10 Hole-In-The-Wall Illinois Burger Joints That Locals Refuse To Give Up
Illinois has some seriously amazing burger spots that most tourists never hear about.
I’m talking about those tiny, unassuming places where locals line up for juicy patties that make chain restaurants look like cardboard.
These hidden spots serve up the kind of burgers that you’ll dream about for weeks, and the regulars guard them like precious secrets.
1. Moonshine Store (Martinsville / Moonshine, IL)
Tucked away in a rural spot so small you might miss it if you blink, this place is famous for something called the Moonburger. I drove an hour out of my way last summer just to try one, and honestly, it was worth every mile on those winding country roads. The burger itself is massive, with perfectly seasoned beef that tastes like someone’s grandma has been perfecting the recipe for decades.
What makes this joint special isn’t just the food—it’s the whole vibe. You’re literally eating in a tiny store surrounded by locals who’ve been coming here since they were kids. The patty is thick and juicy, cooked exactly right, and served with simple toppings that let the meat shine.
2. Bill’s Toasty Shop (Taylorville, IL)
Walking into Bill’s feels like stepping back into the 1950s, and I mean that in the best way possible. This classic diner has been slinging burgers for generations, and the locals treat it like a sacred institution. Everything about this place screams authenticity, from the worn counter stools to the sizzle of burgers hitting the flat-top grill.
Their signature toasted buns give these burgers a special crunch that you just can’t find anywhere else. The beef is always fresh, never frozen, and cooked with that perfect char on the outside while staying juicy inside. When I visited on a Tuesday afternoon, the place was packed with regulars who all seemed to know each other by name.
3. Cheesie’s Pub & Grub (Chicago, IL)
Forget everything you think you know about grilled cheese sandwiches—Cheesie’s takes that concept and absolutely runs wild with it, creating burger-cheese hybrids that’ll blow your mind. Located in a cozy little spot in Chicago, this place experiments with flavors like a mad scientist in the best possible way. Their burger creations involve multiple types of cheese, creative toppings, and combinations you never knew you needed.
The atmosphere is super casual and fun, perfect for grabbing a bite with friends after work. I tried their signature burger with three different cheeses melted into gooey perfection, and I’m still thinking about it months later. The portions are generous without being overwhelming.
4. The Burger Barge (East Peoria, IL)
Yes, you read that right—this burger joint has a nautical theme and sits right by the water in East Peoria. The whole experience feels like a mini vacation, especially on sunny days when you can watch boats drift by while chomping down on an incredible burger. Local fans swear by this place, and after one visit, you’ll understand why they keep coming back.
The burgers here are no-nonsense and delicious, with thick patties that are seasoned perfectly and cooked to order. I ordered mine medium-rare on a friend’s recommendation, and the juice running down my hands was totally worth the mess. The waterside location adds something special to the whole experience that you just can’t replicate.
5. Edzo’s Burger Shop (Evanston, IL)
Despite getting some recognition over the years, Edzo’s still maintains that local gem status that makes it feel like your own personal discovery. Located in Evanston, this burger shop focuses on doing one thing really, really well—making exceptional burgers with fresh ingredients and attention to detail. The menu isn’t complicated, which is exactly the point.
What sets Edzo’s apart is their commitment to quality without any pretension. The burgers are made with hormone-free beef, hand-cut fries are fried to golden perfection, and the milkshakes are thick enough to stand a spoon in. I’ve been here four times now, and I’ve never been disappointed. The staff actually seems to care about what they’re serving, which makes all the difference in the world.
6. Illinois Bar & Grill (Chicago, IL)
Don’t let the simple name fool you—this Chicago spot has been voted one of the best hole-in-the-wall burger places in the entire state. It’s the kind of neighborhood bar where everyone knows the bartender’s name, and the burgers are legendary among those in the know. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Their burger recipe must be some kind of closely guarded secret because I’ve never tasted anything quite like it anywhere else. The meat is perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of char, and the bun holds everything together without falling apart halfway through. Last time I went, an older gentleman at the bar told me he’d been coming here for thirty years, and I totally get why.
7. Chuck’s Place (Edwardsville, IL)
Someone once described Chuck’s as a corner joint that time forgot, and that description is absolutely perfect. This simple, unassuming spot in the Edwardsville area serves straightforward burgers that taste exactly like what you’d want from a local favorite. There’s nothing fancy here, just solid food made by people who clearly care about their craft.
The burgers are big, juicy, and affordable—everything a good burger should be. I stopped here on a road trip last fall, and the friendly service made me feel like a regular even though it was my first visit. The meat-to-bun ratio is spot-on, and they don’t skimp on toppings. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why simple done right always beats complicated done wrong.
8. Art & Alma’s Century Inn (Burlington, IL)
This Burlington establishment has earned its spot on multiple best hole-in-the-wall burger lists, and one bite will tell you exactly why. Art & Alma’s has been around forever, serving up burgers that have become the stuff of local legend. The place has that comfortable, lived-in feeling that only comes from decades of happy customers.
Their burgers are cooked on a well-seasoned grill that probably holds fifty years of flavor history. I ordered the house special, and the combination of perfectly melted cheese, crispy bacon, and their secret sauce created something magical. The prices are incredibly reasonable too, which makes it even easier to become a regular. My server had worked there for fifteen years and knew every regular customer by their usual order.
9. Nickburger (Lemont, IL)
Locals in the I & M Canal towns know that when you want a seriously good burger, you head straight to Nickburger in Lemont. This place has built its reputation on consistency and quality, serving up the same delicious burgers year after year. There’s something reassuring about a restaurant that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—they just make incredible burgers and let that speak for itself.
The burgers here are substantial without being ridiculous, cooked exactly how you order them, and served hot and fresh. I’ve tried their classic cheeseburger three times now, and it’s been perfect every single time. The fries are crispy and well-salted, making the perfect companion to your burger. It’s the kind of place where you want to bring out-of-town friends to show them real Illinois burger culture.
10. The Country House (Clarendon Hills, IL)
With a long tradition stretching back decades, The Country House in the Clarendon Hills area has perfected their burger recipe through years of practice. While they’re known for their full menu, locals will tell you the burger is what you absolutely must try. The restaurant has that comfortable, upscale-casual vibe that makes it perfect for both date nights and family dinners.
Their burger features high-quality beef cooked to perfection with toppings that complement rather than overwhelm the meat. I visited on a friend’s recommendation, expecting something good but not extraordinary—boy, was I wrong. The burger arrived beautifully presented, and the first bite revealed layers of flavor that showed real culinary skill. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making you want to linger long after your plate is empty.