Categories: Restaurants

At The Table: Best Burgers

Author: Jody Robbins

his is how we feel when taking in the scene at Ed Debevic's  in the bustling River North neighborhood. There's a touch of nostalgia here that's balanced out by a touch of madness, as tough-talking waitresses sling baskets of burgers and fries with wild abandon. It is with a measured stride that we devour the more refined burger (and expensive at $11.75) delivered in the Chicago River-overlooking dining room of Smith & Wollensky, a New York City import that has secured a place in Chicago's rampant steakhouse scene. Made from dry-aged sirloin cured in-house, the burger here channels immense beef flavor, and the extremely competent, white-coated staff are professionals through and through.

Take a bit of time to head up Lincoln Avenue to the western end of the Lakeview neighborhood, and experience a truly old-school burger joint: Muskie's. You'll see the same faces behind the counter and manning the grill at this authentic-retro burger spot year after year. The quality of the cheeseburgers, cheese fries, and rich chocolate shake, is far above the paltry asking prices here. If it's open, there's a line, but it moves quickly, so don't despair. Moving right into the heart of the Mag Mile, the burger at the ever-consistent and -classy RL. Decked out with a crazy montage of art collected by fashion icon Ralph Lauren, this well-situated, brass- and leather-bound spot serves its seasoned sirloin burger on a challah bun that gets downright ridiculous if you add the bacon, mushrooms, or blue cheese. This is a verified can't-go-wrong situation.

Often noted as serving some of the best burgers in Chicago, patrons who swear by it also make The Green Door Tavern a destination because of the history of the building, which was built in 1872, after the Great Fire and before wooden buildings were outlawed. There are a plethora of burger options to choose from here; just leave yourself time to peruse the ample collection of Chicago history on display here. Of course, there is always Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse when it comes to anything beef. Famous for its brassy, yet competent, staff, and one of the most celebrity sighting-friendly dining rooms in Chicago, the kitchen crew here is also spot-on with their burger-making skills. Composed of prime-grade beef, it's as juicy as the gossip being spilt at the next table over.

Set in the heart of Chicago 's chic Gold Coast neighborhood, Johnny Rockets is known for two things: jukeboxes and hamburgers. The burgers here are pretty straightforward, greasy spoon affairs, but the selection of toppings is monstrous, so be prepared to think it out. It's the bun that gets the unique treatment at long-time suburban staple, Hackney's, with their juicy burger coming wrapped in a dark, rye bun, and it's the only way to go. This family-owned chain boasts six locations these days, including Hackney's Printer's Row.

Look! Is that a bear, and in Chicago ? Well, kind of. It's Grizzly's Lodge, and it's just far enough north on Lincoln Avenue to add to the North Woods feel you get once you arrive. Sure, you can get an old, regular, half-pound Grizzly Burger served on a Logger's Bun, but why not stretch your protein palate with burgers made from buffalo, ostrich, or venison. For the record, the Grizzly Burger is all beef, but we can see why you'd wonder. At the hot, new Chicago spot Luxbar, you can definitely get a stellar burger, but the opportunity also exists to upgrade by choosing the Kobe Burger, which is as tender as a $17 burger should be.

Check out places of interest near At The Table: Best Burgers:

Alinea
1723 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Chef/owner Grant Achatz's Alinea has quickly proven itself one of America's most unusual, provocative, challenging, and sought-after restaurants.

Crofton on Wells
888 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

This contemporary American restaurant headed by executive chef Suzy Crofton, a long-time and much-acclaimed Chicago chef. Expert a nicely balanced menu pulling on French and other influences in style and with an emphasis on organic ingredients.

Devon Seafood Grill
39 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Selecting only the best aquatic cuisine, Devon Seafood Grill features creative dishes from Chef Scott Barrow.

Ed Debevic's
640 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

A 1950s themed diner.

 

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
1028 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This perpetually packed Rush Street heavy-hitter, which is named after the onion-garnished Gibson martini, features USDA prime aged beef like a porterhouse and rib-eye, massive Australian lobster tails and oversized desserts.

Gold Coast Dogs
159 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60601

Gold Coast Dogs serves gourmet Chicago hot dogs and other great sandwiches. When it comes to Chicago hot dogs, this is it!

Granite City Food & Brewery
14035 S. La Grange Rd., Orland Park, IL 60462

Serving up Chicago brewpub fare in the western suburb of Orland Park, Granite City gets the job done with burgers and flatbread pizza appetizers--along with a number of high-quality brews.

 

Green Door Tavern
678 N. Orleans St., Chicago, IL 60610

Built the year after the Chicago Fire, the Green Door is classic Chicago Tavern. 

 

Il Mulino
1150 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This high-level Italian fine-dining spot isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Set in the Gold Coast neighborhood a couple blocks away from the Rush Street nightlife scene, it's impressive for a date or a business dinner.

Johnny Rockets
901 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

The menu offers all-American choices like burgers, hand-dipped shakes, apple pie and hot fudge sundaes.

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

P.J. Clarke's
1141 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

 

R.J. Grunts
2056 N. Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614

A comfortable atmosphere with American fare is served at this historic restaurant--historic because it was the very first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, the company founded by culinary entrepreneur Rich Melman. Another interesting note is that R.J. Grunts was the original restaurant to establish the theme that has been followed by other, more commercial "flair" restaurants.

 

Ra Sushi
1139 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This outpost of Ra, a chain of contemporary, if somewhat commercial, sushi restaurants, is conveniently located along Steakhouse Row in the Viagara Triangle area of the Gold Coast--a lighter alternative to the heavier fare nearby.

 

Ra Sushi
310 Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL 60148

Located in the new and fabulous Shops on Butterfield, this latest RA Sushi location has happy hour Monday through Friday 4-7.

Rainforest Cafe
605 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Kids love this restaurant. The menu contains a mish-mash of fusion fare, but the real attraction to this scene is the tropical fauna and animals feigning life through mechanistic motions.

Red Light
820 W. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

A pan-Asian eatery with a focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes.

 

RL
115 E. Chicago Ave. , Chicago, IL 60611

All the sophistication of Ralph Lauren and his style-making career come into play at this Mag Mile restaurant. American fare is served and executed by the kitchen at a high level. Service is always on its game and the hanging-everywhere art collection is all over the place and featureds some of Lauren's personal collection.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Roditys
222 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661

One of Chicago's long standing Greek restaurant, expect classics and old school service, as well.

 

Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Room 21, late-night dining/drinking spot dripping with the mystique of Al Capone and Chicago's old red light district, is the latest outpost from colorful restaurant mogul Jerry Kleiner.

RoSal's Cucina
1154 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607

This contemporary Southern Italian restaurant features dishes like broccoli and shells, chicken cacciatore, eggplant Parmesan and spinach lasagna.

Roy's
720 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This Hawaiian fusion spot has outposts all over the world. It serves American cuisine with a Hawaiian cultural viewpoint.

 

Russian Tea Time
77 E. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

This full-of-frills tea house has been giving visitors to Chicago a taste of Russian culinary luxury for years now; a great spot for a special meal or snack with that special someone.

 

Saloon Steakhouse
200 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611

A top Chicago steakhouse right off Michigan Avenue, expect a classic steakhouse when you stop in here. It's not all about the steaks, though; expect lighter choices, as well.

Salpicon
1252 N. Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614

This eatery serves contemporary Mexican fare in a colorful and cozy dining room, plus there's outdoor dining in the form of a covered sidewalk cafe in the summer months. Executive chef Priscilla Satkoff turns out some of the best Mexian and Latin food in Chicago while her husband, Vince, manages the wine list and an excellent tequila selection.

Salseria Cantina & Grill
233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606

Full service Mexican restaurant brought to you by the people behind Taco Fresco and Fuego Loco: Cantine & Salseria. 

Santorini
800 W. Adams St, Chicago, IL 60607

Known in Chicago's Greektown neighborhood for its focus on seafood, Santorini is casual, affordable and tasty. In Chicago, you have to try the saganaki, a.k.a. fried cheese at any Greek restaurant and get ready for a surprise.

Schwa
1466 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

A crashingly original BYO restaurant headed by Food & Wine Best New Chef Michael Carlson. The surroundings are simple, yet elegant, and the food is of a level with top kitchens practicing avant garde dining mixed with a dose of molecular gastronomy. If that confuses you, this might not be the right experience for you unless you're heartily open to new things.

 

Shor
2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616

This classic, Chicago-style grill operates out of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. It's a perfect, convenient stop for those attending a convention or a performance at the Arie Crown Theater.

Smith & Wollensky
318 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This steak location is a Chicago outpost of the New York-based steakhouse chain, which specializes in on-premise dry-aged beef, with choices like a bone-in rib-eye and porterhouse.

Zest
525 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

This globally influenced contemporary American restaurant is located in the luxurious Intercontinental Chicago hotel.

Granite City Food & Brewery
14035 S. La Grange Rd., Orland Park, IL 60462

Serving up Chicago brewpub fare in the western suburb of Orland Park, Granite City gets the job done with burgers and flatbread pizza appetizers--along with a number of high-quality brews.

 

P.J. Clarke's
1204 N. State Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60610

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

P.J. Clarke's
302 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

This American spot, which is conveniently located near Navy Pier, is a spin-off of the popular Gold Coast original.

P.J. Clarke's
1141 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

This neighborhood spot features two facets, a long wooden bar filled with revelers and a more secluded rear dining area with tables decked with checkerboard tablecloths.

 

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Room 21, late-night dining/drinking spot dripping with the mystique of Al Capone and Chicago's old red light district, is the latest outpost from colorful restaurant mogul Jerry Kleiner.

Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the  daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz. 

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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.