Chicago knows how to do burgers. Whether you’re after a classic pub-style stack or a crispy-edged smashburger dripping with cheese, this city brings the heat. Here’s our list of ten burgers you need to try in Chicago — each one worth the calories.
The List…in no particular order
🍔 1. Double Cheeseburger – Au Cheval
Yes, the hype is real. The double (or triple) patties are rich and buttery, topped with egg, thick bacon, and a whole lot of love. Expect a wait — and worth every second.
📍 800 W Randolph St
🍔 2. Double Cheeseburger – Small Cheval
Small Cheval strips it down to the basics: two juicy patties, melted American cheese, pickles, and house sauce. It’s greasy, glorious perfection.
📍 Multiple locations
🍔 3. The Loyalist Burger – The Loyalist
This one flies under the radar — a rich, perfectly seared burger with onions and melted cheese on a soft sesame seed bun. Upscale, but still down to earth.
📍 177 N Ada St
🍔 4. The Mott Burger – Mott Street
This Asian-inspired take on the burger includes hoisin aioli and pickled jalapeños. It’s sweet, spicy, and totally addictive.
📍 1401 N Ashland Ave
🍔 5. The Griddle Burger – The Region
Smashburger fans, meet your new obsession. These Indiana-style burgers come griddled with a crust and loaded with tangy sauce.
📍 2057 N Western Ave
🍔 6. The Slayer – Kuma’s Corner
This legendary burger piles on chili, cherry peppers, onions, and fries… all under a layer of melted cheese. It’s not a meal — it’s a metal concert on a bun.
📍 2900 W Belmont Ave
🍔 7. Classic Cheeseburger – Redhot Ranch
No frills. No fancy toppings. Just a perfect Chicago-style fast-food burger, fried crisp and loaded with beefy flavor.
📍 Multiple locations
🍔 8. The Dirty Burg – Gretel
One of the newer entries on the scene, this burger is all about umami — funky cheeses, onions, and flavor bomb sauce.
📍 2833 W Armitage Ave
🍔 9. The Truffle Burger – The Smith
Want to feel fancy while stuffing your face? This burger layers in truffle aioli and gruyere for a rich, indulgent bite.
📍 400 N Clark St
🍔 10. The Classic – Top Notch Beefburgers
An old-school diner with a loyal following. The hand-formed patty, toasted bun, and fresh toppings remind you why you fell in love with burgers in the first place.
📍 2116 W 95th St
