The best burgers in Illinois are in Chicago, one of the strongest burger cities in the country. Start with Au Cheval and The Loyalist in the West Loop, add a "cheezborger" at Billy Goat Tavern, and then work through the Northwest Side smash burger scene at Charly's Burgers and Chubby Boys.
This roundup draws on the restaurants in our Chicago burger guide, grouped by style and neighborhood. A few of the city's best burgers are pop-ups inside other bars, so check social media for current schedules before you go.
What makes Chicago burgers different
Chicago doesn't have a single regional style, but it has a few strong habits. One is the thin, griddled double cheeseburger, served at late-night stands and diners. Another is the bar burger with a story, like Billy Goat Tavern's. The most recent is a boom in smash burger pop-ups and bar residencies, which has made Chicago one of the country's busiest smash burger cities.
When you're choosing where to go, think about:
- Gourmet or griddle: the West Loop's famous plates are sit-down splurges, while stands and counters are quick and cheap.
- Pop-up schedules: some top smash burgers run only on certain days inside host bars.
- Neighborhood: Chicago is spread out, so group your stops by area.
West Loop: the famous plates
- Au Cheval: the burger people travel for. Stacked thin patties, American cheese, pickles and dijonnaise on a buttery bun. It's extremely popular, so expect a wait and try off-peak hours.
- The Loyalist: a basement bar nearby whose cheeseburger, made from a patty that includes chuck, short rib and bacon and finished with plenty of caramelized onions, has a national cult following.
Doing both in one trip? They're close enough to pair, but you'll want to share. Our best gourmet burgers page has more chef-driven picks.
Wicker Park, Logan Square and the Northwest Side: smash burgers
- Shorty's: a pop-up inside a Wicker Park bar, known for smash burgers with a crispy fried-cheese skirt and bacon jam.
- Chubby Boys: a Logan Square smash burger loaded with cherry peppers, bacon jam and fried onions. It runs inside a host bar, so check its schedule.
- Charly's Burgers: a counter in Hermosa that works bacon right into the beef patty and tops it with American cheese and grilled onions.
New to the style? Read smash burger vs. regular burger, or browse the best smash burgers page.
Lakeview and Roscoe Village: griddle stands
- Red Hot Ranch: a late-night stand in Lakeview for griddled double cheeseburgers in the In-N-Out mold, with other locations around the city. It has been reported as cash-only.
- The Region: a Roscoe Village counter that presses its patties so thin they spill past the bun. The name nods to Northwest Indiana, which locals call "the Region."
Downtown and the South Side: the classics
- Billy Goat Tavern: a Chicago landmark on Lower Michigan Avenue, below street level. Order a double "cheezborger" in a room long tied to the city's newspaper reporters. Its rapid-fire counter inspired a famous Saturday Night Live sketch.
- Top-Notch Beefburgers: in Beverly on the South Side, serving straightforward beef burgers with classic toppings since the 1940s.
For quick, budget-friendly stops, our best cheap burgers in Chicago page rounds up more.
How to plan a Chicago burger day
- Start in the West Loop at an off-peak hour. An early lunch at Au Cheval beats a Saturday night wait.
- Head northwest for smash burgers. Wicker Park, Logan Square and Hermosa are close enough to cover in one afternoon.
- Check pop-up schedules the day before. Shorty's and Chubby Boys cook out of other businesses.
- Save a griddle stand for late. Red Hot Ranch is built for late-night cheeseburgers.
- Bring cash. Not every counter takes cards.
Beyond Chicago
Our Illinois coverage is Chicago-focused for now. If you know a great burger in the suburbs, Springfield, Peoria or downstate, suggest a spot and we'll look into it.
What to order at each stop
- Au Cheval: the cheeseburger with its stacked thin patties, American cheese, pickles and dijonnaise. It's rich, so share if you have more stops.
- The Loyalist: the cheeseburger, heavy on caramelized onions. It's a full meal, so pace yourself if you're also doing Au Cheval.
- Billy Goat Tavern: a double "cheezborger" and a cold drink. Part of the fun is the quick back-and-forth at the counter.
- Charly's Burgers: the bacon-in-the-patty burger with American cheese and grilled onions.
- Red Hot Ranch: a griddled double cheeseburger, ideally late at night.
Planning a route around one area? Pair Au Cheval with The Loyalist in the West Loop, or Chubby Boys with Charly's on the Northwest Side.
Make a Chicago-style burger at home
The Au Cheval-style stack is thin patties, lots of cheese and a soft, buttery bun. Our ultimate smash burger recipe gets you the thin, crusty patties, and the best cheese for burgers explains why American cheese melts so well. For a Billy Goat-style griddle burger, see how to cook burgers on a griddle. Cook ground beef to 160°F for USDA-recommended doneness.
FAQ
What is the best burger in Illinois?
Au Cheval's double cheeseburger in Chicago's West Loop is the most famous answer. The Loyalist's cheeseburger nearby is a strong rival.
Where can I get a cheap burger in Chicago?
Try Red Hot Ranch for a griddled double, Charly's Burgers in Hermosa or The Region in Roscoe Village. Billy Goat Tavern is also affordable and no-frills.
What is a Billy Goat "cheezborger"?
It's the tavern's simple griddled cheeseburger, usually ordered as a double. The counter staff's quick ordering style inspired a well-known Saturday Night Live sketch.
Where should I go for a smash burger in Chicago?
Start with Shorty's in Wicker Park, Chubby Boys in Logan Square and Charly's Burgers in Hermosa. Check pop-up schedules before you go.
Do I need to wait in line at Au Cheval?
Often, yes. It's one of the most popular burger restaurants in the country, so go at off-peak times to shorten the wait.
Hungry for more?
Find great burgers near you or cook one tonight.