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. If you have fallen into a rut with your delivery orders, it's time to switch it up! While the single is satisfying, I do like the extra meatiness of the double cheeseburger. You can just tell that owner Eddie Lakin thought through all the details. [Canned cocktails taste test: From Big Star margaritas to summery G&Ts, here are our 35 best and worst]. 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. By the way, the shop also serves some of the best fresh cut fries Ive tried in the city. "This BBQ is the real deal!". It helps bring out the mineral notes of the top-quality beef. 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652. Cheeseburger with fries at Ludlow Liquors. So Im keeping this one on the list, if only to help spur a social media campaign to bring back Biancas phenomenal burgers. 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 . King-size cheeseburger at Top Notch Beefburgers. Nearly every restaurant and bar has one on its menu these days, from no-frills stands to neighborhood taverns. The patty develops a shiny black exterior, as the edges become extra crispy. Its an East-meets-West mashup of flavors that packs an umami punch. Thin, griddled patties with perfectly melted cheese, LTO and special sauce will only set you back $7and it comes with free fries. Dont forget to check out my original list. Nothing little about this burger! ]. 2833 W. Armitage Ave., 773-770-3427, gretelchicago.com, Dry-aged Slagel Farms burger at Rootstock. Grilled onions, sliced pickles and a house sauce complete this overlooked gem. This is a veggie burger that tastes like delicious mushroom and kale because those are the actual ingredients. And you can now get it every day at Time Out Market Chicago. Originally conceived as a limited-time special, the overwhelming response to Edward Kims burger earned it a permanent place on the menu. 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). As should be the case, youll probably need to order more than one to make a meal, but the shop nails the balance of sweet-scented onions to salty, griddled meat. Fatsos fulfills greasy cravings with juicy char-grilled and smashed burgers. Instead, chefs just plop an oversized patty on a bun, with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle on the side. First time I visited this spot, I correctly noted the burgers debt to Californias favorite fast-food chain, In-N-Out. The fruit adds a subtle bit of tartnessthat helpscut throughthe otherwise rich bites. Sadly, just days before publishing this, the two moved across the food hall to open Biancas Bodega, which serves other kinds of sandwiches. I love how the crisp and cold toppings interact with the creamy sauce and juicy beef and molten cheese. 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. Thick-cut bacon is an extra add-on that lifts the burger to even greater heights. 800 W. Randolph St., 312-929-4580, auchevaldiner.com, Mott Burger at Mini Mott. 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. Fortunately, the owners hope to revive the burger concept inside the Willis Tower food court next year. Place online ordershere. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). 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. Two griddled patties sandwich a slice of American cheese and are placed over, rather than under, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. But I refuse to accept that its not one of the best burgers in the city. The latest additions to the list below include Avondale tavern Ludlow Liquors, retro-themed dive bar Good Measure, and modern Mexican kitchen La Mejikana. Crusade Burger Bar 6. Just know that its only available Mondays at the Logan Square sandwich shop Big Kids. He uses incredible ground beef from Illinois-based Down at the Farms, created by Marty Travis of Spence Farm. 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. Theres even sliced raw onion placed between the two patties. The signature Original Shiddy Burgerbeganas a weekly special before the demand couldn't be ignored. A post shared by BIG KIDS SANDWICH DRINKS (@bigkidschicago). Online ordering is available here. It pairs wonderful with Indian lager Bhavik and is available on Thursdays only with a beef version for omnivores which is also tasty. Although Smyth, the fine dining component, gets most of the accolades, its subterranean sibling is an equally superb place to eat and drink. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). The patty here is so crispy, it forgoes any sense of juiciness. $13.95. What makes a burger special? Char Burger with Merkts Cheddar at Paradise Pup ($6.69). Watch. American. Birthplace of the Big Baby, Nicky's is the best place to try a lesser-known Chicago original. 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. $16. Check out the full list here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-food-best-burgers-suburban-chicago-edzos-vistro-viz-0925-20190918-ycfg3hiaqvgidjz333xvreoy4q-story.html #1. Craft cocktails and a cozy backyard patio draw locals to this retro-chic bar in Avondale. $16. 1. 2057 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-2874, theregionburgers.com, CDK Farm burger at Table, Donkey & Stick. 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. We are living in The Loyalists burger world right now in Chicago. Do. Its trying to see how crazy a smash burger can get, and Im all for it. The Chicago Bears QB has to figure out the simple to get to the next level. This glorious smash burger boasts a thin patty with super-crisp edges, American cheese, shredded lettuce, and secret sauce. Chicagos most secretive burger operation is mostly a one-man show. 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. 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. 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 know, we know. $9.25. Clockwise from top left: Standard issue burger at Burger Antics, double griddled burger at. A longstanding South Side institution thats been around since 1942, Top-Notch Beefburgers is one of the last of a dwindling breed of classic Chicago grease joints and perhaps the best. Happy Dog. But as I noted in April, an explosion of new burger joints has shaken up the scene. The Loyalist Original Cheeseburger with fries. - Top Burger Restaurants across the U.S. - Meat Guide. There are no frills, just griddled four-ounce patties, American cheese, Dijonnaise, and pickles. I went with salty aged cheddar and grilled onions. Very good bar food. As Ive noted,the beef could use some seasoning, but that problem is solved if you decide to go with salty Merkts cheddar. It's the kind of thing you'll crave after gulping down a flight of beers. Sure, there are fancier burgers, and ones that are much, much bigger in the suburbs. 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! 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). This burger, from the Indian-inspired restaurant in Logan Square, is not for those who want fake meat. 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. Soft bun, but stays together when you take a bite 4. $8.50. 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. This restaurant is a one-stop shop for Midwest delicacies such as breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches and Coney dogs. The success of said Shiddy Burg has led to it becoming a permanent fixture on the menu. The West Loop spot is known for its award-winning double-decker burger and its hours-long wait. Schoop's 7. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Carnivore 8. . Park Ridge residents are lucky to have such an approachable burger joint kicking out a version this good. Im usually extremely leery of steakhouse burgers, because not enough attention is paid to how all the components work together. The only thing holding this burger back is a tragic lack of salt on the beef. Most importantly, restaurants finally recognize the importance of onions. Guide: 88 Marketplace is an Asian food wonderland hidden just west of Chinatown, Canned cocktails taste test: From Big Star margaritas to summery G&Ts, here are our 35 best and worst, Voter turnout in Chicagos municipal election in graphics, Downstate judge strikes down Illinois ban on high-powered guns. 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. From giant patties to smashed delights, local restaurants are crafting unique and exciting versions that feature fresh beef, premium toppings, and more. Theres a second location in Lincoln Park. A post shared by Community Tavern (@communitytavern), Where to Order Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Dumplings in Chicago. $16. All the beef is ground in-house, and all the buns are supple, yet structurally sound. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Sure, its crazed and messy, but its worth trying at least once if you love this style. Or will the burger simply adapt with the times? The smashed, griddled patties are highly addictive, highlighting the quality and care that owner Eddie Lakin is known for. 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. Can we just go ahead and declare Redhot Ranch a city treasure? . The Polo Inn Bridgeport U.S.A. Thats what youll find at Carnivore, the Oak Park butcher shop that grinds bacon up with its ground beef. Thing is, a lot of people live in Chicagos suburbs. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). Dozens upon dozens of people sent screeds angrily pointing out that I had skipped their favorite joint and was therefore an idiot.