If you’re even remotely into food (or just know your way around a good cheeseburger) you’ve probably heard whispers that Chicago does burgers very well. And it’s true. The city’s full of great options, but only a handful are worth braving the infamous waitlists and three-hour queues.
These three? They make the cut.
Gretel – Logan Square
This is your go-to no-frills burger done to absolute perfection. Two smashed patties, melty American cheese, garlic aioli (don’t worry, it won’t linger), and crisp pickles on a soft sesame bun. That’s it. That’s the magic. While Little Bad Wolf (Gretel’s sister spot) gets a lot of the buzz, Gretel quietly serves the better burger. Don’t let the hype fool you.
Mott Street – Wicker Park
This burger doesn’t hold back. We’re talking sweet potato shoestrings, pickled jalapeños, hoisin aioli, miso butter onions, two patties, American cheese, and pickles all stacked into one glorious umami-packed bite. It sounds like a lot because it is – but somehow, it works. Even picky eaters will be converted. Mott Street is a detour-worthy experience.
Au Cheval, West Loop
Any Chicago burger list without Au Cheval is incomplete. Voted Best Burger in America by basically everyone in 2015, it’s become a rite of passage. No reservations. Long waits. A single cheeseburger with two patties (yes, two), and a double with three. The math might not make sense, but the burger definitely does. Go early, bring a friend, and maybe a snack for the line.
