Chicago is a meat-loving city. From our red-boothed steakhouses and pepperoni clogged deep dish to the famous hotdogs and Italian beef, we love a red meat meal. Today, in honor of National Cheeseburger Day, we’ve rounded up our favorite burgers in the city. 

Au Cheval

Au Cheval receives frequent praise and accolades as Chicago’s best burger. Though there is a frequent line outside of this establishment, the food is worth the wait. What makes this burger special? That’s the secret sauce. Our favorite is the single cheeseburger, with an egg and pork belly. Read our review here.
Au Cheval, 800 West Randolph St, (312) 929-4580

Mott Street

This colorful restaurant’s bright and loud paint job isn’t the only thing making noise. Their burger has vocal loyalists, securing its spot as one of Chicago’s best cheeseburgers. The sweet potato frizzles provide a nice crispness to the soft bun, while the pickled jalapeños ramp the flavor. But what really stands out on this double cheeseburger is the homemade hoisin aioli and miso butter. Read our review here.
Mott Street, 1401 North Ashland Ave, (773) 687-9977

The Smith

This River North restaurant is gorgeous. But the burger royale is even better looking. It sits tall with a double beef patty, American cheese, apple smoked bacon, pickles, shredded romaine, red onion, and a ketchup-mayo sauce all encased in a sesame seed bun. It also comes with enough fries that you can share some with your friends. Or don’t. We don’t judge.
The Smith, 400 North Clark Street, (312) 312-5100

Corridor Brewery & Provisions

True burger aficionados are divided between thin patty lovers and thick slabs. If you’re in the former camp, you’ll want to add the burger at Corridor Brewery & Provisions to your list. These thin, juicy steak patties carry the burger topped with herbed mayo, pickles, and cheese. It’s a simple burger. But it’s also simply delicious. Read our review here.
Corridor, 3446 North Southport Ave, (773) 270-4272

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by jakemelnickscornertap (@jakemelnickscornertap) on Aug 19, 2019 at 10:43am PDT

Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap

If you’re an all-around burger lover, head to Jake Melnick’s for a giant selection of delicious cheeseburgers. And we do mean giant! The menu features an eight pound monster burger, large enough to feed eight people. And if you’re not about sharing fries, there are eight other burgers to choose from, including the brunch recovery burger. This brunch plate has hash browns, bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried egg, cheese, and Bloody Mary ketchup.
Jake Melnick’s, 41 East Superior St, (312) 266-0400

Machine

Do simple burgers bore you? Then Machine’s cheeseburger is perfect for your refined palate. This beaut is stacked tall with foie gras, Comté cheese, maitake mushrooms, and pickles. It comes with a side of crispy fries, served with a parmesan aioli. Don’t you dare ask for ketchup for this epicurean creation. Read our review here.
Machine Engineered Dining and Drink, 1846 W Division St, (773) 276-7422