This Ultimate Burger Bucket List In Illinois Will Make Your Mouth Water
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Stephanie Andrews
Author
Chicago-style pizza, mac and cheese, tacos…we all love some tasty, cheese-laden eats, especially after a big game or while enjoying a night out with friends. But what is more classically American than a good ol’ cheeseburger and fries? While people certainly have opinions about what constitutes the perfect burger, we do know one thing: this serious burger bucket list will have you wiping the drool off your keyboard. Grab those stretchy pants and make sure you’re hungry because the best burgers in Illinois are massive, juicy, and spot-on delicious!
1. DryHop Brewers, Chicago
DryHop Brewers, 3155 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
DryHop Brewers has become a popular spot for not only refreshing beer flights but also their decadent Dryhop burger. This juicy burger is made from brisket and short rib (need we say more?). Top that with chile-tomato jam, pickled sweet onions, and arugula and blanket it all under a generous helping of melting aged cheddar and you’ll have a died-and-gone-to-heaven moment. Smoked bacon is optional but we all know you’re going to do it! And, since DryHop Brewers is located in the heart of Chicago, this is THE place to head after a big win for some beverages and tasty eats.
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2. Farren’s Pub & Eatery, Champaign
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Farren's Pub & Eatery, 117 N Walnut St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
Even though this little pub in central Illinois might be a bit challenging to find, we promise you that it’s worth it the minute you bite into that burger. With accolades like "Best Burger in Town" by The Buzz and "The 15 Best College Burger Joints," you know Farren's Pub must be good. If you like it hot, enjoy their Fire Burger with sautéed jalapeños, red peppers, red onions and jalapeño/habanero cheese, or choose The Spicoli with sautéed onions and mushrooms, bacon and your choice of creamy, melted cheese.
3. Durty Gurt’s Burger Joynt, Galena
Durty Gurt's, 235 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036, USA
If you are in the mood for a creative, artisanal burger experience then it’s time to head over to Durty Gurt’s in Galena. Whether you are craving a burger for lunch or dinner, this restaurant is sure to deliver the "best burger in town." Choose from delicious favorites like the Tombstone Burger, Hawaii Five-O or City Diner (who doesn’t love a fried egg on top?). Just consider washing that delicious burger down with a boozy shake.
4. Wally’s, Breese
Wally's Drive-In, 711 N 4th St, Breese, IL 62230, USA
Yes, drive-ins still exist and if you happen to be in Breese then you’ll be sorely regretful if you don’t head to this nostalgic drive-in restaurant for a shake (or a Ski soda), seasoned waffle fries and an amazing old-fashion burger that is grilled to scrumptious perfection. They’ve been serving this area since 1951; they know how to make a burger right! People can’t say enough amazing things about this small-town spot that serves burgers the way you remember them.
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5. Little Bad Wolf, Chicago
Little Bad Wolf, 1541 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
This newer Andersonville establishment may be tucked away on a side street but this doesn’t keep people from talking about these seriously good burgers - and delicious cocktails to boot! While Little Bad Wolf boasts astronomically large portions of crispy fries (don’t forget to dip it in the dangerously addictive aioli) and even salads, you’ll be very bad if you don’t try the Wolf Burger. With three beef patties, creamy melted American cheese, onion straws, house-made pickles, mayo and a fried egg, you’ll tame the burger beast with this meal. Better yet? They serve food until 2 a.m.! (Because nothing is better than enjoying one of the best burgers in Illinois as a midnight snack!)
6. Moonshine Store, Moonshine
Moonshine Store, 6017 E 300th Rd, Martinsville, IL 62442, USA
Sometimes burgers don’t have to come with all those frills in order to be good. In fact, sometimes all you just want is a good old traditional burger the way your parents used to make them (but better!). So head to the Moonshine Store, the only place in this tiny two-person town of Moonshine that is certainly worth the out-of-the-way trip. They are only open until 1PM and they often have a pretty decent crowd, so plan ahead so you don’t miss out on this amazing mom-and-pop store with impeccably cooked handmade patties.
7. Burger Barge, East Peoria
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Burger Barge, 123 Meadow Ave, East Peoria, IL 61611, USA
With over 20 different types of burgers on the menu, if you can’t find a burger that speaks to you then you clearly aren’t a burger lover. Treat yourself to a Burger Barge staple like the Mashed Potato & Gravy Burger or battle your hunger against The Kraken, their largest burger that contains onion rings, cheese, all the fixings and dock sauce all contained within two bacon grilled cheese sandwiches. During the summer months, enjoy getting your burger cravings met while also taking in the beautiful weather on their open deck. This unique themed restaurant may not look like much from the outside, but inside, some of the best burgers in Illinois and one of the quirkiest experiences around!
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8. Smitty’s Bar and Grill, Leonore
Smitty's Bar & Grill, 308 Gary St, Leonore, IL 61332, USA
If you are on a quest to find the most obscure burger joint serving up some pretty darn good eats, then it’s time you headed to this little LaSalle County town and walked into this quaint, rural restaurant. While people brag about the heavenly tenderloins, if you are a burger person, as we suspect you are, then this is your little burger mecca. You can rely on Smitty's Bar and Grill to offer great service, delicious and dependable food and a burger that you’ll dream about.
9. Gross’ Burger, Danville
Gross' Burgers, 25 Henderson St, Danville, IL 61832, USA
This fast food restaurant has been a local favorite for decades with burgers that are always reliably delicious. With the American military-themed artwork surrounding you, you will feel like eating a burger is your patriotic duty. These fresh, hand-formed burgers cause quite a line since everything is made perfectly to order. But really we only have two words to say to you: pizza burger.
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10. Honest Abe’s Tap and Grill, Morris
Honest Abe's Tap & Grill, 3585 IL-47, Morris, IL 60450, USA
Are you constantly seeking out the oddest and most unique burger options around? Could you not imagine a world in which a regular burger was your only option? If so, then Honest Abe’s is for you. After all, where else will you find a 100 percent Angus ground chuck burger that is able to make peanut butter and jelly seem like the best complement to this hearty meat patty? The PB and Jealousy is apparently that good! With over 20 different creative burgers from which to choose - as well as the humble cheeseburger for you traditionalists out there - at Honest Abe’s you are sure to find nothing but honestly good burgers.
11. Nesler’s Polar Whip, Energy
Nesler's Polar Whip, 100 W Johnson St, Energy, IL 62933, USA
This 1950s, cash-only fast food joint in the little town of Energy has become a traditional Southern Illinois hot spot for locals looking to get their hands on a famous Polar Whip burger. One bite into these tender morsels of burger-hood and you’ll immediately recognize the pride that this family restaurant takes in its food. Just don’t forget to wash that burger down with a creamy homemade milkshake.
12. Tracks Bar and Grill, Cary
Tracks Bar & Grill, 108 W Main St, Cary, IL 60013, USA
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The 30 years of popularity and incredible awards (WGN TV’s Chicago’s Best named it the juiciest burger ever) are enough to send burger lovers flocking to this McHenry County town with their hand-formed, 10 oz burgers freshly prepared to make your taste buds sing. Tracks Bar has quite a few winners, but try the Thomas’ Potato Skinz Burger with fries, bacon, cheddar and sour cream that is lightly kissed with scallions, or wake up on the right side of bed with the Sunrise Burger that offers bacon, grilled onions, sunny-side eggs and American cheese. Some of the best burgers in Illinois are found right here!
13. Bill’s Toasty Shop, Taylorville
Bill's Toasty Shop, 111 N Main St, Taylorville, IL 62568, USA
Sometime you just get a hankerin’ for an old-style diner that promises the most delicious cherry cokes and juiciest burgers around. And when you do, you better head over to Bill’s Toasty Shop for a homemade burger done just the way you want it. Add bacon. Add cheese. Heck, add some onions. The food is top notch and it’s open 24 hours so that you can enjoy this incredible greasy spoon establishment whenever your stomach grumbles for a savory burger.
14. Lockdown, Chicago (CLOSED)
Editor's Note: Lockdown Bar & Grill is permanently closed.
The name and the prison-themed décor might seem rather odd, but you certainly won’t find this kind of delicious food in prison. In fact, this Ukrainian Village favorite has been the talk of the burger town - "Check, Please!" even did a feature on them. Take in a metal or hard rock concert while noshing on one of the best gourmet burgers in Illinois (with farm-to-table meat, no less!) with bold names like "Conjugal Visit" or "The Death Sentence," a 20-oz meat patty topped with bacon, cheddar and caramelized onions. Not sure which burger to get? Don’t worry; they have burger flights (we’re not drooling, you’re drooling!).
The name and the prison-themed décor might seem rather odd, but you certainly won’t find this kind of delicious food in prison. In fact, this Ukrainian Village favorite has been the talk of the burger town - "Check, Please!" even did a feature on them. Take in a metal or hard rock concert while noshing on one of the best gourmet burgers in Illinois (with farm-to-table meat, no less!) with bold names like "Conjugal Visit" or "The Death Sentence," a 20-oz meat patty topped with bacon, cheddar and caramelized onions. Not sure which burger to get? Don’t worry; they have burger flights (we’re not drooling, you’re drooling!).
15. Ludy’s Kickapoo Creek Saloon, Edwards (CLOSED)
Editor's Note: Sadly, Ludy's Kickapoo served up its last wild saloon burger in 2021 and is now closed.
If you happen to be camping around the Peoria area then you’ll be remiss if you don’t get yourself to this country bar. Kick back at this relaxed saloon and enjoy a refreshing beer and a generously large piping-hot burger (you might just need to hold it with two hands). Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere while filling your tummy with a thick, hearty burger that will satiate your hunger and quell those vicious burger cravings.
If you happen to be camping around the Peoria area then you’ll be remiss if you don’t get yourself to this country bar. Kick back at this relaxed saloon and enjoy a refreshing beer and a generously large piping-hot burger (you might just need to hold it with two hands). Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere while filling your tummy with a thick, hearty burger that will satiate your hunger and quell those vicious burger cravings.
If this didn’t send your taste buds into a frenzy, we don’t know what will. This bucket list is quite the Everest to tackle but we believe you passionate food lovers might be willing to take on this challenge. We wish you the best of luck on your delicious, carnivorous endeavors as you take on the best burgers in Illinois!
And if there are other mind-boggling burger spots that you discover that aren’t on this list, be sure to share in the comments. What is your go-to burger place in Illinois?
Next, after you’ve had your fill of meaty goodness, hike it off! Or, settle in for hibernation at this comfy cabin.
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More to Explore
Best Burgers In Illinois
Are there any food trails in Illinois?
Illinois foodies, unite! If your idea of "hitting the trails" involves hopping in your car for a delicious dining adventure, be sure to check out the following food-centric day trips in Illinois:
- Illinois Donut Trail: Get your sugar on! From classic cake donuts to gloriously frosted and filled creations, Michigan has it.
- Illinois Ice Cream Trail: Another fan favorite food item, this road trip presents you with the opportunity to sample some of the best ice cream in the Prairie State, from soft serve to fro-yo to over-the-top sundaes.
- Illinois Taco Trail: This festive fiesta of a road trip isn't just for Tuesdays!
- Illinois Hot Dog Trail: This trail knows leads you to the BEST Chicago-style dogs in the state.
- Illinois Pie Trail: Sweet goes to whole new levels on this adventure!
Or, for something extra unique, how about this Blackhawk Chocolate Trail through Illinois - a delicious journey of sweets shops, restaurants, boutiques, and experiences all centered around our FAVORITE confection: chocolate!