Charlie Beinlich's

Classic old school bar and restaurant that looks like it hasn’t changed for decades, but the outdoor seating is updated. Service was top notch and the food was excellent. Nostalgia at its best!

Hands down the best burger I’ve ever had. Cool cash only joint with great service. Most of the workers have been there a long time which speaks volumes. Highly recommend!

Wow, what a nice little surprise. Small menu, no prices for the food or drinks. Menu is placed on the wall. I found the shrimp cocktail to be delicious, as well as the grilled cheese sandwich and the wine. My colleague enjoyed the burger. Nice little surprise place.

If you havent eaten a burger here, then you havent eaten a burger period. This long standing bar is the best place around to get a solid burger, chili and frosty heinken on tap. Cash only!

I came here following the recommendation in George Motz's "Hamburger America" book and I can tell you the recommendation was spot on. The burger, and the entire place is terrific. In a trip that included 10 burger joints in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, Charlie Beinlich's was the best.

The single party cheeseburger I had was very simple but tasted great. You can tell the beef is fresh and high quality. It melts in your mouth. It’s a pretty big patty so you probably don’t need a double unless you’re starving. I added the grilled onions and those only amplified the taste. The fries were good too but they don’t come out salted so I had to add my own.

The wait was some of the longest I've experienced in the Northbrook area, over half an hour for a burger and fries. Burger itself was solid, but I wouldn't say it was anything special. Prices weren't listed but ended up being fairly reasonable, with a burger with everything being around 15.50. outdoor seating was also really nice but overall a middling experience.

Heard from a friend for the famous burger from Charlie Beinlich's. After a while I was in neighborhood so decided to stop by and try it out. Coming in was different than usual pubs that you go. Very old school looking place, feeling is like a cabin deep in forest in 1950's. A lot of wood, fish on walls etc.. There's no menu on tables, there's black board by the bar and there are not many options, burger/cheeseburger, roast beef & shrimp cocktail. There are no prices either. Server was food runner, bartender and server, like back in Europe. I went with double cheeseburger, if you want fries it costs extra and it comes with coleslaw as well, which I don't care for. I put lettuce and mayo, very basic, I wanted to taste meat mostly. The meat was moist, very GOOD QUALITY ground beef, not seasoned too much, but cheese and mayo helped it with taste, I was very satisfied, it is really one of the best burgers I ever had. I believe for most people single burger is enough (it's 1/3 of a pound), I was really hungry and went with double. I don't understand people saying "overpriced", "mcdonalds could save you money" Sure but it's about quality of meat, so I don't agree with those comments and people sayin receipts are written on paper bla bla, I mean people just complaining about not important stuff, menus, receipts, price.. It was 40$ for 2 people, and it was worth every single penny!! This place is CASH ONLY. Huge recommendation for everyone to try Charlie's burger.

Love it , Always the same and that's a good thing , great value wonderful burger And fries and a good drink . Servers are always so nice

Food is healthy and amazingly good. 5 stars. No excess salt! Usually get a ham sandwich, but got a chicken Caesar wrap yesterday. Had lunch today from second half. REMEMBER to bring cash.

This spot has not changed in the many years I've been visiting and I appreciate them for it. The burger is just as good as I remember it, same w the shrimp cocktail. They're def still pouring the sodas from a 2 liter bottle as well. They only take cash! Service is excellent. If you're in the mood for a juicy burger and crunchy fries, visit Beinlichs. They have a large parking lot, which is always nice.

I stop in at Beinlich's about once a year for a little nostalgia and a great burger. Dad told me my grandfather knew Charlie from someplace or other.. that generation was pretty interesting and it seems like everyone knew each other from all the stuff they used to do together. They were used to it because they grew up before TV was a thing and even radio was still pretty new. So people joined all these social clubs, went out dancing and drank and stuff. Anyway, Beinlich's has been here forever and really stands out in contrast to the surrounding area now, which it strip malls, car dealerships and corporate offices. They have a very small menu but what they have they do really well. And don't expect a burger with a bunch of fancy stuff on it. A truly great burger doesn't need all that and Beinlich's has a great pub burger. Fresh beef delivered daily, no Sysco frozen patties here. Service has always been friendly and prompt, but they are busy at dinnertime on weekends so be aware. Ambiance is like my grandparents basement bar/party room or Resi's Bierstube in Chicago. Lots of vintage beer signs, fish on the walls, wood paneling. Really cozy and there's a lot to look at while you have lunch. Cash only, so stop at the ATM before you come. I love Charlie Beinlich's and please never change.

I've always heard this is the best place in the Chicagoland area for hamburgers. After many years of hearing this, today I went. It was a GREAT BURGER! Fabulously delicious. I HIGHLY recommend it. It lives up to the hype. I only take 1 star off, because it's cash only. There is an ATM in there. It's a still a yes! From me!!

This place is the kind of place I would open, if I was to open a bar/restaurant. Simple menu, done right. Service done professionally and with a touch of class. It's like the north woods of Wisconsin meets suburban Chicago. Shrimp cocktail was clean, fresh and with zippy cocktail sauce. Burgers are melt in your mouth. Quality ingredients. Everything fresh and on point. Obviously this place has a lil special place in my heart and I'd hope others can see how that is. This place is a well oiled machine, and with that dedication to excellence, it deserves my 5 stars. Keep up the great work and stay a great institution of the past.

Came to this long standing icon. It's a great quaint bar with sports games on and what looks like a crowd of regulars. I can see why it's homey and the staff incredibly "on it". Service outstanding. Not a huge selection of wines mainly a beer and spirits place. Had a Gin and Tonic which was perfect. Had a burger w fries. The slaw was outstanding. The feature of the entree. The burger was really good sized probably a1/3 pound or more. cooked perfectly as I asked. Flavor was okay. Fries were just okay. Not crispy on the outside like I like them. Small menu. 8 items. No more.

This is a cool old school multigenerational family Tavern. The menu has eight items on it; they have been serving them for years. Their beer list is good. If You don't like this place; I don't like You. Have a Nice Day.

My husband grew up going here. He was excited to take me there. It was nice to share his memories. At the end of the day it is crowded. Tables very close to each other. It is just a good burger. Yes, I will go back with him.

The more things change the more they stay the same. This is true for Charlie Beinlich's Food & Tap. Nothing has changed about the interior decor. I have been visiting Beinlich's (as known to the locals) since the mid-80s and I can honestly say that nothing has changed. From the menu to the wood-paneled covered walls to the fish hanging dead center above the bar; nothing has changed. I visited last night with my Burger Club (we visit local places that are known for their burgers. Recommendations come from locals, social media posts about local burger joints, and reputable articles in local print media. We do not do this for free food. It's our opinions. And we rate the burgers on a 0 to 5 scale. Beinlich's received a 3.25. We first started with their well-known shrimp cocktails. We had two for the table. They were medium sized shrimp doused in cocktail sauce. I could do with a lot less sauce and a little lemon. There was a lemon wedge that added a little zest to the shrimp, but the sauce overpowered the taste of the shrimp. The burgers were pretty good. The bottom bun barely held up to the juiciness of the burger...which one would think was then bursting with flavor. Not so much. If the burger recipe has held true since the place opened in the 1950s, one would think the burgers had good flavor. The opposite is true here. There was little flavor, but it was overly juicy which left you with the flavor of whatever you added to your burger. In my case, the cheddar, pickles and mustard. I could taste all three, including the bun, which left little room for the meaty profile of their fresh burgers that are delivered daily from Lakeside Farms in Winnetka, IL. The fries were made perfectly and were quite tasty. The burgers also come with cole slaw. I'm not a slaw guy, but I traded pickles for slaw with one of the guys in my group as long as he rated the slaw. He said it was very good and on the creamy side (not vinegar). For a Tuesday night, the place was packed consistently until they closed at 9pm. Make no mistake, this is a local pub and the locals come out for the decent food, drinks (which are quite inexpensive for a pub), and ambience of their local watering hole. It's cash only, so be prepared.

Back to Beinlich's after 25 years living out of state. Nothing has changed. Same woodsy charm with fish on the walls. Maybe the food hasn't changed but I have. Limited menu burger, grilled cheese, cole slaw. Fries only fair. And it's just not that good. Maybe in the 70's or 80s it was but not now. Unremarkable.

Awesome shrimp cocktail, burgers and chili. Always friendly attentive service and generous drinks.

There's some nostalgia here for sure but ... This place is a dump plain and simple. I LOVE burgers and fries, and that's most of their menu, and still when I started eating their food in 2024 you couldn't pay me to finish it. Seriously it looks classic from the outside but really you can get a better burger at a fraction of the cost next door at McDonald's

Beinlich's: Anytime, anywhere in my life, if ever I feel I may be too picky or demanding, I will remember Beinlich's. I have never had anything less than a perfect meal here and today was no exception. The food came fast, was perfectly cooked, hot, fantabulous, and we needed lots of napkins. We had cheeseburgers and fries; the only thing we've ever ordered. Our burgers were juicy and flavorful. The raw onion was generous (deliciously huge), the lettuce and pickles were moist and crunchy. The fries were screaming hot; crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and stayed that way for several minutes. Our server, Jason, was friendly and helpful. We thought we were coming for a late lunch at 1:30 PM but most of the tables were occupied. Loved it. Beinlich's remains one of the very few things one can still count on. If you've never been, get here ASAP. If you haven't been in a while, come back! They do not accept cash or reservations.

Probably the best burgers on north shore. I have not tried nothing else on the menu besides the cheeseburger. It's a cash only establishment -- dinner time the bar is always packed.

Charlie Beinlich's has been a Northbrook institution for over 70 years and a staple of my family's. My Grandpa used to drink with Charlie back in the day. My parents celebrated their engagement here with their friends and shut the place down. I've been coming here since I was born, and one day hope to bring my own children here! Three generations of my family have been coming to Beinlich's and it's a tradition I cherish. Not a whole lot has changed either....which is a rarity nowadays! Same decor, wood paneling and felt board menu hung above the corner of the bar. Top notch service. Killer shrimp cocktail. And the best burger in the world. Juicy, flavorful and doesn't need any extras. Fries come out hot and crispy. They use the most quality ingredients and family recipes. Their coleslaw is a triumph and some of the best you'll ever have. And the things that have changed? An ATM machine near the coat rack--Beinlich's is and has always been cash only. A new outdoor patio space--wonderful for those warm Chicagoland months!

This place is another local staple. Menu is small and to the point. The burger and fries are amazing and if you wanna watch a college football game we love to come in and sit at the bar. It's been around for ages and it's just a great spot all around. There's a bar also so if you want a beer or cocktail you're set!

Went here w/the bf after the after hours orchid show. Friendly good prompt service. I had a miller light on draft and the cheeseburger. The bf had a bbq beef sandwich and an old style. If we are ever in the area again, we'll def be back.

Old school bar with limited but delicious menu. Very high quality shrimp cocktail. Menu includes grilled cheese, hamburger/cheese burger/wraps/chili. Drinks are generously poured. No reservations, no credit cards. There is an ATM. Plenty of parking.

First time. Intimidating not to have a menu with prices. I understand it is a schtick, but not welcome. I had a delicious shrimp cocktail. Fresh, great cocktail sauce with real horseradish. Maybe if I get a membership card, I will feel more at home.

The chicken Cesar wrap is incredible!!! It's a sleeper on the menu for sure, the Cesar dressing is so good!

We went, 2 adults and an 8 year old. No prices on menu, no kids meals, cash only and old place hasn't been remodeled in 40 years. The 3 of us had a burger and fries, 8 YO had a lemonade, I had a glass of wine (cheap house wine quality) and friend had a 7 and 7. Bill was $98 before tip. Burger was good, but $40 for a burger, fries and a cheap glass of wine is ridiculous.

Hands down my FAVORITE cheese burger of all time! Also make sure to get the shrimp cocktail to start! You won't be disappointed!

We stopped at Charlie Beinlich's on the way home from Waukegan Harbor. Having grown up in Northfield I remember my parents going there for a big night out. The first thing I noticed was the cleanliness of the restaurant due to sitting at the bar. The liquor bottles are lined up perfectly and immaculate. The mustard and ketchup and other condiments were pristine. The waiter's aprons and white shirts were starched and spot free! I ordered the grill cheese and asked for a tomato. Charlie's does not have tomatoes. The waiter offered grilled onions which were perfect. Hands down the best grill cheese ever. The coleslaw was delicious and creamy. The pickles the right kind of sour. The restaurant is an absolute gem on the Northshore!

Charlie Beinlich's is a throw back to a different time. It's an old school bar with friendly and efficient service and a sparkling clean but dated dining room. We went on a Saturday night around 7 pm. There was a short wait both for the dining room and outside patio. Beinlich's offers a full bar with a basic beer selection (no craft beers here) and a limited wine offering. From what we could tell soda comes from two liter bottles versus a soda gun. The menu hangs on the wall with no prices. The options are limited - chili, shrimp cocktail, and some burgers and sandwiches. My husband ordered a bowl of chili which I tried and thought was good. We both had burgers. The burgers come with raw or grilled onions and pickle chips on the side. They'll add lettuce or mayo on request but don't have tomato. Burgers come with cole slaw and fries. We both thought the burger was decent. If you go to Charlie Beinlich's bring cash or your ATM card for their ATM because it's cash only.

The best burger you'll find in the the North Shore, in the most unassuming spot. It is a bit crammed, but it's cozy! I typically only go on the weeknights to avoid longer waits, and I usually get a table for four within 10-15 minutes. The menu is small but mighty. As long as you enjoy fresh Shrimp Cocktail and a juicy, tasty burger, you will leave very satisfied!

The best old school Bar and Burger. Been going for years. Regularly busy no reservations and never too long a wait.. and worth it

My wife and I went on a Saturday night. The food was average, at best. (We had a deluxe hamburger and deluxe cheeseburger.) They were not worth the long wait-- with no updates or apologies from our waiter. We weren't the only ones waiting; a nearby table clapped when their food arrived. I had to ask for napkins. Given the incredibly limited menu, the fact that the wait was long (for this type of fare), the service subpar, and the food very ordinary, I couldn't believe all the high reviews I saw for this place.

One of my all time favorite burgers! This place hasn't been remodeled since it has been built. Very old school. Cash only, but they do have an ATM in the lobby

This place is an amazing gem probably only known to locals. A tiny establishment reminiscent of a quaint supper club in the UP with knotty pine walls! Limited menu but superb food and service. BBQ beef sandwich is the best! Don't miss the shrimp cocktail or Mrs. B's original chili!!! This is one of Chicago's best! Worth the drive Northshore!!!

Fast and pleasant service. Food is delicious! The staff is always nice and accommodating.

A classic bar with great cheeseburgers. Everyone eating there has been there a number of times, just like your parents and grandparents did. The waitstaff is extremely efficient ( no menus) and it is cash only.

The best cheeseburgers, hands down. Great French fries and delicious coleslaw. It's an old time tavern with great servers.

This restaurant has the best food, drinks, and service, especially the tuna melt, burger, and Bloody Mary. A favorite of ours!

Decent food, moderate wait time and sort of crowded though. Some people are die hard fans of this place but honestly it's just not my cup of tea.

Limited menu but best burgers ever. Ambiance could use some work, it's so crammed it's uncomfortable to eat in there. The service is always on point though! Just wish they would expand or remove some tables so you can breathe in there instead of constantly getting an ass or crotch in the face when someone walks by your table.

Great burgers and chili here. The place hasn't changed in 40 years Great bar and service.

Good dive bar! I had a fantastic burger and fries. I wish the menu was a little bit bigger, but have no complaints about the food. Service was good, too.

Unpleasant consistency of burgers It's been years since we last ate here and it'll be years until I return. Despite the allegiance of their faithful customers, this tired, fire trap of a restaurant is overpriced and overrated. The burgers tonight tasted like mush, with an unpleasant texture and no taste beyond my raw onions. Whether the burgers were undercooked, made from high fat content meat or juiced out into the bun both of us had the same conclusion we shared while driving home. I find their fries are nothing better than bagged Costco frozen fries and the cole slaw is runny. I'd have given it a 2 but there is an old school ambiance which many enjoy, and I usually do, if the food is good. Lots of other cute old bars like this including Meier's in Glenview which has a better selection of beers on tap and,amazingly, better food. I have no desire to return!

I come here at least once or twice a month and it's pretty good. It's a burger joint with decent burgers and fries. They don't serve tomatoes btw but you can have either grilled or raw onions. Service is efficient and friendly and when it's nice out they have a small outdoor patio on the side facing the parking lot. Nuttin fancy but it does the job. Cash only so make sure you go to the atm first!

It's the very best hasn't changed one bit in 60 years! Bravo! Love the BBQ beef and fries!

Old school bar with simple delicious food. I like the burger, chili and BbQ beef. You feel like you walked into a 1950s time capsule with the ambiance. Service is always polite and speedy. Cash only.

It doesn't get better than Beinlich's - insane burger, but hidden menu item; chicken Caesar wrap!! Can't go wrong with anything!!

Great suburban burger in an old school classic setting. Tastes fresh and perfect every time. Great fries also. I like driving to this place. Easy to park and the staff is great.

Classic retro dive burger restaurant that feels like a Wisconsin aupper club/post-fishing bar in an upscale Chicago suburb. They have figured out the 'special sauce' to be successful for many decades. Congrats to them! Bring cash!

Have so much negative info with my experience at this place. I went here about 15 years ago in the place. Basically sucked and was the worst burger I've ever had. I swear I would never go back. 15 years later. A good friend of mine. Recommended this place. I told him they were nuts. After contemplating I decided to humor them and go back in case something changed. Well it did in fact change. I ordered a cheeseburger with everything and it came out with no lettuce and no tomato. I asked for the sides and he said he could charge me for the lettuce and they do not have tomato. Yeah that's right. No tomato on a cheeseburger. Food still sucked. And the cash only policy is still enforce without relevant attempts to publicize it. Place is a hyped joke. Stay away from it

Why did I wait so long to try them out? I live right down the street. Ordered a cheeseburger w/American for pick up and it was cool exactly as requested! Nice touch of having the bun toasted. The fries are crinkle cut and they were nice and crispy. Also comes with cole slaw and it was nice and creamy like cole slaw should be! I forgot to order the burger with the grilled onions but I will next time as we'll definitely be back! Just a reminder it's cash only and they'll give you the amount over the phone.

Probably the best burger I've had in my life. You get the option of medium rare or medium, with American/Cheddar/Swiss cheese, and grilled/raw onions which makes it very juicy and savory. This was the first Burger I've never had to put any condiment on to enjoy every bite. $16 for a cheese burger, fries, and slaw.

Great burgers, old school atmosphere. This legendary Northbrook establishment has become a popular choice among our weekly lunch group. I've heard, and seen, that all of their food is great here. There's a ham and cheese sandwich, shrimp cocktail, and a few other simply prepared items. But there's only one item on their menu that I have tried. Cheddar burger deluxe. Grilled onions. If you like a straight forward, no frills, traditional cheeseburger with french fries and cole slaw on the side, Charlie Beinlich's is the place. Service is spot on, drinks refilled promptly and without prompting, and the kitchen staff knows what it's doing. Check out the game on the big screen, or stare at the fish hanging on the wall. Cash only. ATM on site.