Bernie's Chicago

"Bernie’s has closed again, having previously shut down from October 2020 to April 2021. The restaurant, which is part of Peas & Carrots Hospitality, plans to reopen in the spring." - Ashok Selvam

"Some things don’t make sense: the Bermuda Triangle, who framed Roger Rabbit, algebra, Bernie’s existence in River North. In a sea of loud and crowded spots, Bernie’s can feel like an oasis. The dining room never gets busy but doesn’t turn into a sh*show, and has wood floors, bright blue booths, and an open bar and kitchen that make everything look cool. Plus, their food is good - the wide-ranging menu has tasty pizzas, entrees like rabbit gnocchi and tacu tacu, and a truly excellent burger. The atmosphere is also good for a number of occasions: weekend dinner with friends, date night during the week, and even a solo session at the bar for a burger and beer. And since Bernie’s is on the quieter west side of River North, it has a relaxed rooftop we really appreciate. The tables are far enough apart to make it feel extra spacious, and they have an expanded awning so you can hang here even when it rains. And it happens to be an ideal spot to hang in the neighborhood when all you want is a cocktail and a really great burger. Food Rundown Meatballs Good meatballs, good spicy tomato sauce, good burrata. Can’t ask for much more. Cheeseburger In the mood for a burger? Don’t be shy. This is an excellent, simple burger, with aioli, onions, and dill pickle. Add bacon or an egg if you want, but it’s not necessary. The bun pulls it all together. Hummus With Lamb Delicious lamb comes in the middle of a plateful of hummus with a bit of olive oil, pine nuts, and pomegranate seeds. The pita bread brings it all together, although it’s really more of a pita-paratha hybrid." - Sam Faye

"Bernies has one of our favorite rooftops in River North, and one of the best burgers in Chicago—a pork belly and short rib patty covered in a thick blanket of cheese, pickles, and garlic aioli on a perfectly toasted bun. So we think it’s worth letting you know that they recently covered their rooftop bar and it’s full of heaters. So you can stay warm, enjoy the view, and try to forget that winter exists." - adrian kane

"We really appreciate catching up with people on the relaxed rooftop at Bernie’s Lunch & Supper. The tables here are far enough apart to make it feel extra spacious, and they just expanded their awning too so it’s nice and shaded. You can still eat here even when it rains, and more importantly, they have Happy Hour from 4:30-6:30pm with drink specials and snacks like wings and sliders. Also important: You have been saving episodes of Mare of Eastown and will get home with enough time to watch them all." - adrian kane

"Bernie’s is excellent at a lot of things – burgers, gnocchi, short rib, and of course, craft cocktails. They pour up their version of the gin and tonic – the Fruity – by mixing The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, limoncello, elderflower tonic, and a butterfly pea flower infusion." - team infatuation