The Best Burgers, Dogs, and Beefs
Chicago is known for their hot dogs and Italian beefs and there is always a good debate on who makes each the best. You can find a quality burger, dog, or beef in most towns across Chicagoland but here we are focused on what we feel are the best spots, which includes a mix of old school institutions, classic chains and a few newer spots worth checking out. If you are craving a great burger, dog or beef, you can’t wrong with any of the places below.
NORTH SHORE
Bat 17
Charlie Beinlich's
Step back in time at Charlie Beinlich's, a beloved cash only institution since 1950 that captures the essence of a rustic North Woods bar, complete with warm wood paneling and prized fish on the walls. While the menu is refreshingly simple, with classic sandwiches and shrimp cocktails, it’s their legendary burger that truly steals the show. A perfectly cooked patty topped with grilled onions on a toasted, buttery bun alongside delicious crispy crinkle fries.
Mustard’s Last Stand
The game day destination near Ryan Field has been serving tailgating Northwestern fans delicious hot dogs and burgers for over 50 years. We recommend going when the team is away or off-season when you can snag a spot on the patio to enjoy an authentic Chicago-style hot dog paired with fries and a shake.
Portillo’s
The legendary chain that started in Chicago, now has locations across the United States. Despite the rapid growth, they still make some of the best Italian beefs, hot dogs and French fries around. Having a party? Portillo’s offers great catering options too and their beefs taste just as good at home.
Locations throughout the Chicago Suburbs. Please visit https://www.portillos.com/locations/ to find a location near you.
NORTHWEST SUBURBS
Johnnie’s Beef
While there is always debate on who makes the best beef overall, Johnnie’s seems to be the most consistent contender. Their perfectly seasoned beef on juicy Gonnella bread is balanced with your choice of spicy giardiniera or sweet peppers. For those hot summer days, you can pair it with their housemate Italian ices.
Locations in Elmwood Park and Arlington Heights (see map for details)
Kuma’s Corner
A heavy metal themed burger spot that for many years was considered the best burger in Chicago. They have since expanded to four locations, with one in the burbs. Over the years they have claimed several accolades including Best Burger in Chicago by WGN, Top 10 burger in the US by Yelp and most influential burger by Time Magazine. They 16 unique and different burgers to choose from that all pair well with a local craft beer.
The Original Nana’s Hot Dogs
An old school hot dog stand serving delicious housemade beefs, classic Chicago style hot dogs and fresh cut fries. Originally started by the son-in-law of Gene from Gene and Judes in River Grove, but has since been taken over by fast food industry veteran, Michael Di Silvestro. Nana’s is also a member of the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame.
Paradise Pup
A small spot with big taste, which has been serving locals some of the best burgers, dogs and beefs since 1983. Paradise Pup was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, where he called their Char Cheddar Burger the "mac daddy of all burgers." While there can often be a line, everything on the menu is worth the wait.
Small Cheval
The spinoff chain from infamous Chicago burger spot, Au Cheval which is regularly recognized as one of the best burgers in the country, recently opened a location in Rosemont serving their perfectly simple and incredibly delicious burgers along with tasty fries, fried chicken, shakes and beverages.
Superdawg
Another Chicago institution famous for the their Superdawg - their proprietary all-beef sausage paired perfectly with a poppy seed bun, all the trimmings (except ketchup of course) and a pile of Superfries. The classic drive-in spot also offers burgers, sandwiches, shakes and snacks. New York Times recently named them one the 25 best restaurants in Chicago.
WESTERN SUBURBS
Al’s Drive-In
Maybe the only place we have discovered where you can get classic Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers and pizza puffs along with delicious American Chinese Food delivered with Thai twists. The suburban icon has been delighting locals since 1955. Another member of the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame and has been profiled by Eater and New York Times.
The Burger Local
A go-to burger spot in Geneva from the Bourbon Belly Hospitality Group. They offer a ton of creative burger options along with delicious starters, salads, tacos, and well crafted cocktails. Two of our favorite burgers include their Wagyu Smash burger and The Classic Melt, which includes wagyu patties, two cheeses, caramelized onions, special sauce on toasted marbled rye.
The Burger Social
A sister restaurant to The Burger Local above, offering the same delicious burgers, diverse chef-driven menu, and fantastic cocktails in downtown Wheaton. All of their burgers are hand formed and sourced from Midwest Farms. Be sure to check out their rotating burger of the month, where they donate 10% of the proceeds to various charities in the BBH network.
Empire Burgers & Brew
One of the newer spots on this list, Empire Burger quickly won the hearts of folks around Naperville with their delicious burgers and year round roof deck. In addition to their great burgers, they have a wide selection of cocktails, beers and wine for those looking for a place to have drinks with friends on a nice summer day.
Locations in Naperville and Lombard (see map for details)
Gene & Jude's
The iconic hot dog stand is often considered one of the best hot dogs in America made famous by their Depression Dog topped with yellow mustard, relish, white onion, and sport peppers along with their clear rules of “No seats. No Ketchup. No pretense. No nonsense.” A must visit spot in the Chicagoland area that has been highlighted by Eater and New York Times.
