A relative newcomer to the burger scene is also among the best. Theres a second location in Lincoln Park. (For what its worth, the last one served my least favorite burger of 2019. Schoops has been aggressively smashing beef on a griddle in Munster, Indiana, since 1948. Vegans can get theirs with plant-based Beyond Beef instead. They change the toppings seasonally, but right now the burger arrives topped with sweet smoked onion, gooey Butterkse cheese, and acidic house pickles. The 30 years of popularity and incredible awards (WGN TV's Chicago's Best named it the juiciest burger ever) are enough to send burger lovers flocking to this McHenry County town with their hand-formed, 10 oz burgers freshly prepared to make your taste buds sing. The 25 best burgers in Chicago, ranked. First time I visited this spot, I correctly noted the burgers debt to Californias favorite fast-food chain, In-N-Out. But I have no complaints about the burgers. Just know that its only available Mondays at the Logan Square sandwich shop Big Kids. While not my favorite style, I can appreciate them when done well. Here are my top 20, with the list of the other places I went at bottom. We know, we know. As if taking a cue from Au Cheval, its slathered with dijonnaise, which is quickly becoming one of Chicagos most common burger condiments. Find the nearest Whataburger location near you | Burgers, Fast Food, Shakes $8. It's a fine specimen that easily rivals the city's top oldies. 32 7. The latest additions to the list below include Avondale tavern Ludlow Liquors, retro-themed dive bar Good Measure, and modern Mexican kitchen La Mejikana. But as I noted in April, an explosion of new burger joints has shaken up the scene. Fortunately, the creamy aioli helps tie the beef and cheese together. $16. Cheeseburger with fries at Ludlow Liquors. 17 Burger Places In Illinois You Have to Try Before You Die Its just that few places know how to work the grill like Paradise Pup. 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. Schoops is so old school, its now on trend. But The Burger Locals immense 10-ounce beef patty is so juicy and meaty, that I had to surrender to its power. The best part about Table, Donkey & Stick is how little they care about having a great burger. 1131 State St., Lemont; 630-257-0666; illinoisbarandgrill.org, Mickey burger at Schoop's. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune) The best pizza Here's where you should place your next takeout. Best Restaurants in Chicago's Suburbs - Thrillist The namesake creation consists of two chuck patties, crunchy sweet potato shoestrings, melty American cheese. This light-filled shop on North Cicero blends bacon in with the beef to create a patty thats laced with an unmistakable smoky profile. Two colossal, cheese-draped patties take center stage, completely outweighing the sturdy but soft bun they're housed within. Instead of an anonymous sauce, the kitchen uses both a salty and savory miso butter and a sweet and creamy hoisin aioli. To access, Nickson soaks bones for hours and then scrapes the marrow out by hand. Available until 7 p.m. in the dining room or all night at the bar, the beefy Mott Burger has it all: Double chuck patties, miso butter, sweet potato frizzles, pickled jalapenos, hoisin aioli, American cheese, sautedonions, and dill pickles. A Guide to the 10 Best Burgers in Chicago | UrbanMatter ]. The best burgers in Chicago's suburbs : r/chicagofood The burger is so rich, says chef Eddie Ishaq, so the yuzu kosho adds a bit of heat and a nice citrus note. Currently, the burger is only available Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan accordingly. Oops. While the pies are tasty, hidden in plain sight is the best item on the menu a simple double cheeseburger with American cheese and smashed patties. Jim's Original. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Now might seem like a terrible time to discuss the best burgers in Chicago. Schoop's 7. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. By focusing on the basics, owner Eddie Lakin has created a burger shop impervious to trends. Chef Paul Virant, best known for his passionate embrace of local produce and serious pickling skills, loves bacon cheeseburgers. The West Loop spot is known for its award-winning double-decker burger and its hours-long wait. A chaser of thick-cut fries and garlicky aioli is the only thing that will keep you from scarfing down this handheld in five minutes flat. 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. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Thishot dog and fried shrimpstandis a favorite for greasy late-night eats and its double cheeseburger is arguably the best deal in town. 1. I still refuse to acknowledge the existence of the bars Chicago burger, which clocks in at a ridiculous 13 ounces, mostly because the -pound baby burger is just the right size. If you have fallen into a rut with your delivery orders, it's time to switch it up! 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. Thats exactly where they should remain. A heap of sliced red onions, thick-cut pickles and lettuce adds the necessary crunch, while the toasted bun holds it all together. Order online here. Leigh Loftus This amps up the ridiculousness of each bite to a level I found gleefully absurd. 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. 1021 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL 60614. $8.95. In its former stall, another totally average burger spot opened. I mean, I wish the name werent Shiddys and that everyone wouldnt laugh when I say it out loud, but what am I to do when a group of chefs create a burger so smashed that it even makes The Region look tame by comparison? Folks who prefer beefier offerings will appreciate that there are also eight-ounce char burgers. Best Burger Restaurant in Northwest Suburbs - Zomato Sure, the fish and chips, Scotch eggs, and other traditional British plates are all excellent, but the burger is the star of the menu. These are the 25 best restaurants in the Chicago suburbs to spice up date night. Im not usually one for unmelted cheese on my burgers, but the extra sharp cheddar used here helps complement the extra-fatty patty. But theres something about how the kitchen chars the bun, so that its seconds from being burned, that adds a thrilling campfire aroma. Chicago's best burger -- from dive bars to fancy hotels, one reporter The burgers, which come in three sizes, are made exclusively of meat from the cow leg and accompanied by cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, and raw or grilled onions. The beef is seasoned so well, I didnt even need any other components to touch the beef besides some good aged cheddar. The 18 Best Burgers In Chicago - Chicago - The Infatuation Not only does beloved late-night haunt Redhot Ranch sling what many consider to be the most exceptional burgers in town, it also offers one of the biggest bargains. Places such as I Cant Believe Its Not Meat (1368 E. 53rd St.) and Stand-Up Burgers (614 W. Diversey Parkway) already serve satisfying meatless burgers, which Id happily devour over most fast-food mainstays. 2. Diners can order single, double, or triple patties; each includes cheese, relish, onions, and a mayo-based Region sauce. Ever since being crowned one of the best burgers in the country by numerous publications years ago, the tiny diner has been routinely mobbed, leading some locals to loudly declare the burger overrated. Its more complex, juicier and has a more pleasing texture. The key difference is that instead of two 2-ounce patties like In-N-Out uses, here you get two 4-ounce patties. 4038 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-283-6080, communitytavern.com, Biancas Original at Bianca's Burgers. But the owners have gotten the proportions just right in their follow-up spot, Gretel. Thats just bad cooking. Get the Mickey, and the meat will come with two slices of American cheese, along with mustard, ketchup, relish, onion, lettuce and tomato. THE BEST 10 Burgers in Chicago, IL - Last Updated March 2023 - Yelp But the cheddar also lends the burger a tangy, earthy funk. For a burger thats so unabashedly meaty, its a well-proportioned package thats not a chore to consume. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). $17. The oversized booth seating offers plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a smoky and delicious meal. That means he uses excellent beef from CDK Angus and bacon that he smokes himself. 2057 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-2874, theregionburgers.com, CDK Farm burger at Table, Donkey & Stick. Forget your manners and dig in. 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. But dont pass up the burger, which features quality Angus beef smashed flat on a griddle. Luckily, this Joliet gem dishes out a well-constructed and juicy burger. $13.50 with fries. See More 2/ Butcher & The Burger 1021 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 Burgers, American 12 /20 Its a delicious Mexican twist on a timeless classic. The burger at Hogsalt Hospitalitys modern diner has been praised around the country, including being named best in the U.S. by Bon Apptit, and stands as perhaps the finest example of a restaurant bringing the thin, griddled, American classic into a 21st century setting. 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But the few weeks in 2018 I spent eating veggie burgers was one of the most excruciatingly boring experiences of my eating career. The meat is topped with a pile of finely sliced onions, green relish and Region Sauce, a bright pink mayo-based concoction. The 15 Best Places for Burgers in Chicago - Foursquare For now, beef is king. This burger, from the Indian-inspired restaurant in Logan Square, is not for those who want fake meat. From diner-style classics and smash burgers to over-the-top creations, these are the best burgers in Chicago. Here's the top 10 burgers in the suburbs. A mix of ground chuck and brisket from Slagel Family Farm forms the patties, which get smooshed onto the griddle. 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. Instead, chefs just plop an oversized patty on a bun, with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle on the side. Youve heard of bacon on a burger, but what of bacon in a burger? Burgers, American. The shop also uses a soft sesame seed bun, which has suddenly become popular again after way too many years of restaurants favoring overly buttery brioche buns. Meat or no meat, this classic burger holds its ground against every entry on this list. Truthfully, a trip to Au Cheval is an ordeal, but that won't stop us from commending its signature item. 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. Chicago's 10 best new burgers of 2021 are some of the meatiest And you dont have to spend too much either, as the options are wholly affordableRedhot Ranchs double cheeseburger is less than $7. Each burger is cooked to order on the restaurants well-worn griddle, and served with a cushy bun with loads of sauteed onions. Then the emails came. The order of the ingredients on this burger is its distinguishing characteristic. Fans of big burgers are guaranteed to be pleased. This creation started its life as a bar special at Mott St., before its staggering popularity forced the owners to create a whole new restaurant to meet demand. Handcrafted toppings include roasted green chiles, olive tapenade, chili-rubbed onion strings, chipotle ketchup and artisan cheeses. 3. newsletter, 20 Restaurants That Define Chicago's South Side. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Open in Google Maps. Happy Dog. The kitchen uses locally-sourced beef for its patties, which get flattened on the griddle and placed alongside American cheese, housemade pickles and horseradish sauce on a potato bun from Highland Bakery Co. You can (and should) request to add raw onions and if the weathers nice, snag a seat on the spacious back patio. Best Burgers in Chicago, IL - Au Cheval, Chi Burger Babi, Salt Burgers + Fries, Firefly Burgers, SafeHouse Chicago, Small Cheval- Wicker Park, Little Bad Wolf, Burger Antics, Happy Bites Burger & Wings, Burger Theory Chicago The Chicago Bears QB has to figure out the simple to get to the next level. $6.11 with fries. Those people are wrong, because the creamy sauce acts as a foil to the ultra-crispy meat and cool, crisp bed of shredded lettuce. Visit this small roadside shack in Des Plaines for terrific burgers that rank among Chicagolands finest. The loaded Philly cheesesteak and the meatless Chicago dog might distract you, but you're here for the "Who Betta" burger, which finds a quarter-pound Impossible patty dressed up with fresh greens, tomato, pickles, grilled red onions, Epitome sauce and cheese (go vegan or dairy). This Wicker Park restaurant utilizes the slightly misleading tagline "Pizza & Stuff." $9.25. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. The fruit adds a subtle bit of tartnessthat helpscut throughthe otherwise rich bites. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). When I asked Tom OBrien from BRGRBELLY what made the burgers at this beloved Portage Park spot so good, he hesitated for a moment, before saying, We do everything from scratch. Not only do the cooks grind the meat in-house, they mix in some fatty pork belly with the beef. [Canned cocktails taste test: From Big Star margaritas to summery G&Ts, here are our 35 best and worst]. The meat is ground in-house, and all the condiments are made in the kitchen. 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. Annie Lin. A post shared by Community Tavern (@communitytavern), Where to Order Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Dumplings in Chicago. The caramelized onions are jammy, the pickles zingy, the thousand island dressing creamy and the brioche bun pillowy. Guide to outdoor dining in Chicago suburbs: Empire Burgers & Brew in Try another? Visit Website . Chicago's best burgers of 2021 so far can be found at restaurants including (clockwise from top left): Big League Burgers, Bianca's Burgers, Kapitan, Shiddy Burger, Three House and JT's. Darn Good Burger at JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop. Dry-aged Slagel Farms burger at Rootstock. The 20 best burgers in Chicago's suburbs - reddit Like most steakhouse burgers, Stefani Prime serves up its burger with lettuce, tomato and sliced raw onion on the side. 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. 66 W. Kinzie St., 312-284-4990, rpmrestaurants.com/rpm-steak-chicago/, Single cheeseburger at Au Cheval. The service can sometimes be average but it's a good choice in . 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. If it takes effort to compress the bun, the bread is going to get in the way when you take a bite. From diner-style classics and smash burgers to over-the-top creations, these are the best burgers in Chicago. Chicago has a serious slider shortage. A post shared by FeedMe (@miriam_foodie). Trust us when we say that you'll want to know what every single one of these tastes like. 215 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana; 219-836-6233; schoophamburgers.com, Community Double Cheeseburger at Community Tavern. Well, the Slayer burger, for onea pile of fries topped with a half-pound burger, chili, cherry peppers, andouille, onions and Jack cheese on a pretzel bun. You can have a very good burger without them, but youll never quite reach the top. A post shared by Superkhana International (@superkhana), The Best Places to Eat With Kids in Chicago. Abigails understands this. No offense to Ronald and the gang, but we prefer Bianca's take. Chicagos best french fries under $5 our 20 top picks after trying 106 restaurants. I just want the simplest burger you can have, Neely says. Irving Park sandwich shop JTs is heavy on Midwestern comfort, offering items like a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich and a Coney Island hot dog. By stripping away the excess, hes able to focus intently on the quality of every component. There are no tricks or needlessly fancy additions. I cant remember a time when there were so many outrageously great burgers around. 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. But the meat is seasoned well and cooked to proper specifications. But the burger here is as good as ever. Fortunately, we've got the inside scoop on the best burger joints around the suburbs. 1724 S. River Road, Des Plaines; 847-699-8590, Baby burger at Illinois Bar & Grill. Best of all, a double cheeseburger is less than $7. The beef is flattened on the griddle to give it caramelized edges and sits on a squishy potato bun along with pickles, American cheese, and horseradish sauce. I had apparently missed a few places. Au Cheval 1,275 reviews Open Now American, Bar $$ - $$$ "Tasty burger and great beer" "Awesome Food. For that price, youd expect frozen patties and a general lack of care, yet the fresh beef gets a hard sear on the griddle that puts most places to shame. Thick-cut bacon is an extra add-on that lifts the burger to even greater heights. $14. Sign up for our Eat. 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. A post shared by The Loyalist (@theloyalistchicago). One of the best burgers to try in Chicago is the Wolf Burger at the Little Bad Wolf. We already have this email. Can we just go ahead and declare Redhot Ranch a city treasure? Order online here. Best Burgers in Chicago's North Shore, IL - Tripadvisor 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. Great burgers and solid bar food. 2023 Best Burgers Chicago | GAYOT $12. Portage Park and Northwest Side locals adore this neighborhood spot and the burger is a major reason why. 12 /20. I dont count those cutesy little burgers that fancier places serve, with their horrendous meat-to-bun ratios. The staff at the restaurant serve this dish with three beef patties, onion straws, and house-made pickles to boot. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). But the folks behind Gretel in Logan Square do have some experience slinging pristine patties at sister spot Little Bad Wolf, which is also on this list. And the thick patty stays juicy, even when cooked past medium. Similar to any great cookout burger, the sizeable patty is loaded with beefy flavor and smoky char from the grill. 1812 N Milwaukee Ave., 773-394-4694, thestopalong.com, Cheeseburger with fries at Ludlow Liquors. $10. 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. Double Griddled Burger at Edzo's Burger Shop. 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. Even humble establishments are now grinding their own meat, in hopes of matching the surreal beefiness of the burger here. Or you could spring for the shops faithful reconstruction of In-N-Out Burgers Double-Double Animal-Style. A post shared by Owen & Engine (@owenandenginechicago), Where to Warm Up in Chicago Inside a Restaurant or Bar With a Fireplace. The 22 Best Burgers in Chicago to Sink Your Teeth Into - Time Out Chicago 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! $9.95. Fortunately, the owners hope to revive the burger concept inside the Willis Tower food court next year. The thin-crust pizza has just a little puff and locals prefer sausage as the topping of choice. This glorious smash burger boasts a thin patty with super-crisp edges, American cheese, shredded lettuce, and secret sauce. For $6.11, you can score one of the citys very best double cheeseburgers paired with a bag full of crispy fresh-cut fries (which we once picked as the second best in Chicago). Most breweries aren't exactly known for their food, but the kitchen at Old Irving Brewing Company proves that sustenance is just as important as the suds. What to watch. Thanks for subscribing! Youll notice this list shows my strong preference for burgers cooked on a griddle, but that doesnt mean I hate all grilled burgers. THE 10 BEST Burgers in Chicago Southland (Updated March 2023 The soft bakery bun is lightly grilled, adding to the smoky aroma. Topped with a nest of caramelized onions and served with malt vinegar mayo and house fries, this patty is crafted with a rich blend of chuck, short rib and brisket from Slagel Farm, making it lightyears better than its fast-food counterparts. Originally conceived as a limited-time special, the overwhelming response to Edward Kims burger earned it a permanent place on the menu. 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. There are no frills, just griddled four-ounce patties, American cheese, Dijonnaise, and pickles. . Nick Kindelsperger/Chicago Tribune The Famous Kuma at Kuma's Corner Price: $14.50 Kuma's Corner basically popularized the hilariously huge, abundantly topped burger. The Gage 2,344 reviews Open Now American, Bar $$ - $$$ "Enjoyable place for lunch and great." "A haven." 2022 3. Also, dont miss the digital billboard, just south of the restaurant on Milwaukee that throws some shade on Small Cheval. If they were skinny little patties draped in salty cheese, that would be one thing; but these were half-pound monsters of unseasoned meat. (Shonda Talerico Dudlicek/Naperville Sun) Will . 14 of Chicago's Best Burgers By Neighborhood Just as good are the fresh-cut fries, cooked in beef tallow, and as long as youre dining like its 1965, finish up with a thick chocolate shake.