Best Creative Burgers In Chicago
The Windy City is home to a number of burger joints. From build-your-own burgers to traditional patties between two buns, there is a style that appeals to just about everyone. But mix up the burger experience with creative burgers instead. Not only are most of the patties on this list different, but the toppings aren't what you'd ever expect to find on a burger... which makes them all the more delicious.
Kuma's Corner
2900 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 604-8769
www.kumascorner.com
The number one place for creative burgers in Chicago is, hands down, Kuma's Corner, as well as its sister restaurant, Kuma's Too, and not just because every burger here is named after a heavy metal band. While the burger itself is your traditional patty, for the most part, the toppings here are what make this place special, well that and the heavy metal music and unique decor. Bite into a Led Zepplin, topped with bacon, slow-cooked pork shoulder, sharp cheddar, pickles and barbecue sauce, or fill up on its massive Slayer, which is a 10-ounce patty absolutely covered in nacho-like toppings, among a plethora of other burger options.
The Peasantry
2723 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-4888
www.thepeasantry.com
While this Lincoln Park restaurant is constantly updating its street-food-meets-fine-dining menu, there's one thing that you'll always find on the menu: a unique burger. The Peasantry's delectable bone marrow burger is one such offering, which will surely melt in your mouth. Another option is its farm burger, available for both brunch or dinner, which is essentially a breakfast meal on top of a brisket burger. Or opt for the wild boar burger that is at once sweet and savory between its hearty burger and blackberry compote topping. None of these options are complete without an order of rich and tasty truffle fries.
Bad Apple
4300 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 360-8406
www.badapplebar.com
Don't let the restaurant name deter you. The food in this North Center restaurant is both fresh and unique, and not just because the kitchen makes its ketchup and pickles in house. While Bad Apple offers a plethora of sandwich options, it is best known for its wonderful take on the burger. Savor everything from the bizarre – Elvis's Last Supper with bacon and peanut butter – to the more tempting Grizzly Adams, which comes with braised short rib, ale mustard, caramelized onions, jalapeno and sharp cheddar cheese. With more than 15 options, ranging from $8 to $26, there's something for everyone.
Related: Best Vegetarian Burgers In Chicago
Butcher & The Burger
1021 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 697-3735
www.butcherandtheburger.com
It all starts with the patty at this unique Lincoln Park hot spot. You choose absolutely everything that goes into your "burger," and that starts with the patty, which can be vegetarian friendly (salmon, shrimp or lentil brown rice patties) or all about the meat (beef, pork, bison and turkey). Next, choose your spice level with options ranging from a cajun blend to a rip-roaring hot ghost pepper spice. You even choose the kind of bun and toppings. Sides are extra but with delicious custom-built burgers ranging in price from $7.75 to $14.50, you can't go wrong.
Duke's Bar and Grill
2616 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-0250
www.dukeschicago.com
There's nothing traditional about the burgers at this Andersonville bar and restaurant. Forgo the beef and choose from a plethora of meats, from chicken breast to ostrich. Next, pick the kind of topping style you want. For those who have a hankering for Greek food, the Greek burger features cucumber, red onions, feta and kalamata olives. Or, there's the Hawaiian with lettuce, tomato, pineapple and teriyaki glaze. The list of options goes on and on, and all for a reasonable $9 to $15. Want to go all out? Order the Duke burger. For $100, you'll get one pound of kobe beef, six ounces of sliced lobster tail, black truffle paste and even an edible gold leaf.
Related: Best Sandwiches In Chicago
Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she's scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
