If you’re a foodie or burger lover, you’ve probably heard Chicago has some of the best burgers you’ll find just about anywhere. While there are a lot of great burgers across the city, only a handful are worth waiting three or more hours for. Yes, the wait times can be long for one of the spots on this list.
Gretel, Logan Square
My favorite no-frills, standard burger in the city. Two patties with American cheese, pickles, and garlic aioli (not too garlicky – don’t worry) sandwiched between a fluffy sesame bun. Gretel’s sister restaurant, Little Bad Wolf, gets a lot of hype for their burger, but Gretel’s is better. Don’t be fooled!
Mott Street, Wicker Park
Admittedly, there’s a lot happening with Mott Street’s burger. Two burger patties, sweet potato shoestrings, pickled jalapeno, hoisin aioli, miso butter onions, pickles, and American cheese. The subtle umami flavoring sets this burger apart from the competition and has contributed to its widespread recognition, and for good reason. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind burger. Mott Street is worth venturing out of your way for, even for the picky eaters out there…
Au Cheval, West Loop
I’d be remised to create a Chicago burger list and not mention Au Cheval. Voted best burger in America by the Food Network and Bon Appetit in 2015, Au Cheval is a Chicago staple. Two things to be aware of, Au Cheval does not accept reservations and has notoriously long waits. Also, the single cheeseburger has two beef patties and the double cheeseburger has three patties. Don’t ask me why, I didn’t make the rules.
