Best Burgers in Chicago (2025)

Chicago’s modern-diner icon: thin, griddled patties with American cheese, Dijonnaise, and pickles, served in the heart of the West Loop. Frequently featured by Time Out Chicago and praised by national critics for setting the bar.

Downstairs from three-star Smyth, this neighborhood spot turns out the OG Cheeseburger with onions four ways on a sesame bun. Featured in Condé Nast Traveler and lauded by local critics for big umami and perfect construction.

The Mott Burger layers double patties with miso butter, hoisin aioli, sweet potato frizzles, pickled jalapeños, and American cheese. Highlighted on Eater Chicago’s best-burgers map and beloved by locals; bar service runs the burger late.

Bucktown’s tavern channels old Chicago with a lacy-edged smashburger, house pickles, and sauce. Praised by Chicago Magazine and local food writers; it’s the burger you want with a cold beer and a neighborhood game on.

Roscoe Village’s Indiana-style smashburger shop makes crispy-edged doubles with its tangy Region sauce. Included in Time Out Chicago’s 2025 list and celebrated by neighborhood regulars for its throwback griddle flavor.

Inside the historic Monadnock, a French bistro turns out a steak-and-butter burger with Gruyère and red onion relish. Recognized by Eater Chicago and spotlighted by local media; beef-fat fries complete the Paris-by-Loop experience.

West Town’s intimate steakhouse serves the Haus Burger with onions and boeuf-fat fries, a cult favorite noted on Eater Chicago’s burger guide and praised by locals for serious beefy depth.

A Humboldt Park wine bar with a cult 25‑day dry‑aged Slagel Farm burger, white cheddar, and bacon aioli. Featured by Condé Nast Traveler; locals pair it with natural wine and low-markup bottles.

Portage Park’s family-run spot turns out a hefty double cheeseburger with caramelized onions and American cheese. Included in Time Out Chicago’s 2025 burger guide and praised by The Infatuation.

Logan Square’s cocktail bar serves the Gretel Griddle Burger with dual American cheeses, garlic aioli, pickles, and an everything bun. Endorsed by The Infatuation and frequently shouted out by local burger obsessives.