There’s nothing like a burger—hot and juicy, dripping with ketchup and melted cheese, sandwiched by a toasty bun—when hunger strikes.
I’m always on the look out for great burgers, but I’ve been expanding my parameters (along with my waistline). Burgers are not made with meat alone. And there’s got to be more to it than the standard bun and condiments to make me sit up and take notice.
Here are 5 places on the North Shore that are rocking my world:
Abigail’s
Highland Park
Grilled Beef Burger with Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar and Red Onion Marmalade ($11)
This is a great American-style burger, updated with the interplay of tangy-sweet onion condiment and sharp Cheddar. Comes with those fabulous Abigail’s frites.
Avli
Winnetka
Grilled Herbed Lamb Burger with Spicy Feta-Red Pepper Spread on a Ciabatta Roll ($11)
Opa! Juicy, herby and delicious. And that ciabatta roll is a stroke of brilliance; sturdy enough to stand up to the lamb and that incredible spicy feta sauce. Accompanied by a side of crispy zucchini chips—ask for a little Skordalia (Greek potato and garlic dip) to dip them in.
Bop N Grill
Evanston
Kimchi Burger: Griddled Beef Burger with Sauteed Kimchi, Fried Egg, Bacon, Cheese and Gochujang Sauce on a Pretzel Bun ($5.99)
OMG. This is a burger that will haunt your dreams, and the pretzel bun is genius. Too much cholesterol to worry about—it will harsh your buzz. This is a real burger joint, kind of a dive, but with great food.
The Happ Inn
Northfield
Mushroom Surprise: Grilled Beef Burger with Horseradish Sauce, Swiss Cheese, BBQ Sauce, Onion Rings and Sauteed Mushrooms ($11.95)
Since the day Happ opened, I’ve been a fan of this burger. Holy moley, it is tasty; sloppy, too, with all of my favorite condiments on one burger. Request the sweet potato fries.
Townhouse Kitchen & Bar
Deerfield
Asian Turkey Burger with Pho Spices, Napa Slaw and Teriyaki Aioli on a Honey Wheat Kaiser Roll ($10)
Hands down the best turkey burger I’ve ever had: moist and redolent with pho spices (star anise, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and coriander), topped with a crunchy slaw and smooth aioli on a sturdy bun. Comes with a cone of crispy, skinny fries. You’ll be dipping them in the teriyaki aioli.
