There’s something about a good burger that just hits the spot. Maybe it’s the sizzle from the grill, the tower of toppings, or that perfect pickle-to-patty ratio. Whatever your burger love language is, you’ll find it in the Oak Park area—whether you're after a classic cheeseburger or one stacked so high that you need two hands and an attack strategy.
We’re talking about neighborhood pubs, casual cafes, retro diners, and new-school burger joints, all putting their own spin on this American icon. So skip the drive-thru—this is your guide to the best local spots to grab a burger, just due west of Chicago.
Know Your Burger Styles
The Classic
Simple. Solid. Timeless. A classic burger usually comes with a seasoned beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles—maybe cheese, if that’s your style. No frills, no fuss—just that nostalgic burger flavor that never gets old.
Pub Style
Think thick patties, toasted buns, and toppings that lean indulgent—like bacon, fried onions, or a fried egg on top. These burgers are often served with a steak knife stuck right through the middle (you know it’s serious).
Smash Burgers
Crispy, craggy edges. Thin patties with max browning. Smash burgers are seared on a hot griddle and usually stacked double, giving you those crispy bites in every mouthful. If you like your burger with texture and a side of messy joy, this is your jam.
Oak Park
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Carnivore | 1042 Pleasant Street, Oak Park, IL
The farm-to-table lunch menu at this artisan butcher shop features ingredients that are sustainably sourced and responsibly raised by local suppliers.
The burger people go for: the Bacon Burger. While most bacon burgers offer over-crisped, or worse, limp slices of bacon that fall off after a couple bites, the geniuses at Carnivore decided to grind up the bacon and mix it right into the beef. The result is an oozing half-pound patty, served on a homestyle burger bun topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mustard sauce, with a tempting smoky aroma and a divine bit of bacon in every bite. Add cheddar, bleu, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese.
Mickey's Gyros & Ribs | 525 North Harlem Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Old school classic, neon signs, the real deal. This is your no-frills, classic burger that is simply made and delicious every time.
The burger people go for: the Big Mickey, a mouthwatering quarter-pound double cheeseburger served on a sesame seed bun with ketchup, mustard, grilled onions, and pickles. Add a side of Greek fries for the complete Mickey’s experience.
Mickey’s has been satisfying families with great food, generous portions, friendly service, and easy-on-the-budget prices for over 30 years.
Berwyn
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Babygold | 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL
Live music, barbecue, and a burger that locals won’t shut up about? That’s Babygold.
The burger people go for: a double quarter pounder layered with smoked onions, American cheese, pickles, tangy slaw, and a rich bacon aioli that ties it all together like a backyard BBQ dream.
Enjoy one during $5 Burger Wednesdays on the patio during their summer season—with fries and live tunes to match. The rest of the menu leans deep into Southern comfort, with slow-smoked meats, bourbon cocktails, and all the fixings. Attached to FitzGerald’s legendary music venue, Babygold serves up dinner with a side of great American music.
Broadview
Lucky Dog | 1201 Cermak Road, Broadview, IL
A classic drive-through with an extensive menu featuring fast Greek favorites and oh-so-delicious burgers.
The burger people go for: Big Daddy Cheeseburger—it’s the best of both worlds, a quarter-pound pure beef burger, char-broiled and made fresh to order, topped with a generous portion of Lucky Dog’s sliced juicy gyro beef.
The drive-through is convenient, and Lucky Dog will pack your meal to make sure it's just as flavorful when you get home, but come in, order, sit down, and enjoy the ambiance of this old-school Chicago hot dog and beef joint, complete with walls plastered with Vienna Beef signs.
Brookfield
Burger Antics | 3740 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield, IL
Regulars vigilantly watch for their favorite burger to get a coveted spot on the rotating weekly special board, but the regular menu never disappoints.
The burger people go for: the Buff ‘N Stuff, a steak burger topped with blue cheese crumbles, applewood smoked bacon, and housemade buffalo sauce. All burgers are cooked to order and served on a toasted pretzel bun with a house-brined dill pickle spear and your choice of side.
For all its burgers, Burger Antics caters to its vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free customers by offering non-beef alternatives, like chargrilled chicken breast or a black bean and rice patty.
Forest Park
Goldyburgers | 7316 Circle Avenue, Forest Park, IL
Call it a joint, a dive, or a local treasure, but if you’re looking for a burger and bar scene where everybody knows your name, head to Goldyburgers. It’s been in business since 1926, and the burgers are legendary.
The burger people go for: the bar’s namesake, Goldyburger. Big, messy, and delicious, this half-pound, made-from-scratch ground sirloin burger features mushrooms and bacon, along with your choice of cheese, served on a soft white burger bun.
If you're not big on hanging out in dive bars, you can enjoy beers and burgers in Goldyburger’s lush, green beer garden—they say the ivy is straight from Wrigley Field!
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Fatduck Tavern & Grill | 7218 Madison Street, Forest Park, IL
Did somebody say duck fat? The “secret” ingredient in the FatDuck fries gives this local tavern its name, but the creative pub burgers and its chill, family-friendly vibe keep locals coming back for more.
The burger people go for: the DuckFat Burger, a half-pound certified Black Angus beef burger served on a pretzel bun with brie cheese, applewood bacon, caramelized onions, and a handful of crispy Duckfat fries.
Pair your burger with $2 off all craft drinks, $6 well cocktails, $8 house wines, or the daily drink special during Happy Hour Mondays through Thursdays, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Melrose Park
Johnnie’s Grill | 4401 West Lake Street, Melrose Park, IL
A must-visit for hearty meals anytime, this old-school diner is known for serving comfort food 24 hours a day. The massive menu at this charming “hole in the wall” includes breakfast options like ham slices, corn beef hash, and biscuits and gravy, as well as patty melts, club sandwiches, and (oh yes!) burgers!
The burger people go for: the Big Boy, a grilled half-pound sirloin patty topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo, cheese, and grilled onions, served between two thick slices of buttery grilled Texas toast.
You’ll appreciate Johnnie’s friendly, attentive service late at night, especially when the waitress asks if you’d like French toast or pancakes with your burger. Trust us.
La Grange
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Mak’s Burger Bar | 46 South La Grange Road, La Grange, IL
Great burgers, better toppings. The success of Mak’s super-cool burger creations comes down to what goes on top, like the Marley with grilled pineapples, onions, and jerk sauce. So good!
The burger people go for: the Fahget Aboudit Burger is a quarter-pound fresh-beef patty topped with prosciutto, provolone, roasted red pepper, and garlic parmesan dressing served on toasted brioche.
“The Hideout,” Mak’s hidden beer garden, is decorated by the best graffiti artists in Chicagoland. It is a vibrant space to enjoy a creative cocktail with incredible burgers, wings, and baked mac & cheese with various tasty toppings.