The list features several of the more popular spots in town, such as Au Cheval and the Loyalist, alongside some under-the-radar gems. This is a veggie burger that tastes like delicious mushroom and kale because those are the actual ingredients. The beefy patty a blend of Slagel Family Farm chuck, short rib, and brisket is placed on a housemade potato bun. They might be awesome, but not a single burger survived. Sure, there are fancier burgers, and ones that are much, much bigger in the suburbs. How can I spend so much time and snark harping on enormous burger patties, and still put Burger Antics and its hulking 9-ounce patty at No. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Guide to outdoor dining in Chicago suburbs: Empire Burgers & Brew in NADC Burger 5 Burgers River West $13. Each burger is also topped with overlapping lines of ketchup and mustard, along with a few pert pickles. Chicago's Best Burgers - Eater Chicago But dont pass up the burger, which features quality Angus beef smashed flat on a griddle. The whole thing is cushioned by a perfectly toasted brioche bun that practically melts in your mouth. Thats what this list is all about. (For what its worth, the last one served my least favorite burger of 2019. These eateries are so good, you'll want to spread the word to everyone you know. But youll know something is up after the first bite. THE 10 BEST Burgers in Chicago (Updated March 2023) - Tripadvisor Personally, I find it hard to skip the flawlessly constructed double cheeseburger, but nearly everything here is worth trying. The only thing holding this burger back is a tragic lack of salt on the beef. 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. Since opening in 2016, Revival Food Hall has had a succession of decent burger stands inside, but none have been as deeply satisfying as Biancas Burgers. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here. Edzo's #2. In its former stall, another totally average burger spot opened. While not my favorite style, I can appreciate them when done well. The best places to eat and drink in Chicago - Chicago Tribune Honestly, this one would have scored much higher if another burger from a Virant establishment hadnt stolen my heart. Birthplace of the Big Baby, Nicky's is the best place to try a lesser-known Chicago original. $9.95. Charlie Beinlichs has an irresistible atmosphere thats part 1960s-era steakhouse (think buttoned up waiters zooming around tables) mixed with gruff local diner (it is a burger joint after all). 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. Online orders can be placed here. Perfectly seasoned burger 2. Last time I visited, two gentlemen at the bar noticed one of many burger accolades hanging on the walls, and wondered aloud what it means to serve a great burger. If you couldnt guess, Shiddys is irreverent and outlandish and definitely not for everyone. No offense to Ronald and the gang, but we prefer Bianca's take. Pair it withone of the brewery's botanic-inspired beers for an impeccable combo. But the burger here is as good as ever. Not wanting to spy, I couldnt hear the whole conversation, but Ill tell you why Illinois Bar & Grill continues to make lists like this. $16. Handcrafted toppings include roasted green chiles, olive tapenade, chili-rubbed onion strings, chipotle ketchup and artisan cheeses. 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. When all ground together, the result is the beefiest burger Ive ever encountered, with a flavor that reminds me of prime dry-aged rib-eye. Every inch of crispy beef is dressed with American cheese, mayo-based house sauce, bright green relish and raw onion. Portage Park and Northwest Side locals adore this neighborhood spot and the burger is a major reason why. The original Evanston location is temporarily closed but a second outpost is located in Urbanspace food hall. I realize thats an insane number, and I dont even want to think about what my doctor would say about the feat. ]. Taquitos, huaraches, and other south-of-the-border specialties dominate the menu at La Mejikana, but dont overlook the impeccable hamburguesa. Do note that the burger is only available on the daily brunch menu. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Id rather have the occasional astonishing burger than numerous mediocre ones. For a burger thats so unabashedly meaty, its a well-proportioned package thats not a chore to consume. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. $14. But I have no complaints about the burgers. But the few weeks in 2018 I spent eating veggie burgers was one of the most excruciatingly boring experiences of my eating career. Forget your manners and dig in. Dry-aged Slagel Farms burger at Rootstock. 1 at DMK Burger Bar. Of course, they put an outrageous amount of effort into it, baking the soft and fragrant pretzel buns and grinding the CDK Farms beef in-house. 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. A post shared by Henry Nieberg (@hungrier_henry), The Essential Restaurants for Affordable Dining in Chicago. 3. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune). Edzo's makes arguably the best fast-casual burgers around. Thats especially true if you order the -pound burger, which gets the kind of grill marks youd expect from a backyard cookout. 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. The Chicago Bears QB has to figure out the simple to get to the next level. So Im keeping this one on the list, if only to help spur a social media campaign to bring back Biancas phenomenal burgers. Chef Paul Virant admits that the burger at Vie is straightforward; he just uses the finest quality ingredients he can find to construct it. 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 best part about Table, Donkey & Stick is how little they care about having a great burger. 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. Chef Paul Virant, best known for his passionate embrace of local produce and serious pickling skills, loves bacon cheeseburgers. I love just about everything about this burger. The namesake burger is old-school minimalist, a deeply satisfying quarter-pound patty of fresh ground round sauteed in its own juices and served with the simplest toppingsgrilled onions and ketchup-mustard-pickle on a feather-light bun. Everything is contained in a cozy pretzel bun, which soaks up the juices from the meat without falling to pieces. Turkey burgers are a healthier option, though I often feel like Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation when he wins a burger throw down by beating a fussy turkey burger stuffed with saffron and black truffles with the simplest beef burger known to man. That's why we put together this list of 12 way-way- way -under-the-radar ones you won't find on any of the latest "Best Burger" lists from 1) Chicagoist, 2) Eater Chicago, 3) Chicago Magazine, or . The West Loop spot is known for its award-winning double-decker burger and its hours-long wait. Dont forget to check out my original list. This experience is all about reveling in the juicy and slightly funky aged beef paired with a well-toasted bun. Its straightforward just a freshly grilled slab of ground beef served on a sesame-crusted bun with American cheese and grilled onions. Look around, and youll see brioche buns falling out of favor, as soft rolls dotted with hundreds of sesame seeds pop up. Best Burgers in Chicago's North Shore, IL - Tripadvisor These are the 25 best restaurants in the Chicago suburbs to spice up date night. That, and the extensive menu of craft beers, includingsome limited-edition local brewsyou'll have to snag before theyre gone. 32 7. Buger Antics #5. Two additional Cant Believe Its Not Meat outposts are located in Gold Coast and Orland Park. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Crusade Burger Bar 6. Best Burger Restaurant in Northwest Suburbs - Zomato We are only a few months out from the easing of pandemic restrictions, which has caused some of the citys most esteemed burger spots to either close temporarily (Owen & Engine) or permanently (Cafe Marie Jeanne). Forget about a polite sear; the beef comes out shining like polished obsidian. See More 2/ Butcher & The Burger 1021 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 Burgers, American 12 /20 Delish fries as a bonus Although not in the menu, my friend Josh said "since when have tots been an option? Whether you order a single (two patties) or a double (three), the meat here is topped with Kraft singles, Dijonnaise and house-made pickles. We know, we know. It doesnt help that Au Cheval doesnt grind meat in-house or bake the buns. Meat lovers, this one's for you. Its just a smash burger on a potato bun. So why is it so immensely satisfying? Chicago. Youll notice this list shows my strong preference for burgers cooked on a griddle, but that doesnt mean I hate all grilled burgers. Topped with aged cheddar, a hefty helping of crunchy giardiniera mayo and bread and butter pickles, the burger at Forbidden Root is unique but familiar. It took me eating 131 burgers in 2019 to realize how crucial onions are to a great burger. Chicago's 10 best new burgers of 2021 are some of the meatiest Best Burger in Northwest Suburbs - Hands Down - Tripadvisor The restaurant piles each burger with a heap of red onion marmalade, a deeply savory and slightly sweet concoction. Nearly every restaurant and bar has one on its menu these days, from no-frills stands to neighborhood taverns. $10. Think Venteux's chuck patty topped with raclette and crispy shallots, Adorn's dry-aged prime beef burger, or Blue Door Farm Stand's vegan quinoa burger with mango chutney. But the owners have gotten the proportions just right in their follow-up spot, Gretel. 9 Bucket-List Burgers in Chicago. Try a bison burger, the guacamole burger or the more traditional Big DMK. A post shared by The Region (@theregionburgers). Dealing franchise icon Patrick Kane was heavy for GM Kyle Davidson. Inspired by the smash burgers found in Northwest Indiana, the Region is an exemplar of the style. A post shared by Owen & Engine (@owenandenginechicago), Where to Warm Up in Chicago Inside a Restaurant or Bar With a Fireplace. Turkey can never beat cow, Swanson declares. Lets get to the good stuff: Here are my picks for the 25 best burgers in Chicago. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). 2545 N. Kedzie Blvd, 773-687-8385, bigkidschicago.com, Smash burger at Three House. Try another? , but locals know the city excels at burgers as well. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune). Watch. The double cheeseburger is a masterpiece worthy of the marquee treatment. Controversial Chicago police union President John Catanzara wins reelection. Im usually extremely leery of steakhouse burgers, because not enough attention is paid to how all the components work together. I realize this might not be the burger for everyone. The 3-ounce patties are seared on a griddle until they develop a lovely brown crust, and they arrive stacked with care on a comfy brioche bun with all the toppings. When you see the food coming out of the kitchen, the name of this Hyde Park restaurant makes perfect sense. We are living in The Loyalists burger world right now in Chicago. A post shared by The Loyalist (@theloyalistchicago). Here are my top 20, with the list of the other places I went at bottom. Something went wrong. The soft bakery bun is lightly grilled, adding to the smoky aroma. Burger styles rise and burger styles fall, but Top Notch Beefburgers in Beverly will never fall out of fashion. While I wouldnt advise adding chocolate chip cookies, Im smitten with the foie gras onions ($4 extra), which are savory, sweet and deviously rich. $6.69. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune) The best pizza Here's where you should place your next takeout. Its a diner-style double cheeseburger that doesnt need much except for pickles, caramelized onions, and a special sauce. Best Burger in Northwest Suburbs of Chicago | My Bizzy Kitchen At its base, its a simple double cheeseburger with American cheese. A post shared by Community Tavern (@communitytavern), Where to Order Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Dumplings in Chicago. The smashed, griddled patties are highly addictive, highlighting the quality and care that owner Eddie Lakin is known for. What to eat. This burger, from the Indian-inspired restaurant in Logan Square, is not for those who want fake meat. Online ordering is available here. The standard issue arrives topped with bacon and a fried egg with a yolk just ready to erupt over the beef. Nearly every restaurant and bar has one on its menu these days, from no-frills stands to neighborhood taverns. Nothing about the admittedly gorgeous double cheeseburger at Community Tavern immediately looks that different from the competition. $8. This towering double cheeseburger features two well-seared patties covered in two hues of cheese, all set on a glistening bun topped with two kinds of sesame seeds. There are no tricks or needlessly fancy additions. 17 Burger Places In Illinois You Have to Try Before You Die 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. Sadly, just days before publishing this, the two moved across the food hall to open Biancas Bodega, which serves other kinds of sandwiches. Then the emails came. Currently, Im happiest with the No. The burger patty, recognized as one ofBon Appetitsthree best in 2017, is a blend of short rib, chuck, and ground bacon. The patty develops a shiny black exterior, as the edges become extra crispy. Frankly, it's the only burger that's ever made us want to hop in the car and travel to Indiana. The beef is seasoned so well, I didnt even need any other components to touch the beef besides some good aged cheddar. The student has become the master. But slide them under that bun, and the acidity helps counter the onslaught of meat and cheese. 1021 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL 60614. facebook.com/Biancas-Burgers-100697548434279, Darn Good Burger at JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop. (Shonda Talerico Dudlicek/Naperville Sun) Will . With this focus, Ive decided to dismiss some sacred cows (so long, Kumas Corner), while also discarding places that havent held up over the years (sadly, Fatsos has fallen in quality). Abigails understands this. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Its served with one-year-aged Widmers cheddar and an aioli spiked with yuzu kosho, a Japanese condiment of fermented chiles with the zest and juice of yuzu. By focusing on the basics, owner Eddie Lakin has created a burger shop impervious to trends. Even if you ignore the food, this is undoubtedly one of the friendliest burger joints Ive ever stepped foot in. The signature Original Shiddy Burgerbeganas a weekly special before the demand couldn't be ignored. The burger is so popular it spawned its own spin-off, Mini Mott, with locations in Logan Square and Time Out Market Chicago. One of the very best burger buns in the whole of the Chicago metropolitan area can be found at this heavy metal bar in the far southwestern suburbs. 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. This adorable Humboldt Park wine bar isnt the first place youd look for a great burger, but for over 10 years youre just as likely to see people stuffing their faces with this massive burger as politely sipping a glass of wine. While the single is satisfying, I do like the extra meatiness of the double cheeseburger. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune). The special sauce has a little 1,000 Island-esque tang that meshes with the caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. $13.50 with fries. 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. The thin-crust pizza has just a little puff and locals prefer sausage as the topping of choice. Or will the burger simply adapt with the times? The Illinois-based Slagel Family Farms dry-aged beef plays a huge role in the success, ensuring each bite is complex and juicy. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). !" If tots are on the menu, always get the tots. Community Double Cheeseburger at Community Tavern. 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. This glorious smash burger boasts a thin patty with super-crisp edges, American cheese, shredded lettuce, and secret sauce. But a solid rendition of a Vienna . Best Burgers in Long Beach, CA - Crack, Sideburns Restaurant, Dave's Burgers, Bixby Classic Burger , Nice Burger - Long Beach, Hangry Belly, Bored & Hungry, Nillys Neighborhood Burger Shop, Eat Fantastic - Long Beach, Volcano Burgers Leigh Loftus Even humble establishments are now grinding their own meat, in hopes of matching the surreal beefiness of the burger here. 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. 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. Of course, it helped that the beef is seasoned with plenty of salt and pepper. Sure, the fish and chips, Scotch eggs, and other traditional British plates are all excellent, but the burger is the star of the menu.