The Great Burger Boom Rages On
Chicago may get most of its meaty reputation from hot dogs and sausage-studded deep-dish pizza, but we are certainly not lacking in our own superfluous array of burger joints. From high-end to low-brow, burger-centric spots can be found throughout the city. But that’s not stopping a recent onslaught of incoming burger concepts from other cities, gracing our fair city with their own brand of ground beef.
The first burger restaurant to make its eagerly awaited debut was Umami Burger, a Los Angeles-based company founded on the idea of composing a restaurant concept hinged on the umami (savory) taste receptor. Hence, the bulk of the menu at Umami Burger is burly and beefy to the max, featuring burgers heaped with truffle glaze and truffled cheese, beer-cheddar and bacon lardons, Parmesan crisps and fried eggs, plus lots more. Chicago also has its own exclusive burger, laden with giardiniera indicative of the city. The rest of the menu includes “smushed” potatoes made by double-frying flattened creamer potatoes and slathering them in roasted garlic aioli, tempura onion rings, fried pickles, and a whiskey-heavy booze program. Founder Adam Fleischman has also said that he intends to open several more Umami Burger outlets throughout Chicago, so be on the lookout for the aroma of truffles and beef.
The next burger juggernaut to take shape in Chicago will be Shake Shack, the New York City-based haunt that has swept the country (and the globe) by storm with its addictive blend of classic Americana patties, buttery buns, and salacious custard desserts. The quick service eatery is poised to open its first Chicago outpost in River North this fall, followed next year by another location across from Millennium Park.
Another East Coast newcomer is Good Stuff Eatery, a D.C.-based burger concept helmed by Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn. Due this winter in the Loop, Good Stuff hones in on classic (and highly stacked) American burgers made with high-quality ingredients, plus hand-cut fries, chili, salads, and shakes and floats.
Umami Burger
1480 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago
(773) 423-2005
Website
Shake Shack
66 E. Ohio Street, Chicago
Website
Good Stuff Eatery
22 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago
Website
