Nonbeef

WINNER May Street Market
Our curiosity about wild game drew us to two out of three of these burgers: Once we tasted the duck (with oven-roasted figs and Maytag blue cheese) and venison burgers (with poached pears, pancetta and aged Spanish goat cheese), our only complaint was that their small stature doesn’t even begin to satiate our appetite for them. The third burger was beef, and just as tasty as the others. $18. 1132 W Grand Ave, 312-421-5547

#2 Fixture
We first had these buffalo sliders (kicked up with a dash of smoked paprika) when they were slathered with foie mayo. Even now that chef Sarah Nelson got rid of that topping (thanks to the city clamp-down on foie gras), the burger trio is just as delicious with a smear of black-pepper truffle mayo, caramelized onions and Maytag blue cheese. $12. 2706 N Ashland Ave, 773-248-3331

#3 Saltaus
This half-pound burger is a combo of ground lamb and lamb trimmings from chops and shoulders (which make it so juicy), plus a drizzle of garlic oil and just enough fresh mint to keep the Mediterranean theme going. $15. 1350 W Randolph St, 312-455-1919

#4 Rhapsody
A salmon burger couldn’t possibly hold its own in a list of meaty champions, right? Not unless it’s this gently spiced, perfectly medium-rare salmon patty, paired with a full-flavored, housemade pumpernickel bun. Have it out on the patio and you’re in for one classy lunch. $13. 65 E Adams St, 312-786-9911

#5 SRO
Most turkey burgers are good for you because they’re so dry and flavorless that you cut calories by tossing them in the trash half-eaten. This one is actually juicy, hand-formed and char-grilled. $5.25. 610 S Dearborn St, 312-360-1776