If you’re even mildly 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. When it comes to the best burgers in Chicago, the city is stacked, but only a few are actually worth enduring the infamous waitlists and three-hour queues. These are the ones that make the cut.

Gretel

This 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 restaurant) gets a lot of the buzz, Gretel quietly serves one of the best burgers in Chicago. Don’t let the hype fool you.

Mott Street

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, the burger works. Even picky eaters will be converted. Mott Street isn’t just another burger destination, it’s one of Chicago’s best restaurants doing something new with a classic.

Au Cheval

Any list of the best burgers in Chicago 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 grab a drink at one of the many bars or restaurants in the West Loop while you wait.

Izakaya

Admittedly, Izakaya isn’t your typical burger spot — but that’s exactly why it belongs here. Below Momotaro, Izakaya glows like a secret: dim lights, cozy booths, and a standout cocktail list. The star? The Momo Royale. Their Wagyu burger comes tucked between two fluffy bao buns, layered with Japanese pickles and a rich umami sauce that ties it all together. It’s playful, indulgent, and unlike any other burger in Chicago. Where creativity meets comfort food.

Union

Union is the kind of neighborhood spot you keep coming back to, mostly because the burger never lets you down. It’s savory, well-seasoned, unfussy — exactly what you want it to be. The menu shifts, but the burger stays, and for good reason. Order it with an old-fashioned and the smashed potatoes, and you’ve got one of the most underrated burgers in Chicago.

Until next time, Chicago.