Chicago Burger Co.

Every time I've lunched at Chicago Burger Co., the crowd has seemed divided into 2 camps: people wearing name badges from whatever convention they're attending at the Sheraton, and people carrying tour boat tickets as they fuel up before their scheduled departure. Then there's me, the one guy who can name a few streets north of Division.

The main draw here is surely the location. Chicago Burger Co. has plentiful seating set on a quiet stretch of downtown riverfront. With a cool breeze blowing on a sunny summer day, the draw can be hard to resist.

Chicago Burger Co. Seating Area:


The first time I ate here, I expected terrible food. I believe I'm paraphrasing Mike G when I cite the usually-correct rule: the more non-food reasons there are to eat somewhere, the more likely it is that the food sucks. I've been pleasantly surprised by Chicago Burger Co. though. The kitchen puts out some good burgers that have been cooked just about as-ordered every time. Add in some crispy, well-seasoned food service fries and you get a perfectly decent meal with your beautiful view.



Burger and fries:




The burger has always been super-juicy and full of good ol' American corn-fed fatty beef flavor. My mouth waters a little when I sit in anticipation of its arrival at my table. Is it ground or even formed in-house using any kind of special quality meat? I doubt it, though the menu does claim that they're using Prime beef. Since I recently learned that my favorite croissants in the city are served by a cafe that simply heats up frozen ones from a mass supplier, I'm not opposed to believing that I like pre-formed Cargill patties if they're handled well.


Chicago Burger Company
301 East North Water Street
(312) 464-1000