Best Burgers in Bucktown
Updated June 16, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best burgers in Bucktown
Small Cheval in Wicker Park consistently delivers a solid, dependable cheeseburger and fries, making it a popular spot for a quick and satisfying meal. While some debate the hype, its simple menu is executed well, offering fresh, flavorful classics like their signature double burgers and amazing garlic aioli. The casual, fast-paced atmosphere, often with outdoor seating, provides a distinct experience from its sister restaurant, Au Cheval, focusing on efficiency without compromising quality.
Choppers is a retro-inspired burger and shake stand that excels at delivering classic fast food with exceptional quality and warm hospitality. Guests consistently praise the flavorful, hefty burgers, available with up to five patties, and the golden, fresh fries, often accompanied by homemade coleslaw. The welcoming diner feel, coupled with delicious offerings like their amazing pineapple shakes and Italian beef, makes it a strong choice for satisfying cravings quickly and affordably.
The StopAlong offers a vibrant 1980s-inspired experience, serving up large, juicy smash burgers and highly-rated pizzas in a lively setting complete with arcade games. While some note a warm, breezy atmosphere, the food consistently receives high marks, particularly for its perfectly melted American cheese burgers and quality bread options, including gluten-free buns. It's a fantastic spot where you can enjoy both a phenomenal burger and a 10/10 pizza, making it a unique dual-threat in Wicker Park.
Redhot Ranch is a no-frills, counter-serve gem celebrated for its outstanding smash burgers, cooked to order on a flat top for maximum juiciness and flavor. Their signature house sauce elevates the experience, making each bite unforgettable, and the fresh-cut fries are the perfect accompaniment. This inexpensive spot consistently earns praise for delivering one of Chicago's best classic burgers with gooey cheese and perfect flavors.
A true Chicago hidden gem, Jr’s Red Hots offers much more than your typical hot dog stand, though their classic Chicago-style dogs are certainly a highlight. This long-standing establishment, which has seen upgrades over the years, is celebrated for its outstanding chicken sandwich, tasty fries, and satisfying Italian beef. It’s the perfect spot for a quick, delicious, and authentically Chicagoan meal.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best burgers in Bucktown
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Bucktown burgers
What is the highest-rated burger in Bucktown?
Small Cheval- Wicker Park has the highest Google rating in our list of the best burgers in Bucktown, with 4.6 stars across 4,811 reviews.
How are the best burgers in Bucktown ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best burgers in Bucktown was last refreshed in June 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite burger on the list of best burgers in Bucktown?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Bucktown area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.