West Town Burger Named Best In America

CHICAGO, IL — One of Chicago's most popular cheeseburgers has been named the best burger in America by The Daily Meal. The report looked for a "quintessentially American" burger, which can be divided into three main styles: the smash burger, the juicy thick-patty option and the fine-dining "aged steak" style, according to the report. The Daily Meal consulted with Pat LaFrieda, the butcher mastermind behind some of the top burgers served in the United States.

Au Cheval's cheeseburger was ranked No. 1 on the list for its simplicity, The Daily Meal said.

"...two patties (or three, if you order a “double”) of no-frills ground beef topped with Cheddar, Dijonnaise, and a few thin slices of pickles and served on a soft toasted bun from Chicago’s Z Baking," the report said. "The patties are wonderfully crusty, and just about everything about this burger is perfect."

The report noted that Au Cheval owner Brendan Sodikoff "must be doing something right," because the lineup to get into the restaurant stretches "around the block" daily. The report noted that Au Cheval's fries are also among the best in the U.S.

Kuma's Corner was also named on the list, ranked No. 16.

"If you have to choose just one, go for the Kuma Burger: a fried egg, bacon, lettuce, onion, sharp Cheddar, and tomato," the report said. "It’s not as though there’s not enough flavor in the burger, but that egg adds the extra 'oomph' to make it truly memorable."

And the Griddled Burger at Edzo's in Evanston was also named on the list — at No. 34.

"To know Edzo’s, you must first know Eddie Lakin, a former line cook who worked in high-end kitchens around the world before settling back on his home turf to flip burgers for a living."

Lakin's burgers are made from hand-cut, "choice chuck" and ground at the restaurant every morning, The Daily Meal reported.

"Burgers are available in two preparations: smashed flat on a griddle, or grilled over an open flame. We suggest ordering the former — it’s thin and crispy, served with up to three patties on a bun, topped with the classics as well as interesting options like garlic butter, fried eggs, and giardiniera."

The top 10 burgers on the list went to spots in Atlanta, New York City, Miami, Santa Fe, Los Angeles and Charleston, S.C.

Photo by Kevin J. Miyazaki, courtesy of Au Cheval