You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a hamburger, but when National
Hamburger Day rolls around on Monday, May 28, it’s time to skip those everyday burgers
and go for the real gourmet deal.
ELATE
111 W. Huron, Chicago
312) 202-9900; www.elatechicago.com
Elate
has become one of Chicago’s casual dining treasures. The restaurant is one of
the most attractive gathering places in the city and its LEED certified design,
comprised of mainly of sustainable, re-purposed materials, is very inviting,
stylish and comfortable. But what keeps guests coming back to Elate is its
consistently delicious and creative food from Executive Chef Michael Noll. His
specialty is contemporary American fare made from primarily locally sourced,
organic and sustainable ingredients.
His Elate Burger doesn’t disappoint—it’s one of the most delicious
and generously sized burgers in Chicago. The Elate Burger ($14) is topped with
creamed leeks, Applewood bacon and served with a generous portion of hand-cut
fries.
If
your food preferences run along vegetarian lines, you’re in good hands at Elate
with the very popular Vegetarian Black Bean Burger ($11). It’s topped with
whipped avocado/piquillo peppers and served with seasoned fries and house made
pickles.
FRANCESCA’S
FORNO
1576 North Milwaukee, Chicago
(773) 770-0184; www.miafrancesca.com
Right on the six corners of Wicker Park, Francesca’s Forno offers
traditional Italian cuisine with a twist. Surrounded by the artistic and
edgy boutiques, bars and cafes, Francesca’s Forno has been deemed a great place to dine by the locals. From its weekend
brunch to daily lunch and dinner menu items, there is always a tasty and
affordable option for every patron.
One of the lunch and dinner favorites just happens to be an
American classic with an Italian twist. The Forno Burger ($11) is a grilled
prime burger served made to order and is topped with gorgonzola cheese, oven
dried tomatoes and served on a pretzel roll with a side of smashed
potatoes. Add pepper corn bacon or a
fried egg for an additional $2 each.
MAXWELL’S
AT THE CLUB
East Bank Club
500 North Kingsbury, Chicago
(312) 527-5800; www.eastbankclub.com/dining/maxwells-at-the-club
The
folks who live in River North and Fulton River District have happily discovered
that the main restaurant at East Bank Club, Maxwell’s at the Club, is open to
the public. They’ve also discovered that this superb, comfortable restaurant
serves some of the best food in the neighborhood, prepared with culinary
finesse and customizable to please one’s particular tastes and desires. As you
would expect at such a major health club, many of the dishes are nutritious and
heart-healthy as well as delicious.
One of the most popular delights at Maxwell’s is Max’s Minis
($10). This trio of sliders includes a mini prime steakburger, a mini Santé Fe
chicken burger and a mini Yellowfin Tuna Steak burger, all topped with crispy
onion strings. If you would like to customize your minis, simply ask your
server for any combination of the three. If you’re in the mood for steak
sliders, you’ll enjoy the very popular Mini Tenderloin Sliders ($14), a trio of seared mini filet mignon
sliders finished with lemon and basil.
If you’re in the mood for a
full-service burger, try Maxwell’s Prime Steakburger ($11), made from ten
ounces of prime beef, topped with lettuce tomato, onion and pickle and served
with your choice of sweet potato fries, fresh-cut fries or seasonal fresh
fruit.
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE AND WINE
BAR
25 E. Ohio,
Chicago
(312) 329-9463; www.flemingssteakhouse.com
960 Milwaukee
Ave., Lincolnshire, IL
(847) 793-0333; www.flemingssteakhouse.com
One
would expect a great steakhouse to serve a great burger, and Fleming’s Prime
Steakhouse and Wine Bar doesn’t disappoint. The bar at Fleming’s is always
hopping in the after-work and evening hours and one of the attractions is the
Prime Burger ($14; available only in the bar area) with Wisconsin cheddar
cheese, peppered bacon and their signature onion rings. If you want to enjoy
Fleming’s quality at a great price, stop by Fleming’s bar area before 7 p.m.
when the Prime Burger is part of their “5 For $6 'Til 7" bar menu. You get a choice of 5 premium cocktails, 5
distinctive wines by the glass and 5 generous appetizers or the
Prime Burger, each for only $6 (liquor prices and hours offered may vary
depending on state liquor laws). Also, keep in mind that Fleming’s has an
amazing wine program, which includes 100 wines by the glass. So this may be
your perfect opportunity to try out some new wines while you savor a first-rate
burger.
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