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Local picks in Chicago

Cool smash burger spots

A smash burger that has a genuine edge to it rather than just trying to look the part.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Migos Fine Foods image 1
Migos Fine Foods image 2
Migos Fine Foods image 3
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Mexican restaurant

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.

Lamb smash burger stands out with bursting flavor and perfect cooking. It satisfies well on cold days and earns praise for its excellent taste.

Super small space with eclectic decor sets a unique tone. The vibe stays cool and festive with on point music creating a lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I found the food here to be phenomenal and creative."

"The lamb smash burger was bursting with flavor and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Everything at this place is halal, as indicated by the logo.

2

There are many vegetarian options available on the menu.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours.

02
Desert Hawk image 1

Desert-themed bar with an extensive tequila and mezcal selection offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with outdoor patio seating and a pool table. Music features LCD Soundsystem and Talking Heads, creating a vibey, low-key backdrop. The crowd is eclectic and friendly, making it suitable for casual drinks or a relaxed night out.

Smash burgers come with plantain buns instead of regular bread, giving them a unique twist. Options like the Jibarito Smash and Sunset Smash are large, messy, and topped with grilled onions, pickles, and animal-style sauce.

Interior draws from the desert, creating a very relaxed and cool vibe. Seating includes intimate booths and larger tables, adding to the chill atmosphere.

People are saying

"The smash jibaritos here are amazing and flavorful."

"I thought the smash burger here was one of the best I've had."

"It's a cool, chill place with a relaxed vibe."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Wednesday with a fun crowd and great vibes.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with good drink deals.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended for karaoke nights.

03
Bad Habit image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill with a modern, inviting space featuring a stunning bar and a large private room. Atmosphere stays laid back and chill, with excellent music setting a great vibe before the DJ arrives. Crowd varies, often quiet early but livens up around nearby concerts.

Smash burger stands out with its juicy, flavorful patty. Fries served alongside complement the meal well.

The atmosphere feels laid-back and the vibe stays consistently cool throughout. It creates a relaxed spot that stands out for its chill energy.

People are saying

"I loved the crunchy shrimp tacos with cilantro lime tartar."

"I fell in love with their delicious smash burger immediately."

"The vibe here is so cool and fun."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great drink specials from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

The menu features a variety of options, including vegan choices.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food and drinks.

04
Small Bar image 1

Small bar offers a cozy, old Chicago vibe with a small, crowded interior and a heated patio that expands the space. The atmosphere is loud and lively, filled with fun music and a friendly energy. It attracts a mix of people who enjoy quality burgers and cold beers in a neighborhood setting.

Smash burgers come with extra crisp edges and feature American cheese, grilled onions, and a special sauce. They stand out as exceptionally good with a perfectly crisp texture and strong flavor.

Atmosphere stands out with its cool vibe and good energy. The bar offers a solid selection of great beer.

People are saying

"The smash burgers here are a greasy, delicious mess."

"I thought their smash burgers were some of the best I've had."

"I found the burgers here to be great and priced under $10."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait during peak hours after 6pm.

3

The menu now offers only two types of smash burgers.

05
Almost Home Tavern image 1

Bar and grill with spacious patio and multiple game options like shuffleboard, pool, and darts. Atmosphere is vibrant and lively, suited for large groups and sports watching with plenty of TVs. Known for classic beer selections and highly rated food including burgers and wings.

Smash burger stands out with its juicy, flavorful patties. The double smash burger offers a satisfying, hearty option that outshines other sandwiches.

Expansive beer garden and very cool interior create a relaxed vibe. The environment feels consistently nice and cool throughout.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and tasty."

"I thought the smash burger was one of the best I've ever had."

"I found the environment here to be cool."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Music bingo is hosted every Wednesday at 8pm.

3

Parking is available via the ParkChicago app or at the parking box.

06
Cured & Crafted | Artisan Sandwiches image 1

Sandwich shop offers a cozy, neighborhood feel with a fresh, modern interior featuring subtle TV show nods. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting with a super chill but classy vibe. Crowd includes families and locals enjoying quality sandwiches and unique menu options.

Smash burgers come with crispy edges and a juicy center. They pair well with fries and a rich cheese sauce.

Clean environment with a super cool vibe inside. The shop feels like a cool spot with a consistently cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The sandwiches here are packed with flavor and taste unbelievable."

"The chimichurri steak is tender and delicious."

"I loved the smash burger and cheese sauce."

Good to know

1

Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the restaurant.

2

They only accept card payments; no cash is accepted.

3

The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, and vegetarian options.

07
NADC Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small space with a dive bar vibe and brick wall creates a cozy, intimate setting. Music plays at the right volume, featuring hip-hop and anime themes, adding to a chill atmosphere. The spot feels lively and packed, with art and skateboarding videos enhancing the unique ambiance.

Smash burgers here stand out for their rich flavor and generous portions. The Wagyu smash burger with tamed jalapeรฑos offers a unique twist that sets it apart from others.

A speakeasy-like sushi restaurant creates a cool ambiance that stands out. The burger spot offers a very cool vibe alongside its great burgers.

People are saying

"I thought this burger was one of the best I've ever had."

"These smash burgers are really, really, really good."

"The burgers here are delicious and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy hour includes a burger, fries, and a small drink.

2

The burger costs $16, with a mandatory 20% service charge added.

3

Expect to pay over $60 for two burgers and fries.

08
Willie Lill's Spirits & Kitchen image 1

Bar combines indoor/outdoor seating with numerous TV screens tuned to games, creating a loud, energetic sports vibe. Music from DJs and live band karaoke adds to the lively atmosphere, while the crowd often aligns with local team loyalties. Board games and themed decor contribute to a casual, engaging environment.

Smash burgers come with thin breading on tender white meat and pair well with waffle fries. The cheese curds and burgers have a delicious flavor that stands out.

Cool atmosphere shines inside and out with a clean bar and great patio. Friendly staff serve cold drinks while fantastic music plays and halftime raffles add fun during games.

People are saying

"It's the closest you can get to game day for watching live sports."

"I thought the smash burger was to die for."

"The atmosphere inside the place is really cool."

Good to know

1

Live band karaoke happens every Sunday at 9:00 p.m.

2

Trivia night takes place every Tuesday evening.

3

The kitchen last call is at 9:50 p.m. on Fridays.

09
Best Intentions image 1

Bar combines retro neighborhood vibe with a large hidden patio and video games. Atmosphere feels like a local pub with country and rock music, attracting a crowd mostly over 45 years old. Cocktails are creative and the setting mixes funky, nostalgic elements with consistent comfort.

Two smash burgers come at a low price of $6 each. They taste delicious and stand out for their affordable quality.

The patio offers a cool vibe that stands out, especially outdoors. Drinks include cheap beer and fun mixed cocktails, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best bar in the city."

"This place has such a cool vibe, especially outside."

"I thought the smash burger was the best I'd ever have."

Good to know

1

The bar can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.

2

Seating is first come, first serve, so arrive early.

3

Parking in the area may be a little difficult.

10
Lucy's Fried Chicken & Smashburgers image 1

Rustic, low-lit space with 60s-themed decor and boozy shakes creates a cozy, casual vibe. Outdoor patio and communal picnic tables invite relaxed dining. Known for spicy fried chicken sandwiches and smashburgers with a neighborhood feel.

Bacon Jam Smash Burger blends sweet and savory with two patties and bacon. Other options include the Beer Onion Cheddar and Prohibition Smash Burgers with dijonaise, plus a flavorful BLT smash burger.

The spot has a cool vibe with a chill environment. The music adds a very cool touch to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The chicken sandwich here is outstanding and amazing."

"These Smash Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and utterly mouthwatering."

"The spicy chicken sandwich here is amazing and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Delivery took nearly 2 hours, so plan accordingly.

2

The wait for to-go meals is typically 30-45 minutes.

3

Dipping sauces cost extra, so factor that into your order.

11
The Drop In image 1

Dive bar with punk music and old school skate videos creates a casual, friendly vibe. Interior feels classy by day but shows signs of wear. Known for phenomenal smash burgers and a speakeasy offering unique cocktails.

Smash burgers here feature a crispy sear and a juicy patty that stands out from typical dijonnaise-style burgers. The NADC burger offers a unique twist on the classic smash burger style.

Music sets a cool vibe here. The guys working the bar add to the laid-back atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the burger was superb."

"I thought the smash burger here was one of the best I've ever had."

"The burgers here are incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great value with discounted appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all bills, so check your total.

3

Reservations are not required, and tables for two are often available immediately.

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