I especially love how all the toppings, like lettuce and onion, are layered in exacting proportions so each bite gets the proper needed crunch. They might be awesome, but not a single burger survived. There are no frills, just griddled four-ounce patties, American cheese, Dijonnaise, and pickles. 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. Frankly, it's the only burger that's ever made us want to hop in the car and travel to Indiana. $9.95. $6.69. I realize thats an insane number, and I dont even want to think about what my doctor would say about the feat. Instead, chefs just plop an oversized patty on a bun, with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle on the side. 32 7. Truthfully, a trip to Au Cheval is an ordeal, but that won't stop us from commending its signature item. 2900 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 773-604-8769 View Website 4. Optional toppings include raw onions, fried egg, and bacon. (Shonda Talerico Dudlicek/Naperville Sun) Will . The north suburbs of Chicago are very popular for those seeking a quiet meal away from the hectic downtown area. The Original Hog Wild 278 reviews Closed Now Quick Bites, American $$ - $$$ 8.0 mi Midlothian "A Cabin In The Rough." "Quick & Quality Barbecue" 2. Watch. The Polo Inn Bridgeport U.S.A. 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. CDK Farm burger at Table, Donkey & Stick. Here are my top 20, with the list of the other places I went at bottom. The kitchen uses ground American wagyu meat from Sakura Wagyu Farms in Ohio, a beefier version of the highly marbled Japanese wagyu boasting a mix of 80% meat and 20% fat. Since 1948, this south suburban chain has been serving some of the most aggressively smashed burgers in the country. !" If tots are on the menu, always get the tots. 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. But The Burger Locals immense 10-ounce beef patty is so juicy and meaty, that I had to surrender to its power. The Loyalist Original Cheeseburger with fries. Ive never quite gotten the hype around the burger at Little Bad Wolf, which always tasted oversized and under seasoned. The staff at the restaurant serve this dish with three beef patties, onion straws, and house-made pickles to boot. 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. 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652. Here are the best burgers you do not want to miss in Chicago. $11. , but locals know the city excels at burgers as well. A post shared by Henry Nieberg (@hungrier_henry), The Essential Restaurants for Affordable Dining in Chicago. . The Original Shiddy Burg at Shiddy Burger. - Top Burger Restaurants across the U.S. - Meat Guide. Wrapping up the Chicago Blackhawks trade-deadline moves. Just as Kumas Corner and Au Cheval took turns transforming our burger scene, the city is in the grips of what this restaurant affectionately refers to as the Dirty Burg. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). You can just tell that owner Eddie Lakin thought through all the details. To access, Nickson soaks bones for hours and then scrapes the marrow out by hand. Im not going to argue that paying over $15 for a burger makes financial sense, but I know that Id personally rather have one burger from The Loyalist than 15 regular cheeseburgers from McDonalds. 3. Char Burger with Merkts Cheddar at Paradise Pup ($6.69) (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Darn Good Burger at JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop. 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 . Online orders can be placed here. Best Burger in Northwest Suburbs of Chicago | My Bizzy Kitchen Of the 9.5 million people who live in the Chicago metropolitan area, more than 6.8 million are in the suburbs. Visit this small roadside shack in Des Plaines for terrific burgers that rank among Chicagolands finest. So while were happy Lakin took those surly, greasy Vienna shops as his inspiration, were equally stoked he chose not to follow their practices. As should be clear by now, Im not the biggest fan of oversize burger patties. 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. The patty here is so crispy, it forgoes any sense of juiciness. No place in the Chicago suburbs executes the classic American cheeseburger as flawlessly as Edzos. It's a fine specimen that easily rivals the city's top oldies. 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. 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. (We'll let you catch your breath.) A post shared by Ludlow Liquors Avondale (@ludlowliquors), 16 Chicago Bars with Legitimately Great Food. Updated October 21, 2021. I dont count those cutesy little burgers that fancier places serve, with their horrendous meat-to-bun ratios. Happy Dog. Breakfast of champions" "A Little Too Much" Order online 3. And you dont have to spend too much either, as the options are wholly affordableRedhot Ranchs double cheeseburger is less than $7. I seriously wonder if I am making the problem worse. Order online here. But none of this would matter if the base of the burger werent so solid. Oops. But this burger isnt trying to appeal to everyone. 20 Restaurants That Define Chicago's South Side On the side youll find fermented pickle slices, which on their own might seem too sour. The beef gets smashed down onto the griddle to give it a good sear. Luckily, this Joliet gem dishes out a well-constructed and juicy burger. The Best 10 Burgers near me in Chicago, Illinois Sort:Recommended Price Offers Delivery Offers Takeout Reservations 1. Before we dig in, one note: Theres no question that beef consumption is a driver of climate change. Run by siblings Rafael and Elizabeth Royal, the burgers have a rich and lingering beefiness thats belies their size. Very good bar food. Thanks to the bacon, the burger patty has an unruly smokiness and a juiciness that is unparalleled. Taquitos, huaraches, and other south-of-the-border specialties dominate the menu at La Mejikana, but dont overlook the impeccable hamburguesa. Try a bison burger, the guacamole burger or the more traditional Big DMK. Brunch Cafe-McHenry 224 reviews Closed Now American, Cafe $$ - $$$ 7.6 mi McHenry "Flavorful Brunch" "A Must Try Restaurant" Order online 2. Diners can order single, double, or triple patties; each includes cheese, relish, onions, and a mayo-based Region sauce. 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. Thats exactly where they should remain. 3057 N. Ashland Ave., 773-661-9377; 2449 W. Armitage Ave., 773-772-6020; redhotranchchicago.com, Double Griddled Burger at Edzo's Burger Shop. 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. A post shared by FeedMe (@miriam_foodie). Lets get to the good stuff: Here are my picks for the 25 best burgers in Chicago. This slick, little quick-service shop in Elmwood Park serves griddled burgers with, lets face it, a slightly silly name. See More 2/ Butcher & The Burger 1021 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 Burgers, American 12 /20 Chicago's Best Burgers - Eater Chicago But I have no complaints about the burgers. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Each burger is cooked to order on the restaurants well-worn griddle, and served with a cushy bun with loads of sauteed onions. A post shared by Three House Chicago (@threehousechi), 20 Killer Fried Chicken Sandwiches in Chicago, 20 Great Restaurants for Solo Dining in Chicago. Perfectly seasoned burger 2. 3970 N. Elston Ave., 773-754-7729, jtsgenuine.com, No. Dealing franchise icon Patrick Kane was heavy for GM Kyle Davidson. The meat is topped with a pile of finely sliced onions, green relish and Region Sauce, a bright pink mayo-based concoction. The burgers actually taste beefy, and the fries are textbook examples in frying. The student has become the master. Jim's Original. Do. 1. Four of the 20 best suburban Chicago burgers in Nick Kindelsperger's tour of 60 burgers. 1. Fans of big burgers are guaranteed to be pleased. I cant remember a time when there were so many outrageously great burgers around. The patty develops a shiny black exterior, as the edges become extra crispy. The standard issue arrives topped with bacon and a fried egg with a yolk just ready to erupt over the beef. For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicagos COVID-19 dashboard. Best Burger Restaurant in Northwest Suburbs - Zomato For a burger thats so unabashedly meaty, its a well-proportioned package thats not a chore to consume. But theres something about how the kitchen chars the bun, so that its seconds from being burned, that adds a thrilling campfire aroma. 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.. Meat or no meat, this classic burger holds its ground against every entry on this list. 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. Chicagos best french fries under $5 our 20 top picks after trying 106 restaurants. Park Ridge residents are lucky to have such an approachable burger joint kicking out a version this good. Your fingers will be coated with umami flavors by the time youre finished eating and we totally wont judge if you lick them clean. 3. [Tamale Guy returns: Claudio Velez feeling completamente great as he relaunches bar route, sets up shop at Lone Wolf]. 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. Char Burger with Merkts Cheddar at Paradise Pup ($6.69). Folks who prefer beefier offerings will appreciate that there are also eight-ounce char burgers. John and Karen Urie Shields opened a two-pronged project to much acclaim in 2016. 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. Or you could spring for the shops faithful reconstruction of In-N-Out Burgers Double-Double Animal-Style. 1724 S. River Road, Des Plaines; 847-699-8590, Baby burger at Illinois Bar & Grill. Clockwise from top left: Standard issue burger at Burger Antics, double griddled burger at. 9 Burger at Abigail's 8 Char burger with Merkt's cheddar at Paradise Pup 7 Bacon burger at Carnivore 6 Mickey burger at Schoop's 5 Build your own burger at Crusade Burger Bar 4 Standard issue burger at Burger Antics 3 Burger at Three Floyds Brewpub 2 Dry-aged griddled burger at Vistro 1 Double griddled burger at Edzo's Burger Shop 31 56 He might be right. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. But the burger here is as good as ever. To accentuate the richness of the meat, Nickson adds Hooks Three Year Sharp cheddar. Edzo's #2. Fortunately, we've got the inside scoop on the best burger joints around the suburbs. [Canned cocktails taste test: From Big Star margaritas to summery G&Ts, here are our 35 best and worst]. pickled jalapenos, dill pickles and Asian-inflected miso butter onions and hoisin aioli. Get the Mickey, and the meat will come with two slices of American cheese, along with mustard, ketchup, relish, onion, lettuce and tomato. By stripping away the excess, hes able to focus intently on the quality of every component. Uncommonly thick Nutella shakes, fries with truffle saltwhere does the low-brow end and high-end begin at Eddie Lakins burger shop? Im usually extremely leery of steakhouse burgers, because not enough attention is paid to how all the components work together. The thin-crust pizza has just a little puff and locals prefer sausage as the topping of choice. Two colossal, cheese-draped patties take center stage, completely outweighing the sturdy but soft bun they're housed within. 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. He uses incredible ground beef from Illinois-based Down at the Farms, created by Marty Travis of Spence Farm. One of the best burgers to try in Chicago is the Wolf Burger at the Little Bad Wolf. Its an East-meets-West mashup of flavors that packs an umami punch. 4038 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-283-6080, communitytavern.com, Biancas Original at Bianca's Burgers. The health conscious can opt for turkey, salmon or lamb burgers. But slide them under that bun, and the acidity helps counter the onslaught of meat and cheese. A second location is in Lakeview. THE 10 BEST Burgers in West Chicago (Updated February 2023 You'llbrowse the menu at Owen & Engine, considering thehaddock fish and chips or the bangers and mash with cider onion gravy, but we both know that you're here for the burger. Handcrafted toppings include roasted green chiles, olive tapenade, chili-rubbed onion strings, chipotle ketchup and artisan cheeses. 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. 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. 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. The smashed, griddled patties are highly addictive, highlighting the quality and care that owner Eddie Lakin is known for. 2954 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-360-8686, dmkburgerbar.com, DIY burger at Good Measure. He also adds onions so caramelized they look nearly black and an absurdly soft bun made by his pastry chef, Angelyne Canicosa. The restaurant piles each burger with a heap of red onion marmalade, a deeply savory and slightly sweet concoction. 226 W. Chicago Ave., 312-600-9268, goodmeasurechicago.com, Charly's Burger at Charly's Burgers. But the owners have gotten the proportions just right in their follow-up spot, Gretel. Honestly, this one would have scored much higher if another burger from a Virant establishment hadnt stolen my heart. 2057 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-2874, theregionburgers.com, CDK Farm burger at Table, Donkey & Stick. Choose between the quarter-pound Who Betta burger and the Big Mik, a riff on the Big Mac that comes with double patties, special sauce, pickles, lettuce, and either dairy or vegan cheese on a sesame seed bun. A post shared by The Region (@theregionburgers). Fortunately, the creamy aioli helps tie the beef and cheese together. 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. Chicago's 10 best new burgers of 2021 are some of the meatiest 1, a bacon cheeseburger with charred balsamic onions and sweet barbecue sauce. Im not usually one for unmelted cheese on my burgers, but the extra sharp cheddar used here helps complement the extra-fatty patty. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). A post shared by The StopAlong (@thestopalong). $17. 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. Im not putting this at No. THE 10 BEST Burgers in Chicago Southland (Updated March 2023 66 W. Kinzie St., 312-284-4990, rpmrestaurants.com/rpm-steak-chicago/, Single cheeseburger at Au Cheval. 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. River North (Chicago) 6376 reviews. 5739 W. Irving Park Road, 773-283-7880, brgrbellyrestaurant.com, King-size cheeseburger at Top Notch Beefburgers. Which is true. But its balanced by the extra-cushy bun. But as promising as these alternatives are, I cant get past the fact that beef simply tastes better. Currently, Im happiest with the No. The Gage 2,344 reviews Open Now American, Bar $$ - $$$ "Enjoyable place for lunch and great." "A haven." 2022 3. The extra fat content means that the patties get a clearly visible crust from the hot griddle. The burger at Hogsalt Hospitalitys modern diner has been praised around the country, including being named best in the U.S. by Bon Apptit, and stands as perhaps the finest example of a restaurant bringing the thin, griddled, American classic into a 21st century setting. Heres another attempt at a double-double pioneered by the California-based fast food chain In-N-Out, albeit ordered animal-style. . If it takes effort to compress the bun, the bread is going to get in the way when you take a bite. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). A post shared by Cant Believe Its Meat (@cantbelieveitsnotmeatinc), Where to Chomp on Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicago, 18 Vegetarian and Vegan Options For Super Bowl Sunday Snacking. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Best Burger Restaurant in Northwest Suburbs - Menu, Photos, Ratings and Reviews of Restaurants serving Best Burger in Northwest Suburbs. . ), We ranked 26 fast-food fried-chicken sandwiches (including Popeyes). Or will the burger simply adapt with the times? As I gathered up recommendations from readers and from online research on my own, I noticed one dominant theme: Most places I wanted to try were in the suburbs. A post shared by Chomp Colorado | Foodie (@chompcolorado). The namesake creation consists of two chuck patties, crunchy sweet potato shoestrings, melty American cheese. Leigh Loftus As Ive noted,the beef could use some seasoning, but that problem is solved if you decide to go with salty Merkts cheddar. 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston; 847-864-3396; edzos.com, Stop-In Burger at the StopAlong. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Au Cheval 1,275 reviews Open Now American, Bar $$ - $$$ "Tasty burger and great beer" "Awesome Food. Unfortunately, most of the burgers on the menu feature large quantities of other meats on top, like braised brisket or Korean barbecue pork belly. We know, we know. What you need to live your best life now. Its straightforward just a freshly grilled slab of ground beef served on a sesame-crusted bun with American cheese and grilled onions. This restaurant is a one-stop shop for Midwest delicacies such as breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches and Coney dogs. You see, we consider the fan-favorite Stop-In burger to be more than just "stuff." Of course, it helps that each plate even comes with loads of skinny fries, furthering the local connection. Its just that few places know how to work the grill like Paradise Pup. The Two-n-Two is The Sandlots answer to In-N-Outs double-double, which is a double cheeseburger served with lettuce, tomato and a version of Thousand Island-style dressing. 3057 W. Logan Blvd., 773-904-7620, minimott.com, Black Betty at BRGRBELLY. But one look at the slim burger at Ludlow Liquors, and you know that chef Mickey Neely had something very different in mind. I went with salty aged cheddar and grilled onions. Who cared that I devoured 71 burgers in less than a month? Channeling old-school burger joints in Northwest Indiana, the Region is known for its smash burger, with an iconic, lacey-edged patty that extends well past the bun. 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! Because its aged for so long, the cheese doesnt melt well, and I totally understand if some find the faint bitterness distracting. Two griddled patties sandwich a slice of American cheese and are placed over, rather than under, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Theres little question this West Loop spot is the most popular burger destination in Chicago. Dealing franchise icon Patrick Kane was heavy for GM Kyle Davidson. You know, the one with a. Best Burgers in Chicago's North Shore, IL - Tripadvisor Foursquare. American. The beef is seasoned so well, I didnt even need any other components to touch the beef besides some good aged cheddar. 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. I had apparently missed a few places. There are no tricks or needlessly fancy additions. Sadly, just days before publishing this, the two moved across the food hall to open Biancas Bodega, which serves other kinds of sandwiches. Fatsos fulfills greasy cravings with juicy char-grilled and smashed burgers. Each bite attacks with salt, fat and acid, which some might find overwhelming. 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. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). What makes a burger special? RHR double cheeseburger and fries at Redhot Ranch. Two additional Cant Believe Its Not Meat outposts are located in Gold Coast and Orland Park. Wrapping up the Chicago Blackhawks trade-deadline moves. 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. 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. Here are the best burgers you do not want to miss in Chicago. And with it marked the glorious return of one of Chicagos favorite burgers. Community Double Cheeseburger at Community Tavern. Steamboat BBQ. 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. Dont forget to check out my original list. North Suburbs Restaurants - OpenTable Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. 954 N. California Ave., 773-292-1616, rootstockbar.com, The Wagyu smash burger at RPM Steak. Is it time to discard Americas favorite dish? Please enter a valid email and try again. Regardless, it's worth the wait for the signature . It pairs wonderful with Indian lager Bhavik and is available on Thursdays only with a beef version for omnivores which is also tasty. RHR double cheeseburger and fries at Redhot Ranch. Hes spruced up an old family sauce recipe with fresh horseradish and makes his own pickles. 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. Carnivore 8. Online ordering is available here. 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. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune).