Oklahoma Onion Burgers from a Burger Legend

Oklahoma Onion Burgers from a Burger Legend

Meet Chef Alvin Calian

Chef Alvin Cailan’s burger journey began in the most unlikely of places: the Michelin-starred brunches of Bouchon and The French Laundry. Here, Chef Alvin learned the importance of intentionality and technique between two toasted buns—a philosophy that won international acclaim with his first venture, Eggslut

After Eggslut’s success, Alvin was asked to host First We Feast’s The Burger Show—a deep dive into the world of burgers.

Six years and 129M views later

Chef Alvin has cooked and tasted the “best” burgers worldwide, but one regional-style remained unforgettable…

Inspired by the rich tradition of the Oklahoma Onion Burger, Chef Alvin has teamed up with Local Kitchens to bring his signature techniques and flavors to this All-American classic with Sweet Onion Burger.

Burgers with a Backstory

The Oklahoma Onion Burger is a regional delicacy known for its uniquely flavorful yet simple ingredients. Originating in the early 1920s in El Reno, Oklahoma, this burger was created to stretch ground beef by pressing a generous amount of thinly sliced onions directly into the patty as it cooks on the griddle.

The result is a crispy, golden crust on the onions and an intensely savory flavor that melds perfectly with the beef, topped with American cheese and a potato bun.

Unlike traditional burgers where onions are simply a topping, in an Oklahoma Onion Burger, they are an essential, flavor-defining element, making it a truly one-of-a-kind bite

When Alvin got his first taste during an early episode of The Burger Show, he was hooked. He’d finally found what was missing in many modern-day burgers: the old-school techniques that gave this classic dish its soul.

So he followed its roots back to Sid’s Diner in El Reno, OK, a true relic of Americana. Alvin sat on a vinyl barstool for hours, watching the staff seamlessly work the line and interact with guests like family, and wondered what his own version could look like…

The Birth of SOB

The answer was simple: celebrate the tradition of the Oklahoma Onion Burger and take every ingredient to the highest level.

It’s not just Certified Angus Beef topped with onions, but the way they're pressed and seared to create the Maillard reaction.

It’s not just a slice of American cheese, but how it’s melted.

It’s not just a potato bun, it’s how it’s toasted to perfection on the grill.

It’s not just how the sauces are made, but the way they're used to magnify the flavor of each bite—a signature of Chef Alvin.

We’re bringing old-school techniques into the modern era with new flavors to create an unforgettable burger menu.

That’s Sweet Onion Burger by Alvin Cailan

That’s Sweet Onion Burger by Alvin Cailan

Grab a Bite of Sweet Onion Burger

  • The SOB

  • The Bacon SOB

  • The Hot SOB

  • The Overachieving SOB

A Taste of Americana

Savor the namesake The SOB, featuring a quarter-pound of Certified Angus Beef, caramelized onions, American cheese, and signature housemade SOB sauce.

Turn the heat with The Hot SOB, featuring sweet and smoky bacon jam, SOB sauce, and griddled jalapeños. And if you’re feeling extra spicy, double it up with The Overachieving SOB, with two delectable stacked Certified Angus Beef patties.