12 Over-The-Top Illinois Burgers Piled High With Flavor
Illinois has a way of taking burgers beyond ordinary. From grill techniques that sear to sauces that drench, these selections don’t hold back. Every spot on this list has been confirmed via recent menus or trusted food reviews.
Expect patties pressed or stacked, onions caramelized or charred, buns toasted or buttered, and toppings layered so high they threaten gravity. These are not minimal burgers. They are statements.
Whether you’re navigating Chicago’s food scene or exploring suburban heavy hitters, you’ll find something loud, rich, indulgent. Each entry here elaborates on what makes the burger special, what to watch out for, and how much room you’ll need on your waistband.
1. Au Cheval
The “single” cheeseburger here feels anything but small. Two prime beef patties hit the hot griddle, seared until edges crisp, then layered with American cheese, house pickles, and dijonnaise on a soft toasted bun. Bacon or a fried egg can be added, but the base burger already leans indulgent. Brendan Sodikoff’s Au Cheval, tucked into Chicago’s West Loop, earned fame not from flash but from focus.
Waits can run long, sometimes hours, so patience is part of the ritual. Prices hover around $18-20, depending on add-ons. Many locals suggest sticking with the “single,” since the double borders on overwhelming.
2. Small Cheval
This burger comes stacked but balanced. The patty blends chuck, short rib, and bacon, creating a flavor that’s rich without being greasy. Melted American cheese, charred onions, pickles, and onion-infused mayo complete the picture, all tucked into a sesame bun that holds firm.
Chefs John Shields and Karen Urie-Shields launched The Loyalist in 2016 as the casual sibling to their fine-dining restaurant Smyth.
Critical praise quickly followed, and the OG Cheeseburger is now recognized nationally—Bon Appétit once named it among America’s best. Expect to spend around $25, which includes steak fries or frites.
3. Kuma’s Corner
Walls covered in metal posters, amps, and dim lighting set a heavy-metal energy in Kuma’s Corner. Four locations exist (Avondale, West Loop, Schaumburg, and Indianapolis).
Background music is loud. Service is friendly but loud ambiance is part of the experience. Burgers arrive enormous. The classic includes bacon, sharp cheddar, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, onion; many burgers use pretzel buns.
Toppings range wildly: pulled pork, jalapeños, specialty cheeses. Protein is well seasoned and griddled, patty often thick. Portion size demands appetite.
4. The Loyalist
The Loyalist’s burger is a culinary masterpiece that has won the hearts of many. This gourmet treat features caramelized onions and a secret sauce that elevates its taste.
The patty is cooked to perfection, juicy and full of flavor. Presented on a stylish wooden plate, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
It’s a spot where culinary art meets innovation, creating memories with every bite.
5. Mott St
The atmosphere at Mott St in Bucktown / Wicker Park feels refined but relaxed: low-light interior, communal tables, and friendly staff guiding you through a menu that crosses Asia’s flavors.
The chef Edward Kim runs it; it holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2024. Their burger “Mott Burger” (served before 7pm except at the bar) has two Angus patties, hoisin aioli, pickled jalapeños, miso butter onions, brioche bun, American cheese, plus sweet potato shoestrings on the side.
It mixes sweet, spicy, and umami in balanced layers. Seats fill up early. Expect prices in the $$$ category for entrees around $30-$50. The burger offers value in its craft rather than pure quantity.
6. Fatso’s Last Stand
Fatso’s Last Stand has two Chicago locations (Lincoln Park and Ukrainian Village). The decor is casual, jukebox-friendly, neon signs, serving comfort food and late-night cravings. Order online or dine in; open daily.
Their flagship burger menu item is the “Double Fatso’s w/ Cheese (Please)” featuring a ½ lb. Black Angus beef patty, standard toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion), and their house Fatso’s sauce.
Value is strong: prices come around $10-$16 depending on version and add-ons. Expect a casual, slightly messy experience; fries and soda often part of combo
7. Top Notch Beefburgers
Bright booths and a kitchen in constant motion define the space, setting expectations for straightforward, old-school burgers served without frills.
Beef patties are thick, often chuck-based, and cooked to order. Cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onions round out the build. Portions easily satisfy as a main meal.
Prices stay mid-range, making it a reliable family choice. The steady lunchtime lines suggest loyal repeat customers, a sign that consistency wins over flash.
8. The Region
Wood tables and a warm, lived-in vibe mark this local burger joint, which feels more like a gathering place than a chain.
Patties come thick and juicy, topped with cheese, bacon, and a sharp house sauce. Fresh produce is used whenever available, with fries and onion rings on the side.
Prices run just above fast food, portions lean hearty, and service is personal. It feels crafted for community, not just another quick bite.
9. Paradise Pup
A char-grilled aroma dominates the Des Plaines storefront, where picnic tables outside hint at casual mood. Inside is small, takeout-friendly, often busy midday or early evening.
Menu features a “Char Cheddar Burger” with Merkts cheddar, thick beef patty, grilled onions. Prices are very reasonable, single burgers often under $5, doubles a little more, and sides like fries or onion rings make it a whole plate.
Ordering is mostly counter or walk-up. Cash accepted; expect a short wait when lines form. Many patrons mention the cheddar melting just right over the char crust.
10. The Assembly American Bar & Cafe
Fresh, never frozen beef is the foundation of its burger identity. The “Bionic Burger” is a longtime favorite: topped with bacon, sautéed onions, and choice of cheeses. Menu also offers Char Burger, Route 66 Burger, Texas BBQ versions.
Family-owned since 1978, located in Hoffman Estates, recently expanded to West Dundee. Over 2.5 million burgers reported sold over decades. Recipes and purveyors from early years still in use.
Hours run 11:15 am until 10 or 11 pm depending on day. Carryout, dine-in, and online ordering all available. Loyalty program via app.
11. Butcher & The Burger
High quality meats define the list: USDA Prime, grass-fed, locally sourced beef options appear. Signature blends include House Prime, Grass Fed, Bison, even veggie and turkey burgers.
Menu includes “Home on the Range” (bison, BBQ, bacon). Kitchen emphasizes custom build-your-own format. Bun options, toppings, spice blends, all variable.
Sides include fries, specialty sauces. Sandwiches and non-beef offerings show flexibility. Pricing for standard burger starts around $14-15; doubles or premium proteins approach $20-23. Delivery, takeout available.
12. DMK Burger Bar
Grass-fed beef, bison, turkey, and a house-made veggie patty headline the menu, matched with artisan buns like pretzel or rye. Fries are hand-cut, and shakes are premium.
Opened in 2009, the concept earned national recognition from Bon Appétit and Chicago Magazine, plus “Chicago’s Most Iconic Burger” from Eater. Locations include Lakeview and Soldier Field, with Lakeview open daily.
Signature burgers like the Sheffield (raclette, caramelized onion, remoulade) or the Big DMK draw attention. Prices run $15–20, with build-your-own flexibility.