11 Top Spots for Burgers on the North Shore

The great American love affair with the burger is going strong. And Chicago’s North Shore delivers more than its share of juicy options from cravable classics to gourmet sensations. Are you a fan of the smash burger with its crispy, savory appeal? Or is the thick juicy pub-style your favorite? Try them all with condiments and combos galore at these top North Shore restaurants. You’ll be in the know with Where to Eat on Chicago’s North Shore. 

 

Fat Shallot, Evanston

Fat Shallot (Central Street, Evanston)
Voted best burger in Evanston by Northwestern students, this vibrant, casual American restaurant serves up creative takes on classic comfort food in a cheery atmosphere. From humble beginnings as a single red food truck, their legendary Cheeseburger maximizes the yum with its double patty, Muenster cheese, pickles, arugula and black pepper aioli on a brioche bun. Kids may flock to the House Fries, but try the Spicy Sesame Fries with rosemary topped with spicy sesame aioli or Truffle Fries, also with rosemary but topped with truffle aioli.
 

Bar Louie, Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore, Skokie

Bar Louie (Skokie)
The chef-inspired food at this original gastrobar culminates in their Craft Burgers with Louie's custom-blended patty on toasted brioche bun with pickles and fries or tots (loaded or not) or a salad. The All-Nighter earns its place as a crave-worthy boost of flavor with garlic aioli, white cheddar, house-made spicy candied bacon and sunny egg. Or test drive the new Gastroburger with shaved sirloin steak, garlic aioli, Provolone, queso and caramelized onions. Join Burger Nation every Tuesday with a Craft Burger with fries or tots for $5. 
 

The Claim Company, Northbrook

The Claim Company (Northbrook)
Home of the Motherlode Burger where you build your own gourmet hamburger at this Northbrook staple. Eight ounces of prime beef are only the beginning. Everybody wins with choices from Turkey Burger, Chicken Breast, Bison Burger, Ahi Tuna Steak and veggie options. Breads range from brioche to black bread, oat-top wheat and gluten-free. Eight cheeses dazzle that include goat, blue and Merkts, while toppings tempt: blackening spice and jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms or onions, avocado or fried egg. Even the Claim Signature Burger has multiple options. All served with House Cottage Chips.
 

Finn McCool's Irish Sports Pub, Wheeling

Finn McCool’s (Wheeling)
Check out this new location for Finn McCool's Irish Sports Pub, a lively neighborhood spot serving classic Irish-inspired pub fare. Famous for burgers, wings and a killer selection of drafts and craft beers, venture beyond their Classic Burger for the Guinness BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger, El Diablo Burger (pepperjack cheese, avocado, jalapeños, Sriracha mayo) or Mediterranean Feta Burger (melted feta, antipasto olives, tomato, cucumber, red onion, pesto mayo). All burgers are half-pound, fresh/never frozen, served on a butter-toasted brioche bun (or grilled marble rye or onion roll) with fries, tots or Kickin' Slaw.
 

Hackney's on Harms, Glenview

Hackney’s on Harms (Glenview)
Rightfully famous for their juicy half-pound of fresh ground beef Original Hackneyburger® on dark rye (or bread of choice) and one-of-a-kind Hackney's Original French Fried Onions. Add cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, American, Havarti or Gouda and served with Aunt Bebe’s Original Coleslaw and choice of fries, steamed broccoli or russet or sweet potato fries. Or go narrow with The Hack Smash piling a double-beef patty, grilled onions, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, Hax Sauce on a brioche bun. The Bean is a win for the veggie fans made with black beans and veggies with avocado on a pretzel bun.
 

L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge, Lincolnwood

L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge (Lincolnwood)
If you yearn for that Supper Club vibe, visit L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge with a menu bursting with American classics, barbecue specialties and a copious drinks list. Their Prime Cheeseburger boasts a signature beef blend with your choice of American, Swiss or cheddar while the Bacon Cheddar Burger is covered in applewood smoked bacon and Merkts cheddar. Spice it up or down with Barbecue Brisket Burger (sharp cheddar, BBQ sauce, crispy jalapeños, onions) or Ann's Veggie Burger (avocado, tomato, spinach, lemon aioli).
 

Morton's The Steakhouse, Northbrook

Morton’s The Steakhouse (Northbrook)
Upscale version unlocked. Bring your friends, colleagues or partner by this glittering bar during lunch or any time to treat your taste buds by sampling buttery, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. After a cocktail and starters like Fresh Oysters or Wagyu Beef Dumplings at the bar, order up some Bar Bites starring Morton’s Wagyu Smash Burger with three Wagyu Beef Patties, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and “Special Sauce” on a toasted brioche bun with matchstick fries. Savor the good life Morton’s and their talented mixologists while you nibble. 
 

izzeria DeVille, Evanston

Pizzeria DeVille (Downtown Evanston)
Sunny Pizzeria DeVille serves up more than yummy wood-fired pizzas. Their Smashburger smashes the smithereens out of a purely beef patty to perfect that smash-burger crisp. Dress it up with American cheese, zippy burger sauce, lettuce, tomato and red onion between Martin’s Potato Bun. Add an egg or bacon! Or dive into the Deluxe Deville Smashburger with sides of handcut fries, roasted broccoli, onion rings or fried avocado. Go regular or deluxe, “Spooky” or Sweet BBQ, Chipotle, Fried Avocado, Black & Blue or MAA Smashburger with goat cheese, fig jam, fresh spinach, caramelized onions and pistachios.

Guildhall, Glencoe

Guildhall (Glencoe)
Sophisticated without taking itself too seriously, Guildhall pairs thoughtful American bistro fare with an impressive lineup of craft cocktails, wine and beer. Sink your teeth into the Guildhall Burger, featuring prime beef, Havarti, grilled onions, house pickles and garlic aioli on a toasted brioche bun with fries.
 

Fred's Garage, Winnetka

Fred’s Garage (Winnetka)
Housed inside a renovated service station, Fred's Garage puts a creative spin on classic American favorites in a lively setting complete with an inviting patio. Their Salmon Burger offers a delicious change of pace with a housemade Atlantic salmon patty, bacon, grain mustard aioli and fresh toppings on a brioche bun.
 

Valley Lodge Tavern, Glenview & Wilmette

Valley Lodge Tavern (Glenview & Wilmette)
Sometimes you want a burger. Sometimes you want a salad. Valley Lodge Tavern says, "Why choose?" Their Cheeseburger Salad serves up a juicy burger over crisp lettuce with bacon, tomatoes, onions and pickles for the best of both worlds.