Chicago is known for its hot dogs and pizzas of all kinds, but residents also know that the city is a burger powerhouse. These days, one can be found on the menu of almost any restaurant or bar, from simple stalls to local taverns.
Thin, crushed or giant, beefy patties are the options for your burger, along with a range of decadent toppings including thick-cut bacon, caramelized onions, and giardiniera.
We’ve searched the entire city for the best options, giving burgers ratings based on factors like quality, inventiveness, pricing, and more.
The Loyalist Restaurant’s Original Cheeseburger
From French onion eclairs to mussels in brandade cream, this dark and edgy basement pub has it all, but the burger is the real draw that has us going back time and time again.
Squishy buns laced with sesame seeds encase a succulent burger, topped with a luscious mixture of pickled and grilled onions and melted American cheese.
Although it’s not exactly what you should eat on a first date, we won’t hold it against you if you do. You’ll be able to devour this handheld in five minutes flat with just a side order of thick-cut fries and garlicky aioli.
Au Cheval’s Single Cheeseburger
Indeed, we are aware. Your relationship with Au Cheval is sporadic at best. The West Loop location is well-known for both its lengthy wait times and its double-decker burgers that earn awards.
To be honest, getting to Au Cheval is a hassle, but that doesn’t mean we can’t praise its specialty. The meat here is topped with Kraft singles, Dijonnaise, and house-made pickles, whether you choose a single (two patties) or a double (three). You might choose to add a thick cut bacon or fried egg if the wait has left you hungry.
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Mott Street’s Mott Burger
Edward Kim’s burger was originally intended to be a one-time special, but it became so popular that it was added to the menu permanently.
Melting American cheese, crispy sweet potato shoestrings, and two chuck patties make up the creation that has the same name. pickled jalapenos, pickled dill, and miso butter onions with a hint of Asian flavor along with hoisin aioli.
By the time you finish eating, your fingers will be covered in umami flavors, and we won’t hold it against you if you lick them clean. The burger is only served at the bar after 7 o’clock, so make plans appropriately.
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The Little Bad Wolf’s Wolf Burger
If you are ever in a position where you want to eat all the calories from a week at once, go to Little Bad Wolf in Andersonville and get the Wolf Burger along with a side order of mac & cheese.
Three patties, thick bacon strips, melting American cheese, onion straws, homemade pickles, a layer of mayo, and a fried egg crown are all included in this delectable monster. Get a pour of bourbon to wash it all down; it will take a moment or two to get your lips around the item.
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The StopAlong’s Stop-In Burger
This eatery in Wicker Park uses the slightly deceptive phrase “Pizza & Stuff.” See, we think there’s more to the beloved Stop-In burger than just “stuff.” The double cheeseburger is a work of art deserving of a major motion picture.
The brioche buns are pillowy, the thousand island dressing is creamy, the pickles are zingy, and the caramelized onions are jammy. Fine specimen, it comfortably holds its own against the best of the city’s oldies.
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Final Words
Anyone who enjoys patties should embark on a delicious journey through Chicago’s burger culture. There is a burger to satiate every craving, ranging from the classic cheeseburger at The Loyalist to the outlandish Wolf Burger at Little Bad Wolf.
Chicago’s restaurants satisfy every craving for flavor explosion or juicy simplicity with their inventive toppings, flawlessly cooked patties, and premium ingredients.
The next time you’re in the Windy City, enjoy the depth of flavor that Chicago’s burgers have to offer by giving up the deep dish for a bit. Your palate will appreciate it.
