Everyone in Chicago has their favorite deep-dish pizza, Italian beef and Chicago-style ‘dog, but burgers get (and deserve!) as much attention. Chicago is no stranger to a good patty, as indicated by crowds at local spots like Au Cheval and Mott Street. One burger stands out among the rest, however. Time Out editors surveyed the burger landscape and officially crowned the Wolf Burger at Little Bad Wolf the best burger in Chicago right now.
Located in Andersonville, Little Bad Wolf is a buzzy, busy spot that doesn’t take reservations and always has a wait. But the wait is worth it for this three-patty stack layered with melted American cheese, thick-cut bacon, fried onion straws and house-made pickles. There’s red-onion mayo smeared across the bun and a fried egg topping the whole thing. It’s rich, gooey and unapologetic. The patties are juicy with crisp edges, the bacon adds smoke and salt and the fried egg pushes it into over-the-top territory. Paired with a side of mac and cheese—creamy, heavy and topped with honey-cured bacon, scallions and toasted breadcrumbs—and a bourbon cocktail, this is one burger you’ll think about long after you finish.
The Wolf Burger does have stiff competition, however. The Single Cheeseburger at Au Cheval, loaded with American cheese, Dijonnaise, grilled onions and pickles, is the one that’s got people willing to wait hours for a table. The OG Cheeseburger at The Loyalist, with its squishy sesame bun and tangy pickled onions, takes the number three spot. RHR Double Cheeseburger at Red Hot Ranch, Mott Burger at Mott Street and JT’s Special Burger at JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop round out the top five.
If you’re a burger enthusiast and want to sample the best burgers in Chicago right now, start with the Wolf Burger then knock out the rest once you’ve recovered.
The 14 best burgers in Chicago according to Time Out
- Wolf Burger at Little Bad Wolf
- Single Cheeseburger at Au Cheval
- The Loyalist OG Cheeseburger at the Loyalist
- RHR Double Cheeseburger at Red Hot Ranch
- Mott Burger at Mott Street
- JT’s Special Burger at JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop
- L. St Smash at The Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern
- Oklahoma Onion Burger at Ragadan
- Not a Damn Chance Burger at NADC Burger
- Super Ooey Gooey at Fatso’s Last Stand
- Stop-In Burger at the StopAlong
- Gretel Griddle Burger at Gretel
- Community Double Cheeseburger at Community Tavern
- Momo Royale at Izakaya at Momotaro
