Restaurants & Bars

Best Burger In Skokie: Readers Pick Poochie's

The longtime local favorite was the top pick of Skokie Patch readers, who also recommended Ken's Diner, Hackney's on Harms and Portillo's.

Poochie's Hot Dogs was the most popular local spot for a burger in a recent Patch survey. Readers also raved about its grilled salami sandwich on a hot dog bun.
Poochie's Hot Dogs was the most popular local spot for a burger in a recent Patch survey. Readers also raved about its grilled salami sandwich on a hot dog bun. (Google Maps)

SKOKIE, IL — We asked Skokie Patch readers last week to share their recommendations for the best burger place in town, and the results are in.

Out of dozens of respondents, one spot emerged as a clear favorite, earning nearly 20 percent of the vote in our unscientific survey.

Poochie's Hot Dogs, 3602 Dempster St., was the top pick of Skokie Patch readers, who praised the 52-year-old hot dog stand's atmosphere, execution and taste.

Find out what's happening in Skokiefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

What makes it the best?

"Not too thick, not too thin and grilled to perfection as customized as you want," said one reader. "Always juicy!"

Find out what's happening in Skokiefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"A grilled toasted bun with a burger cooked to order over an char grill and top with sharp cheese and your favorite condiments," another respondent said.

"Flavorful, juicy, abundant," said another. "The warm friendly ambiance of the restaurant completes the experience."

Poochie's was established in 1969 by Harvey Bernstein. In 1991, Chris Christou took ownership and has continued his legacy.

Some of the go-to orders residents recommend include the cheddar burger, mozzarella burger, black-bleu burger and its famous grilled salami.

Other honorable mentions from our survey included:


As local businesses continue to find their way forward amid the coronavirus, Patch readers are asked to continue supporting their favorite locally owned businesses. Want to highlight your favorite burger in town or another exceptional local business? Sound off with a neighbor post on Skokie Patch.

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