As the best burgers in Chicago IL, and hamburger restaurants, never fail to point out, an old-fashioned beef burger is downright American. And here in town, this culinary staple is available in its original form or reinvented with endless choices of toppings, sides, and bun options to choose from. We’re not leaving vegetarians out, either: They too can indulge in the deliciousness, with many Chitown places offering veggie patties or mushroom melts. These 10 burger joints commit to crafting quality eats that satisfy your beef cravings. Old-school or innovative, there’s a choice on this list for any meat-eater in search of the best burgers in Chicago IL:
| Name | Location | Description |
| Au Cheval | 800 W Randolph St | Au Cheval proclaims themselves to be a diner, but you won’t find any greasy spoons at this upscale eatery. Their signature cheeseburger is enhanced through the addition of bacon and egg. Au Cheval grills up thin patties, so the “single” burger is technically a double, while the “double” is technically a triple….just so you know what you’re getting yourself into. |
| Kuma’s Corner | 2900 W Belmont Ave | This rock ’n’ roll pub offers a creative list of burgers in an edgy atmosphere. They’re committed to meat and heavy metal, as well as community: Kuma’s encourages you to ask your server about the charity of the month. First-timers should go for The Famous Kuma, a juicy burger stacked with bacon, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, and red onion. |
| DMK Burger Bar | 2954 N Sheffield Ave | DMK Burger is known for its innovative toppings and 100% grass-fed beef patties. The #4 is a fun choice for adventurous eaters (Roasted Hatch Green Chile, Fried Farm Egg, Sonoma Jack and Smoked Bacon), while vegetarians can savor the award-winning Veggie and Grain burger. Two sizes of russet potato fries mean that you can sample all the flavorings, like Parmesan and Sea Salt & Black Pepper, with your friends—or just for yourself. |
| Red Hot Ranch | 3057 N Ashland Ave | Don’t let the modest décor fool you: Behind those white counters, Red Hot Ranch has some of the best burgers and hot dogs that Chicago has to offer. The double cheeseburger is the way to go; that is, unless you opt for one of their juicy hot dogs. Or get one of each: Who are we to judge? Regardless of what you order, make sure to include a side of their fresh-cut fries, made to order. |
| DryHop Brewers | 3155 N Broadway St | This gastropub extends its craft beer culture from the tap to the plate with savory pub offerings. The Burger is their prime offering — a unique blend of brisket and short rib, piled high with gooey raw-milk cheddar. Grab a pint or two of their famous Shark Meets Hipster IPA for the perfect cool accompaniment to your savory supper. |
| Burger Bar Chicago | 1150 S Michigan Ave | Half-pound burgers are the specialty at this Chicago burger joint. In true building fashion, you start with the burger base and create your mouth-watering, customized burger to your tastes. They also offer a standard set of burgers, most notably the Get In My Belly, a pork belly burger with red onion jam and creamy brie. |
| Fatso’s Last Stand | 2258 W Chicago Ave | A reinterpretation of the classic snack shack, Fatso’s offers classic burgers or smash patties, both juicy and served on toasted buns. The Char Dogs are also a local favorite and a snack shack essential. With extended weekend hours, you can chow down until 4am for a late-night snack. |
| Top Notch Beefburgers | 2116 95th St | With more than 75 years in the business, Top Notch knows how to make the perfect burger. Simplicity at its finest ensure that these classic burgers have the ideal taste and texture. The Beefburger is half a pound of savory beef crammed between two sesame seed buns; a must-try for Top Notch first-timers. |
| Edzo’s Burger Shop | 1571 Sherman Ave, Evanston | Evanston’s Edzo’s exalts char-grilled burgers above all else. The Char Burger with everything is the supreme offering of this neighborhood hotspot. They grind their meat every morning, so you get the freshest, tastiest meat in your patty. If you have room for dessert, the Nutella milkshake will satisfy any sweet tooth. |
| Hax: Hops & Hamburgers | 733 S Dearborn | Beer and burgers make for an ideal combo, and Hax is the most ideal location to partake in both. The buns are baked in-house daily and all patties are fresh, never frozen. The fried onions are a tribute to the old Hackney burger shacks and the perfect topping for your beef. |
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Assistant Editor Ciara is a DC native and East Coast roamer with degrees in both English Professional Writing and Drama & Theatre Studies from Elon University. She's written for a variety of publications including Highway 64, Travel Writing at Elon, and Odyssey. More of her work can be found at ciaracorcoran.com.
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