We understand why it’s named Gretel… if you’re wondering where Hansel is, he starved to death waiting for his burger. To be fair, it’s one of the best burgers you can get in Chicago BUT you should not come here if you have any other plans that evening. It took 30 minutes longer to be seated than they initially told us (over an hour and a half total). Once we were seated, pretty sure the waiter forgot about us at our table, but it didn’t really matter because the vibes were high 👌🏼 The drinks were great, but consider bringing your own because you’ll grow a five o’clock shadow waiting for your next round. The host, Jonah, was the shining star of the evening and was truly hilarious. But our waitress kept trying to argue that “well” and “well done” were different levels of doneness, so that was annoying (and slightly concerning). Overall, the food was phenomenal, but it was a very slow experience - the antithesis of “fast” food.
The food is amazing, I had a delicious cocktails, beautiful restaurant, our server was nice - but she didn't come by that much (it was moderately busy) and she didn't seem knowledgeable on how to navigate a dairy allergy. When I asked about condiment ingredients because of my dairy allergy she kept stating the condiments were on the side. I still wanted to know what was in them to see if I could eat them or not. The staff that brought the food was knowledgeable about ingredients. I had to ask for catsup with my fries because they came without. We had to inquire about the $2 oyster deal 4-6pm Mon-Thurs because I saw it online before coming. It was 5pm when we asked, the server had to check if it was applicable due to President's Day (fair). However, I think some drinks were included in the Happy Hour (no details advertised on menus) and we didn't learn about those details but I did get one cocktail. I would come here again but hoping to have a more well informed and attentive server in the future. I think Happy Hour deals should be notated too. I saw them in Google search results but not on anything printed in the restaurant. Maybe I missed it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Vincent Mañara
We were craving a burger and had heard great things about theirs and it definitely lived up to the hype! The patty was incredibly juicy, the sesame seed bun paired perfectly, and the addition of an egg took it to the next level. Plus, the service was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gretel Griddle Burger
Priya Dhar
Lounge area is nice and quiet. Drinks are original and tasty. Attentive staff. Food is solidly delicious though larger size entrees would be nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
J P
Had a delicious steak here for my birthday
Jill Williams
BURGER AND MAC&CHEESE. TRUST ME.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burger and Mac and Cheese
Nicholas Faust-Doty
Visiting a buddy and told him I wanted a burger. He said this place has a good burger. And he was right! Very good burger! The waitress was great too! Service was fast and our food was ready quickly. Definitely would recommend this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Grant Ludema
A true 5/5. I loved this from the moment I walked in. I had the little gem salad, the burger with Mac and cheese. One of the better burgers in Chicago! Great and friendly service as well!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Csilla M. Fisher
Friday night dinner, no reservations so long wait (over an hour - great for a drink nearby). Once you get the notification you have 15 mins to get to your table. Service is amazing - our waitress was friendly and attentive. I had an amazing cocktail, I think it’s called Monarch? One of the best I’ve ever had. We had the pretzel (just okay), then the burger with fries (very good - both the burger and the fries). The place is a little dark but I loved the huge bar and high ceilings.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries, Gretel Griddle Burger
Andrew W.
I was on the hunt for one of the best burgers in Chicago and many sources directed me to Gretel. The burger did not disappoint! Additionally, the nachos and fried chicken were also good! One thing I should note, is the fried chicken was quite greasy but still good. This is one of the places I will be visiting again and making sure to tell all my friends about. See you soon!
Wow the food here is amazing I also had the Mac and cheese it was very rich.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
German Mojica
Stopped by on an early Sunday afternoon. One of the best burgers in the city. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gretel Griddle Burger
Roman “Romko”
Burger is the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bridget Williams
Amazing food. I’m so happy to have a place with oysters nearby. The French onion soup is delectable. The steak frites was more rare than I expected but so juicy. The old fashioned was stronger than I prefer, so I’ll stick to wine or a custom cocktail.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Gretel Griddle Burger, Pork Gyoza, French Onion Soup
Luke Alba
Ordered the burger and the mac and cheese. The burger was incredibly salty, tasted funny, and ended up throwing up (this is the first time I've thrown up at a restaurant). Mac and Cheese was quite bland and not crispy as previous reviews have stated.
I informed the server (This was on 12/13 at 12:30 pm with a blonde female server wearing a pink sweater) that there may be something wrong with the burger as I threw it up. She shrugged me off saying that I must be sick and didn't ever come to check up on me when I was waiting for my ride back home in the main area still queasy.
She tried blaming me, and overall was quite a cold server. I usually do not complain about poor service, but given the fact that I had just vomited, no offer to refund my bill or even a single ounce of concern, I must complain and do not recommend this restaurant. Maybe the customer isn't always right, but at least pretend to care, come on.
We understand why it’s named Gretel… if you’re wondering where Hansel is, he starved to death waiting for his burger. To be fair, it’s one of the best burgers you can get in Chicago BUT you should not come here if you have any other plans that evening. It took 30 minutes longer to be seated than they initially told us (over an hour and a half total). Once we were seated, pretty sure the waiter forgot about us at our table, but it didn’t really matter because the vibes were high 👌🏼 The drinks were great, but consider bringing your own because you’ll grow a five o’clock shadow waiting for your next round. The host, Jonah, was the shining star of the evening and was truly hilarious. But our waitress kept trying to argue that “well” and “well done” were different levels of doneness, so that was annoying (and slightly concerning). Overall, the food was phenomenal, but it was a very slow experience - the antithesis of “fast” food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Gretel Griddle Burger, Oyster Platter
The food is amazing, I had a delicious cocktails, beautiful restaurant, our server was nice - but she didn't come by that much (it was moderately busy) and she didn't seem knowledgeable on how to navigate a dairy allergy. When I asked about condiment ingredients because of my dairy allergy she kept stating the condiments were on the side. I still wanted to know what was in them to see if I could eat them or not. The staff that brought the food was knowledgeable about ingredients. I had to ask for catsup with my fries because they came without. We had to inquire about the $2 oyster deal 4-6pm Mon-Thurs because I saw it online before coming. It was 5pm when we asked, the server had to check if it was applicable due to President's Day (fair). However, I think some drinks were included in the Happy Hour (no details advertised on menus) and we didn't learn about those details but I did get one cocktail. I would come here again but hoping to have a more well informed and attentive server in the future. I think Happy Hour deals should be notated too. I saw them in Google search results but not on anything printed in the restaurant. Maybe I missed it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
We were craving a burger and had heard great things about theirs and it definitely lived up to the hype! The patty was incredibly juicy, the sesame seed bun paired perfectly, and the addition of an egg took it to the next level. Plus, the service was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gretel Griddle Burger
Lounge area is nice and quiet. Drinks are original and tasty. Attentive staff. Food is solidly delicious though larger size entrees would be nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Had a delicious steak here for my birthday
BURGER AND MAC&CHEESE. TRUST ME.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burger and Mac and Cheese
Visiting a buddy and told him I wanted a burger. He said this place has a good burger. And he was right! Very good burger! The waitress was great too! Service was fast and our food was ready quickly. Definitely would recommend this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A true 5/5. I loved this from the moment I walked in. I had the little gem salad, the burger with Mac and cheese. One of the better burgers in Chicago! Great and friendly service as well!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friday night dinner, no reservations so long wait (over an hour - great for a drink nearby). Once you get the notification you have 15 mins to get to your table. Service is amazing - our waitress was friendly and attentive. I had an amazing cocktail, I think it’s called Monarch? One of the best I’ve ever had. We had the pretzel (just okay), then the burger with fries (very good - both the burger and the fries). The place is a little dark but I loved the huge bar and high ceilings.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries, Gretel Griddle Burger
I was on the hunt for one of the best burgers in Chicago and many sources directed me to Gretel. The burger did not disappoint! Additionally, the nachos and fried chicken were also good! One thing I should note, is the fried chicken was quite greasy but still good. This is one of the places I will be visiting again and making sure to tell all my friends about. See you soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gretel Griddle Burger, Nachos
Restaurantji Recommends
Wow the food here is amazing I also had the Mac and cheese it was very rich.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped by on an early Sunday afternoon. One of the best burgers in the city. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gretel Griddle Burger
Burger is the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food. I’m so happy to have a place with oysters nearby. The French onion soup is delectable. The steak frites was more rare than I expected but so juicy. The old fashioned was stronger than I prefer, so I’ll stick to wine or a custom cocktail.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Gretel Griddle Burger, Pork Gyoza, French Onion Soup
Ordered the burger and the mac and cheese. The burger was incredibly salty, tasted funny, and ended up throwing up (this is the first time I've thrown up at a restaurant). Mac and Cheese was quite bland and not crispy as previous reviews have stated.
I informed the server (This was on 12/13 at 12:30 pm with a blonde female server wearing a pink sweater) that there may be something wrong with the burger as I threw it up. She shrugged me off saying that I must be sick and didn't ever come to check up on me when I was waiting for my ride back home in the main area still queasy.
She tried blaming me, and overall was quite a cold server. I usually do not complain about poor service, but given the fact that I had just vomited, no offer to refund my bill or even a single ounce of concern, I must complain and do not recommend this restaurant. Maybe the customer isn't always right, but at least pretend to care, come on.
Atmosphere: 2
Loading...