What’s not to love about classic comfort food? Think of a hot dog topped with mustard the Chicago way, an Italian beef sandwich that drips with flavor, crispy French fries, a gooey slice of pizza, and, of course, a juicy hamburger. Whether you’re craving a bite in the afternoon or looking for a late-night snack, there’s no wrong time to indulge in this delicious food—especially a hamburger. Just don’t forget to grab a napkin for those extra messy bites! While hamburgers are always a great choice, not every place is right for them. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best burgers in Chicago, perfect for any time of the year and any time of day.
Au Cheval
Consistently ranked as one of the best burgers in the world, Au Cheval knows how to deliver. The warm undertones resonate throughout the restaurant, creating a cozy atmosphere. While the menu offers a few selections, we always recommend the classic Double Cheeseburger. This savory burger is topped with American cheddar, pickles, onions, and dijonnaise. The rich, beefy flavor perfectly complements the creamy cheddar, balanced dijonnaise, and crisp pickles. Please note that the restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so be prepared to wait.
DMK Burger Bar
We believe that a place with “burger” in its name should serve one of the best burgers in Chicago—and we were right. Founded in 2009 by David Morton and chef Michael Kornic, DMK Burger Bar is a laid-back eatery that offers a wide variety of grass-fed patties. However, what truly stands out, however, is the patty melt. This chef-curated sandwich has gouda, bacon, grilled onion, and DMK sauce on rye bread. It’s perfectly juicy, with a velvety bite. When paired with fries, you really can’t go wrong.
Warlord
One of the best restaurants in Chicago is sure to feature an amazing burger. Warlord debuted in 2023 and was founded by a trio of veteran chefs who offer a curated menu that changes daily, all prepared over an open flame in the kitchen. However, there is one item that remains a constant: their burger. The burger is made with on-site dry-aged beef. While its presentation may vary with each visit, the burger features a simple half-inch thick patty and charred onions, delivering a richly satisfying experience.
Redhot Ranch
Redhot Ranch is a popular destination for late-night cravings, offering satisfying and greasy fast food options. Their menu features chicken tenders, hot dogs, and the RHR Burger. Inspired by In-N-Out, the beef patty is smashed onto the griddle for the perfect sear and is topped with fresh lettuce, onions, tomato, cheese, and a special sauce. For a unique twist, you can order it “Chicago Style,” which comes with mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, and sports peppers. Grab the RHR Burger for under $6, which includes a bag of fries.
Nicky’s the Real Mccoy
If you have ever been puzzled by the phrase “you need to try the Big Baby,” you’re not alone. It might sound like the topic of conversation is a toddler; however, it actually refers to a lesser-known Chicago staple: the Big Baby sandwich. This sandwich consists of two griddled beef patties with cheese melted between them. The toppings include pickle, ketchup, mustard placed on the bottom, and griddled onions added to the top.
The “Big Baby” was created by Nicky’s the Real McCoy, and although the arrangement of the ingredients may seem unusual, it has earned a reputation as one of the best burgers in Chicago.
Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat
At this eatery in Hyde Park, Chef-owner Laricia Chandler creatively reimagines classic comfort foods, all of which are vegetarian We want to assure you that we wouldn’t be recommending this place if their food weren’t equally delicious. You can choose from the quarter-pound “Who Betta” burger or the “Big Mik,” which is a twist on the Big Mac featuring double patties, special sauce, pickles, lettuce, cheese (either dairy or vegan) on a sesame seed bun. Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat proves you really don’t need actual meat to enjoy some of the best burgers in Chicago. So whether or not you’re participating in Veganuary, you should definitely keep this spot on your radar.
The Loyalist
John and Karen Urie Shields have achieved remarkable success with their restaurants, Smyth and The Loyalist, which they opened nearly a decade ago. Both remain highly sought-after dining destinations in Chicago. While Smyth, the fine dining option, tends to receive the most attention, The Loyalist is an equally outstanding place for eating and drinking. Yet, one item is consistently talked about—the burger patty. It features a blend of short rib and ground bacon (are you convinced yet?) and is topped with charred onions, American cheese, pickles, and onion-infused mayo.
Chicago Secret Burger
Chicago Secret Burger is as elusive as it sounds: there’s no permanent location, it’s a pop-up only, and getting your hands on one is highly coveted. So, how can you grab this burger? It’s for those who are chronically online, as you need to wait for an Instagram post announcing the pop-up. Once it’s live, you must purchase a pre-sale ticket to get a burger.
For $25, you’ll receive the burger, a small fry bag, and a cookie. (the cookie gives the burger a run for its money.) Once you take a bite, you’ll forget all about the price. The combination of the caramelized beef, the perfectly cooked onions, and the secret sauce is simply heavenly. We won’t need to convince you about the Martin brand for the bread; if you’ve tried it, you know it pairs perfectly with a burger.
Mott Street
Edward Kim’s Asian fusion restaurant boasts one of Chicago’s best burgers: the umami-bursting “Mott Burger.” This delicious creation features double chuck patties, miso butter, sweet potato frizzles, pickled jalapeños, hoisin aioli, American cheese, sautéed onions, and dill pickles. However, there’s a catch: it is only available in the dining room until 7 p.m., but you can enjoy it at the bar all night long.
Best Intentions
Last on our list may surprise you. Who would have thought that one of the best bars also serves one of the best burgers in Chicago? Best Intentions is an unassuming neighborhood bar in Logan Square that has certainly made its mark. This neo-dive boasts a distinctly Midwestern vibe, and its cheeseburger has caught our attention. It features a single mustard-and-onion-griddled patty topped with Land O’Lakes white American cheese, crispy dill pickles, and housemade joppiesaus; all served on Martin’s potato roll.