy’s Burgers. They have one of the juiciest most flavorful burgers I have tried AND they have some unique spins on burgers to choose from as well. OR the chef said he can make it however you'd like. Also everything was fresh tasting. Since being pregnant I have been on a mission with this crazy burger obsession I have acquired 😅 Willy's hit every satisfaction I was looking for and then some. Usually I can't finish a whole burger, and I did mine in record time. Not only was the food good and prices so very reasonable, but the service we received was absolute top notch. My husband and I not realizing the time, showed up at closing, but they were more than happy to still serve us and with a smile and such kindness. They were so welcoming and and genuine ❤️ I very highly reccomend others to try them out. :) Also, the garlic parm fries hit...

Hands-down the Best Burger I’ve Ever Had — and I’ve Lived in 6 States

Willy’s Burgers is the real deal. Albert and his wife don’t just serve food — they serve passion on a plate. I’ve lived and worked in six different states, and I’ve never had a burger this good, period. The flavor, the quality, the freshness — it’s just next-level.

But it’s not just about the food. Their customer service is absolutely top tier. You walk in and feel like family. You can tell they genuinely care about what they do and the people they serve.

I’m eating here my last two days in Oregon because I honestly can’t imagine leaving without getting one more taste. If you’re anywhere near this place, do yourself a favor and stop in. You...