The Best Burgers in Chicago

Summer House Santa Monica brings the beach vibe to Lincoln Park with a casual decor topped by an impressive retractable glass ceiling. Fresh-baked pastries and seasonal ingredients all line up to create a sustainable menu inspired by California culture. For one of the best burgers in Chicago, try the prime Brandt beef with all the traditional trimmings. The menu goes beyond a great patty, with items like the crispy brick chicken, orange glazed crispy tofu, or a plate of steak frites with a fresh herb chimichurri.

The Alise Chicago Hotel sits in the middle of the Loop, and diners can find Atwood, the hotel's restaurant, right inside this historic Reliance Building. It's right in the center of the Theater District, so it's a great choice for dinner before catching a show. Burgers here are thick, juicy, and packed with flavor. The eponymous burger uses local Slagel Farms beef, American cheese, and a special sauce for a bite of tangy, meaty goodness. Try the Melt, which uses pork as the star of the brioche bun and comes topped with the house apple butter and cheddar cheese.

Executive chef Nathan Sears delivers authentic gastropub vibes at State and Lake Chicago Tavern. Wood-topped tables, a long bar, and a fun menu make every meal at this neighborhood pub with a twist worth remembering. The tavern burger is a juicy blend of beef topped with smoked cheddar, beef-glazed grilled onions, dijonnaise, dill pickle, tomato, and cornmeal-dusted bun. Don't stop at the pick-up plates though, as the 72-hour short rib gets high praise from diners and comes with creamy parmesan polenta and crispy onions.

Sit back and relax in a rustic lodge setting at L. Woods Tap and Pine Lodge. The menu is full of big plates overflowing with comfort foods. Oven-roasted turkey dinners with all the trimmings or a 12-hour smoked prime brisket are just a couple of the culinary delights in store. Burgers take center stage, including a housemade veggie burger, and a signature beef blend that goes into every patty except the turkey burger. The barbecue brisket burger pairs prime brisket with white cheddar, tangy barbecue sauce, and crispy jalapenos and onions for a sweet and spicy handful.

Weber Grill offers barbecue at its best, with a focus on charcoal cooking. The oversized booth seating offers plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a smoky and delicious meal. Chargrilled burgers come out topped with all the classics, but cooked to perfection. Order a prime ground chuck patty side by side with parmesan fries for a plate that is full of flavor. The restaurant even offers classes to help perfect home grilling techniques.

The Kennison, an innovative Lincoln Park restaurant, pairs the best of contemporary American fare with casual dining options. The menu will please a wide variety of diners, with its inclusion of items that are found in both sports bars and upscale eateries. The braised short rib or steak frites share space with an eponymously named burger, the Kennison burger—a double patty with caramelized onions, pickles, American cheese, and house-made sauce served on a potato roll.

Sweet lovers rejoice with a meal at the Sugar Factory. The fun, funky, and eclectic decor promises a night of fun, and the menu delivers. The cocktail book may take a while to page through, with delightful blends like Lollipop Passion or Coconuts Gon Bananas. The chocolate martinis alone offer everything from S'mores to Raspberry Sin flavors. But, what really gets the juices flowing is the monster burger selection. The secret Sugar Factory sauce adds a hint of tangy sweetness to every bite, while grass-fed Angus beef is the star of the show.

Grab a seat at the bar at Umami Burger in West Loop. The seating is plentiful and the service is quick. At this restaurant, burgers are the main course with vegan patties side-by-side with overflowing sandwiches topped with bacon lardons. Smoked-salt onion strings add crunch to some bites, while umami ketchup adds an earthiness.

Lettuce Entertain You hits another winner with Hub 51, a River North eatery combining great contemporary American food with a casual vibe. Just below the restaurant is Sub 51, a laidback nightclub. On the menu is a dining selection that includes everything from tacos to sushi, and a selection of great sandwiches. The first-rate prime cheeseburger comes out fully dressed, while the anti-burger features two veggie patties drenched in a secret sauce.

Our perspective is coming soon. In the meantime, please enjoy the restaurant’s description: Eden, located in the West Loop area of downtown Chicago just steps from the United Center. Offering a fresh take on American food by Chef Devon Quinn. Fresh, seasonal and local ingredients are always used to ensure the highest level of flavor in each dish. Offering a wide range and ever changing menu of home-made pastas, unique take on steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetable dishes and more. Vegetarian and Vegan friendly options available on all menus. Open for Sunday brunch we have a full line up of your brunch favorites. Call or Text us for more information!

R J Grunt's, the first of many excellent restaurants in the Lettuce Entertain You portfolio, serves up classic American fare in a cool, funky environment. Portraits line the walls and the eclectic decor lends itself to many a conversation starter. For some of the best burgers in Chicago, take more than a minute to peruse the extensive menu. Handmade shakes and malts make an excellent pairing for some of the classic burgers. The Works Burger has a little bit of everything on top, while the Better Bacon Cheddar Burger hits that nostalgia spot with a traditional presentation and familiar ingredients. Take the heat up a notch with the Yowza Burger that combines a peppercorn patty with spicy ketchup, pepper jack cheese, smoked bacon, lettuce, and tomato.