A Guide to Chicago’s 10 Best Burgers

WARNING: This post contains graphic images of painfully delicious burgers. May induce involuntary salivating, stomach growling, and in some cases arousal.

It’s simple. Sometimes, you just… need… a burger.

We believe that there really isn’t anything else on Earth that can satisfy you the way that a good burger can. The savory meat seasoned to perfection, the melted layers of cheese, the fresh, fluffy bun – the beauty is almost too much to behold.

As is the case with many classic eats in Chicago, this city doesn’t mess around when it comes to burgers. We created a failsafe (and sexy) guide to the absolute bar-none best burgers in the city. Some of these burgers are even considered to be among the best in the nation, so rest assured, you’re getting the real deal.

Make it an indulgent bucket list, of sorts, to try out each burger on this list, if you haven’t already. Think there’s another burger in town that we overlooked? Let us know in the comments.

Little Bad Wolf | 1541 W Bryn Mawr Ave
What to Order: Wolf Burger

You can’t go wrong with bacon, American cheese, and a fried egg. The Wolf Burger comes with all of that and three beef patties, onion straws, and house-made pickles.

Theory | 9 W Hubbard St
What to Order: Hole in One Burger

Known normally as a sports bar and lounge, Theory can also serve up some delicious food. Their Hole In One Burger has a fried egg placed in the center of the patty and is served on a buttery brioche bun.

Owen & Engine | 2700 N Western Ave
What to Order: Slagel Farms Beef Burger

Mostly known as a British Pub that serves fish and chips, Owen & Engine can make a great burger. Made with caramelized onions, chips, malt vinegar mayonnaise and served on a house potato bap, this burger is definitely worth a try.

Mott Street | 1401 N Ashland Ave
What to Order: Mott Burger

This Asian restaurant can really make a great burger. There Mott Burger is made with sweet potato shoestrings, miso butter, hoisin aioli, pickled jalapenos, and American cheese.

Maillard Tavern | 494 N Milwaukee Ave
What to Order: City Slicker

The City Slicker burger won the Hamburger hop contest in 2018 and we can see why. The burger is made with not only beef but foie gras, black truffle pesto, and crispy prosciutto di parma.

The Loyalist | 177 N Ada St #001
What to Order: The Loyalist Cheeseburger

Named one of the three best burgers in American in 2017 by Bon Appetit, The Loyalist Cheeseburger will not disappoint. The patty is made of short rib, chuck and ground bacon.

Au Cheval | 800 W Randolph St
What to Order: Cheeseburger (duh)

Whether you decide to get a single or double cheeseburger, Au Cheval has long been known as one of the best and most popular burger spots in Chicago. You can customize your burger by adding an egg and bacon.

Old Irving Brewing Company | 4419 W Montrose Ave
What to Order: OIB Burger

You typically wouldn’t expect a brewery to have the best food but Old Irving Brewing Company’s OIB Burger hits the spot. They keep it pretty simple but with white cheddar aioli and caramelized onions but sometimes simple is simply the best.

Bad Apple | 4300 N Lincoln Ave
What to Order: Elvis’s Last Supper

You can find a ton of variety and unique burger options at Bad Apple. One of the most unique and delicious is Elvis’s Last Supper made with bacon and peanut butter. Sounds like a dream to us.

The Swill Inn | 415 N Milwaukee Ave
What to Order: Signature Swill Burger

The Signature Swill Burger is definitely The Swill Inn’s most popular menu item and one of the best burgers in Chicago. It includes two Angus beef patties, pimento cheese, pickles and served on a brioche bun.

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