Fast-food

Best fast-food burger: Paradise Pup

Photograph by Donna Rickles

WINNER - Paradise Pup
Yes, you have to drive to the ’burbs to get it and yes, it’s a preformed patty. But this 25-year-old roadside stand has its freshly ground, never-frozen patties delivered daily, the grill leaves an unmistakable char flavor that has legions of fans, the challah bun is delicious, and the Merkt’s cheddar melts into a gooey mess once it’s cheek-to-cheek with the hot meat. $3.99. 1724 S River Rd, Des Plaines; 847-699-8590

#2 - Patty Burger
This is fast food as it used to be - hand-formed Angus beef patties that are uncommonly uncomplicated—so the only choice you have to make is whether you’re going to get a single, double or triple. $3.29. 72 E Adams St, 312-987-0900

#3 - Feed
The unsung hero on a menu chock-full of chicken, this simple, satisfying burger has a perfect meat-to-bun ratio. And it’s not only grilled to order, but hand-formed to order as well. $5.49. 2803 W Chicago Ave, 773-489-4600

#4 - That's-A-Burger
Maybe fast isn’t the best word for this burger—it can take up to 20 minutes—but this carry-out spot is worth the wait, even if you have to eat your burger in the car. The parked car—this baby takes two hands. $3.45. 2134 E 71st St, 773-493-2080

#5 - Billy Goat Tavern
You can hit eight locations these days (including one in D.C.), but we prefer the griddle at the original, where veteran spatula-wielders know just how much pressure to put on the thin, lacy-edged classics. They’re small, so go with a double with cheese to fill up. $4.55. 430 N Lower Michigan Ave, 312-222-1525