The Legend of Oklahoma's Fried Onion Burger | Burger Bucket List

The hyper-regional Oklahoma fried onion burger has become the stuff of legend. From tutorials flooding your social feeds, to pop-ups in far-flung places like Brazil and Argentina, the onion burger is seemingly everywhere, thanks in no small part to Burger Scholar George Motz. But before it became a global phenomenon, it all started in a small, quiet Midwestern town.
So it's only fitting that Motz and chef Alvin Cailan go on a quest to visit the birthplace of the ORIGINAL fried onion burger in El Reno, Oklahoma, where the tradition of smashing onions into burgers has been going on for nearly 100 years. The verdict? LIFE-CHANGING.
That's right. Motz and Alvin are embarking on an epic road trip in the 'Burger RV' to survey Oklahoma's best hyper-regional burgers. Stop #1 is the Meer's Store, a remote burger joint situated in a defunct gold-mining outpost that specializes in giant long-horn smashburgers. Stop #2 is at Johnnie's in Oklahoma City, where they make two VERY unique styles: the Theta burger and the Caesar burger. Finally, at Stop #3, they visit the fried-onion burger capital of the world, El Reno- specifically Sid's Diner, where owner Marty Hall has been perfecting the 'Okie' burger for decades.
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First We Feast videos offer an iconoclastic view into the culinary world, taking you behind-the-scenes with some of the country’s best chefs and finding the unexpected places where food and pop culture intersect.

[@FirstWeFeast]

*Thanks for a great season of BURGER BUCKET LIST! Like if you want to see GEORGE and ALVIN go on more BURGER ROAD TRIPS!*

[@allend5399]

Can a super fan get in on a burger show ???? Lol I know. I know. 😆. But i can burger dream

[@gigantoro]

You were in Oklahoma and didn't stop in shawnee for HAMBURGER KING like you did years ago... what is wrong with you that totally "the" best burger in Oklahoma

[@themovingforest]

NIC'S in OKC is usually ranked 1 of the best burgers in the nation.

[@scottweber3077]

you need to add NFA burger to your list. Its an Atlanta legend that while still fairly new is toppeling every other burger place in Atlanta as well as in the South East

[@l0wgrade377]

Y’all better keep making this stuff, we need more George in our lives

[@mf-il4po]

I do not fear the man who has practiced 10,000 different burgers... I fear the man who has practiced the same burger 5 million times

[@sonyshall4798]

Love this❤️

[@NeutralGloomBot]

I fear the burger that becomes a man

[@tremisanthrope]

@@NeutralGloomBotI fear the burger that was a man

[@Zer0_._]

Sound knowledge there. Could save your life one day, OP.

[@markthespark207]

Nice Bruce Lee reference there haha 👏

[@hungryclone]

I honestly got a tear in my eye when Marty said "Thank you" to their compliments.

[@mauimarcus]

I wasn't tearing up... must have been my allergies 😢

[@knalt7628]

Same

[@richbennett6577]

Me too!🥹

[@GilgameshGDLK]

I think it was just the onions for me.....

[@DelVillatoro]

i got all teary eyed when he said "You get your daddys name on something you'll do the best you can" after saying his dad never saw the diner open.

[@thomasrogers280]

Marty almost brought tears to my eyes. What a wholesome and historical man

[@XxThatGuyOverTherex1]

He seems like such a kind man! I wish him the best!

[@beausimmons8915]

I will never get enough of The Burger Scholar or The Burger Show. I am a huge burger fan and have learned a lot from you guys. Every time I travel I have to try a local burger.

[@td5046]

Bruh I begged them for more Motz and they delivered

[@Vorthulusgaming]

My thoughts exactly. Huge burger fan and I've learned so much from the burger scholars and the burger show.

[@TheScottyj75]

I😊

[@soulz-1302]

Marty is the “it ain’t much, but it’s honest work” type of guy and he deserves all the respect in the world

[@shadinz]

Is it just me, or, when I thought George Motz just peaked about his knowledge on burgers history, when they release another video with him, I just get mind blown again. This guy is truly a living encyclopedia about burger history, it's fascinating.

[@jesuisfudgeman874]

I've gone to Sid's a couple of times in my life, and each time I've gone, I've noticed one thing: Marty always tries his best to speak with every single person in the diner before they leave. he's just one of those people that wants to make you feel at home when you're at his restaurant

[@lancethornton5405]

I went on a Burger Quest last year along the entire Route 66. Over 2200 miles and Sid's had the best cheeseburger basket amongst the rest. I had sixteen burgers in sixteen days. Sid's was life changing for me.

[@isk8ikill]

I’m rebuilding a truck to do this trip. I can’t wait. Glad I’m not the only food nerd to drive all that way for burgers.

[@TheGhostOfFredZeppelin]

Man people like Marty just put a smile on my face

[@melindareuter1098]

I’m from El Reno and Marty is the real deal!! He’s as genuine as he appears to be.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

There are VERY FEW Marty's left in this world......

[@wyattheitkamp55]

As a Oklahoma local I can confirm that Marty is like the most Oklahoman man ever. The best example of that OK hospitality

[@ukebec1178]

As a born Oklahoman I'm thrilled with this episode. Best of luck to George and Alvin and thanks for the spotlight on our amazing burgers!

[@WVSUTenr4]

The look on Marty's face when George walked in was just heartwarming. Like man hadn't seen his best friend in years, and may have been just that. I could watch these shows forever.

[@genericinternetperson]

The production quality on this episode is top notch. Excellent job!

[@knalt7628]

Anything with the burger legend George Motz is high quality stuff!

[@vr0k3n]

exactly my thought

[@ThePrevo02]

the musical score is top notch as well.

[@filip2175]

Fr this is better than some tv productions

[@markmower6507]

What can I say some people like to look at high definition videos of Cheeseburgers, that's not a crime yet is it?! Hahahahahahahaha 😂!!!

[@AngryPhotoGuy]

The best episode yet. I never thought that I'd ever make Oklahoma a vacation destination.

[@falloutboy9993]

It’s got some nice places to eat. Lived here my whole life

[@uns33n]

if you come to oklahoma for burgers. Nic's grill in OKC is a must.

[@davidj.carroll129]

The first Sonic was in Shawnee, OK

[@jacobflores8666]

@@uns33n I remember Brownie's in Tulsa being really good when I ate there as a kid, but that's been a long time. Wonder if it's still just as good 20 years later.

[@randomsketchystuff5572]

Oklahoma does three things right, burgers, bbq, and chicken fried steak. If you ever come here i definitely recommend Luke's bbq, and Tally's

[@thomasrogers280]

Why did this feel like a series finale? Amazing quality to this episode, please keep this series going!

[@havokhwt]

I got the same vibe. All the stuff after made it seem that way.

[@BigPoppa-Monk]

Alvin has about another 5 years if he's lucky, hopefully he will see the light and change his ways.

[@heslinjustin]

@@BigPoppa-Monk Seems like an unnecessary comment for a video not in any way about health and fitness. I like to mind my own business but you do you bud. 👍

[@BigPoppa-Monk]

@@heslinjustin Just goes to show you don't care if he dies young, you do you bud 👍

[@heslinjustin]

@@BigPoppa-Monk You think what you're saying is helping? Like I said, you do you...bud🤟

[@antzuprising]

l got a bit emotional there when it came to Sid's. It's where George got his beginnings and inspiration to be where he is at now. And Alvin is there too soaking up all this beautiful history so that someday maybe he can share his experiences and knowledge to the next person who appreciates a good burger!!

[@EarendilMitsos]

The cinematography. The story telling. The raw emotion. Thank you for inviting us on this journey. What a treat! This was so intimate, in the most heart-warming way possible. One of the best episodes by far!!

[@canonballz8346]

I never knew about the Oklahoma smash burger before this channel and now I don’t make burgers any other style. Basically I just want to say thanks to you and the Oklahomans

[@freighter1097]

As someone from there, we just call it a burger.

[@randomsketchystuff5572]

Oklahoman here, we just call it an onion burger we're about as oblivious to this phenomenon as we can be

[@MMallon425]

The way Marty's face lit up when George walked in. What a humble, gracious spirit of hospitality. Feeding your community is a sacred calling, and for Marty and the Sid's family, "community* means anyone who loves burgers, no matter where on Earth they're from. But he's also a living custodian of not just burger history but American history Of COURSE eating here was a pivotal moment in George's trajectory as the world's leading (possibly only) burger historian. What a treat!

[@jeralgrant]

I love Sid's!!! Marty is a class act. Thank you for highlighting one of Oklahoma's hidden gems.

[@kimbertime]

I’ve never been to Oklahoma, but now I want to go just to see Marty. What a genuine person and you can really tell how much pride and heart goes into everything he does. Great episode!

[@ColinBloodworth]

This was one of the best things I've watched on KZbin in ages. Thanks Alvin, George and the production team.

[@MartiniGTGP]

I love these longer than 10 min food videos, full of people displaying the true meaning of life so beautifully.

[@b1k2q34]

The true meaning of life? Lololololololol

[@MartiniGTGP]

@@b1k2q34 yeah man, finding what you love and serving it to people. Marty is a stand up man honoring his father’s name. And Motz and big homie out here spreading the word to millions based off of what they love. That’s beauty bro.

[@MartiniGTGP]

@@b1k2q34 by the way.. you have made many of your last comments as super negative comments while laughing at people, as we can see them in your account. Believe in Love my friend. You will be less bitter 💜🩵💙

[@SmoofDizzle]

Good folks like Marty really make me want to visit the mid-west and go on a food adventure. Marty just talking was putting a big ol' smile on my face.

[@CapnRiggs2k5]

I legit felt what George and Alvin were feeling at Sid's. It's a surreal feeling being in a place of legendary status.

[@Brandondrumkc]

Also the way Alvin brings the excitement out of George. I could watch this team all day.

[@jeromehahaha118]

So nice seeing Sid’s diner. This was probably the key moment of this whole show

[@SatanSupimpa]

I thought Marty was about to tell me time is a flat circle.

[@MattyK-USA]

This may be the best production that I have ever seen made for KZbin and man, I've seen a LOT. Borderline emotional at times, and Ken Burns level depiction of Oklahoma. I'm just blown away.

[@EricLongden]

Thank you!

[@MattyK-USA]

@@EricLongden I'll be watching out for more of your productions, my man! Insta-subbed.

[@SollowP]

That caesar salad burger is honestly absolutely brilliant. A caesar salad is basically a deconstructed burger anyway: sallad, red onions, parmesan cheese, a sauce, crotons, bacon and chicken. But turning the sallad into what's basically a coleslaw is another layer of amazing. It's something I'm totally gonna steal and tinker with.

[@skarrambo1]

God, Marty had me crying for the whole of the bit at Sid's. I'm English, but when I think of what the heart of America is, it's good common people such as Marty, who do a regular job amazingly well, with a smile, are friendly to you, and are contributing to the great American song through that.

[@SalaryMan..]

When I was a little kid my dad would take me out to Sid's and we'd sit right where y'all sat and get a double with cheese and some chili cheese fries. Some of the happiest memories of my life were right there. Thanks for sharing in the love.

[@CurtisCurry989]

Marty is a national treasure and he and his restaurant and his legacy should be protected at all costs.

[@Dan-hn1lx]

The passion for burgers is infectious and how nice of them to visit the cows who give us the beef we enjoy everyday!!! God bless America and its burgers...from an Australian....

[@XxMasterLANCExX]

Man when Alvin takes a bite and it cuts to Marty you can just see the amount of love and genuine care he has on his face man. That is a man that absolutely loves what he does, I love him already

[@patricksimnor6589]

Whoever directed and edited the intro on this absolutely knocked it outta the park.

[@kylemrdrh5364]

i wish i had HALF the love and enthusiasm for anything, that George has for burgers.

[@dpclerks09]

Go find it! Just try stuff out, and have fun with whatever you try to get into. Something will click.

[@dachandewuffsteiger]

I finally have a valid reason to visit Oklahoma. I will have this OG onion burger in my face very soon.

[@Skiriwowi]

Arguably the most important Burger show episode so far, this is straight up American cultural heritage

[@knalt7628]

George is a national treasure

[@vectrexer]

Coming from an another Okie, this episode is 100% ON POINT! There are so many awesome Burgers in Tulsa where I grew up, and throughout the rest of Oklahoma! Come and enjoy hearts full of hospitality and a fistful of happiness in my home state.

[@KevinVideo]

It's great seeing so much history, and seeing George being like a little kid in the candy store.

[@MusicMakesMeSmile247]

As an Oklahoman thanks for highlighting these places! I have only had Johnnie's but now I know where I need to go next time I need a road trip and a burger. ❤ I never knew the onion burger started here, I have had plenty of them but now I need the original.

[@MrVovansim]

I'm a simple man. I see Motz, I smash the like button.

[@Orithous]

Every episode feels like you’re with your friends, just learning about burgers; And it’s the BEST!

[@knalt7628]

Facts

[@emileb7085]

Marty is such an amazing person! What a legend!! This place is now on my bucket list, hope to visit it one day. I hope you read this and that you have many more wonderful years smashing burgers.

[@JLeary45acp]

It's worth the stop, I was there last year and it's fantastic

[@deeayeveeeyees]

the history and the people are great. burgers are pretty overrated in my opinion. pretty bland.

[@Brandondrumkc]

I struggled to stay awake through all my history classes yet I click these videos as soon as I see them. I love the presentation of history via food.

[@SODTAOE]

Man that moment at 13:51 was just pure. You can see how much they truly appreciate each other

[@brianharriman5104]

Thank you guys so much. As an Okie that has moved, episodes like this make me a little less homesick and remind me of why I love Oklahoma. It's also a nice reminder of the foods I love and haven't had in a while. I remember many hiking trips ending in a trip to Meers

[@Waldenpunk]

Thank you George and Alvin for keeping this history alive!

[@dawna-bethmcdonald6260]

Your personalities are perfect together. One is super hyper, excitable talks fast and the other is so chill and talks slow and calm. Love you guys. Thanks for showing us burger history.

[@Cesiumswimsuit]

Gem of an episode guys, thank you to all involved for bringing this one to KZbin for us. A few more places to add for my burger road trip!

[@Galactic123]

Everything came full circle in this episode. I sincerely hope you do more episodes of the Burger Bucket List, but if this is the final episode, it was absolutely a fitting farewell to an amazing series.

[@easterislandstatue4059]

Over 5 million burgers from one man. He deserves the medal of honor. Keep on brother.

[@OkieAllDay]

I went to church with Marty for several years in El Reno, Oklahoma. He is a good, humble man.

[@tjwolfe77]

I’ve been visiting my cousin in Yukon, OK and we’ve been to Sid’s twice in the past 3 days. The burger was so delicious (as was everything else we had). We worked up the nerve to ask the server if we could get a picture with Marty, and he was just so sweet and funny and gracious. I don’t know how often I’ll be back out this way (it’s a long way from Las Vegas), but Sid’s will be a MUST STOP for me if I’m ever within a couple hours’ drive.

[@dhruvmehta7147]

This is some of the best food content I've seen. Best episode of the burger show. Keep the trip going!!

[@DavidSmith0712]

I'm from CA and have many relatives from central Oklahoma. My first onion burger was in Chickasha OK it changed my life forever. Thanks guys for the memories.

[@pifuskinz]

You sir George Motz lead me to open a restaurant in Harbin, China. I started it in 2021, and I'm going to be opening my second restaurant this summer

[@foxernator]

I love George and Alvin best combo on YT

[@cindylouwhoo6241]

Hickory sauce is life. First time I had it was probably in the late 60's at a place called Beef n Bun it was a Saturday treat with my granddad I was about 6 or 7 yrs old. Everytime I have a Hickory burger it takes me back

[@johnjohnson9431]

If you’ve never been to Oklahoma, they really do have some insane burgers

[@srbclangaming]

"You put your daddy's name on something, you are going to do the best you can!" Wise words my guy

[@iphaze]

I think this is my favourite video ever. I love me some Motz and Alvin, but this was the top of the top, the pinnacle. Thank you!

[@MrPixelHungryz]

Best episode this far. Lot of very humble people in Oklahoma by the sounds of it. ❤

[@DrScottzy]

Matthew McConaughey HAS to play the great Marty Hall in a movie.

[@kevtrac975]

Thanks for all you do!!! Appreciate your efforts!!!

[@diegofarahferrero]

George moment in el reno really made my cry. Live is about those moments

[@sack943]

This is definitely one of my favorite shows uncle motz and cousin Alvin keeping the American traditions of burgers alive and I am 100 behind this thank you and I need to go to the restaurant George is opening

[@b1k2q34]

Uncle and cousin? K. Lololol

[@fuckme650]

Perfectly produced video. The outtakes are 10/10

[@SusanaEH92]

This episode was PURE GOLD! Thanks, boys!! ❤

[@Zubely]

The sweetest episode of all time❤ Thank you so much and keep going!)

[@richardbeathe9177]

Where my Okies at. 🤘💀🤘

[@JP_Cypher_S2]

Well done George & Alvin! Your love of tradition is truly incredible! Anytime you guys are ever in Alaska, I've 2 scotch's ready. 🍻

[@nathanredd9154]

What an amazing story, 52 years... amazing. Thank you for sharing this journey with us!

[@jeremyholbrook7294]

As much as I love the Burger show and George’s Burger Scholar eps there is something so special about these road trip episodes. This one had an almost spiritual quality that was just beautiful. More please.

[@TheNicopogo]

Awesome episode!! Marty’s the man. Beautiful soul 🙏🏻

[@93golfer]

Marty is an amazing man! I love his outlook on life! I am going to have to try and make a trip out there!

[@jasonbolin151]

I love the history of these places. Thanks for all you've done to create this channel.

[@tarinsaenz]

Very much enjoyed the production quality on this one keep it up guys🤙🏽

[@jordanshreds747]

Marty seems like such an awesome guy! This whole episode was great!

[@Ajguy]

Man, seeing that moment when George and Marty see each other was just magical!

[@ImInLoveWithBulla]

That menu at 14:36. If you ever find a place with a menu like that, you know you’re in for a treat.

[@steiny3792]

the production value has gone through the roof guys! such a great episode!

[@impmonethrax]

even tho the channel is pretty big - the production quality is insane. good work guys

[@bettyslawinski8265]

One of my favorite shows on KZbin 💛💛💛💛💛

[@Deadman8650]

As someone who grew up in El Reno, I can tell you that burger is something special. And no one does onion fried burgers like my hometown. I go home for two reasons only. See family and eat onion fried burgers.

[@nomadicsloth1272]

Slaw dogs slap too

[@heatman38]

One of the most genuine and favorite parts of this KZbin that is left!

[@muisverriet]

I'd love to go to all of these places, especially Sid's! Those onion burgers look absolutely perfect!

[@otaharmstrong6149]

I've been to them all. I'm a local here in OKC. Sid's is great but don't sleep on Robert's Grill which they mentioned but didn't go to. Also here in OKC is Nick's Burger which is considered top five in the world.

[@gama1123]

I never knew Johnny Knoxville's dad had a burger show.

[@lanceb5393]

Great episode and that B-roll footage was great!

[@kylelee3576]

Y’all did my home state proud, thank you!

[@decklinnagel8948]

I live in Norman, and I go to OU. Have a few friends that are Thetas, and I’m not sure that they know that there’s a world famous burger named after their sorority. I’ve been to Johnnie’s and it’s top tier, but I’ll be hitting the other 2 spots soon.

[@SuperTex1966]

That was an amazing episode. The montage at the end was great. Thinking I may need to try a Theta. And did anyone else tear up when Marty cooked the onion burger? It was the onions, no really.

[@TheTobes99]

I love the stories and history behind all these burger joints and the passion of the hosts. MORE MOTZ

[@AotearoaChef]

I’ve been asking for this type of content. And they delivered. Thanks team!

[@knalt7628]

More episode like this! Motz is a legend

[@barrymartin3054]

Thanks for that video. Amazing production and made with a great sense of humour but honouring the tradition behind the food also.We need more like this and please can moto be my dad I’m becoming such a fanboy😂🤣

[@TheWingus]

I got a little choked up when Marty and George locked eyes. They really owe so much to each other

[@760viater]

This is amazing ,thank you so much for this video.