6 Illinois Burger Chains Charging Premium Prices & 6 That Keep It Honest
Ever noticed how biting into a great burger sometimes comes with a side of sticker shock? Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to hunt down the best burgers across Illinois, from the buzzing food scene in Chicago to the cozy, tucked-away joints in quiet suburbs.
While some places dish out seriously delicious patties, they also demand prices that’ll make your eyes widen.
On the flip side, there are hidden gems serving mouthwatering burgers at prices that won’t leave your wallet hurting. In this roundup, we’ll break down which Illinois burger chains are charging premium bucks, and which ones offer true value.
1. Shake Shack’s Fancy Facade
My first Shake Shack experience left me with mixed feelings. The burger was undeniably delicious, with premium Angus beef and fresh ingredients creating flavor magic on my taste buds.
But when I looked at my receipt, I wondered if I’d accidentally ordered gold flakes between those buns! Their signature ShackBurger hovers around $8-9 for a single, which seems reasonable until you realize how small it is.
The problem isn’t quality, it’s that you’re paying designer prices for a portion that barely satisfies. Add fries and a shake, and you’re looking at a $20 lunch that somehow leaves you still kinda hungry.
2. Smashburger’s Wallet-Smashing Prices
Whoever named Smashburger must have been referring to what happens to your bank account! Last month, I stopped by their Schaumburg location and ordered their signature Smashburger with added avocado.
The burger itself was tasty, crispy-edged patties smashed on the grill, creating those delicious caramelized bits that burger lovers crave. Fresh veggies and quality buns completed the package.
But at around $11 for specialty options before sides, I couldn’t help thinking about cheaper alternatives. Their “create your own” option quickly escalates with each topping addition, turning what should be a casual meal into a special occasion splurge.
3. Five Guys and Their Five-Star Pricing
The moment I walked into Five Guys in Naperville, the free peanuts seemed like a generous touch. Then I realized they’re just preparing you for the prices!
Don’t get me wrong, their burgers are fantastic. Hand-formed patties cooked to perfection, with unlimited toppings and those incredible cajun fries served in quantities that could feed a small village.
But a bacon cheeseburger easily runs $12-13 before you even think about those famous fries or a drink. While the portion size partially justifies the cost, I’ve started questioning if the experience is worth the premium price tag when equally satisfying options exist for much less.
4. Culver’s Creeping Costs
Growing up in Illinois, Culver’s ButterBurgers were always a special treat. There’s something magical about those seared, butter-topped buns that keeps me coming back despite the gradually rising prices.
My favorite Double Deluxe ButterBurger now costs nearly $8 at most locations, not outrageous compared to some chains, but definitely positioned as premium fast food. The Wisconsin cheese and fresh, never-frozen beef do deliver superior quality.
While Culver’s hasn’t reached the wallet-busting heights of some competitors, their prices have steadily crept upward. I still consider them worth it for the quality, but they’re no longer the budget-friendly option they once were.
5. Epic Burger’s Epic Price Tags
The first time I visited Epic Burger in Chicago, I was impressed by their commitment to clean ingredients, no artificial anything, humanely raised meat, and eco-friendly packaging. Their slogan “More Mindful Burger” isn’t just marketing fluff.
Unfortunately, mindfulness comes with a mindful hit to your wallet! A basic cheeseburger starts around $8-9, but add bacon and an egg (which you absolutely should), and you’re quickly approaching the $12 mark before sides.
While I appreciate their ethical sourcing and the taste is genuinely excellent, I sometimes wonder if I’m paying for actual food quality or just the trendy “all-natural” branding that dominates their 11 Illinois locations.
6. Kuma’s Corner’s Heavy Metal Prices
Walking into Kuma’s Corner feels like entering a rock concert for your taste buds. Their heavy-metal themed burgers with names like “Metallica” and “Black Sabbath” are culinary masterpieces topped with everything from pulled pork to fried eggs.
Last weekend, I splurged on their famous “Led Zeppelin” burger, topped with bacon, pork shoulder, and BBQ sauce. It was an absolute flavor explosion that I’m still thinking about days later.
But at $15-18 per burger, these creations definitely hit your wallet with the force of a drum solo. The atmosphere, massive portions, and creative combinations somewhat justify the cost, but make no mistake, you’re paying for the experience as much as the food.
7. Sonic Drive-In’s Retro Value
Pulling into a Sonic Drive-In last summer, I felt like I’d time-traveled back to the ’50s, complete with carhops and affordable prices! Their Sonic Smasher premium cheeseburger at just $6.49 made me do a double-take in this era of double-digit burger prices.
The quarter-pound patty comes loaded with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and their signature sauce on a brioche bun. Nothing fancy, but absolutely satisfying when the burger craving strikes.
What really sets Sonic apart is that you can get a complete meal, burger, tots, and one of their famous slushes, for under $15. In today’s burger landscape, that’s practically robbery in reverse!
8. Steak ‘n Shake’s Nostalgic Steals
My grandpa used to take me to Steak ‘n Shake after Little League games, and returning as an adult, I’m amazed the prices haven’t skyrocketed like everywhere else. Their thin, crispy-edged steakburgers still deliver that distinctive Midwestern flavor I remember.
The Original Double Steakburger with cheese runs about $4-5, and their classic combos with fries and a shake hover around $9. Even their specialty options rarely break the $8 mark!
Sure, the patties are thinner than premium competitors, but that’s part of their charm. The black-and-white tiled floors, paper hats on servers, and reasonable prices provide a nostalgic experience that doesn’t require a second mortgage just for lunch.
9. Meatheads’ Beefy Bargains
I nearly drove past Meatheads thinking it was just another premium burger chain until my buddy told me it was actually Epic Burger’s more affordable subsidiary. Boy, am I glad I stopped!
Their commitment to fresh, never-frozen Angus beef creates juicy, flavorful burgers that rival their parent company’s offerings. The standard cheeseburger runs about $7-8, noticeably less than Epic’s comparable options.
What impressed me most was getting the same quality ingredients and cooking techniques without the upscale pricing. Their award-winning burgers and hand-cut fries prove you don’t need to charge premium prices for premium taste—something I wish more chains would figure out!
10. The Halal Burger’s Honest Pricing
Stumbling upon The Halal Burger in Chicago’s diverse food scene was like finding hidden treasure. Their commitment to halal-certified, never-frozen beef creates patties with flavor that punches way above their price point.
My go-to order, their double cheeseburger loaded with fresh toppings, costs under $9, a price that seems impossible in today’s burger market. Even their specialty options with premium additions like beef bacon rarely exceed $10.
The family-owned spot doesn’t skimp on portions either. Each burger comes packed with generous toppings and substantial patties that leave you satisfied without the usual premium burger guilt. Proof that quality, ethical food doesn’t have to break the bank!
11. That Burger Joint’s Dairy-Good Deals
Finding That Burger Joint inside an Oberweis Dairy store was a delightful surprise during my road trip through northern Illinois. The concept is genius, quality burgers paired with Oberweis’s legendary ice cream, all at prices that make you double-check the menu.
Their classic cheeseburger starts around $6, with even their specialty creations rarely exceeding $8. The beef is noticeably fresh, with a clean flavor that pairs perfectly with their dairy-fresh cheese and house-made sauces.
What makes this place special is getting upscale burger quality without the fancy burger price tag. Plus, following your affordable burger with some of the state’s best ice cream creates a meal experience that punches well above its modest cost.
12. The Country House’s Rural Rate Relief
Driving through Clarendon Hills, I almost missed The Country House, a humble burger institution that’s been serving locals since 1922. Walking inside feels like entering your grandparents’ cozy living room, complete with vintage décor and friendly staff who remember regulars’ orders.
Their half-pound burgers are still hand-formed and grilled to perfection, starting at just $8-9 for their classic options. My personal favorite, the Widow Maker topped with bacon and a fried egg, barely breaks $11 despite its massive size.
Without the urban rent prices and trendy marketing budgets of downtown competitors, The Country House can focus on what matters, serving excellent, no-frills burgers at prices that feel like a welcome throwback to simpler times.