The following piece was originally written by Kari Herrera for MODE.com. Read the full article here.
It isn’t only about the bread, the beef, or the fixings—it’s about all that and more. We want our burgers seasoned to perfection, juicy but not wet, freshly ground but sturdy. Here are the best burgers in Chicago, hands down, ranked in order.
The Best Burgers in Chicago
Beverly: Top Notch Beefburgers (Deluxe Beefburger). This diner has existed in some form for over half a century. The secret lies in its dedication to meat that’s ground fresh off the bone in-house. I actually recommend the turkey burger here if you find beef a little too heavy. Both options are killer.
Top Notch Beefburgers, 2116 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643
South Loop: Acadia (Acadia burger). It’s perhaps surprising but not uncommon that some of the best burgers in America aren’t found at burger joints. They’re found at hoity-toity eateries decorated with Michelin stars and James Beard Awards. The burgers at Acadia are made with the same artisan care the restaurant uses throughout its menu—from presentation to preparation. That’s why they’re so good.
Acadia, 1639 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
West Loop: Au Cheval (double cheeseburger, foie gras optional). The Food Network famously named this one the best burger in America. Nothing more really needs to be said. However, I’ll add that this choice, although unbelievably perfect any time of day, is best appreciated at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning after a particularly lively Saturday night.
Au Cheval, 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Avondale: Kuma’s Corner (try the BOM). I’m not sure how Kuma’s fell to fourth on my list. Another list surely would rank it first. Perhaps it has something to do with its heavily tatted servers and heavy-metal persona. Perhaps I’m officially a cranky old lady. Bottom line: The burgers here are possibly also the best in the city. If not the best, then the fourth best…for some reason.
Kuma’s Corner, 2900 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Wicker Park: Trenchermen (the Wednesday special). Yes, the Trench double burger is a dependable and amazing option, but I’m here to talk about the Wednesday special. For just $10, you can get a specialty burger and craft beer pairing at Trenchermen, every single Wednesday. It’s a pretty incredible deal considering the high culinary bar to which the restaurant aspires.
Trenchermen, 2039 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
The following piece was originally written by Kari Herrera for MODE.com. For the full list of eight restaurants, click here.