Who has the best burger in town?
A reader named Thomas sent me this suggestion recently via email:
“How about a story to find the best burger in Kankakee County. You could come up with a team of judges. Come up with a check list of quality’s and start judging. I think it would be fun.”
Good idea, and good question!
Personally, when I’m craving a burger, my choice is Lone Star. It’s one of the few chain restaurants that I go to. I have often found that steak places tend to have the best burgers, either because of the meat they use or the grill or both.
I asked Thomas what his favorite burger joint was, and here’s what he said:
My favorite used to be Ryan’s Pier, but they’re no longer as good as they once were. They still have a pretty good Buffalo burger. And many years ago at Fortin’s Tavern on Rt 17, Mr. Joel Fortin used to grind his own blend of beef for his burgers. As far as the chain restaurants go, I like Buffalo Wild Wings and Ruby Tuesday’s Black and Blue burger.
Who do you think has the best burger in the area? Leave a comment below.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Denise,
When we’re hungry for a good burger in town, we head to Brickstone. Between the burger and the nice crispy fresh fries, well, that satisfies our cravings!
February 12th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Mickey’s Gyro’s II in Bourbonnais (across from ONU) has a great burger. Their baklava is so good. I’ve been tempted to stop in just to eat a piece of baklava!
February 12th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Best patty melt is at Big Randy’s – awesome homemade fries – and ask for the “spicy pickles”
February 12th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Denise,
I agree with the couple above, Brickstone has good burgers! Culver’s has my vote for best “chain” burger.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Best hamburger is at The Pub in St.Anne…she has Bleu Cheese Burgers and they are the greatest!!
February 12th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
1st: Lone Star
2nd: Eddy’s on W Station
3rd: Oliver’s
Glad to see someone else feels the same about Ryan’s Pier. Many years ago it was the best burger around. Now it seems that the quality of meat they use is low.
February 13th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I’m afraid I have to agree about Ryan’s hamburgers, too…. But have you had their turkey burger? It’s really good, and I will often pick that instead when I go – because I still like the cauliflower and the beers.
February 16th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
The Open-Faced Parmesan Cheddar Burger at Village Grill has my vote. Batter dipped Fries make a tasty side.
February 19th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Allan’s comment prompted me to head to Village Grill on Tuesday to try the Parmesan Cheddar Burger. The Parmesan-crusted sourdough bread was delicious, and the burger had a great char on it. Unfortunately, being pregnant I had to order it well-done, which ruins burgers in my opinion. But if it can be well-done and still taste good, which it did, that’s a good sign!
February 19th, 2009 at 10:47 am
I saw that on Denise’s blog…CONGRATS to you!!!
February 19th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
1. Eddie’s on west station
2. 164 North for the lunch burger. Close to number 1.
3. Lone Star
Disagree with Brickstone. One of the worst burgers and food I’ve had was from there.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:16 am
I’m surprised that no one made mention of River Bend on 17e. I went there for the Super Bowl this year w a few friends and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of their food. I had the Aspen Burger – easily the best burger I’d had around town in years.
btw… Culver’s is terrible. I can not understand what people find so delicious in Culver’s… we’ve had a Steak and Shake forever now people – Culver’s is like a S & S’s little brother. Not nearly as good.