Burgers have a storied (or stacked, rather) history in a place like Chicago. While the hamburger’s beginnings are contested and centuries-old, many still credit a Windy City spot called Drexel’s Pure Food with debuting America’s first burger served on a bun in 1917. In 1929 Chicago saw the arrival of White Castle and its original five-cent burger, and then, of course, there were the golden arches themselves in 1955, when McDonald’s opened its first Illinois location in the suburbs. In the time since, Chicagoans have seen a landslide of sliders, double burgers, and everything in between, thanks to a steadfast appreciation for simplicity—and a city that takes this sandwich as seriously as its sports. That fanfare has only grown in recent years. Restaurants are committed to mastering this craft, taking creative risks and remembering to strike balance—but perhaps most of all, prioritizing ingredients and their origins (be it the kitchen or the country).
Spanning bistro-style and Americana; sit-down and takeaway, here are six of Chicago’s best burgers to try right now (and yes—you’ll want fries with that).
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