This Illinois Burger Joint Is So Old School, Its Double Cheeseburgers Taste Like Pure Nostalgia
I still remember the first time I walked into Top Notch Beefburgers in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood—it felt like stepping straight into 1942.
The moment I pushed open the door, the comforting aroma of sizzling beef and toasted buns wrapped around me like a familiar hug. This wasn’t just another burger joint; it was a living time capsule.
Every booth, every soda-fountain stool, and every perfectly seasoned patty seemed to hold a story from decades past. At Top Notch, a double cheeseburger isn’t merely something you eat—it’s a taste of nostalgia, a bite of Chicago history served with pride and simplicity.
The Legend Behind the Headline
We’re talking about Top Notch Beefburgers in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, a South Side institution slinging diner-style burgers since 1942. The booths, the wood paneling, the laminated menus—everything about it feels like a time capsule, and that’s exactly the point.
Walking in here is like borrowing your grandparents’ favorite memory. You half expect someone to offer you a nickel soda.
The walls practically hum with decades of conversation, laughter, and satisfied sighs. This place earned its stripes before most of us were born, and it wears that history proudly on every inch of worn Formica and faded booth cushion.
Verified: It’s Open (Hours & How to Visit)
As of now, Top Notch is open and operating at 2116 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643. Current listings show typical hours Monday through Saturday 8am to 8pm, with Sundays closed, and active delivery menus confirming ongoing service.
If you’re planning a late visit, aim before dinner rush to dodge lines. Trust me, locals know the drill and pack this place when hunger strikes.
Delivery platforms keep it humming even when you can’t make the trek. But honestly, nothing beats sliding into one of those booths yourself and soaking up the atmosphere while your burger sizzles.
The Double Cheeseburger, Built the Old-School Way
The house hallmark is beef ground in-house and griddled for a deep, beefy sear—order it deluxe with cheese and grilled onions and you’ll get that classic diner balance of juicy patties, melted American, and a soft sesame bun. Go double by adding an extra patty or stepping up to the half-pound build for that throwback heft.
Every bite delivers that crispy-edged, caramelized crust only a well-seasoned griddle can achieve. The cheese oozes just right, binding everything together in gooey perfection.
You won’t find fancy aiolis or artisan greens here—just honest-to-goodness burger magic that tastes exactly like childhood summers and Saturday night dinners.
Sides, Shakes, and the Rest of the Menu
It’s not just burgers: patty melts, hand-cut fries, and thick shakes round out the spread. Delivery menus routinely feature the Patty Melt with fries and a roster of half-pound special burgers like Western and Mexican if you want to detour from the classic double.
The shakes are thick enough to stand a spoon in—vanilla and chocolate are my go-tos, but strawberry fans won’t be disappointed either. Hand-cut fries arrive golden and crispy, the perfect salty sidekick.
Patty melts deserve their own fan club here, with that rye bread getting a beautiful toast and the beef mingling with Swiss and caramelized onions in pure harmony.
What It Costs (and What’s Worth It)
Prices are refreshingly down-to-earth for a legacy spot: expect around thirteen to fourteen dollars for a cheeseburger with fries on delivery platforms, with specialty half-pounders in the low twenties. The value move is the Beef Burger Deluxe with Cheese—add a second patty if you’re chasing that old-school double.
For what you get, the price feels like a time machine discount. Compare it to trendy burger joints charging double for half the soul, and Top Notch suddenly looks like the bargain of the century.
Skip the fancy toppings and stick with the classics—your wallet and your taste buds will both thank you.
How to Order Like a Regular
Locals keep it simple: cheeseburger deluxe, grilled onions, fries, and a vanilla or chocolate shake. If you’re team rye, the patty melt is a sleeper hit that shows off that in-house grind; grilled onions are non-negotiable.
I learned this the hard way after ordering plain my first visit—one of the regulars at the counter gave me a look that said I’d committed a cardinal sin. Grilled onions transform the whole experience, adding sweetness and depth.
Don’t overthink it. The magic is in the simplicity, and the regulars have been perfecting this order for generations. Follow their lead and you won’t go wrong.
Where It Is & Getting There
Top Notch sits on 95th Street in Beverly—easy to reach by car or Metra, specifically the Rock Island Line to 95th Street Beverly Hills station, then a short walk. If you’re mapping it or arranging delivery, use the full address and phone from current listings to avoid look-alikes or the long-closed Oak Lawn spin-off.
Beverly is one of those South Side neighborhoods where tree-lined streets meet genuine community pride. The burger joint fits right into that vibe, anchoring the block like it always has.
Parking isn’t terrible if you arrive off-peak, and the Metra makes it a breeze for city dwellers without wheels.