By Serena Napolitano and Fiona Good-Sirota By Serena Napolitano and Fiona Good-Sirota | May 8, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
Searching for a new burger spot? We found must-visit Chicago eateries serving up the timeless American classic that will keep you coming back for more. From homemade sauces, in-house pickles and the iconic fried egg, these fan-favorite burger joints may just become your weekend go-to.
177 N. Ada St. / Website
The Loyalist masterfully executes comfort food favorites, and the neighborhood eatery’s burgers are no exception. Visitors can sample The Loyalist’s original burger, crafted from Slagel Family Farm beef and topped with pickled and charred onions, house pickles, onion mayo and a sesame onion bun. The restaurant’s burger offerings are paired with delectable double-fried, hand-cut fries with sides of garlic-chili mayo and pickle juice.
1541 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. / Website
From Asian and Mexican-inspired dishes to American staples, this buzzy gastropub serves upscale bar food, with three renowned burger offerings and a strong selection of sides to pair with (mac & cheese, thin-cut fries and slaw, to name a few). The “Bad Burger” and the “Wolf Burger” are big hitters, with two or three patties, American cheese, red-onion mayo, housemade pickles, fried onion straws and—last but not least—a fried egg.
800 W. Randolph St. / Website
Often regarded as one of the best burger joints in the city, Au Cheval hits all the high marks with its renowned burger combos, juicy patties and sleek, candlelit atmosphere. Served with dijonnaise, pickles, onions, American cheese and a side of golden fries, Au Cheval delivers the classic cheeseburger with a refined taste.
4038 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Helmed by husband and wife duo Joey and Brenna Beato, elevated mom-and-pop restaurant Community Tavern blends Midwestern ingredients with pan-Asian influences, with a killer signature burger to boot. Served on a brioche bun with American cheese, caramelized onions and a spicy sauce, it’s the perfect meal for a laid-back date night.
2701 S. Eleanor St. / Website
Kevin Hickey’s Bridgeport fave is justifiably famous for its rotisserie duck and duck fat dog, but our craving is always for Up ‘n’ Over Burger, a double-fisted burger done up Big Mac-style with two patties, lettuce, cheese, pickles, special sauce and—of course—a fried duck egg on top with duck fat fries on the side.
Asador Bastian's Txuleton Burger
214 W. Erie St. / Website
Home to highly regarded chef Doug Psaltis, Asador Bastian brings culinary masterpieces to life with fare and beverages inspired by San Sebastián’s acclaimed Spanish asadors. Located in Chicago’s historic Flair House, the upscale chophouse is famed for its mouthwatering Txuleton burger, available only in the Bar Room, crafted from refined boutique beef and fresh accouterments.
415 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
From themed craft cocktails to the bar’s coveted burger, The Drop In has got your cravings covered. A collaboration between Michelin-starred chef Phillip Frankland and professional skateboarder Need Williams brought to life The Drop In’s NADC “Not A Damn Chance” Burger, a decadent wagyu beef double cheeseburger that is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of restaurant-goers.
852 W. Fulton Market / Website
Kuma’s Corner expertly crafts delectable, heavy metal-themed burgers that pair effortlessly with the bistro’s broad selection of locally sourced craft beers. Choose from popular burger favorites such as the Famous Kuma, the Black Sabbath and the Iron Maiden, or dig into the burger of the month for an unforgettable, divine culinary experience.
3057 N. Ashland Ave. / Website
Once a hot dog-dominated menu, the RedHot Ranch burger has taken over the Chicago food scene. Served with lettuce, tomato and onion, the “Smashburger” hits the marks of a classic burger with a tasty secret sauce on top. There are also Chicago-style options for your burger, including mustard, ketchup, relish, onions and sport peppers.
2345 N. Leavitt St. / Website
With deep roots in the neighborhood of Bucktown, the Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern is a beloved local favorite. Boasting family and neighborhood values, the food is made with just as much love and care. The L. St. Smash burger comes with house sauce, caramelized onions, American cheese and homemade pickles. Along with your burger, drink a beer from one of the 21-rotating local and Midwestern breweries the Tavern supports.
See also: The Hottest New Restaurants In Chicago
Photography by: Top photo by Nikolett Szabo/Getty Images; Asador Bastian photo by Hsing Chen; Duck Inn photo by Kevin Hartman