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Owen & Engine is back and so is their burger.
Owen & Engine

Chicago’s Essential Burgers

Devour giant or smashed patties dressed with quality toppings

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Owen & Engine is back and so is their burger.
| Owen & Engine

What makes a burger special? Whether it's a longtime favorite or a buzzy newcomer, an essential burger has a lasting effect on eaters, other restaurants, and the scope of the Chicago food scene at large. From giant patties to smashed delights, local restaurants are crafting unique and exciting versions that feature fresh beef, premium toppings, and more. The latest additions to the list below include Avondale tavern Ludlow Liquors, retro-themed dive bar Good Measure, and modern Mexican kitchen La Mejikana.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Edzo's Burger Shop

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Edzo's makes arguably the best fast-casual burgers around. The smashed, griddled patties are highly addictive, highlighting the quality and care that owner Eddie Lakin is known for. Folks who prefer beefier offerings will appreciate that there are also eight-ounce char burgers. The original Evanston location is temporarily closed but a second outpost is located in Urbanspace food hall. Online ordering is available here.

Paradise Pup

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Visit this small roadside shack in Des Plaines for terrific burgers that rank among Chicagoland’s finest. Similar to any great cookout burger, the sizeable patty is loaded with beefy flavor and smoky char from the grill. It’s served on a challah bun and folks can add an optional, but highly recommended, gooey Merkts cheddar spread.

Little Bad Wolf

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Burgers, beers, and whiskeys are the focus at Andersonville gem Little Bad Wolf. Fans of big burgers are guaranteed to be pleased. The “Bad Burger” is a double cheeseburger with pickles and mayo while the “Wolf Burger” is a behemoth that holds three patties, cheese, bacon, pickles, mayo, onion straws, and a fried egg. Order online here.

Community Tavern

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Portage Park and Northwest Side locals adore this neighborhood spot and the burger is a major reason why. It’s a diner-style double cheeseburger that doesn’t need much except for pickles, caramelized onions, and a special sauce. Online orders can be placed here.

The Region

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Inspired by the smash burgers found in Northwest Indiana, the Region is an exemplar of the style. The beef is pressed onto a hot grill until it’s extra thin and the sides are scraped down in order to produce crispy, lacey edges with maximum caramelization. Diners can order single, double, or triple patties; each includes cheese, relish, onions, and a mayo-based Region sauce. Online ordering is available here.

Ludlow Liquors

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Craft cocktails and a cozy backyard patio draw locals to this retro-chic bar in Avondale. To soak up all the alcohol, the kitchen has created an unfussy, yet deeply satisfying, cheeseburger. The beef is flattened on the griddle to give it caramelized edges and sits on a squishy potato bun along with pickles, American cheese, and horseradish sauce. Optional toppings include raw onions, fried egg, and bacon.

Superkhana International

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This burger, from the Indian-inspired restaurant in Logan Square, is not for those who want fake meat. This is a veggie burger that tastes like delicious mushroom and kale because those are the actual ingredients. It’s a thick hand-formed patty with a secret recipe from co-chef Zeeshan Shah. Diners don’t need processed fake meat to have a good time. It pairs wonderful with Indian lager Bhavik and is available on Thursdays only with a beef version for omnivores which is also tasty. It’s just in this case that the veggie version is more unique and worth taking a detour to try.

Owen & Engine

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After a long pandemic-induced hiatus, English-inspired gastropub Owen & Engine reopened this past January. And with it marked the glorious return of one of Chicago’s favorite burgers. Sure, the fish and chips, Scotch eggs, and other traditional British plates are all excellent, but the burger is the star of the menu. The beefy patty — a blend of Slagel Family Farm chuck, short rib, and brisket — is placed on a housemade potato bun.

Big Kids

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Big Kids, the nostalgia-driven sandwich shop by chefs Ryan Pfeiffer and Mason Hereford, first started flipping burgers during select hours and days. The success of said “Shiddy Burg” has led to it becoming a permanent fixture on the menu. This glorious smash burger boasts a thin patty with super-crisp edges, American cheese, shredded lettuce, and secret sauce. Vegans can get theirs with plant-based Beyond Beef instead. A second outpost has recently opened in Time Out Market Chicago. Place online orders here.

Redhot Ranch

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Not only does beloved late-night haunt Redhot Ranch sling what many consider to be the most exceptional burgers in town, it also offers one of the biggest bargains. The beef gets smashed down onto the griddle to give it a good sear. Then, modeled after In-N-Out’s commitment to quality, the kitchen adds fresh lettuce, onions, tomato, cheese, and special sauce. A bag of fries is also included with every order. Best of all, a double cheeseburger is less than $7. A second location is in Lakeview.

The StopAlong

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The StopAlong is a family-friendly pizzeria dedicated to the nostalgia of the ‘80s and ‘90s. While the pies are tasty, hidden in plain sight is the best item on the menu — a simple double cheeseburger with American cheese and smashed patties. The special sauce has a little 1,000 Island-esque tang that meshes with the caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. Order online here. Also, don’t miss the digital billboard, just south of the restaurant on Milwaukee that throws some shade on Small Cheval.

Mott Street

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Edward Kim’s Asian fusion restaurant is home to a tremendous burger. Available until 7 p.m. in the dining room or all night at the bar, the beefy “Mott Burger” has it all: Double chuck patties, miso butter, sweet potato frizzles, pickled jalapenos, hoisin aioli, American cheese, sautéed onions, and dill pickles. It’s an East-meets-West mashup of flavors that packs an umami punch. The burger is so popular it spawned its own spin-off, Mini Mott, with locations in Logan Square and Time Out Market Chicago. Online orders can be placed here.

Three House

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It’s all about quality ingredients at this daytime eatery in West Town. A mix of ground chuck and brisket from Slagel Family Farm forms the patties, which get smooshed onto the griddle. The juicy meat is served on a fluffy sesame seed bun alongside Hook’s aged cheddar, caramelized onions, and garlic-onion aioli. Diners can also add bacon to it. Online ordering is available here.

Fatso's Last Stand

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Fatso’s fulfills greasy cravings with juicy char-grilled and smashed burgers. Try the “Super Ooey Gooey” for quite a mouthful — two smashed patties are stuffed with Merkts cheddar, bacon, and giardiniera and dressed with Fatso’s sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. There’s a second location in Lincoln Park. Order online here.

The Loyalist

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John and Karen Urie Shields opened a two-pronged project to much acclaim in 2016. Although Smyth, the fine dining component, gets most of the accolades, its subterranean sibling is an equally superb place to eat and drink. The burger patty, recognized as one of Bon Appetit’s three best in 2017, is a blend of short rib, chuck, and ground bacon. It’s taken to the next level with pickled and charred onions, American cheese, pickles, and onion-infused mayo. Online ordering is available here.

Au Cheval

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The burger at Hogsalt Hospitality’s modern diner has been praised around the country, including being named best in the U.S. by Bon Appétit, and stands as perhaps the finest example of a restaurant bringing the thin, griddled, American classic into a 21st century setting. There are no frills, just griddled four-ounce patties, American cheese, Dijonnaise, and pickles. Thick-cut bacon is an extra add-on that lifts the burger to even greater heights. A similar but slightly smaller version is available at sibling restaurant Small Cheval. Online orders can be placed here.

La Mejikana

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Taquitos, huaraches, and other south-of-the-border specialties dominate the menu at La Mejikana, but don’t overlook the impeccable hamburguesa. A half-pound chuck patty is covered with guacamole, an over-easy egg, grilled onions, Chihuahua cheese, chipotle mayo, and chorizo. It’s a delicious Mexican twist on a timeless classic.

Can't Believe It's Not Meat

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As meat alternatives have become more popular and prevalent, an increasing number of plant-based restaurants are also starting to sprout. At this Hyde Park eatery, chef-owner Laricia Chandler whips up meatless versions of classic comfort foods. Choose between the quarter-pound “Who Betta” burger and the “Big Mik,” a riff on the Big Mac that comes with double patties, special sauce, pickles, lettuce, and either dairy or vegan cheese on a sesame seed bun. Two additional Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat outposts are located in Gold Coast and Orland Park.

Online ordering is available here.

Nicky’s the Real Mccoy

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Birthplace of the “Big Baby,” Nicky's is the best place to try a lesser-known Chicago original. The order of the ingredients on this burger is its distinguishing characteristic. Two griddled patties sandwich a slice of American cheese and are placed over, rather than under, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Grilled onions go on top of the beef and the whole thing is set on a sesame seed bun.

A burger topped with cooked onions on a white table.
The Big Baby is a hit among patrons of all ages.
Nicky’s the Real Mccoy

Top-Notch Beefburgers

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A longstanding South Side institution that’s been around since 1942, Top-Notch Beefburgers is one of the last of a dwindling breed of classic Chicago grease joints and perhaps the best. The burgers, which come in three sizes, are made exclusively of meat from the cow leg and accompanied by cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, and raw or grilled onions.

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Edzo's Burger Shop

Edzo's makes arguably the best fast-casual burgers around. The smashed, griddled patties are highly addictive, highlighting the quality and care that owner Eddie Lakin is known for. Folks who prefer beefier offerings will appreciate that there are also eight-ounce char burgers. The original Evanston location is temporarily closed but a second outpost is located in Urbanspace food hall. Online ordering is available here.

Paradise Pup

Visit this small roadside shack in Des Plaines for terrific burgers that rank among Chicagoland’s finest. Similar to any great cookout burger, the sizeable patty is loaded with beefy flavor and smoky char from the grill. It’s served on a challah bun and folks can add an optional, but highly recommended, gooey Merkts cheddar spread.

Little Bad Wolf

Burgers, beers, and whiskeys are the focus at Andersonville gem Little Bad Wolf. Fans of big burgers are guaranteed to be pleased. The “Bad Burger” is a double cheeseburger with pickles and mayo while the “Wolf Burger” is a behemoth that holds three patties, cheese, bacon, pickles, mayo, onion straws, and a fried egg. Order online here.

Community Tavern

Portage Park and Northwest Side locals adore this neighborhood spot and the burger is a major reason why. It’s a diner-style double cheeseburger that doesn’t need much except for pickles, caramelized onions, and a special sauce. Online orders can be placed here.

The Region

Inspired by the smash burgers found in Northwest Indiana, the Region is an exemplar of the style. The beef is pressed onto a hot grill until it’s extra thin and the sides are scraped down in order to produce crispy, lacey edges with maximum caramelization. Diners can order single, double, or triple patties; each includes cheese, relish, onions, and a mayo-based Region sauce. Online ordering is available here.

Ludlow Liquors

Craft cocktails and a cozy backyard patio draw locals to this retro-chic bar in Avondale. To soak up all the alcohol, the kitchen has created an unfussy, yet deeply satisfying, cheeseburger. The beef is flattened on the griddle to give it caramelized edges and sits on a squishy potato bun along with pickles, American cheese, and horseradish sauce. Optional toppings include raw onions, fried egg, and bacon.

Superkhana International

This burger, from the Indian-inspired restaurant in Logan Square, is not for those who want fake meat. This is a veggie burger that tastes like delicious mushroom and kale because those are the actual ingredients. It’s a thick hand-formed patty with a secret recipe from co-chef Zeeshan Shah. Diners don’t need processed fake meat to have a good time. It pairs wonderful with Indian lager Bhavik and is available on Thursdays only with a beef version for omnivores which is also tasty. It’s just in this case that the veggie version is more unique and worth taking a detour to try.

Owen & Engine

After a long pandemic-induced hiatus, English-inspired gastropub Owen & Engine reopened this past January. And with it marked the glorious return of one of Chicago’s favorite burgers. Sure, the fish and chips, Scotch eggs, and other traditional British plates are all excellent, but the burger is the star of the menu. The beefy patty — a blend of Slagel Family Farm chuck, short rib, and brisket — is placed on a housemade potato bun.

Big Kids

Big Kids, the nostalgia-driven sandwich shop by chefs Ryan Pfeiffer and Mason Hereford, first started flipping burgers during select hours and days. The success of said “Shiddy Burg” has led to it becoming a permanent fixture on the menu. This glorious smash burger boasts a thin patty with super-crisp edges, American cheese, shredded lettuce, and secret sauce. Vegans can get theirs with plant-based Beyond Beef instead. A second outpost has recently opened in Time Out Market Chicago. Place online orders here.

Redhot Ranch

Not only does beloved late-night haunt Redhot Ranch sling what many consider to be the most exceptional burgers in town, it also offers one of the biggest bargains. The beef gets smashed down onto the griddle to give it a good sear. Then, modeled after In-N-Out’s commitment to quality, the kitchen adds fresh lettuce, onions, tomato, cheese, and special sauce. A bag of fries is also included with every order. Best of all, a double cheeseburger is less than $7. A second location is in Lakeview.

The StopAlong

The StopAlong is a family-friendly pizzeria dedicated to the nostalgia of the ‘80s and ‘90s. While the pies are tasty, hidden in plain sight is the best item on the menu — a simple double cheeseburger with American cheese and smashed patties. The special sauce has a little 1,000 Island-esque tang that meshes with the caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. Order online here. Also, don’t miss the digital billboard, just south of the restaurant on Milwaukee that throws some shade on Small Cheval.

Mott Street

Edward Kim’s Asian fusion restaurant is home to a tremendous burger. Available until 7 p.m. in the dining room or all night at the bar, the beefy “Mott Burger” has it all: Double chuck patties, miso butter, sweet potato frizzles, pickled jalapenos, hoisin aioli, American cheese, sautéed onions, and dill pickles. It’s an East-meets-West mashup of flavors that packs an umami punch. The burger is so popular it spawned its own spin-off, Mini Mott, with locations in Logan Square and Time Out Market Chicago. Online orders can be placed here.

Three House

It’s all about quality ingredients at this daytime eatery in West Town. A mix of ground chuck and brisket from Slagel Family Farm forms the patties, which get smooshed onto the griddle. The juicy meat is served on a fluffy sesame seed bun alongside Hook’s aged cheddar, caramelized onions, and garlic-onion aioli. Diners can also add bacon to it. Online ordering is available here.

Fatso's Last Stand

Fatso’s fulfills greasy cravings with juicy char-grilled and smashed burgers. Try the “Super Ooey Gooey” for quite a mouthful — two smashed patties are stuffed with Merkts cheddar, bacon, and giardiniera and dressed with Fatso’s sauce, tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. There’s a second location in Lincoln Park. Order online here.

The Loyalist

John and Karen Urie Shields opened a two-pronged project to much acclaim in 2016. Although Smyth, the fine dining component, gets most of the accolades, its subterranean sibling is an equally superb place to eat and drink. The burger patty, recognized as one of Bon Appetit’s three best in 2017, is a blend of short rib, chuck, and ground bacon. It’s taken to the next level with pickled and charred onions, American cheese, pickles, and onion-infused mayo. Online ordering is available here.

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Au Cheval

The burger at Hogsalt Hospitality’s modern diner has been praised around the country, including being named best in the U.S. by Bon Appétit, and stands as perhaps the finest example of a restaurant bringing the thin, griddled, American classic into a 21st century setting. There are no frills, just griddled four-ounce patties, American cheese, Dijonnaise, and pickles. Thick-cut bacon is an extra add-on that lifts the burger to even greater heights. A similar but slightly smaller version is available at sibling restaurant Small Cheval. Online orders can be placed here.

La Mejikana

Taquitos, huaraches, and other south-of-the-border specialties dominate the menu at La Mejikana, but don’t overlook the impeccable hamburguesa. A half-pound chuck patty is covered with guacamole, an over-easy egg, grilled onions, Chihuahua cheese, chipotle mayo, and chorizo. It’s a delicious Mexican twist on a timeless classic.

Can't Believe It's Not Meat

As meat alternatives have become more popular and prevalent, an increasing number of plant-based restaurants are also starting to sprout. At this Hyde Park eatery, chef-owner Laricia Chandler whips up meatless versions of classic comfort foods. Choose between the quarter-pound “Who Betta” burger and the “Big Mik,” a riff on the Big Mac that comes with double patties, special sauce, pickles, lettuce, and either dairy or vegan cheese on a sesame seed bun. Two additional Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat outposts are located in Gold Coast and Orland Park.

Online ordering is available here.

Nicky’s the Real Mccoy

Birthplace of the “Big Baby,” Nicky's is the best place to try a lesser-known Chicago original. The order of the ingredients on this burger is its distinguishing characteristic. Two griddled patties sandwich a slice of American cheese and are placed over, rather than under, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Grilled onions go on top of the beef and the whole thing is set on a sesame seed bun.

A burger topped with cooked onions on a white table.
The Big Baby is a hit among patrons of all ages.
Nicky’s the Real Mccoy

Top-Notch Beefburgers

A longstanding South Side institution that’s been around since 1942, Top-Notch Beefburgers is one of the last of a dwindling breed of classic Chicago grease joints and perhaps the best. The burgers, which come in three sizes, are made exclusively of meat from the cow leg and accompanied by cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, and raw or grilled onions.

Related Maps