Top 5 Burgers in Chicago - Photo by p0kp0k on Flickr

With Labor Day having come and gone, summer has met its unofficial end.  Chicagoans now have the exciting task of getting ready for our seven month winter hibernation.  Beach bags will have the sand shaken out for the final time, the pair of sunglasses that were lost at the beginning of summer will miraculously appear, and tan lines will begin the final fade away of the season.  Most Chicagoans will agree that the hardest thing to part with as the weather gets colder is not the loss of sunlight – it’s the loss of the impromptu deck barbeque. 

Arguably the best day of summer is the first sunny afternoon that the Weber is rolled out, the coolers are dusted off, and friends come running over with a completely random mix of burgers, brats, and anything else that can handle a healthy dose of charcoal.  The saddest is when it becomes too cold to sit outside while the grill master works his magic, and everyone comes to the depressing realization that the enormous set of barbeque tongs are about to fly south for the winter.  And while not much can compare to enjoying a homemade barbeque feast with friends, I have put together a list of my top five burgers and their makers that come close to reminding Chicagoans that the summers make dealing with the winters here worth it.

1). DMK Burger Bar

DMK is located right off the Wellington Brown Line stop in the Lakeview neighborhood.  The menu is not very long. There are fourteen burger choices and a small assortment of sides, including deep fried pickles and a parmesan crusted macaroni and cheese that could make a college student weep.  But what DMK lacks in variety it makes up for in every other aspect of the dining experience (including price- all burgers are only $8).  The menu boasts the use of only grass fed beef, freshly baked buns, and a healthy dose of love in every burger.  I personally think that Burger Number 1 has extra love in it, and that love manifests itself in the form of perfectly cooked bacon. Aged cheddar, charred balsamic onions, and bbq sauce round out the flavor profile of this burger beast.  Add a side of sweet potato fries and an ice cold brew from their vast beer list, and you might not even remember that the average temperature in January is 11 degrees Fahrenheit. DMK does not take reservations, so I suggest getting there early for dinner, or be prepared to wait at the bar. 

2). Moody’s Pub

Moody’s has been a Chicago Establishment since 1959.  Located off the Thorndale Redline stop, their menu is pretty straightforward.  There are three burger options for the average carnivore: Moodyburger, the Moodyburger with Cheese and The Moody Bleu Burger.  My recommendation is the Moodyburger with cheese.  Cooked on a grill that is seasoned with the memory of thousands of other burgers cooked before it, the Moodyburger comes out perfectly charred on the outside, juicy on the inside, nestled on a delicious bun.  The chef obviously believes in the  slogan “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” because this all American classic burger is exactly what your Uncle Herb used to grill up every Fourth of July when you were younger, only better because it doesn’t come with a side of noogies.  Dark and cozy inside, Moody’s has a roaring fireplace in the winter, bowls of peanuts on every table, and a beer garden for the summer.  They do not accept reservations, and they do not take credit cards.

3). DuChamp

DuChamp is located in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood.  Relatively new to Chicago’s dining scene, DuChamps is already making waves in the burger world with their Havarti cheese burger.  Thick beef chuck patties covered in a layer of rich Havarti cheese and a tomato remoulade on a fresh baked bun, this burger melts in your mouth.  It comes with a side of garlic romano French fries that could single-handedly keep the Tic Tac company in business.  DuChamps runs a bit pricier than the other restaurants listed, but it’s definitely worth it.  They do accept reservations, and their bartender is currently in the running to be named one of Metromix’s Best Bartenders of Chicago. 

4). D.S. Tequila Co.

D.S. Tequila Co. recently opened its doors in the Lakeview Boystown neighborhood.  It boasts a Tex Mex menu, and a large margarita list to compliment it.   There are eight burger options, including a vegetarian selection.  I stuck with the Classic Burger – Allen Bros beef, Australian white cheddar cheese, Applewood smoked bacon and balsamic pickled onions.  The burger itself was delicious, but what gave this burger an edge was the pretzel roll it came sandwiched between.  The roll was soft and chewy, but dense enough to handle everything that was piled on it.  French fries are a la carte, but absolutely worth getting.  They are thin cut sweet and salty spiced fries, and they compliment the burger perfectly.  Added bonus – the burgers are so massive you are sure to have leftovers.  The burgers taste even better the next day.

5). Edgewater Lounge

Edgewater Lounge is located in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood.  Their menu is an eclectic mix of standard pub food and other, more interesting dishes, like fried plantains or the skewered chicken satay.  My recommendation is the ground sirloin burger.  It comes standard, with lettuce and tomato, but there is a list of additional toppings you can personalize your sandwich with.  The burgers are thick and juicy and they come with a side of spicy coleslaw and hand cut fries (which can be substituted for sweet potato fries).  And Thursday nights are half price burger nights, so a diner can walk out with a full stomach and a relatively unscathed wallet.