A Guide to the 10 Best Burgers in Chicago

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 best burgers in Chicago. 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 place near you on this list, if you haven’t already. Think there’s another burger in town that we overlooked? Let us know in the comments.

View the Best Sweet Tooth Satisfying Desserts in Chicago

Craving something sweet after having one of these mondo burgers? We’ve got you covered.

View the Best Desserts for Your Sweet Tooth in Chicago

Little Bad Wolf

Theory

9 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Known normally as a sports bar and lounge, Theory can also serve up some delicious food. We recommend trying the Hole in One Burger from this restaurant in Chicago. This dish features an egg placed in the center of a patty and is served on a buttery brioche bun. If you’re looking for that bold combination of meat and eggs, this one is surely ‘on par.’

Owen & Engine

2700 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Mostly known as a British Pub that serves fish and chips, Owen & Engine offers one of the best burgers in Chicago. Made with caramelized onions, chips, malt vinegar mayonnaise and served on a house potato bap, this burger is definitely worth a try, and you don’t even have to get on a plane to get that flavor you crave. What a delight!

Mott Street

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

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. With this unexpected blend of ingredients, the flavor profile is a unique one for burgers, and we mean that in a good way

Maillard Tavern 

494 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

This burger place near you in Chicago 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. Any true city slicker will be attuned to the goodness of Maillard Tavern’s City Slicker.

The Loyalist 

177 N Ada St #001, Chicago, IL 60607

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. Don’t worry, you won’t lose your ‘Merica points for ordering The Loyalist.

Au Cheval

800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

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 places near you in Chicago. You can customize your burger by adding an egg and bacon, which is absolutely your prerogative, but these burgers hold their own even as classics.

Old Irving Brewing Company 

4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

You typically wouldn’t expect a brewery to have the best food but Old Irving Brewing Company’s OIB Burger hits the spot. This burger place near you in Chicago keeps it pretty simple with white cheddar aioli and caramelized onions. Pair it with a craft beer to take your burger experience to new heights.

Bad Apple 

4300 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

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. (Disclaimer: No Elvis’s were hurt in the making of this menu item.)

The Swill Inn 

415 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

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.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Au Cheval