Runaway Kitchen — Restaurant in Salem

I have been eating there fairly regularly over the past year or so, of course for the delicious food, but because I want to check consistency and quality. Here's what I have come up with.

In the hundreds of burgers I eat every year, I have never had one that has had me drive to their business on accident, almost like muscle memory. It's official, my body craves their food. The beef is very fresh, seasoned to taste every order, smashed to perfection. Produce is always cold and crispy, there is never a question of whether ypu want veggies or not. The fries are standard cut, fried in beef tallow (from what I understand) and are consistent every time I've had them. If you are there for more than just the standard menue items, the have an array of other fun menue items including a boozy menue, shakes, and a mixture of both. The environment is pleasant, and the family that owns and operates this well oiled machine are beyond incredible. I wanted to give them a fair review, and with every fair review comes transparency.

Cons: Rain...? Food disappears too quick...? It's not free...? Thanks for hearing me babble, and run, don't walk, to the Runaway Kitchen. Hands down the #1 smashburger in the salem and surrounding area.

*Pictured is the double patty skimpy burger...

We stopped here for lunch on a whim today and ohmygoodness. We are definitely coming back. We debated whether or not we should do another day date or a date night. Either way, we will be going back.

The burgers were so delicious. I got the bacon smashburger and my husband got The Whole Farm smashburger. They're a good size and all the ingredients seemed fresh. I love that my lettuce had a little bit of a crunch to it. The bacon was thick and the smashed patty was generous.

The shoestring fries were the perfect amount of crispy with no oiliness. We were surprised at how many came with the meal. And the sauces were super good, too. We got both the ranch and the Runaway Sauce. It was clear both were homemade, which I really liked.

Yes, it's a little pricey, but we wholeheartedly agree that the food was well worth the price. We will update when we try the ice cream next time...

Was recommended this place by the owner of the fussy duck across the lot and grateful I gave this place a chance because it is hands down the BEST burger I’ve had in a long, long time. “Smashburgers” are soooooo good - 5 stars!!!

*update! Went back and ordered another burger (the Jessy!). I didn’t realize what I ordered wasn’t on their fabulous bread this time around (I need to read more carefully when I’ve had a long day), but even so… it was still fabulous! Great burger. They have the best bread, so I still prefer it with the bun, but it’s still one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. I love that the jessy has extra pickles too. So sooo...