It’s not every day that we indulge in a cheeseburger. But when we do, we’re sure to do it up with one of Chicago’s best. From Restaurant Row hot spots to suburban holes-in-the-wall, here they are in all their juicy glory.
The 12 Best Burgers in Chicago
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Published May 17, 2017
Au Cheval
Brendan Sodikoff’s burger has been named best in the U.S. by Bon Appetit. That’s pretty impressive for a patty that gets humbly topped with Kraft American cheese. But trust us, it’s next-level, especially when you have it “au cheval” (read: with a fried egg on top).
800 W. Randolph St.; 312-929-4580 or auchevalchicago.com
Taylor Crowley
Swift & Sons
Yes, you’re at a swanky West Loop steakhouse, but we dare you not to order the Fulton Burger. The 10-ounce patty is made with ground chuck, brisket and short rib and served with bacon, caramelized onion and Dijonnaise. Beats a filet any day if you ask us.
1000 W. Fulton Market; 312-733-9420 or swiftandsonschicago.com
Billy Goat Tavern
The icon. This burger launched John Belushi’s career on SNL decades ago. It’s also quite tasty with its all-natural seared patties, Kaiser bun and pickles made exclusively for Billy Goat.
Multiple locations; billygoattavern.com
Lettuce Entertain You
Rpm Steak
This decadent variation consists of a grass-fed beef patty on a brioche bun with truffle aioli, red onion jam and (yep) a puck of foie gras butter. Yeah, sometimes we like to get dressed up and eat lavish burgers.
66 W. Kinzie St.; 312-284-4990 or rpmrestaurants.com
Kuma’s Corner
From the heavy metal-inspired names (Lamb of God, anyone?) to the cult following that frequently shows up in lines out the door, this burger joint is intense. But relax, with toppings like Applewood-smoked bacon and buttermilk-fried red onion, its bark is much worse than its bite…well, the bite is pretty delicious.
Multiple locations; kumascorner.com
Edzo’s Burger Shop
Breakfast burger? Yes, please. Start your day off right with a sausage patty, fried egg, bacon and maple mayo on a biscuit bun, because you never really know when your next meal is coming.
1570 N. Sherman Ave., Evanston; 847-864-3396 or edzos.com
Publican Anker/Facebook
Publican Anker
It should come as no surprise that this spin-off of the Fulton Market nose-to-tail purveyor makes one mean burger. Five ounces of Slagel Family Farm beef gets sprinkled with porcini mushroom powder and herbes de Provence—oh, you fancy.
1576 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-904-1121 or publicananker.com
The Loyalist
This burger tastes so good, you’ll forget your manners. With onion-infused mayo and American cheese, it can get a little sloppy, but you’ll be too absorbed by the combo of short rib and ground bacon to care.
175 N. Ada St.; 773-913-3774 or smythandtheloyalist.com
Paradise Pup
As much as we love a burger topped with truffle aioli and onion jam, sometimes we just need a classic. That’s when we head to this 30-plus-year-old suburban icon.
1724 S. River Rd., Des Plaines; 847-699-8590
Anthony Thalier
Gt Prime
They call it “The Burger” for good reason. A 10-ounce steak burger topped with onion marmalade, porcini dust and cheese—a more descriptive title just wouldn’t do it justice.
707 N. Wells St.; 312-600-6305 or gtprimerestaurant.com
Hot Chocolate Chicago/Facebook
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
The combo of Slagel Family Farm beef, brioche bun and aged cheddar sends us straight to that happy-sleepy level of fullness. But don’t worry, we always save room for Mindy’s unbelievable desserts.
1747 N. Damen Ave.; 773-489-1747 or hotchocolatechicago.com
Charlie Beinlich’s
It’s hard to argue with 67 years of slinging burgers. All that experience (plus crinkle-cut fries and weirdly amazing shrimp cocktail) must be why this suburban hole-in-the-wall has such a devoted following.
290 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook; 847-291-0420 or charliebeinlichs.com
