50 Best Burger Restaurants in Chicago

“The dishes, especially the starter street corn dip, are fantastic and truly set the tone for a wonderful meal. Our server Kevin is doing an outstanding job. His exceptional service enhances the experience, perfectly complementing the delicious food.“

“Great service. Perfect for an easy dinner on their patio.“

“The quarter lb. chubby Vienna dog done on the grill is great, the fries are great and the service is great. My second experience and they are above par. So worth the vist. A quaint place with charm and good food.“

“Oliver’s is a truly special place. The atmosphere is cozy and their service is outstanding.

The food is exceptional—every dish we tried was delicious—but the standout was the risotto, made with pumpkin, cheese, and hazelnuts. It was the best risotto we’ve ever had.“

“We came here for the burgers which we both agreed were delicious but the pumpkin shake was amazing.“

“Red Hot Ranch is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Brad is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Chicago style hot dog is wonderful. Must come back. 10/10.“

“YASSSSSSS! Perfect cocktails, delicious! 🍸amazing service!“

“The best food !!!Thank you guy.“

“OMG where do I start . The beautiful service started from the moment we walked in the door . The hostess was very nice warm and inviting . While we waited for our table we went to the bar for a drink the bar tender was just as sweet as the hostess. It was like the further we made it into the restaurant the quality of service kept going up a notch. And the manager we even got to meet him and he was also super sweet. . Ok now on to the food because that's why you're here ... We started with the chard octopus and meet ball it was so good chefs kiss . We had the New York strip and the prime ribeye. Accompany by the Mac and Brussel sprouts Whew so mouth watering and delicious . This was such an amazing experience they gave . For anyone reading if you're have to option between this place and any other steakhouse choose HERE. You WONT be disappointed. .“

“It’s part of history and the burgers were simple but good!“

“Hands down, got to be one of the best burgers locally. The joint is right by Tree House Records and I finally stopped by. Definitely recommend the Charly’s Fries. This is loaded!“

“small-ish room with a nice patio when the weather permits. the cocktail menu is accessible, but diverse and well-made. the bartenders are welcoming and seem quite knowledgeable. draft list heavily features local breweries, and makes an effort to feature a number of different styles. extensive back bar with plenty of interesting whiskeys and cocktail modifiers.

don’t just come thirsty, though. the burgers are incredible. smash patties as wide as tea saucers covered in cheese, sauce, and grilled onions. don’t modify it, you do not have to, it’s perfect as is. don’t like burgers? well maybe don’t come hungry then. small menu done right, just a couple burger options, fries, and cheese curds. maybe the best burger in the city tho?

in all, a wonderful neighborhood bar to grab a quick drink or a casual burger dinner.“

“Is best polish around.....“

“Omg!! I can't say enough nice things!! I was working the Southport Art Fest this weekend as a Brand Ambassador and it's always hard to find great food, at a reasonable price, that's ready fast enough. They hit it outta the park!!! The burgers are fire and as big as your head!! The staff is super friendly and took great care of all of us!! Thank you guys SO much for your hospitality, fast service and awesome food!!!!“

“Nice quiet steakhouse with good service and great staff“

“Great food! Even better service! Shout out to Lynn, she was absolutely a delight! Helped me out with my order. I was overwhelmed by the choices and she helped me narrow them down. I got to admit, while I was dilly dallying she didn’t even rush me and encouraged me to follow my heart! Such a good vibe. Left with a bag full of good food and a beaming smile on my face!“

“Hotdogs on point, I always come here whenever I’m in Chicago.
Halal friendly and the staff understand the difference which is great.
Overall excellent, only issue on the day we visited it was a little too noisy because UCLA were playing football.“

“I have been coming to Ed Debevic's since I was a child. My uncle would take me every time I went to visit him in the city. Working for Ed's was a dream of mine that never came true. and that's okay because i got to go as a fan 😉. My last visit with my uncle was on my 21st birthday, 14 years ago. He has since passed away. I finally was able to take my kids and husband for the first time this last weekend. We had a blast! Thanks, Ed, for making traditions and memories for a lifetime! Now my son says he wants to work here one day.“

“Red Hot Ranch
Holy Mecca of Hood Burgers


I ate here drunk so IDK how accurate it is, but this is beyond a solid cheap burger spot. It’s the usual fair of cheap buns and meat with uninteresting accoutrements but the execution is spot on, bringing it on par with burger shops double or triple the price range flavor wise. The free inclusion of fries is a whole hearted indicator of the kind of experience you’ll have, but even in its utter simplistic lack of elegance (the potatoes are barely even soaked), these are weaponized for the better (the fries are crisp succulent starch bombs) elevates it from schlock to dam good eating. Even the out of the box cod sandwich is hilariously divine. And the price, again, the price is absurd for the flavor.


It’s the kind of place that only takes cash and has an ATM in the corner. It’s the usual order up and grab and go. Place is decently clean if mayhaps a little unorderly.

Atmosphere 4/5:
Like a vivid memory of a hot dog shop, in all its glory and antiquated ways. I am a heart throb for a spot that had no frills about the kind of place that it is but YMMV depending on if you want to stay for a while.

Final
Recommend almost all items and going a bit out of your way for a visit.

It’s a no frills well executed cheap burger spot in Southport, it kinda blows my mind how much I liked this vs Lucy’s. It’s right next to the equally beloved Schubas bar so go there afterwards to enjoy a beer and a show.
Not much to say, but that’s the point with Red Hot Ranch, it needs not much.“

“Everything was amazing! So happy we picked this spot for lunch!“

“This place was awesome for airport food! The service was outstanding!

I had a one hour layover in midway, and my gate was in another concourse. I felt like it was a small gamble to eat there and make it across the airport in time. But the service was simply top-notch!

The food was good too! The chicken tenders felt like Costco chicken tenders, but they were prepared well. The best part? The chicken wings! Order that appetizer because you won't regret it! The wings were huge for chicken wings! Everyone one had a good deal of meat on them. Really impresses that those giant wings were hiding in an airport.“

“The burger was perfection!“

“The best beef polishes ever. I'm looking for the new location. I'm not satisfied and i wont settle for any other.“

“A basic, unassuming hotdog stand right next to the Field Museum. They have the regular Chicago dog (onions, mustard, tomato, sport pepper, celery salt, pickle spear). They also have vegetarian and turkey dogs as well as polish dogs. You can have the basic toppings mentioned above as well as chili, cheese, and sauerkraut. You can also purchase water or canned soda and chips. All combos (dog, chips, drink) appear to around 10-11 dollars (prices reflect a 3% cash discount). You can enjoy one after leaving one of the museums while checking out water views!“

“Oh my my.....definitely an excellent Smashie burger....massive double burgers.....oh dear, so fresh and mouthwatering rockin backyard burger....to say I recommend this GEM OF A FIND is an understatement 👌 😀
huge recommendation off EAT LOCAL CHICAGO FOOD REVIEW CHANNEL....Sean Ely and Corey Wagner host this incredible channel reviewing local Chicago fast food spots and restaurants.....“

“One of the best burgers I have ever had!“

“Fast friendly service and such delicious food. Highly recommended for a great burger and fries.“

“Our first visit here, and it was fantastic!
The food was absolutely delicious, and the staff member on duty was exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The restaurant was clean and well-maintained, and the self-service ordering station made the process quick and easy. We’ll definitely be returning!“

“Great Food.kid friendly very clean place.“

“Small Cheval, a spinoff of the renowned Au Cheval, offers a streamlined yet satisfying burger experience. With multiple locations across Chicago, including Wicker Park and Old Town, it has become a go-to spot for burger enthusiasts seeking quality without the wait.“

“I ordered the gluten free deep dish stuffed pizza and let me tell you, BEST GLUTEN FREE PIZZA I HAVE EVER HAD. CRIED TEARS OF JOY BECAUSE IT WAS THAT GOOD. 10/10, CANNOT RECOMMEND ENOUGH.“

“The food was excellent and Customer service was Excellent Is really enjoyed“

“The concept for the menu is a unique trip along the Pan-American highway with stops at various Latin countries. Each dish and drink is thoughtful in its ingredients and presentation. The jicama salad was refreshing, but not at all plain. The pastel de choclo was a wonderful surprise of a warm dish. The frozen el arenal was seriously dangerous in how delicious it was, I can’t recommend it enough. The atmosphere was beautiful and the music was perfect. We are so thrilled to have this gem in the neighborhood and can’t wait to see what they do in the future!“

“Delicioso !! Y un buen servicio“

“Delicious food and great customer service . Staff super friendly.“

“As incredibly deliciously tasty and greasy as I remember from college days and just as good as at the original on Taylor St. Fond memories of many years of studying and working fuelled by Al's!!

Get the regular combo (beef and sausage) for the best experience. The wet is good enough to already make the bread fall apart, dipped will get you a soggy mess without a fork in sight!

Keep many napkins handy and your shirt protected! Oh and get the giardiniera, hot preferred for the best pigout experience.

The handcut fries are very good, though I remember at the original they were a tad more greasy if that can even be imagined!!“

“New to the neighborhood, I was excited to try this place, and MAN OH MAN. It was so good. Classic comfort with a delicious twist. We got the Tahini Ranch Fried Chicken Sandwich, the Kefta Burger, and the Stuffed Falafel; not a dud in the bunch. The toppings and condiments that some on the burger and sandwich made basic diner food such a delight without feeling over the top. The real stand out was the stuffed falafel. I never thought of having a filling in a falafel, and the sweetness of the caramelized onions was such a delicious complexity to a classic Middle Eastern dish. Now I want to eat through the whole menu to find my favorites.“

“I had to try it today before going back to FL delicious 😋.“

“Food was delicious, wish they would’ve offered a box for the rest of my fries though instead of tossing them. Would like to come back again to try more of their burgers“

“Budacki's is a classic neighborhood stop for fast eats. It boasts a broad menu of comfort food, from Polish dogs Chicago-style to gyros and Korean fare. It's not a large or contemporary space, but around rush hour, you'll find it full of regulars from blue and white collar workers to young families and school kids. If you're visiting, there are other spots that do something similar. But if you're new to the neighborhood, be sure to make the trip, and you'll easily find yourself a regular too.“

“Great food, friendly staff, great service.“

“Just stopped by Smash Jibaritos in Humboldt Park and it was amazing! My first time trying a smash jibarito and the flavor was legit — so good. Pro tip: grab the cheese sauce with your chips, you won’t regret it. The team was super friendly and welcoming, and the whole vibe was great. Shoutout to Josean and his crew for the awesome food and experience — I’ll definitely be back!“

“Finally got to try an Italian beef sandwich, and it didn't disappoint.
Huge sandwich at a decent price. I barely had time to put my credit card back in my wallet that my order was ready 🤪.
The beef is juicy and delicious. I also liked the hot peppers. I had mine with extra american cheese but it didn't really add much, the beef speaks for itself.“

“We ate lunch at Michael Jordan’s Steak House in Chicago today. We were greeted with a warm welcome and the hostess helped us with our parking situation. Our server was friendly and quick. Our food was delicious! After our meal the valet parking department went out of their way to help us and we were so appreciative. We will definitely be back and we highly recommend eating here!“

“Food very good and customer service is great“

“The food is excellent especially for the price. I normally get the ribeye steak sandwich which is a messy eat but totally worth it. The line area is super chaotic but the food is made quickly so one just has to wait through the chaos. Overall good airport eat.“

“The Stop a Long did not disappoint. Amazing burgers and fun atmosphere. out server Jack was great. thank you for a great experience“

“The Best! The best fries, the best steak sandwich, the best hamburgers, the best everything!“

“Incredibly delicious Chicago dogs and milkshakes.“