Chicago might be famous for deep-dish pizza and Italian beef, but the city's burger scene has quietly evolved into one of America's most exciting. This isn't a place content with simple classics—though you'll find those done to perfection. Chicago's burger culture embraces everything from painstakingly crafted smash burgers that require hours-long waits to luxurious patties made from wagyu and short rib that earned international recognition. Whether you're chasing Instagram-worthy creations or just craving a damn good cheeseburger, the Windy City delivers across neighborhoods from the West Loop to Wicker Park.
What makes Chicago's burger scene stand out is the sheer range. You can drop $8 on a wagyu smash burger that rivals anything three times the price, or splurge $25 on a creation that's been featured in Bon Appétit as one of the country's best. The city's chefs aren't afraid to experiment—Asian-fusion flavors, house-fermented ingredients, secret sauces that inspire cult followings—but they also respect tradition when it matters. These six spots represent the best of what Chicago's doing right now, each bringing something different to the table.
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Price Range | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Au Cheval | West Loop | $$ | Iconic double cheeseburger |
| The Loyalist | West Loop | $$$ | World-ranked gourmet burger |
| NADC Burger | Wicker Park | $ | Texas wagyu smash burgers |
| Mott St | Bucktown | $$ | Asian-fusion burger |
| Small Cheval | Multiple Locations | $$ | Fast-casual Au Cheval experience |
| Blue Door Kitchen & Garden | Gold Coast | $$ | Farm-to-table artisan burger |
Au Cheval: Chicago's Most Iconic Burger Experience
| Address | 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 |
|---|---|
| Website | auchevaldiner.com |
| Price Range | $$ (Burgers $17-19, add-ons extra) |
| Specialty | Double-patty cheeseburger with thick-cut bacon and fried egg |
| Must-Try | Single Cheeseburger with bacon and egg - $27 fully loaded |
If there's one burger that defines modern Chicago, it's Au Cheval's cheeseburger. Food Network declared it the best burger in the nation, and the crowds that form nightly—often resulting in two-to-three-hour waits on weekends—suggest Chicagoans agree. Located in the heart of the West Loop's restaurant row, this diner-style spot operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early or prepare to put your name down and explore the neighborhood.
Here's what you need to know: their "single" cheeseburger actually comes with two patties, and the "double" features three. The beef is perfectly seasoned, cooked on a flat-top until the edges crisp while the center stays juicy, then stacked with American cheese that melts into every crevice. But what elevates this from great to legendary is the optional add-ons. The thick-cut bacon brings a smoky crunch, while the fried egg—with its runny yolk acting as an additional sauce—transforms the burger into something that requires both hands and a serious napkin supply.
Beyond the burger, Au Cheval excels as a full-service diner with everything from chopped chicken liver to bone marrow. The atmosphere leans upscale-casual with attentive service, craft cocktails, and a dining room that somehow manages to feel both buzzy and intimate. Fair warning: they add a 3.25% surcharge to all checks, and sides like their crispy duck-fat fries run about $8. For those with dietary restrictions, the burger can be made gluten-free. But really, you're here for one thing, and Au Cheval delivers it better than just about anywhere.
The Loyalist: World-Class Burgers in a Basement Bar
| Address | 177 N Ada St, Lower Level, Chicago, IL 60607 |
|---|---|
| Website | smythandtheloyalist.com |
| Price Range | $$$ (Burgers $25 with frites included) |
| Specialty | Chuck, short rib, and bacon blend patty |
| Must-Try | The Loyalist OG Cheeseburger - $25 |
Tucked beneath Smyth, its three-Michelin-starred sibling restaurant, The Loyalist operates in an entirely different universe. This is where fine-dining chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields prove their skills translate just as well to a basement bar slinging burgers and natural wine. The space feels like a sophisticated speakeasy—dim lighting, intimate booths, and an energy that's equal parts refined and relaxed. And then there's the burger, which ranked 19th on the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants list and earned praise from Bon Appétit as one of the country's finest.
The patty itself is the star: a proprietary blend of chuck, short rib, and ground bacon that creates layers of flavor most burgers can't touch. That bacon integration gives the meat a subtle smokiness and richness without overwhelming the beef. You have two options—the Classic with smash-style patty, onion gastrique, and special sauce on a potato bun, or the Loyalist OG with pickled and charred onions on a sesame bun. Both come with a side of perfectly crispy frites, making the $25 price feel justified rather than inflated.
What sets The Loyalist apart isn't just technical execution—it's the entire experience. The burger arrives on a simple plate, no Instagram-chasing presentation, just impeccable ingredients prepared with precision. The onions have that perfect char-to-pickle balance, the bun stays structurally sound through the final bite, and the beef tastes like the best version of itself. Come for the burger, but don't skip the rest of the menu: oysters, creative small plates, and a wine list that could justify a visit on its own. Reservations are available through Tock, which is highly recommended for weekend dinners.
NADC Burger: Wagyu Smash Burgers That Deliver Flavor Over Hype
| Address | 1426 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 |
|---|---|
| Website | nadcburger.com |
| Price Range | $ (NADC Burger Jr. $8) |
| Specialty | Texas wagyu smash burgers with griddled onions |
| Must-Try | NADC Burger with jalapeños and secret sauce - $8 |
NADC stands for "Not A Damn Chance," which started as an inside joke between professional skateboarder Neen Williams and Michelin-starred chef Phillip Frankland Lee. What began as a friendship project has evolved into one of Chicago's best values in the burger world—Texas wagyu patties smashed thin with onions, topped with American cheese, jalapeños, pickles, and their proprietary "secret sauce," all for just $8.
The Wicker Park location captures the collaboration's irreverent spirit. It's casual, approachable, and focused: the menu is essentially burgers and fries, with a full bar for those who want a beer or cocktail alongside. The magic happens on the griddle, where they smash wagyu beef flat against the hot surface with griddled onions pressed directly into the meat. This technique creates those lacy, caramelized edges that smash burger devotees crave while the wagyu adds a buttery richness you don't typically find at this price point.
Don't expect frills or fancy presentation. The burger comes simple and honest—meat, cheese, pickles, jalapeños for those who want heat, all stacked on a soft bun that compresses beautifully on first bite. The secret sauce has a tangy-sweet profile that balances the richness without overwhelming the beef. It's the kind of burger you can crush on a weeknight without planning ahead or breaking the bank, but that easily holds up against spots charging two or three times as much. During warmer months, sidewalk seating makes it ideal for casual hang-outs. Hours extend until midnight Thursday through Saturday, perfect for late-night cravings.
Mott St: Asian-Fusion Meets Classic Burger Perfection
| Address | 1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 |
|---|---|
| Website | mottstreetchicago.com |
| Price Range | $$ (Burger pricing varies, typically $16-20) |
| Specialty | Half-pound burger with hoisin aioli and miso butter onions |
| Must-Try | Mott St Burger - available at the bar after 7pm |
Chef Edward Kim's Mott St earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its Asian-American feast-style dining, but locals know the real secret: the burger, typically available only at the bar after 7pm. This isn't some afterthought bar snack—it's a thoughtfully constructed half-pounder that brings Korean and Japanese flavors to the American classic without losing sight of what makes a great burger work.
The Mott St Burger features double chuck patties topped with sweet potato shoestrings for crunch, hoisin aioli for umami depth, pickled jalapeños for heat and acidity, dill pickles for classic burger tang, miso butter onions for savory sweetness, and American cheese to tie it all together. On paper, it sounds like it might be trying too hard. In practice, every element has a purpose, and the flavors build on each other rather than competing. The hoisin aioli brings that sweet-savory complexity, the miso butter onions add richness without greasiness, and the sweet potato strings provide textural contrast that regular fries couldn't match.
Located in Bucktown—sometimes described as Wicker Park or West Town depending on who's drawing the boundaries—Mott St operates as a full restaurant with fantastic Asian-fusion dishes beyond the burger. The space feels modern and energetic, perfect for date nights or group dinners. Reservations are recommended for the dining room, though the bar operates first-come, first-served. Call ahead at 773-687-9977 to confirm the burger's availability, as it's not always on the regular menu. Weekend brunch runs 10am-2pm if you want to explore their other offerings, but for the burger, evenings at the bar are your best bet.
Small Cheval: Au Cheval Quality Without the Wait
| Address | Multiple locations: 1345 N Wells St (Old Town), 1732 N Milwaukee Ave (Wicker Park), and 6 other Chicago-area spots |
|---|---|
| Website | smallcheval.com |
| Price Range | $$ (Signature Double Cheeseburger $11.99) |
| Specialty | Scaled-down Au Cheval experience with boozy milkshakes |
| Must-Try | Double Cheeseburger with Golden Fries - $16.98 combo |
For those who love Au Cheval but can't commit to the wait times, Small Cheval offers a brilliant solution. This fast-casual spinoff maintains the quality and technique of its parent restaurant while streamlining the experience across eight Chicago-area locations. You order at the counter, grab a number, and your burger arrives in minutes rather than hours. The trade-off? A slightly simplified menu and counter service instead of full table service. For most people, that's an easy call.
The Signature Double Cheeseburger at $11.99 delivers everything you want from the Au Cheval burger: well-seasoned beef patties cooked on a flat-top griddle until the edges crisp and caramelize, melted American cheese, and that perfectly balanced construction that holds together through every bite. You can still add bacon and a fried egg if you want the full experience. The Golden Fries at $4.99 are crispy, well-salted, and exactly what burger fries should be. Don't sleep on the boozy milkshakes—they're thick, indulgent, and available in flavors that pair surprisingly well with a rich cheeseburger.
With locations in Old Town, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, Wrigleyville, Fulton Market, Rosemont, Riverside, and Gold Coast/Aster Hall, you're rarely far from a Small Cheval. The Old Town spot at 1345 N Wells stays open until 10pm Sunday through Thursday and 11pm Friday and Saturday, making it reliable for late lunches or early dinners. The atmosphere skews casual—booths, simple decor, and a vibe that encourages you to enjoy your burger without ceremony. It's the kind of place that works equally well for a solo lunch or feeding a group of friends without reservations or planning. Small Cheval proves that accessibility doesn't have to mean compromising on quality.
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden: Farm-to-Table Burger Excellence
| Address | 52 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610 |
|---|---|
| Website | bluedoorkitchenchicago.com |
| Price Range | $$ (Menu prices vary, burgers typically $16-22) |
| Specialty | Farm-to-table comfort food by Chef Art Smith |
| Must-Try | Blue Door Burger - check current menu for seasonal variations |
Celebrity chef Art Smith's Blue Door Kitchen & Garden brings a different philosophy to Chicago's burger landscape. Located in the Gold Coast, this restaurant earned recognition in the 2024 Michelin Guide for its farm-to-table approach to American comfort food. Where other spots on this list focus on technique and tradition, Blue Door emphasizes ingredient sourcing and seasonal creativity, resulting in a burger that changes with what's fresh and available.
The restaurant itself feels like an oasis—bright, garden-inspired decor with an atmosphere that's upscale without being stuffy. It's the kind of place where you can bring parents visiting from out of town or celebrate a special occasion while still ordering a burger without feeling underdressed. Chef Smith's comfort food philosophy means the burger balances indulgence with quality ingredients: hormone-free beef, artisan buns, house-made condiments, and toppings that might include locally sourced produce or seasonal ingredients you won't find elsewhere.
What makes Blue Door worth including isn't just the burger—it's the complete package. The restaurant offers brunch, lunch, and dinner service, making it versatile for different occasions. The menu extends well beyond burgers into Southern-inspired comfort food, creative vegetable dishes, and desserts that justify saving room. Make reservations through OpenTable, especially for weekend brunch or dinner service. While it's harder to pin down specific burger details since the menu evolves seasonally, that's part of the appeal: you're getting something crafted around current ingredient quality rather than a static formula. Check their website or call ahead to see what burger creation they're currently featuring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average price for a burger in Chicago?
Burger prices in Chicago range from $8 for excellent smash burgers at NADC to $25 for world-class creations at The Loyalist. The sweet spot for quality burgers sits around $12-19, which gets you everything from Au Cheval's legendary cheeseburger to solid options at Small Cheval. Budget $20-30 total if you're including fries and a drink at most spots.
Do I need reservations for these burger restaurants?
It depends on the spot. Au Cheval doesn't take reservations and operates first-come, first-served, so expect significant waits during peak times. The Loyalist accepts reservations through Tock and strongly recommends them for weekends. Small Cheval and NADC are fast-casual with no reservations needed. Blue Door Kitchen takes reservations via OpenTable and recommends them. Mott St accepts reservations for the dining room, though the burger is typically available at the bar on a walk-in basis.
Which Chicago burger spot is best for avoiding long waits?
Small Cheval and NADC Burger offer the best combination of quality and minimal wait times. Both operate as fast-casual spots where you order at the counter and receive your burger within minutes. The Loyalist can be busy but reservations eliminate the wait. Blue Door Kitchen with a reservation also works well. Au Cheval is the only spot where long waits are essentially unavoidable during peak hours—arrive right when they open or plan for a leisurely evening.
Are there good vegetarian burger options at these restaurants?
While this guide focuses on beef burgers, most of these restaurants offer vegetarian options. Check individual menus on their websites for current offerings. Blue Door Kitchen, given its farm-to-table approach, typically features creative vegetarian dishes. For comprehensive vegetarian burger options in Chicago, you might want to explore spots that specialize in plant-based dining—the city has seen tremendous growth in this area recently.
What neighborhood has the best concentration of burger spots?
The West Loop dominates Chicago's burger scene with both Au Cheval and The Loyalist located within blocks of each other on Randolph and Ada Streets. Wicker Park/Bucktown offers strong options with NADC Burger, Small Cheval, and Mott St all nearby. This makes either neighborhood ideal for burger-focused food tours or having backup options if your first choice has an unreasonable wait.
Final Thoughts: Chicago's Burger Scene Deserves Its Recognition
Chicago's burger evolution reflects the city's broader food culture—innovative without abandoning tradition, diverse in approach but uncompromising on execution, and accessible across price points. Whether you're dropping $8 at NADC or $25 at The Loyalist, you're getting something crafted with care by people who understand what makes a great burger work. The city's range means you can chase Michelin-recognized creations one night and crush a perfect smash burger the next, and neither experience feels inferior.
What ties these spots together isn't a single style or approach—it's a commitment to doing burgers right, whatever that means for each restaurant's vision. Au Cheval perfected the diner burger and turned it into destination dining. The Loyalist brought fine-dining technique to bar food and earned international recognition. NADC proved that wagyu beef doesn't require premium pricing. Mott St demonstrated that global flavors can enhance rather than obscure what makes burgers great. Small Cheval showed that fast-casual can maintain quality standards. Blue Door Kitchen connected burgers to seasonal ingredients and farm-to-table philosophy.
Together, these six restaurants represent the best of what Chicago's serving right now. The burger scene continues evolving—new spots open, techniques get refined, trends come and go—but these places have earned their spots through consistency, quality, and delivering experiences that justify return visits. Skip the deep-dish tourist traps and head straight for one of these burgers. Your stomach will thank you.