Burgers and empanadas in Chicago

Stylish restaurant with 80s music theme and flags for every country creates a vibrant, festive atmosphere. Loud Spanish rock music and noisy crowds give the place a lively, energetic vibe. Known for BYOB policy and queer- and latine-ownership, it offers a unique local experience.

Thick patties stand out, especially in the Joy Burger which comes even as a single. Caramelized onions add a rich touch, and the portabello burger features poblano peppers and mozzarella for a tasty twist.

Beef and chicken empanadas come with bold seasoning and a spicy kick. Bacon-wrapped dates often accompany the empanadas, adding a savory contrast.

Small space filled with eclectic decor and real plants creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Classic hip hop music plays, setting a chill vibe throughout. Outdoor patio and kiosk ordering add to the casual, comfortable experience.

The Lamb Smash Burger stands out with its bursting flavor and perfect cooking. It delivers a satisfying, hearty bite that fits well on a cold day.

Spicy and perfectly fried empanadas stand out here. Potato empanadas come with a great dipping sauce that complements their crispiness.

Bright, open space with sleek, clean decor and upbeat DJ music creates a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. The restaurant fills quickly, offering a family-friendly vibe and welcoming pets. Drinks like margaritas and espresso martinis complement a menu featuring standout dishes such as mole and chilaquiles.

A smash burger stands out with duck fat onions, morita aioli, and American cheese. It pairs well with loaded fries and ranks highly among local options.

Empanadas come in rich beef cheek with bone marrow and classic ham and cheese varieties. Each one is flavorful and fresh, with prices around five dollars for the beef cheek option.

Cozy Argentinian restaurant with quaint outdoor patio and rustic decor creates a calm, intimate atmosphere. Space feels open without crowding, offering varied seating options including booths and tall tables. BYOB policy adds a relaxed, personal touch to dining experience.

Burgers come with a soft brioche bun, juicy beef patty, aged cheddar, and caramelized onions. Veggie burgers are huge and delicious, often paired with sweet potato fries. Some burgers use a franchise baguette for a unique twist.

Beef and ham and cheese empanadas stand out with herb-infused oil and a special sauce that enhances their flavor. The chimichurri adds a fresh kick, making these empanadas a solid choice alongside sandwiches and other dishes.

Cozy space with a homey vibe and warm atmosphere creates a welcoming casual dining experience. Good music adds to the pleasant energy. Known for authentic Venezuelan food, especially large, delicious empanadas and excellent traditional dishes.

Burgers here have a Venezuelan street food vibe with the Mollejua burger standing out as huge and delicious. They often taste better than the hot dogs available.

Golden, crisp, and flaky dough holds up well to rich, well-balanced fillings like classic beef, chicken, and seafood. Portions are large but not overwhelming, making them great for a snack or meal.

South American restaurant blends chic and cozy design with warm lighting and board games for a relaxed vibe. Atmosphere suits both intimate dinners and lively gatherings with a laid-back, inviting energy. Space includes couches and a play area, supporting local art and music for a community feel.

Portobello burger stands out as a favorite even for vegetarians, often rated better than meat options. The burgers come with fries and pair well with coffee, offering a satisfying meal experience.

Empanadas come with a perfectly crispy outside and tender meat inside. Brisket empanadas stand out with incredible flavors that pair well with coffee.

Space channels sophisticated Mexican vibes with warm, vibrant design inspired by Mexico City. Music shifts from chill to loud with a live DJ mixing house, reggaeton, and hip hop, creating a lively atmosphere. Guests enjoy upscale casual energy with comfortable seating and standout cocktails.

The VELA burger stands out as a recommended choice. Burgers here come with a delicious taste that complements other dishes like empanadas and mezze.

Wagyu Carne Seca empanadas come with a poblano jocoque dressing that stands out. These empanadas serve well as an appetizer and offer a rich, savory bite.

Restaurant blends Polish and Colombian cuisines with a small but creative menu featuring many vegetarian options. Atmosphere feels serene and lovely, offering a unique cultural fusion experience. Food combines savory and sweet flavors with standout dishes like the Pączki Burger and Arepa-Ski.

The Pączki Burger stands out with its massive size and unique presentation, combining a paczki and burger in one. The beef patty cooks just right, and the double version offers an even more filling experience.

Savory vegetarian empanadas blend pierogi and empanada qualities, creating a unique hybrid. They pair well with other dishes and come highly recommended.

Small space filled with comic book art and superhero murals creates a lively, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere feels like stepping into a comic store with a friendly, energetic crowd. The setting is cozy but can be noisy and warm due to limited ventilation.

Burgers here feature ground in house patties with a distinct Colombian style. They come highly praised for their rich flavor and authenticity.

Empanadas feature good stew and proper dough with standout options like chicken and cheese. Fried yuca pairs well, making them incredibly delicious and reminiscent of Colombian style.

Small restaurant with cozy decor and a see-through kitchen creates a vibrant atmosphere filled with Bad Bunny music. Seating is comfortable but close, making it suitable for couples or families. The vibe stays friendly and lively, especially during lunch with available tables.

Burgers here are juicy, well-seasoned, and cooked just right. The brunch burger stands out, made to perfection and highly flavorful.

Empanadas come packed with bold flavors like pollo and chorizo y papa. The chori papa empanadas arrive with a creamy sauce and keep the classic taste consistent across locations.

Beautiful design and warm lighting create a relaxed, vibey atmosphere with unique cocktails that stand out. The space feels like a home away from home with comfortable furniture and a welcoming vibe. Music adds to the chill, inviting energy throughout the evening.

Quality meat and great buns make the burger stand out. It pairs well with fries and matches the high marks of other dishes like lumpia eggrolls and papperdelle.

Butter chicken and corn-filled options stand out among the empanadas. The Empanada Duo offers scratch-made fillings with rich flavors that appeal to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Modern steakhouse with sleek black decor and comfortable seating creates a friendly yet elegant atmosphere. The vibe balances casual and sophisticated, welcoming guests in casual clothes. Excellent margaritas and steaks complement the stylish setting.

Burgers here vary a lot. Some are perfectly cooked and highly praised, while others come off as overly salty and less impressive.

Empanadas stand out for their flavorful chicken and beef fillings and are served thoughtfully cut in half. They pair well with spicy margaritas and complement other dishes like queso fundido and steak tacos.

Urban Latino spot with a hidden patio and chic dive bar vibe offers live DJ sets mixing old jams and Spanish music. Indoor space feels dark and loud, especially when music peaks, while patio seating provides a quieter atmosphere for conversation. The place fills up with people enjoying singing and dancing, creating a lively energy.

Burgers here have a phenomenal flavor and a great quality that stands out. They pair well with quesabirria tacos and micheladas for a solid meal.

Shrimp and tinga empanadas come with a special sauce that stands out. Mushroom empanadas tend to be greasy, while shrimp empanadas get noted as very good.

Restaurant offers Venezuelan maracucho flavor with dishes like empanadas and cachapas that stand out. Atmosphere feels cozy and friendly, with background music enhancing a home-like vibe. Popular spot known for authentic Maracaibo-style cuisine rarely found elsewhere.

Burgers feature a fried cheese patty that changes the flavor profile. Options include the Marabina chicken and pork chop burger and a double crispy burger with customizable meat choices.

Huge empanadas feature a mix of meat, black beans, and fried banana. Expect a wait of up to half an hour due to their popularity.