Classic

WINNER erwin
When’s the last time you wanted to sit and smell a burger more than you wanted to bite into it? That’s the reaction we had to this beauty, which is seasoned with garlic and a peppery chile sauce, topped with savory white cheddar and cooked over a wood-burning grill. Go ahead, breathe deeply…okay, you can stop now, your burger’s getting cold. $13. 2925 N Halsted St, 773-528-7200

#2 Naha
Whether you’re eating it over a white tablecloth or on a stool at the front bar, this Angus beef burger—liberally seasoned, with a bed of caramelized onions tucked under your choice of fancy cheeses—is the perfect partner for the fresh, hand-cut parsley fries alongside it. $13. 500 N Clark St, 312-321-6242

#3 Park Grill
The regular $10 burger here is nothing to sneeze at, but when we have an extra eight bucks, we go for the Kobe patty with Gorgonzola, balsamic grilled onions and grain mustard. $18. 11 N Michigan Ave, 312-521-7275

#4 bin wine café
Beef chuck is marinated in olive oil, shallots, thyme, parsley, pepper and garlic, ground daily and hand-formed into half-pound patties. The finished product gets oven-dried tomatoes (instead of a tomato slice), housemade giardiniera (in lieu of a pickle) and your choice of artisanal cheese on a brioche bun. $10.1559 N Milwaukee Ave, 773-486-2233

#5 Jury’s
Usually it takes stamina for us to take down a hearty
half-pounder like this one—but the big, beefy flavor helps us devour it in minutes. Or if you’re not a pig like us, sit back on the patio and take your time. $7.50. 4337 N Lincoln Ave, 773-935-2255