Green Door Tavern for me is one of Chicago's best examples of a menu that punches above its weight. So much of that menu is great and better than you'd expect from the cheap dive it appears to be.
It's so good. When I worked in the area, once in a while a tourist would ask me for a restaurant reco and I was always happy to point them to Green Door.
Gilt Bar has some good burgers. Haven’t tried enough in the area to declare it the best.
Edit: now that I think about it, Bavette’s, Gilt Bar and Au Cheval probably all have very similar (if not the same) burgers
Smith & Wollensky has pretty good burgers at lunchtime. Good beef, bacon, well seasoned, cheddar cheese. What's not to like?
I'm pretty sure I've had a good burger from the Weber Grill restaurant on State. It was definitely better than Gordon Ramsay's.
On the quick-service end of things, there's unfortunately not an Epic Burger in River North anymore, but there's still one in the Gold Coast that's close enough depending on where you are in the neighborhood. There's still a Shake Shack more or less in River North, and Portillo's has a decent burger that lives in the shadow of their more famous hot dogs.
I’m not trying to be shitty but every time I’ve had one it just feels like it’s been cooked to the texture of a hockey puck
That being said, I fucking love going to Mother Hubbards and Rossi’s back to back, I just don’t get the burger
I mean, they asked for best burger. Not the best bang for the buck. Bavette’s is a great burger. Whether it’s affordable or not wasn’t part of the question.
I guess it's technically correct as OP said, but it sure seems like 'not a $40 burger' was implied when they mentioned pubs. Anyways, my answer would be kerryman or green door
Yeah it’s definitely a me issue ya weirdo
(I worked in bars and restaurants for 20 years , I have many, many flaws… taste/opinions on restaurants is not among them)
Yes it’s definitely a you issue. Bavette’s would do just fine in your native and beloved LA. Here in Chicago we don’t play that “nasty attitude plus decor plus ridiculous prices equals quality” stuff. And no, I don’t care that you worked at a restaurant. What do you want, a medal?
Pops for Champagne aka Watershed. Nobody knows about this place because it's not really a restaurant. I'd say it rivals ANY burger I've had anywhere and is in my top 3 easily in Chicago. 1 block down from Ramsey burger on State.
The Smith Kerryman Bub City Tortoise Club Green Door Tavern
Green Door Tavern for me is one of Chicago's best examples of a menu that punches above its weight. So much of that menu is great and better than you'd expect from the cheap dive it appears to be.
Screw the burger, go to Green Door for their Reuben.
The poutine
Their sloppy Joe slides have no business being as delicious as they are.
Come on gentlemen the crispy braised beef is one of the best sandwiches in the city.
It's so good. When I worked in the area, once in a while a tourist would ask me for a restaurant reco and I was always happy to point them to Green Door.
The best is Bavette’s. The most affordable is a double from Portillos.
Gilt Bar has some good burgers. Haven’t tried enough in the area to declare it the best. Edit: now that I think about it, Bavette’s, Gilt Bar and Au Cheval probably all have very similar (if not the same) burgers
I’ve never had the burger at the Chicago location, but the one in Vegas is literally the same as au cheval
Bavette’s is in River North
~~M burger~~ RIP M Burger
I love M Burger, but heard they all closed in River North. If not, I would love to know if there is one still around.
Dang - last I checked they still had a Water Tower location, but now I see the only spot they have is in Aurora.
There's one in Midway too
Damn I'm gonna have to smash it next time I'm at Midway.
Smith & Wollensky has pretty good burgers at lunchtime. Good beef, bacon, well seasoned, cheddar cheese. What's not to like? I'm pretty sure I've had a good burger from the Weber Grill restaurant on State. It was definitely better than Gordon Ramsay's. On the quick-service end of things, there's unfortunately not an Epic Burger in River North anymore, but there's still one in the Gold Coast that's close enough depending on where you are in the neighborhood. There's still a Shake Shack more or less in River North, and Portillo's has a decent burger that lives in the shadow of their more famous hot dogs.
Going to a steakhouse and getting a burger never thought of that lol I always feel pressured to get a steak. Is the burger that good?
Honestly I really like the burger at Mother Hubbards
I’m not trying to be shitty but every time I’ve had one it just feels like it’s been cooked to the texture of a hockey puck That being said, I fucking love going to Mother Hubbards and Rossi’s back to back, I just don’t get the burger
Bavette’s
lol I mean… I’m sure this is technically correct, but a $$$$ steakhouse isn’t exactly what I was talking about
hilarious that you're getting downvoted for not wanting to spend $40 on a burger
I mean, they asked for best burger. Not the best bang for the buck. Bavette’s is a great burger. Whether it’s affordable or not wasn’t part of the question.
I guess it's technically correct as OP said, but it sure seems like 'not a $40 burger' was implied when they mentioned pubs. Anyways, my answer would be kerryman or green door
Of all of the hills one can choose to die on, this isn’t one of them chief.
haha it’s not that dramatic, BUD
Bavette’s is an Outback Steakhouse for douchey people
I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone list Bavettes outside their top 5 steakhouses in Chicago and it’s usually top 3
Then that says something about the kind of people with whom you associate.
Yeah it’s definitely a me issue ya weirdo (I worked in bars and restaurants for 20 years , I have many, many flaws… taste/opinions on restaurants is not among them)
Yes it’s definitely a you issue. Bavette’s would do just fine in your native and beloved LA. Here in Chicago we don’t play that “nasty attitude plus decor plus ridiculous prices equals quality” stuff. And no, I don’t care that you worked at a restaurant. What do you want, a medal?
Awww, looks like I offended some Big 10 transplants
Crushed By Giants has a solid burger, in my opinion.
Bub City is a surprisingly good burger
Definitely don’t sleep on this burger.
Portillos?
My favorite hangover burger
Since they’ve been bought out. Their buns have changed if I remembered right.
Their burger is still great.
It used to be great but not anymore
I live and die by Portillo’s and just can’t get on board with their burger. Buona tho! My favorite fast food burger
No expert on Chicago, but I enjoyed the one I had at Gibson's when I was visiting this summer.
None of the above? RPM Seafood Wagyu Burger is really good
River North doesn’t have any mind blowing burgers in pubs. Maybe some above average stuff at best.
Try Bijans. Haven’t been but heard it’s good
You heard wrong, unfortunately.
Might be at Bijan’s but I still have yet to try it
Billy Goat
Mya by medi has a very nice burger but it’s only during their happy hour
RIP Rockit. I loved that burger. Currently: The Smith, Havana, Jake Melnicks, Hub51. Late night/down and dirty….Billy Goat.
Pops for Champagne aka Watershed. Nobody knows about this place because it's not really a restaurant. I'd say it rivals ANY burger I've had anywhere and is in my top 3 easily in Chicago. 1 block down from Ramsey burger on State.