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. Vegans can get theirs with plant-based Beyond Beef instead. Each burger starts with seven ounces of ground beef that the chef smashes on a griddle until its millimeters thick. Two colossal, cheese-draped patties take center stage, completely outweighing the sturdy but soft bun they're housed within. Dry-aged Slagel Farms burger at Rootstock. While the single is satisfying, I do like the extra meatiness of the double cheeseburger. 215 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana; 219-836-6233; schoophamburgers.com, Community Double Cheeseburger at Community Tavern. And with it marked the glorious return of one of Chicagos favorite burgers. [Canned cocktails taste test: From Big Star margaritas to summery G&Ts, here are our 35 best and worst]. Theres a second location in Lincoln Park. 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 glorious smash burger boasts a thin patty with super-crisp edges, American cheese, shredded lettuce, and secret sauce. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). $13.95. Of the 9.5 million people who live in the Chicago metropolitan area, more than 6.8 million are in the suburbs. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). What I want are real sliders, the ones covered in a mess of soft, sauteed onions, the scent of which seems to follow you around for hours afterward. I went with salty aged cheddar and grilled onions. This burger, from the Indian-inspired restaurant in Logan Square, is not for those who want fake meat. A little walk-up shack on the UIC Campus with no seating, Jim's Original doesn't look like much. !" If tots are on the menu, always get the tots. The juicy meat is served on a fluffy sesame seed bun alongside Hooks aged cheddar, caramelized onions, and garlic-onion aioli. 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. 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! What makes a burger special? 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. Abigails understands this. Of course, it helps that each plate even comes with loads of skinny fries, furthering the local connection. The standard issue arrives topped with bacon and a fried egg with a yolk just ready to erupt over the beef. From Buffalo Grove to Naperville, we'll explore the definitive top five best burgers in the Chicago suburbs. Thing is, a lot of people live in Chicagos suburbs. First time I visited this spot, I correctly noted the burgers debt to Californias favorite fast-food chain, In-N-Out. The only thing holding this burger back is a tragic lack of salt on the beef. 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 allows the kitchen to get an incredible sear on the meat when they smash it on the blazing-hot griddle. This experience is all about reveling in the juicy and slightly funky aged beef paired with a well-toasted bun. Cheeseburger with fries at Ludlow Liquors. Visit Website . Online orders can be placed here. Whether you order a single (two patties) or a double (three), the meat here is topped with Kraft singles, Dijonnaise and house-made pickles. Schoops has been aggressively smashing beef on a griddle in Munster, Indiana, since 1948. I especially love how all the toppings, like lettuce and onion, are layered in exacting proportions so each bite gets the proper needed crunch. The thin-crust pizza has just a little puff and locals prefer sausage as the topping of choice. Fortunately, unlike other suburban burger joints with charm to spare, this one also serves a great burger. RHR double cheeseburger and fries at Redhot Ranch. Pair it withone of the brewery's botanic-inspired beers for an impeccable combo. Online ordering is availablehere. He modeled this offering on his favorite hometown burger, Wee Bs, which he grew up eating in Anchorage, Alaska. But Lakin isnt above experimenting, and half the fun of visiting is deciding which route to take. Its straightforward just a freshly grilled slab of ground beef served on a sesame-crusted bun with American cheese and grilled onions. 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 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. No offense to Ronald and the gang, but we prefer Bianca's take. This light-filled shop on North Cicero blends bacon in with the beef to create a patty thats laced with an unmistakable smoky profile. 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). Instead, chefs just plop an oversized patty on a bun, with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle on the side. Look around, and youll see brioche buns falling out of favor, as soft rolls dotted with hundreds of sesame seeds pop up. Its served on a challah bun and folks can add an optional, but highly recommended, gooey Merkts cheddar spread. You can just tell that owner Eddie Lakin thought through all the details. But the meat is seasoned well and cooked to proper specifications. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Its like a Steak n Shake burger taken to the limits of sanity. The namesake creation consists of two chuck patties, crunchy sweet potato shoestrings, melty American cheese. Whats the book on Justin Fields around the NFL? The Illinois-based Slagel Family Farms dry-aged beef plays a huge role in the success, ensuring each bite is complex and juicy. , but locals know the city excels at burgers as well. Controversial Chicago police union President John Catanzara wins reelection. A post shared by Superkhana International (@superkhana), The Best Places to Eat With Kids in Chicago. But as promising as these alternatives are, I cant get past the fact that beef simply tastes better. Online orders can be placed here. 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. I love how the crisp and cold toppings interact with the creamy sauce and juicy beef and molten cheese. Everything about the burger is designed for textural perfection, from the toasted buns, griddled patties, crisp onion slices and crunchy pickles. Whataburger uses 100% pure American beef served on a big, toasted five-inch bun. The smashed, griddled patties are highly addictive, highlighting the quality and care that owner Eddie Lakin is known for. The north suburbs of Chicago are very popular for those seeking a quiet meal away from the hectic downtown area. For a burger thats so unabashedly meaty, its a well-proportioned package thats not a chore to consume. Thanks for subscribing! 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. 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. By Jay Gentile, and Elanor Bock. Buger Antics #5. Its just a smash burger on a potato bun. So why is it so immensely satisfying? Owner Christopher Cunninghams special burger sports two griddled Angus patties, caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, dijonnaise and a unique ingredientslices of Granny Smith apple. 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. Hes spruced up an old family sauce recipe with fresh horseradish and makes his own pickles. Here are the best burgers you do not want to miss in Chicago. 1, a bacon cheeseburger with charred balsamic onions and sweet barbecue sauce. 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. 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. Some will say there is too much sauce. Limit search to Chicago's North Shore. Do. Turkey can never beat cow, Swanson declares. By focusing on the basics, owner Eddie Lakin has created a burger shop impervious to trends. 9 Bucket-List Burgers in Chicago. 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. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here. The fruit adds a subtle bit of tartnessthat helpscut throughthe otherwise rich bites. 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. $13.50 with fries. Pickles and caramelized onions put in work to add a touch of brightness to every bite, but they're no match for the beef. Paradise Pup 9. Fatsos fulfills greasy cravings with juicy char-grilled and smashed burgers. It'll take a second or two to figure out how to get your mouth around the thing, so order a pour of bourbon to wash it all down. 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. Photo Credit: Mago Grill & Cantina Restaurants Facebook The burgers actually taste beefy, and the fries are textbook examples in frying. But I have no complaints about the burgers. Four of the 20 best suburban Chicago burgers in Nick Kindelsperger's tour of 60 burgers. A relative newcomer to the burger scene is also among the best. The Gage 2,344 reviews Open Now American, Bar $$ - $$$ "Enjoyable place for lunch and great." "A haven." 2022 3. 1724 S. River Road, Des Plaines; 847-699-8590, Baby burger at Illinois Bar & Grill. Schoops is so old school, its now on trend. A post shared by Henry Nieberg (@hungrier_henry), The Essential Restaurants for Affordable Dining in Chicago. 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). But dont pass up the burger, which features quality Angus beef smashed flat on a griddle. The success of said Shiddy Burg has led to it becoming a permanent fixture on the menu. To soak up all the alcohol, the kitchen has created an unfussy, yet deeply satisfying, cheeseburger. Controversial Chicago police union President John Catanzara wins reelection. While I wouldnt advise adding chocolate chip cookies, Im smitten with the foie gras onions ($4 extra), which are savory, sweet and deviously rich. Fortunately, we've got the inside scoop on the best burger joints around the suburbs. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune). 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. Happy Dog. pickled jalapenos, dill pickles and Asian-inflected miso butter onions and hoisin aioli. Frankly, it's the only burger that's ever made us want to hop in the car and travel to Indiana. $8. 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. Two griddled patties sandwich a slice of American cheese and are placed over, rather than under, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. They change the toppings seasonally, but right now the burger arrives topped with sweet smoked onion, gooey Butterkse cheese, and acidic house pickles. 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. 9 Restaurants. Im not putting this at No. The oversized booth seating offers plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a smoky and delicious meal. You see, we consider the fan-favorite Stop-In burger to be more than just "stuff." It pairs wonderful with Indian lager Bhavik and is available on Thursdays only with a beef version for omnivores which is also tasty. He also adds onions so caramelized they look nearly black and an absurdly soft bun made by his pastry chef, Angelyne Canicosa. I know many honorable human beings who swear they love grain-based veggie burgers, and Ive found a couple I dont mind. Im usually extremely leery of steakhouse burgers, because not enough attention is paid to how all the components work together. 2057 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-2874, theregionburgers.com, CDK Farm burger at Table, Donkey & Stick. (Nick Kindelsperger / Chicago Tribune) The best pizza Here's where you should place your next takeout. Why tease us like this, Revival? Au Cheval A list of the best burgers in Chicago would simply be incomplete without the burger at Au Cheval. It doesnt help that Au Cheval doesnt grind meat in-house or bake the buns. Chef Paul Virant admits that the burger at Vie is straightforward; he just uses the finest quality ingredients he can find to construct it. Perfectly seasoned burger 2. But my last couple visits have changed my mind, and the burger now stands as the ultimate example of this fascinating style. 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. More intriguing are the plant-based meat alternatives, such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger. Since 1948, this south suburban chain has been serving some of the most aggressively smashed burgers in the country. 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. 1571 Sherman Ave., Evanston; 847-864-3396; edzos.com, Stop-In Burger at the StopAlong. Voter turnout in Chicagos municipal election in graphics, Downstate judge strikes down Illinois ban on high-powered guns. But thats where any similarity with other burgers ends. (We'll let you catch your breath.) $10. But slide them under that bun, and the acidity helps counter the onslaught of meat and cheese. We are living in The Loyalists burger world right now in Chicago. 1. Its an East-meets-West mashup of flavors that packs an umami punch. A post shared by Mayo: LETS EAT (@grubgladiator). The key difference is that instead of two 2-ounce patties like In-N-Out uses, here you get two 4-ounce patties. The servers at Kuma's original Avondale location sport more ink than a Bic factory, and the metal is often cranked up so loud you cant hear yourself talking, but therein lies the charm. The student has become the master. A post shared by The Region (@theregionburgers). Even if you ignore the food, this is undoubtedly one of the friendliest burger joints Ive ever stepped foot in. They also bake buns throughout the week, so they never get stale. It helps bring out the mineral notes of the top-quality beef. 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. River North (Chicago) 6376 reviews. It's not exactly the kind of thing you want to devour on a first date, but we're not judging if you do. This amps up the ridiculousness of each bite to a level I found gleefully absurd. Dealing franchise icon Patrick Kane was heavy for GM Kyle Davidson. 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. (For what its worth, the last one served my least favorite burger of 2019. A post shared by BIG KIDS SANDWICH DRINKS (@bigkidschicago). But youll know something is up after the first bite. This last stand servesgrilled and smashed burgers to neighborhood regulars and late-night revelers. Edzo's makes arguably the best fast-casual burgers around. 1812 N Milwaukee Ave., 773-394-4694, thestopalong.com, Cheeseburger with fries at Ludlow Liquors. So prepare to get messy in the most satisfying way by checking out our guide to the best burgers in Chicago. A bag of fries is also included with every order. Each bite attacks with salt, fat and acid, which some might find overwhelming.