my top 25
order changes slightly based on the week and my mood (i am the queen here, people) but - it's close
- Red Hot Ranch - the queen of my heart forever, and probably the best value meal in Chicago, based on price per square inch of perfect deliciousness.
- Gretel - The new kid on the block who is doing everything right. Also, do NOT skip the mac n' cheese and the mashed potatoes.
- The Region - The smashiest. Straight out of NW Indiana in the best possible way.
- The Loyalist - What can I say that hasn't been said? It's elite. You've heard.
- Community Tavern - A simple, perfect burger with just enough Umami, and one of the coolest restaurants I've been to in the whole damn city.
- Ludlow Liquors: A simple, but delicious burger in a laid-back bar. It just doesn’t get better than that.
- Half Sour - Probably the burger I eat most frequently. The meat is perfectly seasoned and the fries are sprinkled in the most interesting blend that I cannot put my finger on. Could eat 4 lbs of these puppies easily.
- Little Bad Wolf - Honestly, Gretel dethroned LBW for me. It's a great burger, though, and will always make my top 10.
- The Stopalong - No frills on this burger, but it doesn't need them. Also, how rare is it to find a place that does both burgers AND pizza exceptionally well? SORCERY.
- Au Cheval - Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.. insert article youve read 1000x here. Yes. It's great. Whatever. I'm bored.
- Bad Apple Bar - I can only speak to the Elvis Burger specifically because i can't tear myself away from it on every visit. Peanut Butter really, really belongs on a burger. Actually, this specific, thick patty burger.
- Pleasant House Pub - Bacon. Aioli. That really says it all.
- Chicago Secret Burger - I almost wish I didn't love this elusive little ugly duckling so much, because it's impossible to get. I want it every Saturday. And yet - I pine.
- DMK - Just an all around winner, and possibly my favorite fresh cut fries in the city.
- Old Irving Brewing: They have an awesome standard burger, and they do ‘burgers of the month’ that are SO inventive. Truly love everything on the menu at this place.
- Owen & Engine: This is a very rich and heavy burger that feels like a special occasion. I probably couldn’t eat it more than once a year, but in a conversation about best burgers – it has to have a seat at the table.
- Devil Dawgs - Another peanut butter specific burger. The Elvis burger here comes with hot sauce and bacon. It is THE cure for a hangover in Chicago. I will take no further questions.
- Bianca's Burgers - I followed them from their original ghost kitchen in Humboldt to their stand in Revival. They are taking a break from Burgers BRIEFLY (check out their sandwiches at Bianca's Bodega and also the Bianca's BBQ for now) - but I hear that they will be opening in the new Urbanspace in WIllis Tower come 2022. I am counting down the minutes.
- Taureaux Tavern & Cochon Volant - I'm partial to Taureaux because it is ~*NeWeR*~ but it's the same burger. It's the burger you can take home to Mom. It's the burger you can eat at lunch with your boss without being embarassed. She is beauty, she is grace.
- Mott Street - It's a little too weird to be a regular burger for me, but also - I am a hillbilly. I'll admit that most people in Chicago, who are much more cultured than me, rank it much higher. But even I will admit - it's very good.
- Burger Point - Everything here is just so FRESH. That's really what makes it stand out. Apparently, they barely have any freezer space in the store. Also, their crunch burger with homemade potato chips is.... majestic.
- Labriola - There aren't too many burgers on this list that aren't a smash patty - that tends to be my favorite - but for a well done thick guy... THIS is the model. Everyone, do this.
- Duck Inn Dogs - Beyond having one of the best patios and coolest set ups in the city - the food is absolutely worth every bit of hype. The burger has a bit of unusual heat, or something. I can't really describe it but... I love it. You have to experience it, and you'll understand.
- Fatsos Last Stand - The burger is semi standard, although their take on a juicy lucy definitely stands out. The main thing for me though... the cheese fries. I am a well-documented Merkt's aficionado but somehow... it tastes better here. THis is the BEST Merkt's. Get it on your burger and your fries and your hot dog and EVERYTHING. Ask for a dollop on your tongue, maybe. IDK.
- Leavitt Tavern: This is a Very Good burger in a super awesome bar. Simple, approachable, and executed just right every time.
This one is Au Cheval. You probably haven't heard of it.
Paused for covid
I've decided to pause doing full reviews and ranking updates until Covid is gone, and until the industry has recovered a bit. It doesn't feel quite right to compare burgers and experiences in this world with the Before Times.
I'll be back soon - and in the meantime, check out my instagram for mini-reviews and a snapshot into what I've been eating since March 2020! You can find that link in navigation.