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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Cool burger spots in River North

A burger tastes better when the room has a distinct, memorable energy.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated April 2026
01
Crushed By Giants Brewing Company image 1
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Brewpub occupies a spacious second-floor spot with modern decor and fantastic artwork. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with good music playing at a comfortable volume. Seating includes wide, cushioned bar stools that add to the relaxed vibe.

Burgers come with two 4 oz smash patties on a sesame bun that highlights the patty's flavor. They are perfectly charred with excellent seasoning and juicy without being messy.

Cool artwork decorates the space, creating a unique vibe. Shirts with cool designs offer a fun souvenir option.

People are saying

"They have a great mix of beers on tap."

"The burgers here are cooked just right and packed with flavor."

"It's a cool, laid-back spot with good vibes."

Good to know

1

The brewery is located on the second floor of the AMC building.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

The kitchen closes at 9pm, so arrive early for food.

02
Marshall's Landing image 1
American restaurant

Space offers great river views and a wrap-around bar with comfortable seating. Atmosphere feels warm and versatile, suitable for quiet work or informal meetings, though music can be loud and varied. Private dining rooms overlook the river, supporting gatherings and events.

Burgers here come with solid flavor and a tasty turkey option. The classic burger stands out alongside other choices like the chicken Caesar wrap and turkey club.

A laid-back spot with a massive environment and an amazing view. The vibe stays cool and welcoming for afternoon lounging and day drinking.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"I thought the turkey burger was tasty."

"This spot is cool with an amazing view."

Good to know

1

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

2

Marshall's Landing is a popular spot for hosting corporate events and parties.

3

The venue offers a spacious area suitable for networking events.

03
No Vacancy image 1
Restaurant

Dark academia decor creates a classy yet casual vibe with comfortable bar seating and large screen TVs for watching games. The atmosphere stays fun and welcoming, featuring DJs on weekends and a solid beer tap system. Food and drinks include amazing birria egg rolls and craft cocktails, making it a popular spot for game days.

The NV Burger stands out with a juicy, flavorful patty cooked to a perfect medium and a rich egg topping. Adding Neuske Bacon boosts its flavor, while the house burger and chicken sandwich also deliver solid taste with fries on the side.

Cocktail list offers a cool selection with unique options like photos on a Guinness or espresso martini. The bar maintains a somewhat family friendly vibe while staying cool overall.

People are saying

"I found the birria egg rolls to be absolutely delicious."

"I thought the burger was great and delicious."

"I loved their cool, awesome selection of drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4:30 to 6:30 pm with half-price appetizers and drinks.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere, especially during NFL games on weekends.

3

The menu features unique dishes but is small enough to not be overwhelming.

04
The 101 Bar, Grill & Rooftop image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a rooftop bar offering spectacular city views and multiple seating options including fire pits and private couches. Live music creates a lively atmosphere that balances well with conversation. Cocktails and food receive strong praise, contributing to an overall vibrant and welcoming vibe.

Sliders like the 101 Burger and Shrimp & Lobster Roll stand out. The burger options come with sides like Crispy Onion Rings and pair well with salads such as Caesar or Caprese.

Rooftop offers a cool space with relaxing upbeat music and cool decor. The atmosphere stays consistently cool and inviting throughout the day.

People are saying

"The rooftop views of the city are beautiful."

"Our server was awesome and provided excellent service."

"The rooftop views are beautiful, especially at sunset."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available 7 days a week from 5-7pm.

2

Reservations are typically required, but walk-ins may be accommodated if available.

3

The happy hour offers a great selection of drinks and appetizers at unbeatable prices.

05
Shamrock Club image 1

Old-school bar extends deep inside with a pool table, jukebox, and popcorn machine adding to the casual vibe. Loud, fun crowd creates a welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere where people relax and socialize. Outdoor patio offers a perfect spot for warm days, enhancing the laid-back energy.

Juicy, perfectly seasoned patties define the charbroiled burger here. Prices stay low while the flavor stays high, making it a solid spot for a decent dive bar burger enjoyed alongside wings and a beer.

Atmosphere feels relaxing with a cool vibe. Staff stay responsive and add to the laid-back mood.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially with a cold pint."

"It's a great little dive bar with fairly priced drinks."

"I found the burgers here to be a great price for downtown."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Expect the bar to get crowded around 6-7 PM.

3

Pitchers are available for $13, making it a budget-friendly option.

06
Charlie Martin's image 1

Cozy space with Hollywood regency decor and mood lighting creates a speakeasy vibe. Bartenders craft exceptional cocktails, including standout Old Fashioneds and martinis. Atmosphere suits jazzy date nights and sophisticated dining with white tablecloths.

Juicy and packed with flavor, the burger shows real attention to detail. It stands out as a unique and memorable option in the city.

Ambiance and interior design feel like traveling through time. The bar stands out as super cool, though the vibe could improve with better music and clientele.

People are saying

"The seafood, especially the oysters, was super fresh and amazing."

"The food here is outstanding, especially the steak frites."

"I thought the burger was a must-try and so damn good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekend nights.

2

The restaurant closes early at 11 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

They often run out of popular menu items by 8 pm on weekends.

07
The Alston image 1
Steak house

Dining room offers spacious elegance with a unique interior design and tableside presentations like duck press. Atmosphere blends pre-Covid hospitality with a lively, upscale crowd. Bar serves impressive cocktails alongside expert wine pairings.

The House Ground Burger offers a mix of flavors that work well together. Many order the duck, burgers, and gnocchi, but the burger stands out as decent without being exceptional.

A separate bar area adds a cool vibe to the beautiful space. The duck press offers a unique and tender experience that stands out.

People are saying

"The steak here is outstanding, and the service makes you feel well taken care of."

"The dining room's ambiance is party-like and beautiful."

"The burgers here are good, but I've had better."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

2

A 3% service charge is added to all credit card transactions.

3

Happy hour features a curated menu of food and drinks.

08
The Green Door Tavern image 1

Cozy dive bar with historic wooden interiors and a hidden speakeasy downstairs creates a unique old-school vibe. Social and friendly atmosphere fills the space with nostalgic memorabilia and warm energy. Regulars enjoy spinning a shot wheel and relaxing with good music and sports on TV.

Burgers here stand out with the Tavern burger and Legend Burger offering solid, satisfying flavors. They hold their own against other great burgers in the city and pair well with the Chicago Beef Poutine.

A hidden speakeasy in the basement gives the place a cool, old Chicago vibe. The bar features lots of old bar merchandise that adds to its cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bartender Autumn's energy made the whole bar feel more enjoyable."

"It's a really cool spot with a unique speakeasy vibe."

"I thought the burgers here were really, really good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the downstairs speakeasy to ensure entry.

2

The hidden bar opens later in the evening, providing a unique experience.

3

Happy hour offers late night food and drink specials.

09
TARY image 1
Cafe

Cozy, minimal cafรฉ with authentic Kazakh decor and subtle cultural elements creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support work or socializing, while unique Central Asian pastries and dishes offer a distinct culinary experience.

Burgers feature braised beef cooked for six hours and come with soft, fresh bread. The halal options include a burger with mouthwatering sauce that stands out.

Kazakhstan-inspired design shapes the space with art on the walls and tea kettle details. Kazakh music plays in the background, adding to the unique vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"I found the cheeseburger to be the perfect, delicious craft burger."

"It's a cool little coffee shop with a modern, upscale interior."

Good to know

1

Parking is reserved for commercial vehicles only, leading to potential tickets.

2

TARY serves unique Central Asian pastries and drinks not found elsewhere.

3

The cafe gets packed, making tables hard to get at times.

10
House of Blues Chicago image 1

Small venue with live blues music creates an authentic blues atmosphere filled with enthusiastic energy. Interior features beautiful woodwork and psychedelic decor with unique side rooms. Crowds enjoy music alongside strong cocktails in a warm, pleasant setting.

Burgers here come with a classic taste and are generally well-prepared. The menu offers a standard selection that pairs well with drinks like Memphis Blues Sangria.

Immaculate vibes fill the space with funky art and aesthetic decor. The setup feels cool and intimate, paired with incredible music.

People are saying

"The live music here sounds fantastic."

"The vibe here is cool, with funky art and aesthetic decor."

"I thought the burger was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking at the venue is valet only, which can be expensive.

2

Brunch is available 30 minutes before the show and throughout the performance.

3

Expect a limited food menu with generous portion sizes.

11
Parlay River North image 1

Sports bar offers a gorgeous rooftop bar with a beautiful view and a live DJ playing music during game breaks. Atmosphere combines great energy and vibes with multiple TVs for sports fans. Some seating areas feel crowded or poorly lit, but food includes standout items like chicken and waffles and stuffed French toast.

The menu features a Smash burger that some find excellent while others say it does not meet traditional expectations. The breakfast burger and Monday special with fries and a drink offer solid options for different times of day.

A cool vibe fills the space with a friendly staff that stays calm even when busy. It works well as a spot for groups to grab drinks and food.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and absolutely delicious."

"I found the breakfast burger to be very delicious."

"The manager stayed cool and friendly even with the bar packed."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on beer and wings.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm.

3

Brunch includes bottomless mimosas for 90 minutes.

12
VELA image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Gorgeous atmosphere sets a cool vibe throughout the space. The overall feel stays consistently pretty cool.

People are saying

"The food here has flavor profiles that are above and beyond."

"I ordered a burger and it was delicious."

"The atmosphere here is pretty cool with a great vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $10 off cocktails and half-price appetizers from 4-6pm.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant hosts a popup event with their sister restaurant every month.

13
Hawksmoor Chicago image 1

Steakhouse offers a stylish and warm dining room with quiet sophistication and a relaxed but upmarket atmosphere. Cocktails are expertly crafted, complementing the coal-cooked steaks that define the menu. Private rooms and a dynamic space support both intimate and business gatherings.

Burger mimics a Big Mac with higher quality ingredients. Deluxe upgrade includes beef fat fries and ginger brew. Fries and sauce stand out. Happy hour offers strong deals on burgers.

An old Chicago-style building gives the place character and charm. The overall vibe feels really cool and the setting adds to that.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and cooked to perfection."

"The food here is spectacular, especially the steak cooked to perfection."

"John's service made our burgers experience so wonderful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm-6pm with great deals on steak, burgers, and oysters.

2

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday roast, which is only available on Sundays.

3

The restaurant offers gluten-free options and is knowledgeable about dietary restrictions.

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River North, Chicago

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