The burgers and drink selection are really good, but the servers were a little confused about what food went to what table. The truffle fries are good, just beware that the seasonings are .99 extra, but on the menu it looks like it's .99 for just the ranch seasoning. Also when you walk in, there's no hostess stand or anything, no one or a sign to tell you where to wait for a table. We asked the bartender and he said someone would help us, which they did, but it would be nice if you didn't have to guess.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Bad Apple Burger
Pepp Za
For the price, there are better burgers elsewhere. The meat doesn’t taste that great. The fries didn’t either. Just tasted oil in my mouth at the end of my meal…gross.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Kenneth Pepper
Good and service were great. Enjoyed the folks there serving.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
shawn f
The place was amazing, arrived a little late in the night, and the staff was accomindating to a rather large party. The food was amazing, and the selection of beer was great, too. Great place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bad Apple
Cristina Henriquez
The fried cheese curds are deliciousssss
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Cheese Curds
Glenn Joselane
Nothing beats the care and quality of food which is homemade. Nothing. Time, skill and sheer passion are needed to make meals and their components from scratch, but it is definitely always worth the immense effort.
The Bad Apple gets the Olympic gold medal for creating a menu completely homemade right down to the tartar sauce and ketchup while amping up the flavor, elegance and richness not often seen in casual restaurants these days.
My dining companion and I went to The Bad Apple on a Thursday early afternoon and were immediately greeted by our host Michelle. Her radiant smile and warm, inviting countenance made us feel immediately welcome as she proceeded to take us to our table. At that moment, she was Master of the House tending bar, taking food orders and serving. Although it wasn't busy at that time since they were open for only about an hour previous to our arrival, she handled everything with a smooth, friendly graciousness, elegant flair and professionalism which was just spectacular. She's definitely a diamond in the Bad Apple crown.
The interior of the restaurant packs a punch in Old World charm with warm woods and beautiful stained glass windows yet balances this with modern art that is captivating, exquisitely original and well thought out.
The menu itself is a taste explosion of glorious poutines, vibrant salads, brilliantly creative sandwiches, robust dishes and inventive signature burgers that are, by far, the best to be found in the Chicagoland area. Again, everything homemade.
We tried the fried cheese curds appetizer. Holy cow! Warmed at just the right level to bring out the sumptuous tart flavor, delicately battered and accompanied by the best homemade buttermilk Ranch I ever tasted, this was a joy to revel in on all levels.
My friend had the magnificent Chili Palmer Burger which was just unbelievable. Cooked perfectly with a side of amazing sweet potato fries, the end result made my dining companion close her eyes quite a few times as if she was in an epicurean rapture. Crispy peppered onions, three peppered gouda, chili aioli, lime and arugula made this an instant classic.
I had the jaw-dropping, tantalizing fish and chips which was a sight to behold. Practically covering the entire plate, the haddock was beyond exception: breaded, fried and seasoned masterfully, the fish was given its red carpet, center stage moment and deserved the Oscar for its outstanding performance. Perfect in every way.
Kevin, the terrific, charming owner who I had the pleasure of meeting, has an absolute gem with The Bad Apple on Lincoln Avenue. He knows exactly what to do to make a restaurant a dining revelation.
Their other location is in Lincoln Park where the former John Barleycorn used to reside. Please make The Bad Apple a regular dining spot as I will do from now on. It's unforgettable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Cheese Curds, French Fries, Fish and Chips
j C
The cheese curds are delicious!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Cheese Curds
Cathy Scratch
These burgers are exceptional. Bloody Mary’s too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Elvis's Last Supper
Will Moffett
I thought this could be a place I could go to get a burger which is better than fast food even if overpriced for what it is. But over time the quality and portions have dipped. But I wouldn't even have come in here to report on the ok food had it not been for this gem of an order taker. It's so rare that one is confronted with open, inexplicable rudeness in food service that you don't even have a response ready. And it wasn't even overt rudeness like if you read the transcript you would think ok he's not the nicest guy but ok whatever. But the tone and the attitude delivered - I can't even buy food from here anymore and have my usual ho hum experience with it. I don't trust a place who hires people like that, not with food. And buddy, if you read this, you know who you are. And I'm sorry if you deserve better than your station in life. Most people do. But it's not right to take out your frustration on people that have no responsibility for your station in life. I hope you find the courage to leave the customer service field where you definitely don't belong.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
A Martin
If you’re looking for an incredible dining experience in Chicago, look no further than Bad Apple. This gem of a burger bar exceeded all my expectations and delivered a fantastic evening from start to finish.
First off, the food was nothing short of amazing. I decided to try the Wagyu burger, and it was an absolute delight. The rich flavor and tenderness of the Wagyu beef combined perfectly with the delicious toppings, making each bite a revelation. Alongside it, I ordered the firecracker fries, which were perfectly seasoned and had just the right amount of kick. They complemented the burger beautifully and left me wanting more!
To wash it all down, I went with their burnt orange Old Fashioned. This cocktail was expertly crafted and showcased a wonderful balance of flavors. The smoky notes paired with the citrus made for a refreshing yet classic drink that truly enhanced my meal.
Now, let's talk about the service. Our server was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. They took the time to recommend their favorites and ensured we had everything we needed throughout our meal. It’s always a pleasure to have staff who are genuinely passionate about the food they serve.
The atmosphere at Bad Apple is a 10/10. The vibe was electric, with great music setting the perfect backdrop for a memorable night out. It felt like a lively Friday evening, even though it was a regular weekday. The eclectic decor and warm lighting created a welcoming environment that made it easy to relax and enjoy.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Bad Apple for anyone looking to indulge in some of the best burgers Chicago has to offer. With outstanding food, excellent service, and a fantastic atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for foodies and casual diners alike. I can’t wait to return!
My burger tonight was awesome... I was craving one with blue cheese and the one they have exceeded my expectations... I might say one of the best in Chicago...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andy Bautista
Great food, great staff. I recommend Da Bears burger. Perfectly smoked brisket and patty cooked to perfection with a very tasty cheese sauce on top. Get it with the sweet potato fries!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wagyu Burger, Just Beyond the Thunderdome Burger
Anadelia Hernandez
I came to this location because of word of mouth and i was pleasantly satisified. From the moment I sat down, i was greated by an attentive bar keep(Jonathan) and complimented on how young i look, i blushed. The manager (Jesus) gave me solid recommendations on the food menu and gave off a welcoming feel to the place. Da Bear brisket burger was tasty and the bbq flatbread was spicy & savory. I hope to go back and try more things on the menu as it seems intresting, plus I appreciate the goat cheese being an option since im lactose intolerant. I didnt get to try the drinks this time due to stomach issues but i noted that they had a full bar and the bartender was knowledgeable about everything behind the bar. I hope to have another great experience when i go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
bruce lev
Burgers are amazing and the variety of them is great! You can upgrade your side of fries to one of their poutines which is a must!
The burgers and drink selection are really good, but the servers were a little confused about what food went to what table. The truffle fries are good, just beware that the seasonings are .99 extra, but on the menu it looks like it's .99 for just the ranch seasoning. Also when you walk in, there's no hostess stand or anything, no one or a sign to tell you where to wait for a table. We asked the bartender and he said someone would help us, which they did, but it would be nice if you didn't have to guess.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Bad Apple Burger
For the price, there are better burgers elsewhere. The meat doesn’t taste that great. The fries didn’t either. Just tasted oil in my mouth at the end of my meal…gross.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Good and service were great. Enjoyed the folks there serving.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
The place was amazing, arrived a little late in the night, and the staff was accomindating to a rather large party. The food was amazing, and the selection of beer was great, too. Great place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bad Apple
The fried cheese curds are deliciousssss
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Cheese Curds
Nothing beats the care and quality of food which is homemade. Nothing. Time, skill and sheer passion are needed to make meals and their components from scratch, but it is definitely always worth the immense effort.
The Bad Apple gets the Olympic gold medal for creating a menu completely homemade right down to the tartar sauce and ketchup while amping up the flavor, elegance and richness not often seen in casual restaurants these days.
My dining companion and I went to The Bad Apple on a Thursday early afternoon and were immediately greeted by our host Michelle. Her radiant smile and warm, inviting countenance made us feel immediately welcome as she proceeded to take us to our table. At that moment, she was Master of the House tending bar, taking food orders and serving. Although it wasn't busy at that time since they were open for only about an hour previous to our arrival, she handled everything with a smooth, friendly graciousness, elegant flair and professionalism which was just spectacular. She's definitely a diamond in the Bad Apple crown.
The interior of the restaurant packs a punch in Old World charm with warm woods and beautiful stained glass windows yet balances this with modern art that is captivating, exquisitely original and well thought out.
The menu itself is a taste explosion of glorious poutines, vibrant salads, brilliantly creative sandwiches, robust dishes and inventive signature burgers that are, by far, the best to be found in the Chicagoland area. Again, everything homemade.
We tried the fried cheese curds appetizer. Holy cow! Warmed at just the right level to bring out the sumptuous tart flavor, delicately battered and accompanied by the best homemade buttermilk Ranch I ever tasted, this was a joy to revel in on all levels.
My friend had the magnificent Chili Palmer Burger which was just unbelievable. Cooked perfectly with a side of amazing sweet potato fries, the end result made my dining companion close her eyes quite a few times as if she was in an epicurean rapture. Crispy peppered onions, three peppered gouda, chili aioli, lime and arugula made this an instant classic.
I had the jaw-dropping, tantalizing fish and chips which was a sight to behold. Practically covering the entire plate, the haddock was beyond exception: breaded, fried and seasoned masterfully, the fish was given its red carpet, center stage moment and deserved the Oscar for its outstanding performance. Perfect in every way.
Kevin, the terrific, charming owner who I had the pleasure of meeting, has an absolute gem with The Bad Apple on Lincoln Avenue. He knows exactly what to do to make a restaurant a dining revelation.
Their other location is in Lincoln Park where the former John Barleycorn used to reside. Please make The Bad Apple a regular dining spot as I will do from now on. It's unforgettable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Cheese Curds, French Fries, Fish and Chips
The cheese curds are delicious!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Cheese Curds
These burgers are exceptional. Bloody Mary’s too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Elvis's Last Supper
I thought this could be a place I could go to get a burger which is better than fast food even if overpriced for what it is. But over time the quality and portions have dipped. But I wouldn't even have come in here to report on the ok food had it not been for this gem of an order taker. It's so rare that one is confronted with open, inexplicable rudeness in food service that you don't even have a response ready. And it wasn't even overt rudeness like if you read the transcript you would think ok he's not the nicest guy but ok whatever. But the tone and the attitude delivered - I can't even buy food from here anymore and have my usual ho hum experience with it. I don't trust a place who hires people like that, not with food.
And buddy, if you read this, you know who you are. And I'm sorry if you deserve better than your station in life. Most people do. But it's not right to take out your frustration on people that have no responsibility for your station in life. I hope you find the courage to leave the customer service field where you definitely don't belong.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
If you’re looking for an incredible dining experience in Chicago, look no further than Bad Apple. This gem of a burger bar exceeded all my expectations and delivered a fantastic evening from start to finish.
First off, the food was nothing short of amazing. I decided to try the Wagyu burger, and it was an absolute delight. The rich flavor and tenderness of the Wagyu beef combined perfectly with the delicious toppings, making each bite a revelation. Alongside it, I ordered the firecracker fries, which were perfectly seasoned and had just the right amount of kick. They complemented the burger beautifully and left me wanting more!
To wash it all down, I went with their burnt orange Old Fashioned. This cocktail was expertly crafted and showcased a wonderful balance of flavors. The smoky notes paired with the citrus made for a refreshing yet classic drink that truly enhanced my meal.
Now, let's talk about the service. Our server was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. They took the time to recommend their favorites and ensured we had everything we needed throughout our meal. It’s always a pleasure to have staff who are genuinely passionate about the food they serve.
The atmosphere at Bad Apple is a 10/10. The vibe was electric, with great music setting the perfect backdrop for a memorable night out. It felt like a lively Friday evening, even though it was a regular weekday. The eclectic decor and warm lighting created a welcoming environment that made it easy to relax and enjoy.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Bad Apple for anyone looking to indulge in some of the best burgers Chicago has to offer. With outstanding food, excellent service, and a fantastic atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for foodies and casual diners alike. I can’t wait to return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries
Restaurantji Recommends
My burger tonight was awesome... I was craving one with blue cheese and the one they have exceeded my expectations... I might say one of the best in Chicago...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, great staff. I recommend Da Bears burger. Perfectly smoked brisket and patty cooked to perfection with a very tasty cheese sauce on top. Get it with the sweet potato fries!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wagyu Burger, Just Beyond the Thunderdome Burger
I came to this location because of word of mouth and i was pleasantly satisified. From the moment I sat down, i was greated by an attentive bar keep(Jonathan) and complimented on how young i look, i blushed. The manager (Jesus) gave me solid recommendations on the food menu and gave off a welcoming feel to the place. Da Bear brisket burger was tasty and the bbq flatbread was spicy & savory. I hope to go back and try more things on the menu as it seems intresting, plus I appreciate the goat cheese being an option since im lactose intolerant. I didnt get to try the drinks this time due to stomach issues but i noted that they had a full bar and the bartender was knowledgeable about everything behind the bar. I hope to have another great experience when i go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Burgers are amazing and the variety of them is great! You can upgrade your side of fries to one of their poutines which is a must!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicago Poutine
Great family meal. Nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries
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