$9.95. A post shared by Mayo: LETS EAT (@grubgladiator). (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Birthplace of the Big Baby, Nicky's is the best place to try a lesser-known Chicago original. In the end, I tried 60 suburban burgers for this list, which brings my 2019 total to just over 130. Its taken to the next level with pickled and charred onions, American cheese, pickles, and onion-infused mayo. Theres even sliced raw onion placed between the two patties. These are the 40 other burgers I tried for this feature, in alphabetical order. 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652. Like the regular double-double, you get the Thousand Island-based sauce, along with the sliced lettuce, tomatoes and pickles, but this burger also adds a mess of caramelized onions. 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. I love just about everything about this burger. 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). Au Cheval A list of the best burgers in Chicago would simply be incomplete without the burger at Au Cheval. The Chicago Bears QB has to figure out the simple to get to the next level. 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. One look at the wagyu smash burger at RPM Steak and youll see we are dealing with something else entirely. 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. 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. So here it is: our list of the best burgers in Chicago. The 25 best burgers in Chicago, ranked. If you're all about the toppings, skip ahead. We know, we know. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants 443 reviews Closed Now American, Wine Bar $$ - $$$ Menu 11.7 mi Orland Park "Jordan gave good service." "Holiday Party" 3. The burgers actually taste beefy, and the fries are textbook examples in frying. THE 10 BEST Burgers in West Chicago (Updated February 2023 Oops. From diner-style classics and smash burgers to over-the-top creations, these are the best burgers in Chicago. On the side youll find fermented pickle slices, which on their own might seem too sour. Burgers, American. It pairs wonderful with Indian lager Bhavik and is available on Thursdays only with a beef version for omnivores which is also tasty. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). A post shared by The Region (@theregionburgers). The best part about Table, Donkey & Stick is how little they care about having a great burger. But this burger obsession chose me, and I feel completely unable to resist. [Canned cocktails taste test: From Big Star margaritas to summery G&Ts, here are our 35 best and worst]. 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. The Hottest New Restaurants in Chicago, March 2023, Devour giant or smashed patties dressed with quality toppings. 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. The service can sometimes be average but it's a good choice in . This light-filled shop on North Cicero blends bacon in with the beef to create a patty thats laced with an unmistakable smoky profile. For one glorious minute I sat content at my desk, happy that I got the chance to highlight what I thought were the meatiest and most alluring burgers in the area. Its like a Steak n Shake burger taken to the limits of sanity. So prepare to get messy in the most satisfying way by checking out our guide to the best burgers in Chicago. $7.99. Best Burgers | Archives | westsuburbanliving.net Hes spruced up an old family sauce recipe with fresh horseradish and makes his own pickles. Online ordering is available here. 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. This problem afflicted a number of established places like Brandts of Palatine, The Assembly and Hackneys on Harms. When he decided to create one for Vistro, his casual bistro in Hinsdale, he delivered a version that hits all the key points of the classic juicy beef paired with salty pork while also letting his unique style shine through. Fortunately, we've got the inside scoop on the best burger joints around the suburbs. Four of the 20 best suburban Chicago burgers in Nick Kindelsperger's tour of 60 burgers. 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. Optional toppings include raw onions, fried egg, and bacon. Its straightforward just a freshly grilled slab of ground beef served on a sesame-crusted bun with American cheese and grilled onions. At this Hyde Park eatery, chef-owner Laricia Chandler whips up meatless versions of classic comfort foods. Diners can also add bacon to it. Its an East-meets-West mashup of flavors that packs an umami punch. The West Loop spot is known for its award-winning double-decker burger and its hours-long wait. But as promising as these alternatives are, I cant get past the fact that beef simply tastes better. Chicago has a serious slider shortage. Whats the book on Justin Fields around the NFL? 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. RHR double cheeseburger and fries at Redhot Ranch. A post shared by Owen & Engine (@owenandenginechicago), Where to Warm Up in Chicago Inside a Restaurant or Bar With a Fireplace. For now, beef is king. More intriguing are the plant-based meat alternatives, such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger. We are living in The Loyalists burger world right now in Chicago. This delicious monstrosity includes three patties, fat strips of bacon, molten American cheese, onion straws, house-made pickles, a swath of mayo and a fried egg crown. Of course, it helped that the beef is seasoned with plenty of salt and pepper. It's not exactly the kind of thing you want to devour on a first date, but we're not judging if you do. Edzo's #2. Darn Good Burger at JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop. It might look oversized, but the bun couldnt be softer or more suited to the job. Pickles and caramelized onions put in work to add a touch of brightness to every bite, but they're no match for the beef. 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. If they were skinny little patties draped in salty cheese, that would be one thing; but these were half-pound monsters of unseasoned meat. Thin, griddled patties with perfectly melted cheese, LTO and special sauce will only set you back $7and it comes with free fries. As meat alternatives have become more popular and prevalent, an increasing number of plant-based restaurants are also starting to sprout. Thats what this list is all about. But thats where any similarity with other burgers ends. pickled jalapenos, dill pickles and Asian-inflected miso butter onions and hoisin aioli. Photo Credit: Theory Theory 9 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654 Advertisement A similar but slightly smaller version is available at sibling restaurant Small Cheval. Reviewed April 15, 2014 . I dont count those cutesy little burgers that fancier places serve, with their horrendous meat-to-bun ratios. But most of these burgers were cooked with little to no salt. The whole thing is cushioned by a perfectly toasted brioche bun that practically melts in your mouth. Sure, its crazed and messy, but its worth trying at least once if you love this style. The signature Original Shiddy Burgerbeganas a weekly special before the demand couldn't be ignored. The Pub burger layers two griddled patties with cheddar, bacon aioli and red onions on a brioche bun made in-house. 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. Thats because the shop, open since 1942, still grinds the beef in-house, ensuring each bite tastes impressively juicy, without being too greasy. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). With beef grease still coursing through my veins, I released a list of the best burgers in Chicago back in February. Perfectly seasoned burger 2. As you can tell from the picture, this beast is exceptionally juicy, so make sure to have that napkin ready. A little walk-up shack on the UIC Campus with no seating, Jim's Original doesn't look like much. Vistro #3. Whats the book on Justin Fields around the NFL? (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). The burger should help soak up all the old fashioneds and bottles of High Life, too. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). 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 20 best burgers in Chicago's suburbs - Chicago Tribune Chicago Hamburger Chicago Burgers View map Sort by: Highest Rating 2022 1. Chicago's best burger -- from dive bars to fancy hotels, one reporter $11. The only place that scratches that itch for me is the Hoagie Hut in Waukegan. If the wait left you ravenous, opt to add a fried egg or thick cut bacon. There are no tricks or needlessly fancy additions. For whatever reason, a lot of suburban restaurants feel the need to serve outrageously huge burgers, often with patties that weigh in at 8 to 10 ounces. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune). Thats especially true around the edges of the patty, where the meat caramelizes so hard that it develops actual crunch. 14 of Chicago's Best Burgers By Neighborhood [Emporium Arcade Bar returns, a Black-owned wine shop opens, plus 19 more restaurant openings in Chicago]. I realize thats an insane number, and I dont even want to think about what my doctor would say about the feat. Can we just go ahead and declare Redhot Ranch a city treasure? 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. 66 W. Kinzie St., 312-284-4990, rpmrestaurants.com/rpm-steak-chicago/, Single cheeseburger at Au Cheval. 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. A post shared by The StopAlong (@thestopalong). If you couldnt guess, Shiddys is irreverent and outlandish and definitely not for everyone. Clockwise from top left: Standard issue burger at Burger Antics, double griddled burger at Edzos Burger Shop, dry-aged griddled burger at Vistro and Mickey burger at Schoops. The patty here is so crispy, it forgoes any sense of juiciness. Then, modeled after In-N-Outs commitment to quality, the kitchen adds fresh lettuce, onions, tomato, cheese, and special sauce. Edward Kims Asian fusion restaurant is home to a tremendous burger. What you need to live your best life now. "This BBQ is the real deal!". 2. Fortunately, unlike other suburban burger joints with charm to spare, this one also serves a great burger. Best Burger in Northwest Suburbs - Hands Down - Tripadvisor As distinct as it is, the bun doesnt overshadow the rest of the show. 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). Each burger starts with seven ounces of ground beef that the chef smashes on a griddle until its millimeters thick. While I wouldnt advise adding chocolate chip cookies, Im smitten with the foie gras onions ($4 extra), which are savory, sweet and deviously rich. Community Double Cheeseburger at Community Tavern. The Illinois-based Slagel Family Farms dry-aged beef plays a huge role in the success, ensuring each bite is complex and juicy. A post shared by Henry Nieberg (@hungrier_henry), The Essential Restaurants for Affordable Dining in Chicago. Dry-aged Slagel Farms burger at Rootstock. The Loyalist not only features loads, it uses three kinds raw, charred and pickled to infuse each bite with the unmistakable savory, sweet aroma. It's the kind of thing you'll crave after gulping down a flight of beers. THE BEST 10 Burgers in Chicago, IL - Last Updated March 2023 - Yelp 3057 N. Ashland Ave., 773-661-9377; 2449 W. Armitage Ave., 773-772-6020; redhotranchchicago.com, Double Griddled Burger at Edzo's Burger Shop. 1. As chef Matt Troost let me know in 2019, you can top the DIY burger with anything listed on the menu. Two additional Cant Believe Its Not Meat outposts are located in Gold Coast and Orland Park. Best Northwest Suburbs Burger By using this site you agree to Zomato's use of cookies to give you a personalised experience. Sure, there are fancier burgers, and ones that are much, much bigger in the suburbs. It took me eating 131 burgers in 2019 to realize how crucial onions are to a great burger. This experience is all about reveling in the juicy and slightly funky aged beef paired with a well-toasted bun. Schoop's 7. 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. Its just that few places know how to work the grill like Paradise Pup. 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. Is it time to discard Americas favorite dish? Dealing franchise icon Patrick Kane was heavy for GM Kyle Davidson. One of the best burgers to try in Chicago is the Wolf Burger at the Little Bad Wolf. $13.95. Ive never quite gotten the hype around the burger at Little Bad Wolf, which always tasted oversized and under seasoned. 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. 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. It's a fine specimen that easily rivals the city's top oldies. 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. 1. This glorious smash burger boasts a thin patty with super-crisp edges, American cheese, shredded lettuce, and secret sauce. By the way, the shop also serves some of the best fresh cut fries Ive tried in the city. 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. Before we dig in, one note: Theres no question that beef consumption is a driver of climate change. Order online here. North Suburbs Restaurants - OpenTable The namesake burger features two thin patties draped with loads of gooey American cheese, all on a supremely squishy sesame bun. The 18 Best Burgers In Chicago - Chicago - The Infatuation (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). The "flexitarian" menu puts plant-based products on a pedestal, forging a delectable path ahead for those who are transitioning to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Pair it withone of the brewery's botanic-inspired beers for an impeccable combo. Inspired by the smash burgers found in Northwest Indiana, the Region is an exemplar of the style. The StopAlong is a family-friendly pizzeria dedicated to the nostalgia of the80s and 90s. Two colossal, cheese-draped patties take center stage, completely outweighing the sturdy but soft bun they're housed within. Alternatives have existed for years. $9.95. Char Burger with Merkts Cheddar at Paradise Pup ($6.69). (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). 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Big Kids, the nostalgia-driven sandwich shop by chefs Ryan Pfeiffer and Mason Hereford, first started flipping burgers during select hours and days. Top 10 Best Burgers in Chicago, IL - March 2023 - Yelp 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. Please enter a valid email and try again. The 11 Best Restaurants in Chicago for a Romantic Date Night. Whether you order a single (two patties) or a double (three), the meat here is topped with Kraft singles, Dijonnaise and house-made pickles. A post shared by The Loyalist (@theloyalistchicago). And you dont have to spend too much either, as the options are wholly affordableRedhot Ranchs double cheeseburger is less than $7. Thats just bad cooking. The Polo Inn Bridgeport U.S.A. Taquitos, huaraches, and other south-of-the-border specialties dominate the menu at La Mejikana, but dont overlook the impeccable hamburguesa. Dj vu! Those people are wrong, because the creamy sauce acts as a foil to the ultra-crispy meat and cool, crisp bed of shredded lettuce. 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. Because Labriola is a top-notch bakery, it makes sense that it would make an excellent pretzel roll for its burger. Emporium Arcade Bar returns, a Black-owned wine shop opens, plus 19 more restaurant openings in Chicago, Tamale Guy returns: Claudio Velez feeling completamente great as he relaunches bar route, sets up shop at Lone Wolf. Do. 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. 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. The north suburbs of Chicago are very popular for those seeking a quiet meal away from the hectic downtown area. The standard issue arrives topped with bacon and a fried egg with a yolk just ready to erupt over the beef. From diner-style classics and smash burgers to over-the-top creations, these are the best burgers in Chicago. To soak up all the alcohol, the kitchen has created an unfussy, yet deeply satisfying, cheeseburger. Owner Christopher Cunninghams special burger sports two griddled Angus patties, caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, dijonnaise and a unique ingredientslices of Granny Smith apple. 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. 4038 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-283-6080, communitytavern.com, Biancas Original at Bianca's Burgers. Quality and simplicity are the keys to the excellent burger at this retro-chic tavern in Avondale. RHR double cheeseburger and fries at Redhot Ranch. Place online ordershere. 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. Photograph: Courtesy Can't Believe It's Not Meat, Photograph: Starr Nordgren (@chicagofoodiegirl). . We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. But the meat is seasoned well and cooked to proper specifications. 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? 800 W. Randolph St., 312-929-4580, auchevaldiner.com, Mott Burger at Mini Mott. The namesake creation consists of two chuck patties, crunchy sweet potato shoestrings, melty American cheese. 4? 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.. 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.