David Hammond wrote:

LAZ wrote:

Vital Information wrote:About a month ago, my wife, the Condiment Queen and I found ourselves in Elmhurst on some business. We finally tried a place I've been meaning to, Steve's, whose classic googie neon sign is very visible from I-290. One of the things we had was the burger, and a very fine rendition of thick burger it was. Sadly, there was a little fire pit/grill that is no longer in use. Steve's is one of the last of its type for sure, and worth a visit.

Steve's Steak House
476 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: (630) 834-6611

For the sake of future searchers, I'll point out that this place is actually called Steven's Steak House. In 2005, they were still grilling over charcoal, according to this report.

I worked at Steven's Steak House the summer before my junior year in high school (bus boy). I've been back maybe a half-dozen times since then. Even with this emotional attachment, I can't say the food there is very good. Once, most memorably, I ordered a chateaubriand medium rare and it came to the table, a huge hunk of meat, merely seared on the outside like Ahi tuna but showing about four inches of gelatinous red meat inside. I sent it back. It came back the same. I sent it back. It came back the same. I sent it back...and three times was a charm. Ridiculous...but it is kind of a cool old place (for Elmhurst).

Hammond

Well lunch was good...

I am intrigued if they use the charcoal grill for dinner. Now, I am torn if its worth a visit.

saps wrote:My updated top ten list: I stress "my". The list is never complete and always changing. Number 1 is never safe.

1AA- Rosebud Steakhouse

The Rosebud Steakhouse stands above the rest. If you haven't been there, I strongly suggest it.

WHoa. Is that ever a great burger.

Our Friday Night Burger routine generally involves a fair amount of variety, but after last night's visit to Rosebud I am struggling to see the sense in keeping it that way.* I mean, I felt as if I arrived last night at Chicago Burger Valhalla. And, besides, there aren't that many other establishments in this town where we can get Burger Night started with perfectly crafted cocktails, mixed salted nuts (gratis), and platters of icy-cold Blue Point oysters.

Thanks for the encouragement, saps. I only wish we'd tried it sooner.

E.M.

* So far this year our routine has entailed visits to Smith&Wollensky, Jane's, Darwin's, Jury's, LuxBar, Hugo's Frog Bar, Tavern on Rush, Bad Dog Tavern, Smoke Daddy, Bistro Campagne, Hackney's, Silver Cloud, Moody's, Parlor, The Capital Grille, Rockit Bar & Grill, Pete Miller's, Dublin's, Goose Island, Naha, and Five Star.

Vital Information wrote:

David Hammond wrote:

LAZ wrote:

Vital Information wrote:About a month ago, my wife, the Condiment Queen and I found ourselves in Elmhurst on some business. We finally tried a place I've been meaning to, Steve's, whose classic googie neon sign is very visible from I-290. One of the things we had was the burger, and a very fine rendition of thick burger it was. Sadly, there was a little fire pit/grill that is no longer in use. Steve's is one of the last of its type for sure, and worth a visit.

Steve's Steak House
476 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: (630) 834-6611

For the sake of future searchers, I'll point out that this place is actually called Steven's Steak House. In 2005, they were still grilling over charcoal, according to this report.

I worked at Steven's Steak House the summer before my junior year in high school (bus boy). I've been back maybe a half-dozen times since then. Even with this emotional attachment, I can't say the food there is very good. Once, most memorably, I ordered a chateaubriand medium rare and it came to the table, a huge hunk of meat, merely seared on the outside like Ahi tuna but showing about four inches of gelatinous red meat inside. I sent it back. It came back the same. I sent it back. It came back the same. I sent it back...and three times was a charm. Ridiculous...but it is kind of a cool old place (for Elmhurst).

Hammond

Well lunch was good...

I am intrigued if they use the charcoal grill for dinner. Now, I am torn if its worth a visit.

As of July 1, Steven's closed it's doors for good.

This video about Kewpee's was featured in the Racine Journal Times in early August. This fabulous, fresh, hand pattied burger is a five minute ride from my home on the southwest shores of Lake Michigan. Kewpee's serving burgers from 7:00am-6:00pm(Monday-Friday) & 7:00am-5:00pm(Saturday).
http://www.journaltimes.com/photo_galle ... _shell.swf

The best burger that I've had in the past year is without a doubt, the burgers prepared by Campagnola for the Green City Market. The meat is unbelievably flavorful, seasoned well, and served on an amazing bun. Its only flaw is that it is not available with cheese. Last year, when they made them on Saturdays, Mike and I would actually bring cheese slices to be added the last minute.

Only other problem is that they are unreliable. They are usually there on Wednesday, but have not shown up for the past two weeks, which was a major bummer today.

Erik M. wrote:

saps wrote:My updated top ten list: I stress "my". The list is never complete and always changing. Number 1 is never safe.

1AA- Rosebud Steakhouse

The Rosebud Steakhouse stands above the rest. If you haven't been there, I strongly suggest it.

WHoa. Is that ever a great burger.

Our Friday Night Burger routine generally involves a fair amount of variety, but after last night's visit to Rosebud I am struggling to see the sense in keeping it that way.* I mean, I felt as if I arrived last night at Chicago Burger Valhalla. And, besides, there aren't that many other establishments in this town where we can get Burger Night started with perfectly crafted cocktails, mixed salted nuts (gratis), and platters of icy-cold Blue Point oysters.

Thanks for the encouragement, saps. I only wish we'd tried it sooner.

Odd... I used to cook at Rosebud Steakhouse [circa 2001. I no longer work in the food Biz] and I don't remember the burger being anything special. I guess I have to head down to good 'ol 192 E. Walton [from memory... I swear] at see what they have done that has some mighty fine palates all 'a hot and bothered . I do, however, recall that the mashed potatoes were the bees knees.

Stagger wrote:Odd... I used to cook at Rosebud Steakhouse [circa 2001. I no longer work in the food Biz] and I don't remember the burger being anything special. I guess I have to head down to good 'ol 192 E. Walton [from memory... I swear] at see what they have done that has some mighty fine palates all 'a hot and bothered . I do, however, recall that the mashed potatoes were the bees knees.

1. The burger at Rosebud was served on a "pretzel" bun, and it seemed very similar to that served at Paradise Pup; it was slightly sweet, slightly salty, and had a soft, pliant crumb.

2. The burger itself was incredibly juicy, and served exactly as I had requested. The meat was coarsely ground but not overly loose, and it had great beefy, salty flavour.

3. The tomato slices served were perfectly ripe.

4. The lettuce served was crisp Bibb lettuce.

5. The pickle slices served were well above average, possibly housemade.

6. The french fries served were very similar to those served at The Hopleaf; they were thin, salty, greaseless, and piping hot.

Around here, the burger at Smith & Wollensky is regarded very highly and I am in similar accord. But, I can tell you that the burger I was served at Rosebud last week beat any burger I have been served at Smith & Wollensky by a significant margin.

Who knows, Stagger, maybe last Friday night was just my night.

I'll let you know tommorow.

E.M.

A big key to the Rosebud burger, IMO, is ordering it medium-rare or rare. My kids had it medium, and it becomes remarkably ordinary when cooked to that level.

It's as if the burger demons rose from hell and removed the flavor.

saps wrote:A big key to the Rosebud burger, IMO, is ordering it medium-rare or rare. My kids had it medium, and it becomes remarkably ordinary when cooked to that level.

It's as if the burger demons rose from hell and removed the flavor.

I'll go some what out on a limb, and show my true carnivorus nature, and say that's pretty much true for any burger of medium to large thickness. Now don't get me wrong, I like all burgers thick or thin. The thin burgers at Wiener's Circle, both fortunatily (yum) and unfortunatily (15lbs in 3 months) a 5 minuet walk from work, are fantastic and they are always well done. But if the burger is thick, say anything over 3/4", I find that even the slightest bit over medium rare tastes like meat saw dust. In my 'hood Cleo's has made a good thicker burger for me when they aren't that busy and I ask them to make it thick and rare.

I've read the thread a couple times and I'm surprised to have
seen a mention of Exchequer on Wabash, and no mentions
of Miller's Pub on Wabash.

Miller's Pub is my go-to place for a real burger in the South Loop.
Go after the lunch rush and it can feel positively swank in there.
Good place to have a conversation.
The burger itself - cooked to order - Medium Rare is almost
always a fresh and juicy delight. If I had to find fault, I would say,
please don't put the thick rind part of the iceberg lettuce on my plate.
Also the steak fries served with - could be cooked a bit longer, and
I could stand to see a few more of them on the plate.

Meanwhile, just down the block is Exchequer. I think they used to
have real-deal burgers, but I ate there two weeks ago and was served
what was certainly a cooked-from-frozen factory pre-formed patty.
For shame!

If it's a choice between the two, and it's BurgerTime, pick Miller's Pub.

Miller's Pub
134 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL
(312) 645-5377


Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
226 S. Wabash
Chicago, IL
(312) 939-5633

Terry_Clubbup wrote:If it's a choice between the two, and it's BurgerTime, pick Miller's Pub.

Miller's Pub
134 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL
(312) 645-5377


Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
226 S. Wabash
Chicago, IL
(312) 939-5633

I definitely would pick Miller's Pub any down the town days...
but if I had a choice for a burger, I'd take the Duke of Perth on a date.

2913 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 477-1741

This is where burgers get respect.
They have specials (two for one dinners on mondays)
All you can eat fish and chips on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Drinks are great. (and i don't drink but i know a good drink)

I can't complain...the bread, the meat. the Sean O'Connery burger---all of them are real good. I cannot impress enough about the Duke of Perth.

Next (outside the loop but in Chicagolands)...

Good ol' Choppers on Ashland. They have good burgers and for the price. I can't complain. I have yet to experience the Quad. who's ventured into that one on this board?

I had the opportunity for an early lunch at Charlie Beinlich's last week (they open at 11:30 A.M.). As a point of reference, I'll just say again how great the burgers at Beinlichs continue to be. Mine came topped with swiss and was cooked to a perfect medium rare. They are a bit on the pricy side (I think mine was close to $10 including cheese, fries and slaw), but worth every penny. I only wish I got to that part of town more often.

This thread is a bit long but I haven't seen anyone mention Naha. They serve an outstanding Angus Beef Burger with Your Choice of Cheese, Caramelized Onions and Crisp Potato Fries at lunch for $10. There may be some better burgers in the city, but Naha consistently turns out a very fine one.

Zinfandel used to serve an outstanding burger with sour slaw and sweet potato chips. I did long for french fries with my burger which were not available at Zinfandel, but the homemade chips weren't bad, and the sour slaw was outstanding. Since the West Town Tavern is dinner only, this fine burger is no longer available.

OK, you folks have sucked me into this burger quest. Somehow I have lived within a half mile of Goldyburger's for the past 15 years, and had never heard of it until I read this thread. I guess I should get out more.

So I'm going to check it out this week. Just one question: Is there anything on the menu besides the hamburger that would fall into the "must try," or "never order" categories?

After a morning of apple picking and farm stand visits we found ourselves in Oswego, a burgeoning area dotted with all the known national chains. Downtown Oswego has some quaint shops, a very pretty park along the Fox River and Emmett's Tavern and Ale House, a small 3 unit chain in the west suburbs. The interior is sleek and clubby, the service was prompt and friendly. I had the Boursin Burger which was served with a portobello mushroom on top of the burger and a generous spread of boursin cheese. I removed the mushroom because it made the burger too thick but the taste was very flavorful and cooked to a very perfect rare but done taste. Straw onions that accomplanied were crsip and tasty but a bit of a mess to eat. On the side was a small stack of tomato, pickels and olive if you wanted to add. My SO had the shrimp/crabcakes and said they were heavenly. There were many other things on the menu that will keep me coming back to try but the burger was outstanding.

Emmett's Tavern and Ale House
123 Washington St. (Rte. 34 bridge)
Oswego, Il
630-383-2020

folks with 2 and 3 posts hyping millers--hmm. either you have to get out more or..

I'll second the vote for the excellent Duke of Perth. Fries are nothing special, but the burgers are tremendous. Well-seasoned, interesting (and fresh!) toppings, and hell.. they have a fried egg burger. Worth a visit![/b]

In my experience, DoP never had a tremendous burger but their fish and chips, and shepherds pies were pretty good. The website seems to indicate they updated the menu, and made it a little more cutesy, unfortunately.

But thanks for bringing it back up--it's been a while and I should stop by again for an Old Speckled Hen or a Tennets.

whiskeybent wrote:But thanks for bringing it back up--it's been a while and I should stop by again for an Old Speckled Hen or a Tennets.

Tennets on Tap!

Their OSH must be in a can, though... much like the Red Lion

134 Great Burgers

1. Alfies on Roosevelt Road in Glen Ellyn
2. Assembly 2570 Hassell Rd Hoffman Estates (847) 843-3993
3. Athenian Room on Webster off Halsted (burger with a chunk of feta on top) (steak fries drenched with their wine/lemon/oregano sauce)
4. Bad Dog Tavern
5. Bamboo Blue in Homewood (Kobe)
6. Big Herm's
7. Billy Goat Tavern 430 N (lower) Michigan (312) 222-1525 (thin, crispy cheeseburgers on kaiser rolls)
8. Bill's (minimalist burger in classic form)
9. Bin 36
10. Bin Wine Cafe's 1559 N. Milwaukee Ave (773) 486-2233 (Hearth Burger)
11. Bistro Campagne
12. Bite Cafe
13. Booby's - Niles - Big C
14. Boston Blackies www.bostonblackies.com 164 E. Grand Ave (312) 938-8700, 120 S. Riverside Plaza (Adams/Monroe) (312) 382-0700, Hubbard Woods Plaza, 73 Green Bay Rd, Glencoe, (847) 242-9400, 405 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield (847) 418-3400, 222 E. Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights (847) 952-4700, 6775 174th St, Tinley Park (opens 2006)
    Brandt's Little Cafe SW Corner of Quenton and Northwest Highway Palatine
15. Brankos Sandwich Shop Lincoln Park
16. Buffalo Joe's
17. Cafe Bolero 2252 N. Western (stuffed Cuban style burger)
18. Capital Grille, Chicago (bacon and onion are ground into the burger)
19. Charcoal Delights 3139 West Foster Avenue (773) 583-0056 (1 lb)
20. Charlie Beinlich's Food and Tap 290 Skokie Blvd Northbrook Tu-Sa11:30am-10:45 pm http://charliebeinlichs.com/ (Rolls-Royce of burgers) (excellent cole slaw and a killer shrimp and crabmeat cocktail)
21. Choo Choo 600 Lee Street, Des Plaines
22. Choppers on Ashland
23. CJ's pub on Main Street next to Memorial Hospital in South Bend (bar burger)
24. Claim Company (Claim Sauce)
25. Cock Robin Ice Cream Co, 8861 Burlington Ave, Brookfield (708) 485-7504
26. Coco's Fried Lobster
27. Country House newer place out in Geneva and the original one in Clarendon Hills/Hinsdale off of 55th, Yackley in Lisle (good buffalo burger, ostrich burger) (good bowl of chili)
28. Cross-Rhodes Restaurant 913 Chicago Ave, Evanston (847) 475-4475
29. Dam Inn 1000 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling (847) 537-4350
30. Darwin's, Bucktown (Fried Leek and Brie Cheeseburger) (sweet potato fries) (Tuesdays nights $2 burger/$2 PBR)
31. Dine Madison and Halsted
32. Don's Humburgers 1837 S. Western (312) 733-9351
33. Dublin's
34. Duffy's in Utica
35. Duke of Perth 2913 N Clark St (773) 477-1741 (Sean O'Connery burger) (fish and chips, and shepherds pies)
36. Durty Nellie's 180 N. Smith St. Palatine 847/358-9150 www.durtynellies.com (the Stout burger)
37. 11 City Diner ( Wabash and 11th st.) (patty melt)
38. Emmett's Tavern and Ale House 123 Washington St. (Rte. 34 bridge) Oswego (630) 383-2020
39. Erwin's
40. Exchequer Restaurant & Pub 226 S. Wabash Avenue Chicago, IL 60604 Phone: (312) 939-5633
41. Feed
42. Five Star
43. 41 North (or Forty One North) 445 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook 847-753-9111 (The Motherlode, Forty One North Burger: 9 oz. burger) (grilled chicken, 4 layer meatloaf)
44. Gibson (Ground beef from prime steak)
45. Goldyburgers, Forest Park (3/4 Big Daddy) (fried breaded mushrooms)
46. Goose Island Brewpub (Stilton Burger)
47. Granddaddy’s Subs on W Taylor St, Chicago (Monster Burger)
48. Green City Market
49. Gulliver's 2727 W. Howard St, (773) 338-2166 (Gulliburger, 8oz Beltbuster)
50. Hackney's www.hackneys.net 733 S. Dearborn St (312) 461-1116, 241 S. Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling (847) 537-2100, 1514 E. Lake Ave, Glenview (847) 724-7171, 1241 Harms Rd, Glenview (847) 724-5577, 880 N. Old Rand Rd, Lake Zurich (847) 438-2103, 12300 S. LaGrange Rd, Palos Park (708) 448-8300 (Hackneyburger, buffalo burger, Bitburger, patty melt, lamb burger) (fried onion loaf) (great selection of beers on tap)
51. Hamburger Heaven in Elmhurst on York and North Avenue
52. Heaven on 7 (loop) chiliburger
53. Hansen's Tavern in Beloit WI
54. Illinois Bar & Grill 4135 W 47th St (773) 847-2525
55. In n Out Burger (extra crispy burger)
56. Jane's 1653-1655 W. Cortland (773) 862-JANE
57. John BarleyCorn
58. Johnny Rockets
59. Jubilee Juice 140 N. Halsted Street (312) 377-8500 (All American Burger) (Merkts cheese on fries)
60. Jury's 4337 N Lincoln Ave (773) 935-4099
61. Keefer's (cabot cheddar cheese or blue cheese burger)
62. Kevin's Hamburger Heaven
63. Kewpee's
64. Killer in Wicker Park (great cheap burger) (smoky cheddar cheese)
65. Lion Head Pub 2251 N. Lincoln
66. LuxBar (patty melt) (Kobe beef burger) (buttermilk fried chicken, Mac and Cheese, crisp onion strands)
67. Man-Jo-Vin's (minimalist burger in classic form) [CLOSED]
68. McCormick’s Restaurant and Lounge (Routes 176 and 41) Lake Bluff (847) 234-2525
69. Medici 1327 E 57th St (773) 667-7394
70. Meiers Tavern
71. Mellow Yellow 1508 E 53rd St 773-667-2000 long burger on a french roll
72. Mike Ditka's
73. Miller's Pub, 134 S. Wabash Ave, (312) 645-5377
74. Mity Nice Grill
75. Monk's Pub (Lake and Wells)
76. Moody's
77. Muldoon's, Wheaton (1/2 lb. burger with excellent fries)
78. Muskie's on Lincoln
79. Myron and Phil's
80. Naha (Angus Beef Burger)
81. Nick's Tavern 221 Main St., Lemont (630) 257-6564 (the biggest, but not the tastiest)
82. O'Sullivans
83. Palmer Place 56 S. LaGrange Rd, LaGrange (630) 482-7127 www.palmerplacebeer.com
84. Paradise Pup
85. Park Grill 11 North Michigan Avenue (312) 521-PARK www.parkgrillchicago.com
86. Parlor
87. Pete & Johnny's Tavern & Grill 2901 Ogden Ave, Lisle (630) 848-1900 (Monster Burger)
88. Pete Miller's
89. Peppers Sandwich Shop 211 W Van Buren St (312) 922-5383
90. Photo's Hotdogs 301 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine (847) 705-1111 also 1706 E. Kensington Road, Mount Prospect
    (847) 635-6200 www.photoshotdogs.com
91. PJ Clarkes
92. Poochie's
93. Poag Mahone's 333 S. Wells (312) 566-9100 M-F 10:30-9
94. Ram Restaurant & Brewery, Rosemont (N side of Higgins, just W of River Rd), Wheeling, Schaumburg (Ram chips) (Thursdays all burgers $2 off) ($13 Waygu beef burger)
95. Red Rockets on Lincoln and Belden (Black Angus)
96. Rockit Bar on Hubbard (Sirloin Burger, Kobe/foie gras burger with truffle fries)
97. Rockwell's Neighborhood Bar and Grill 4632 N. Rockwell, Chicago (773) 509-1871 (corner of Rockwell and Leland) (Black Angus)
98. Rosebud Steakhouse
99. RL
100. Sally's on Montrose
101. Saloon Steakhouse on East Chestnut St (downtown off Mich Ave) (WAGYU beef burgers)
102. Salud Tequila Lounge on Milwaukee
103. Silver Cloud
104. Skylark 2149 S. Halsted (312) 948-5275 The Skylark Burger topped with onion rings and cole slaw
105. Smith and Wollensky 318 N State St (312) 670-9900
106. Smoke Daddy
107. South Loop Club 701 S. State St Su-F 11am-4am Sa 11am-5am (312) 427-2787 (charcoal)
108. Southport Grocery
109. Southtown Express in Elmhurst (NE corner of York Rd. and Valette)
110. Spotted Pig
111. Square Kitchen (Angus Burger)
112. SRO in Printers Row 610 South Dearborn (312) 360-1776 (Good sandwiches)
113. Steak & Shake
114. Strat's Hamburgers, 231 E. North Ave, Villa Park (630) 832-0435, 2906 N. Mannheim Rd, Franklin Park (847) 455-3040
115. Superdawg (great cheap burger)
116. Sweets & Savories
117. Tavern on Rush
118. Thats-a-Burger on 79th
119. The Beer Bistro 1061 W. Madison Ave. (312) 433-0013 http://www.thebeerbistro.com/
120. The Firkin, Libertyville (bleucheeseburger) (wonderful beers)
121. The Golden Steer, 7635 Roosevelt Rd, Forest Park (708) 771-7798
122. The Grafton
123. The Spot, Marengo, IL
124. The Wiener and Still Champion
125. The White House Restaurant at the corner of Mishawaka Ave. and Twychenham Drive in South Bend (best flavored grill burger)
126. Todd's Grille in Oconomowoc, WI
127. Tom's Steak House 1901 W. North Ave, Melrose Park (708) 345-2766
128. Tony's Steamers of Winfield Prairie Trail Center, 23W213 Geneva Road, Winfield (630) 665-2050
129. Top-Notch Beefburger, 2116 W. 95th St, (773) 445-7218, 4720 W 95th Street, Oaklawn (708) 422-5544
130. Twisted Spoke (Fatboy burger) (spices in the burger) (Boss Hog pork sandwich)
131. UBAA/ Old Crawford Inn 9956 Crawford Avenue Skokie (847) 673-3080
132. Weiner Circle
133. White Castle
134. Wolfy's on Peterson

Wow, Panther.

Now we can see who checks the most off.

Mike G (27)

P.S. I added a notation that Man-Jo-Vin's is closed. Didn't spot any others I knew of.

From Jury's October newsletter but also on their home page:

Monday
One meal free with purchase of one at equal or greater value! $10 maximum, after 5pm, dine-in only, please.

Wednesday
Burger Mania! All day our “Best of Chicago” burgers are only $5.50 with fries. Cheeseburgers only $5.95.

Not exactly two for one burgers on Monday. Jury's used to have two for one burgers on Wednesday but haven't for some time.

Mike G wrote:Now we can see who checks the most off.

46.

47, if I count my visit to (the as-yet-unlisted) The Beer Bistro, this past Friday.*

E.M.

* The burger sucked, BTW.

Erik M. wrote:

Mike G wrote:Now we can see who checks the most off.

46.

47, if I count my visit to (the as-yet-unlisted) The Beer Bistro, this past Friday.*

E.M.

* The burger sucked, BTW.

Christ, man. My 10 is cowering in fear in the corner.

gleam wrote:Christ, man. My 10 is cowering in fear in the corner.

Since the beginning of this year I have eaten a hamburger every Friday night with only three exceptions:

1) A bachelor party at Coerper's 5 O'Clock Club in Milwaukee, WI, where I had a steak instead

2) A rehearsal dinner for the wedding of the aforementioned bachelor, where I ate sushi for two hours and then gave serious consideration to going out for a hamburger

3) A red hot date at Bistro Campagne, where I (gasp) turned down the hamburger option

It adds up.

E.M.

Have you had a skylark burger? Onion rings and coleslaw on it.
Agreed on those Jury's pattys...a little round sometimes.

Well I may be biased because I work there, but I think Poag Mahone's should be on your list. I know you guys want to be different, above the fray, and probably don't want to agree with GQ or Oprah, but we have a damn good burger. Do I think it's one of the best in the country? Probably not, but I hate "Best in the Country" lists anyway. What it is in 9 oz. of choice sirloin, grilled with a pretty good char & basically unadultered (unless you want to add cheese, grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, sauce, etc.).

Give it a try:

Poag Mahone's
333 S. Wells
Chicago, IL
(312) 566-9100
Open: M-F 10:30-9

44 for me. Assuming I counted right in my B-E-A-R-S state of euphoria.

figmolly wrote:I know you guys want to be different, above the fray, and probably don't want to agree with ...

That's not too fair or accurate. 2 observations:

1. If it's good, it gets respect here, regardless how well known or corporate. Plenty good has been said here about burger empires from California to out of town steakhouse chains.

2. More and more often, otherwise obscure places emerge in the mainstream media because of this site, not despite it.

I like Poag Mahone's. I and many other South Loop workers also enjoy the burgers at nearby Pepper's, maybe more. Considerably cheaper, too, although with fewer trader groupies.

I'm at 27 too. Is the list all the burgers mentioned in this thread or all the burgers Panther has tried?*

As to question about eating at Goldyburgers. I have never ordered anything but a burger there, but I have nibbled on things my kidz have ordered. Let me say this, it's not like a grilled cheese with bacon is a good thing to eat, but is it worth running out for? That said, we do always order the "MZO" combo of decent enough fried mushrooms, zuchinni and onion rings. Also, you have to eat a Goldyburger less than medium to get a good burger there. I know.

*How 'bout these:

Booby's in Niles: Big C with pickles, cole slaw and bbq sauce
Wolfy's on Peterson in Chicago, a surprisingly decent char burger
PJ Clarkes: Have I mentioned this? really one of the best in the city
McCormacks in Lake Bluff (see mine and Cathy2's posts)