Ive gone back and forth about which of the restaurants many burgers is the best. The Black Angus beef patty is enormous, but cooked to a spot-on medium rare, while the two-year-old white cheddar adds a real sharp bite. Diners dont need processed fake meat to have a good time. The grass-fed burgers are also anything but ordinary. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). The latest additions to the list below include Avondale tavern Ludlow Liquors, retro-themed dive bar Good Measure, and modern Mexican kitchen La Mejikana. It's been years since the final iteration of the event, but we're still thinking about the reigning champ: Blue Door Kitchen's BDK burger. Two additional Cant Believe Its Not Meat outposts are located in Gold Coast and Orland Park. Fortunately, the owners hope to revive the burger concept inside the Willis Tower food court next year. Delish fries as a bonus Although not in the menu, my friend Josh said "since when have tots been an option? Chicago has a reputation for pizzas of all styles and hot dogs, but locals know the city excels at burgers as well. 226 W. Chicago Ave., 312-600-9268, goodmeasurechicago.com, Charly's Burger at Charly's Burgers. Great burgers and solid bar food. He modeled this offering on his favorite hometown burger, Wee Bs, which he grew up eating in Anchorage, Alaska. Its rare that a burger has this sort of outsized influence on the scene, but I cant think of a burger style Id rather see more of than this one. Owner Christopher Cunninghams special burger sports two griddled Angus patties, caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, dijonnaise and a unique ingredientslices of Granny Smith apple. 1/ Au Cheval 800 W. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60707 American, Small Plates 14 /20 This modern-day, West Loop diner from Brendan Sodikoff throws calorie caution to the wind. Paradise Pup 9. Although Smyth, the fine dining component, gets most of the accolades, its subterranean sibling is an equally superb place to eat and drink. The beef is pressed onto a hot grill until its extra thin and the sides are scraped down in order to produce crispy, lacey edges with maximum caramelization. $8.50. Im not usually one for unmelted cheese on my burgers, but the extra sharp cheddar used here helps complement the extra-fatty patty. A mix of ground chuck and brisket from Slagel Family Farm forms the patties, which get smooshed onto the griddle. I cant remember a time when there were so many outrageously great burgers around. We know, we know. 1131 State St., Lemont; 630-257-0666; illinoisbarandgrill.org, Mickey burger at Schoop's. Heres the story behind the smash success. And the thick patty stays juicy, even when cooked past medium. Truthfully, a trip to Au Cheval is an ordeal, but that won't stop us from commending its signature item. The StopAlong is a family-friendly pizzeria dedicated to the nostalgia of the80s and 90s. The meat is ground in-house, and all the condiments are made in the kitchen. As you can tell from the picture, this beast is exceptionally juicy, so make sure to have that napkin ready. [Chicagos most secretive burger operation is mostly a one-man show. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Two griddled patties sandwich a slice of American cheese and are placed over, rather than under, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. For years, Ive been a doubter of The Region, thinking old-school places in the south suburbs such as Schoops and Miner-Dunn did this style of ultra-smashed burger better. The smashed, griddled patties are highly addictive, highlighting the quality and care that owner Eddie Lakin is known for. Instead of a simple slice of cheese, the burger is slathered in a smoky pimento cheese created by Dan Compton, the chef de cuisine at Virants Vie. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune). Not only does Three Floyds serve some of the best beer in the country, the brewpub in Munster, Indiana, kicks out the ultimate burger to pair with a pint. $16. The original Evanston location is temporarily closed but a second outpost is located in Urbanspace food hall. While not my favorite style, I can appreciate them when done well. It all comes together on a toasty grilled brioche bun. Chef Tyler Nicksons burger goes further down the beefy rabbit hole than even The Loyalist has dared. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Im an absolute sucker for this combination. By Jay Gentile, and Elanor Bock. I seriously wonder if I am making the problem worse. For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicagos COVID-19 dashboard. I just want the simplest burger you can have, Neely says. Most importantly, restaurants finally recognize the importance of onions. This chef-driven, build-your-own burger bar focuses on grass-fed, sustainably farmed beef and other quality ingredients. Meat lovers, this one's for you. Online orders can be placed here. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Currently, Im happiest with the No. It helps bring out the mineral notes of the top-quality beef. So Im keeping this one on the list, if only to help spur a social media campaign to bring back Biancas phenomenal burgers. As chef Matt Troost let me know in 2019, you can top the DIY burger with anything listed on the menu. 3057 N. Ashland Ave., 773-661-9377; 2449 W. Armitage Ave., 773-772-6020; redhotranchchicago.com, Double Griddled Burger at Edzo's Burger Shop. But this burger obsession chose me, and I feel completely unable to resist. Alternatives have existed for years. If you're a hungry newbie, order the Super Ooey Gooey, two smash patties stuffed with cheddar, bacon and giardiniera and topped with Fatso sauce, tomato, lettuce and onions. The caramelized onions are jammy, the pickles zingy, the thousand island dressing creamy and the brioche bun pillowy. Bars used to battle for burger supremacy by dishing out the biggest, craziest burger possible. If youre in the mood, one can get lost in the wild complexity of each bite. More people need to know about Charlys Burgers. Uncommonly thick Nutella shakes, fries with truffle saltwhere does the low-brow end and high-end begin at Eddie Lakins burger shop? Chicagos resident royal pie baker has a seriously delicious, seriously messy secret: One of the city's best burgers is hiding in plain sight on its menu. The Polo Inn Bridgeport U.S.A. This is a veggie burger that tastes like delicious mushroom and kale because those are the actual ingredients. This one understands the importance crunch, searing the thin patty until it has a great crust, and then placing it on a toasted bun with lots of crisp vegetables. $6.69. Edzo's #2. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Now might seem like a terrible time to discuss the best burgers in Chicago. A post shared by Ludlow Liquors Avondale (@ludlowliquors), 16 Chicago Bars with Legitimately Great Food. Handcrafted toppings include roasted green chiles, olive tapenade, chili-rubbed onion strings, chipotle ketchup and artisan cheeses. It could be as simple as paying the $3 upcharge for CDK dry-aged Angus beef. Two colossal, cheese-draped patties take center stage, completely outweighing the sturdy but soft bun they're housed within. The list features several of the more popular spots in town, such as Au Cheval and the Loyalist, alongside some under-the-radar gems. Something went wrong. Its trying to see how crazy a smash burger can get, and Im all for it. RHR double cheeseburger and fries at Redhot Ranch. Instead, chefs just plop an oversized patty on a bun, with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle on the side. (We'll let you catch your breath.) Blame the expertly seasoned cuts of beef, spice-rich,. 1450 W. Chicago Ave., 312-465-2636, threehousechi.com, The Loyalist Original Cheeseburger with fries. The Loyalist Original Cheeseburger with fries. Park Ridge residents are lucky to have such an approachable burger joint kicking out a version this good. Photo Credit: Mago Grill & Cantina Restaurants Facebook Its slathered in lots of dijonnaise, a creamy, acidic sauce made of mayonnaise, lemon and mustard. CDK Farm burger at Table, Donkey & Stick. The 20 Best Burger Joints in Chicago From moden classics like Au Cheval to old-school spots like Top Notch Beefburgers, this city has got you covered. For me, I couldnt stop thinking about this burger over the past month and cant wait to think of an excuse to get back again. See More. From diner-style classics and smash burgers to over-the-top creations, these are the best burgers in Chicago. Before we dig in, one note: Theres no question that beef consumption is a driver of climate change. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). But the cheddar also lends the burger a tangy, earthy funk. But Lakin isnt above experimenting, and half the fun of visiting is deciding which route to take. The vast scope of the suburbs excited me so much I decided to limit my next burger quest to finding the best one outside the city. Breakfast of champions" "A Little Too Much" Order online 3. Thanks for subscribing! (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune). The restaurant piles each burger with a heap of red onion marmalade, a deeply savory and slightly sweet concoction. They might be awesome, but not a single burger survived. Turns out, if you go for lunch during the week you can order a much more manageable 6-ounce patty, which allows you to appreciate the care that goes into each burger here. Online ordering is available here. The Chicago Bears QB has to figure out the simple to get to the next level. Best Burger Restaurant in North Suburbs 0 Portillo's Hot Dogs 4.9 American, Italian, Burger, Sandwich $30 for two Arlington Heights, Chicago 0 Superdawg Drive-in 4.3 Burger, Fast Food $25 for two Norwood Park, Chicago 0 Edzo's Burger Shop 4.3 Burger, Sandwich $20 for two Evanston, Chicago Closes in 23 minutes 0 Buffalo Joe's 4.3 We are living in The Loyalists burger world right now in Chicago. Thick-cut bacon is an extra add-on that lifts the burger to even greater heights. 1724 S. River Road, Des Plaines; 847-699-8590, Baby burger at Illinois Bar & Grill. From giant patties to smashed delights, local restaurants are crafting unique and exciting versions that feature fresh beef, premium toppings, and more. Optional toppings include raw onions, fried egg, and bacon. That means that the shop grinds the meat in-house, and then smashes it flat on the griddle with force so the beef gets a hard, heavy sear. [Canned cocktails taste test: From Big Star margaritas to summery G&Ts, here are our 35 best and worst]. But my last couple visits have changed my mind, and the burger now stands as the ultimate example of this fascinating style. The Assembly American Bar & Cafe: Best Burger in Northwest Suburbs - Hands Down - See 239 traveler reviews, 27 candid photos, and great deals for Hoffman Estates, IL, at Tripadvisor. Worth the wait!" 2022 2. The meat is topped with a pile of finely sliced onions, green relish and Region Sauce, a bright pink mayo-based concoction. See More 2/ Butcher & The Burger 1021 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 Burgers, American 12 /20 The only thing holding this burger back is a tragic lack of salt on the beef. When you see the food coming out of the kitchen, the name of this Hyde Park restaurant makes perfect sense. The burger patty, recognized as one ofBon Appetitsthree best in 2017, is a blend of short rib, chuck, and ground bacon. Diners can also add bacon to it. The standard issue arrives topped with bacon and a fried egg with a yolk just ready to erupt over the beef. But most of these burgers were cooked with little to no salt. The Bad Burger is a double cheeseburger with pickles and mayo while the Wolf Burger is a behemoth that holds three patties, cheese, bacon, pickles, mayo, onion straws, and a fried egg. To soak up all the alcohol, the kitchen has created an unfussy, yet deeply satisfying, cheeseburger. Im usually extremely leery of steakhouse burgers, because not enough attention is paid to how all the components work together. Even humble establishments are now grinding their own meat, in hopes of matching the surreal beefiness of the burger here. A post shared by Mott St Chicago (@eatmottst). Of the 9.5 million people who live in the Chicago metropolitan area, more than 6.8 million are in the suburbs. John and Karen Urie Shields opened a two-pronged project to much acclaim in 2016. Or will the burger simply adapt with the times? 2900 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 773-604-8769 View Website 4. The thin-crust pizza has just a little puff and locals prefer sausage as the topping of choice. "This BBQ is the real deal!". Chef Paul Virant, best known for his passionate embrace of local produce and serious pickling skills, loves bacon cheeseburgers. , but locals know the city excels at burgers as well. Unfortunately, most of the burgers on the menu feature large quantities of other meats on top, like braised brisket or Korean barbecue pork belly. 1812 N Milwaukee Ave., 773-394-4694, thestopalong.com, Cheeseburger with fries at Ludlow Liquors. . (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Alternatively, you may use, Amazing lunch in a proper, upscale bar, A highlight dining experience in Chicago!, Unique atmosphere with great Italian food., Another dining delight in the West Loop, Pancakes are amazing! Personally, I find it hard to skip the flawlessly constructed double cheeseburger, but nearly everything here is worth trying. $13.95. Instead of a standard burger sauce, this Portage Park spot crafted a complex slathering laced with fish sauce, Thai chiles and smoked tomato paste, which pushes and pulls against the excellent CDK farms ground beef. It's simply one of the best fast food burgers you can get, although how "fast" the experience is can be highly dependent on the lines. 2728 W. Armitage Ave., 773-486-8525, tabledonkeystick.com, The Original Shiddy Burg at Shiddy Burger. Limit search to Chicago's North Shore. !" If tots are on the menu, always get the tots. So prepare to get messy in the most satisfying way by checking out our guide to the best burgers in Chicago. Thats especially true if you order the -pound burger, which gets the kind of grill marks youd expect from a backyard cookout. Fortunately, as I moved past the obvious picks, I found a crop of newcomers, along with a couple of elders of the scene, who served burgers with serious culinary chops. This restaurant is a one-stop shop for Midwest delicacies such as breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches and Coney dogs. [Guide: 88 Marketplace is an Asian food wonderland hidden just west of Chinatown]. (773) 735-2050. A post shared by BIG KIDS SANDWICH DRINKS (@bigkidschicago). And you can now get it every day at Time Out Market Chicago. In its former stall, another totally average burger spot opened. Order online here. Three Floyd's Brewpub #4. One look at the wagyu smash burger at RPM Steak and youll see we are dealing with something else entirely. But its balanced by the extra-cushy bun. Dozens upon dozens of people sent screeds angrily pointing out that I had skipped their favorite joint and was therefore an idiot. Best of all, a double cheeseburger is less than $7. Order online here. Chicago has a serious slider shortage. That means grinding dry-aged beef from CDK Angus, a quality local Illinois beef producer, in the shop, and then serving it on a freshly baked bun thats plush, yet sturdy. Its all about quality ingredients at this daytime eatery in West Town. Dont forget to check out my original list. The Memory Lane is reminiscent of a Big Mac (minus that superfluous middle bun), topped with thousand island dressing and white American cheese that mingles with the textures of raw onions, shredded lettuce and tomatoes. Buger Antics #5. Vegans can get theirs with plant-based Beyond Beef instead. We can't help but drool over this gourmet diner burger in the West Loop made with extra-thick bacon, oozy egg, and homemade pickles to boot. The whole thing is cushioned by a perfectly toasted brioche bun that practically melts in your mouth. Turkey can never beat cow, Swanson declares. A post shared by Sam (@chicagoburgerbible), By submitting your email, you agree to our, Sign up for the ), We ranked 26 fast-food fried-chicken sandwiches (including Popeyes). Some food publications such as Epicurious have announced that theyre going to stop posting recipes with beef. You can order your burger with thin and smashed or big and beefy patties plus a variety of indulgent toppings like caramelized onions, thick-cut bacon and giardiniera. 2057 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-2874, theregionburgers.com, CDK Farm burger at Table, Donkey & Stick. pickled jalapenos, dill pickles and Asian-inflected miso butter onions and hoisin aioli. A post shared by Mayo: LETS EAT (@grubgladiator). 2. The Loyalist not only features loads, it uses three kinds raw, charred and pickled to infuse each bite with the unmistakable savory, sweet aroma. $23. Order online here. 5739 W. Irving Park Road, 773-283-7880, brgrbellyrestaurant.com, King-size cheeseburger at Top Notch Beefburgers. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). The Beverly neighborhood has a relaxed small-town-in-1965 feel, and one of the contributing reasons is this dose of Americana, both old enough and friendly enough to be your grandmother. Watch. Sign up for our Eat. It'll take a second or two to figure out how to get your mouth around the thing, so order a pour of bourbon to wash it all down. Its just a smash burger on a potato bun. So why is it so immensely satisfying? Why tease us like this, Revival? What to eat. This dark and sexy basement bar offers everything from foie gras eclairs to mussels inbrandade cream, but theburger is what keeps us coming back again and again. Chargrilled burgers come out topped with all the classics, but cooked to perfection. Its straightforward just a freshly grilled slab of ground beef served on a sesame-crusted bun with American cheese and grilled onions. Sure, the burger features freshly ground chuck and brisket from the Illinois-based Slagel Family Farm, but it also includes heaps of bone marrow, the supremely rich material locked inside beef bones. (For what its worth, the last one served my least favorite burger of 2019. Try the Super Ooey Gooey for quite a mouthful two smashed patties are stuffed with Merkts cheddar, bacon, and giardiniera and dressed with Fatsos sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. That means he uses excellent beef from CDK Angus and bacon that he smokes himself. Char Burger with Merkts Cheddar at Paradise Pup ($6.69). (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). . A post shared by Elizabeth J. Bandolik (@ebandolik), Where to Find the Best Smash Burgers in Chicago. After 7pm, the burgers only available at the bar so plan accordingly. Clockwise from top left: Standard issue burger at Burger Antics, double griddled burger at. A post shared by Chomp Colorado | Foodie (@chompcolorado). The north suburbs of Chicago are very popular for those seeking a quiet meal away from the hectic downtown area. But theres something about how the kitchen chars the bun, so that its seconds from being burned, that adds a thrilling campfire aroma. A handful of pickles and a sprinkle of red onions add some much needed acidity to the mix, but the cloud-like sesame seed bun really takes things over the edge. Can we just go ahead and declare Redhot Ranch a city treasure? Its just that they put this kind of effort into every dish on the menu, so I totally get the conflict of visiting this adorable Logan Square spot and skipping the burger because everything sounds good. It stars a smash patty, which has been mixed with shredded cheese so the edges caramelize when cooked, shredded lettuce, American cheese and a Big Mac-esque secret sauce. This allows the kitchen to get an incredible sear on the meat when they smash it on the blazing-hot griddle. $7.99. The meat arrives on a puffy bun, complete with thinly sliced onions and pickles that add bite, crunch and acid, while squirts of mustard and ketchup lend tartness and sweetness. Fatsos fulfills greasy cravings with juicy char-grilled and smashed burgers. A post shared by Cant Believe Its Meat (@cantbelieveitsnotmeatinc), Where to Chomp on Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicago, 18 Vegetarian and Vegan Options For Super Bowl Sunday Snacking. Fans of big burgers are guaranteed to be pleased. Hes spruced up an old family sauce recipe with fresh horseradish and makes his own pickles. The success of said Shiddy Burg has led to it becoming a permanent fixture on the menu. Heres the story behind the smash success. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. Instead of sliced onion, I think some caramelized onions would really make this one sing and, obviously, the spear of olives, pickle and tomato is superfluous, but theres no doubting the quality of the beef here. The crunchy lettuce, crisp onion slices, juicy tomato and pink-tinted sauce show a clear inspiration from In-N-Out, but everything else about this burger screams Chicago in the best possible way. Dealing franchise icon Patrick Kane was heavy for GM Kyle Davidson. Then the emails came. What to watch. Like most steakhouse burgers, Stefani Prime serves up its burger with lettuce, tomato and sliced raw onion on the side. Or you could spring for the shops faithful reconstruction of In-N-Out Burgers Double-Double Animal-Style. Written by Zach Long , Morgan Olsen & Jeffy Mai Tuesday October 18 2022 Chicago. Its easy, then, to overlook the burger, but doing so would be a blunder. It might look oversized, but the bun couldnt be softer or more suited to the job. I especially love how all the toppings, like lettuce and onion, are layered in exacting proportions so each bite gets the proper needed crunch. $9.95. A second outpost has recently opened in Time Out Market Chicago. Online orders can be placed here. Among the best Chicago burgers of 2021 are those found at (clockwise from top left): Good Measure; The Stop Along; Charly's Burgers; Donkey, Table and Stick; Ludlow Liquors and The Loyalist. Forget about a polite sear; the beef comes out shining like polished obsidian. I havent tried all the different burgers on the menu, but thats because Im hooked on the Black Betty, which adds bacon, bleu cheese and crunchy fried onion straws. Thing is, a lot of people live in Chicagos suburbs. Folks who prefer beefier offerings will appreciate that there are also eight-ounce char burgers. Those people are wrong, because the creamy sauce acts as a foil to the ultra-crispy meat and cool, crisp bed of shredded lettuce. After three frustrating burgers in one day, I tweeted out the following message: Maybe most suburban burgers are bad?, Before the hate mail floods in, let me explain. And you dont have to spend too much either, as the options are wholly affordableRedhot Ranchs double cheeseburger is less than $7. 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Its taken to the next level with pickled and charred onions, American cheese, pickles, and onion-infused mayo. Fortunately, you can rectify this by asking for your char burger slathered with salty Merkts cheddar, the spreadable Wisconsin specialty. Dealing franchise icon Patrick Kane was heavy for GM Kyle Davidson. The order of the ingredients on this burger is its distinguishing characteristic. Burgers, beers, and whiskeys are the focus at Andersonville gem Little Bad Wolf. Thats especially true around the edges of the patty, where the meat caramelizes so hard that it develops actual crunch. Hawthorne's Backyard Bar and Grill. He might be right. More intriguing are the plant-based meat alternatives, such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger. Schoop's 7. So here it is: our list of the best burgers in Chicago. 479 tips and reviews AFAR Media: I had Au Cheval's meaty double patty, ooey gooey cheeseburger three days ago and I'm still dreaming about it. But a solid rendition of a Vienna . Whether it's a longtime favorite or a buzzy newcomer, an essential burger has a lasting effect on eaters, other restaurants, and the scope of the Chicago food scene at large. Some house-made pickles lend acid, while sweet potato frizzles deliver unexpected hits of crunch. Try a bison burger, the guacamole burger or the more traditional Big DMK. A post shared by The Region (@theregionburgers). It doesnt help that Au Cheval doesnt grind meat in-house or bake the buns. Community Double Cheeseburger at Community Tavern. It's not exactly the kind of thing you want to devour on a first date, but we're not judging if you do. The namesake burger features two thin patties draped with loads of gooey American cheese, all on a supremely squishy sesame bun. Two thin patties are glued together with cheddar and topped with tangy pickles and a layer of garlic aioli. Id included four suburban restaurants in my original list, but Ill readily admit that the majority of my time was spent feasting within the city limits. Salt Burgers + Fries 104 Burgers Fast Food $$Wicker Park "out of Chicago was the main instigator who persuaded me to visit Salt Burgers + Fries after his." more Delivery Takeout Start Order 2. Four of the 20 best suburban Chicago burgers in Nick Kindelsperger's tour of 60 burgers. Do note that the burger is only available on the daily brunch menu. To access, Nickson soaks bones for hours and then scrapes the marrow out by hand. After a long pandemic-induced hiatus, English-inspired gastropub Owen & Engine reopened this past January. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Its served on a challah bun and folks can add an optional, but highly recommended, gooey Merkts cheddar spread. Its like a Steak n Shake burger taken to the limits of sanity. 2833 W. Armitage Ave., 773-770-3427, gretelchicago.com, Dry-aged Slagel Farms burger at Rootstock. First time I visited this spot, I correctly noted the burgers debt to Californias favorite fast-food chain, In-N-Out. Craft cocktails and a cozy backyard patio draw locals to this retro-chic bar in Avondale. But youll know something is up after the first bite. A second location is in Lakeview. But what I missed was that the burger also showcases a deep love and understanding for the Midwests own fantastic burger spot, Steak n Shake. I love Shiddys Burger and Im not afraid to say it. He uses incredible ground beef from Illinois-based Down at the Farms, created by Marty Travis of Spence Farm. This experience is all about reveling in the juicy and slightly funky aged beef paired with a well-toasted bun. It also has a subtle sweetness thanks to the onions, which are smoked and then pickled. The two (yes, two) patties on the single cheeseburger are seared over high heat and stacked neatly on a bun thats toasted on both sides.