Buzz - Burgers, Barrels & Beer

Buzz - Burgers, Barrels & Beer is not only the most complicated name I've ever heard for a restaurant, it's also home to sloppy, inedible burgers.  I should have known better as soon as I walked into this place.  The decor is just strange for lack of a better word.  Everything feels mismatched from the hangings on the wall to the bar stools.  I'm not really sure what the owners were going for ambiance wise.  I just know it doesn't work.  Strange decor has never stopped me from enjoying a burger though.  In fact, many of my favorite burgers come from some pretty hole in the wall type places.  Unfortunately, Buzz - Burgers, Barrels & Beer is not one of those places.

I ordered The American which, according to the menu, includes cheddar cheese, bacon, balsamic onions, and a farm fresh egg.  What the menu doesn't tell you is that this burger also come with about a quart of nasty truffle mayo.  While truffle mayo can be a nice addition to a burger, it's just way too potent here.  I ended up scraping the majority of it off with a knife, but the taste still dominated the burger.   Truffle mayo aside, this burger just didn't work from a structural standpoint.  After about two bites, the patty began the crumble, leaving me with a mess of beef, egg yolk, and truffle mayo.  A great burger should maintain its structural integrity throughout, which certainly isn't the case here. 

From a value perspective, this burger fared even worse.  At $10, I fully expect some type of side to be included.  Unfortunately, all the salads and fries are served a la carte, making this entire meal a pretty poor value.  At the moment, this place is BYOB which is the only thing saving it from an F score in value.  Take my advice, Buzz - Burgers, Barrels & Beer isn't worth your time or money.

Burger:  F
Value:  D
Overall: D-



The American Burger at Buzz - Burgers, Barrels & Beer is a sloppy, hot circle of garbage.

1935 Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

http://www.buzzbbb.com/

The Point

I've been venturing out to the River West area on somewhat regular basis for the Wagyu beef burgers at Paramount Room. When I discovered the Monday burger deal at The Point just down the road, I decided to give it a chance.  For burger deal seekers in the River West area, look no further than The Point for a satisfying option that won't break the bank.  At $9, the Point Burger, complete with cheddar cheese, bacon, and chipotle sauce, is a solid value any day of the week.  For an even greater bargain, try Monday's $10 burger and beer special.  I'll admit that The Point might not be in the same league as its neighbor Paramount Room, but it might just be a better overall value.

So how does this burger stack up?  I ordered my burger medium, and I was pleased to not get a hockey puck on a bun.  My burger was cooked to a perfect medium with a pink, juicy center.  The seasoning was adequete but not spectacular.  The burger was served on a fresh, gently toasted pretzel bun which was a nice choice, helping to hold everything together without creating a mess.  The burger also included bacon and cheese which were welcome additions.  I appreciate the fact that these toppings were included in the base price.  Nothing is worse than getting nickeled and dimed for each and every added topping.  Adding chipotle sauce to this burger shows some creativity, but it just wasn't quite spicy or smoky enough to really come through with all the other flavors in play.  The hand cut fries, also inlcuded in the base price, were delicious.  Overall, this was a pretty well-executed burger.  Fans of the rich and juicy Wagyu beef burgers at Paramount Room might not be swayed enough to give The Point a chance, but at such a low price point, it's worth considering on a Monday night.

If you work in the North or West areas of the Loop, The Point is a great after work option.  The selection of craft beers is extensive, and the Monday burger special is a terrific value.  The burgers at The Point are a step up from standard pub fare and a welcome addition to Paramount Room in the River West area.

Burger:  A-
Value:  A-
Overall:  A-



Monday's $10 burger and beer special at The Point is a satifying, budget-friendly option.

401 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

http://pointbarchicago.com/

Lincoln Park Stadium Bar and Grill

I have to be honest when I say that that my expectations weren't exactly high for Lincoln Park Stadium Bar and Grill.  Given the name, I just assumed this was another generic sports bar that specialized in Jäger bombs and opening Bud Lights for guys named Chad or Blaine.  Don't get me wrong, the bro crowd will still feel right at home at Lincoln Park Stadium.  I haven't been on Friday or Saturday night, but I'm sure there's more than enough straight bill caps, retro jerseys, and high fives to go around.  Lincoln Park Stadium does manage to set itself apart from the sports bar pack with one of the better burgers in the Lincoln Park area. 

 

Bro jokes aside, I really enjoyed the burger at Lincoln Park Stadium.  It was moist, tender, and well-seasoned.  I ordered mine medium, and while it was cooked a little past medium, it certaintly wasn't enough to dry out the burger.  The light and buttery brioche bun was also delicious.  The burger came with a side of hand cut fries that were perfectly seasoned.  As an added bonus, Lincoln Park stadium offers a $5 special on Wednesdays that you'll definitely want to try.

 

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by Lincoln Park Stadium.  The name Lincoln Park Stadium screams stale beer and greasy chicken wings, but the burger proves otherwise.  If you live in the area, try the Wednesday burger deal for a budget-friendly night out.

 

Burger:  A-

Value:  A- (if you go on a Wednesday for the burger special)

Overall:  A-

Lincoln Park Stadium: generic name, surprisingly good burger.

http://www.lpstadium.com/

2423 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

McGee's Tavern & Grille

The Bar1 Group does a whole lot of wrong, and McGee's is the best example of this. Nestled on Webster steps away from the DePaul campus, this bar definitely gets a lot of traffic. Expect the same crappy "sports bar" features like a poorly engineered bathroom only one rung above the one in "Slumdog Millionaire" and large-chested waitresses in tank tops with names like "Mandi." Beer options are pretty vast, but most Chad's and Blaine's stick with the Budweiser family here.

I had the misfortune of trying the Wednesday $1 burger special (toppings an additional charge) the day I was let go from my job. My logic was sound enough-- I was going to be consuming copious amounts of beer and cleverly named bombs to quell the pain, and wanted to get a good buffer in my system. Responsible, right? Honestly, I would have been doing my tastebuds and digestive system less of a disservice if I had just gotten taquitos off the roller grill at 7-11 with a side of Flaming Hot Cheetos (and a Gatorade for the morning-- this isn't my first time at the rodeo). 

The burger was so well-done and gray. I wish I had packed my own store-brand bun in a Ziplock bag for the burger, because whatever they were using was completely stale. Cheese somewhat masks the frozen-to-grill taste of the burger. It was depressing seeing that their burgers are normally priced from $10-$14. I ate so little of the burger, but destroyed a good portion of my fries. Had I not ordered fries, I would have been vomiting my "McGriddle" shots on the steps of the nearby St. Vincent DePaul church. 

Because my drinking companion and I ordered so much booze that our receipt was about a foot long, the waitress asked what we were celebrating. When I said I had lost my corporate job, she sympathetically told me that McGee's is hiring waitresses.

Burger:  D
Value:  C-
Overall:  D+

If this picture looks blurry, it's because this burger isn't worth the MBs on my iPhone. 

950 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

http://www.bar1events.com/mcgees/

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Plain and simple, the happy hour deal at Ruth's Chris Steak House is one Chicago's best burger bargains.  A mere $7 will buy you a perfectly cooked, prime beef burger with your choice of cheese and a generous side of seasoned hand cut fries.  That's a terrific deal in any setting, let alone a high end steakhouse.  For comparison, I'm not even certain that $7 buys a value meal at most fast food establishments anymore.

 

Let's get to the burger.  I ordered my burger medium with cheddar cheese.  As you might expect from a respected steakhouse, the burger was cooked perfectly.  The outside of the burger had a slight, salty crust, and the center was perfectly moist and tender.  It was a refreshing change to order a burger medium and have it actually cooked to the appropriate doneness.  The bun was on the ordinary side, but it was substantial enough to hold up against this massive, juicy burger.  Toppings included the standard lettuce, tomato, and onion.  The hand cut fries were crisp and seasoned perfectly.

 

Ruth's Chris burger is a terrific example of just how good a burger can be by mastering the basics.  If you're looking for crazy toppings and secret sauces, look elsewhere.  Don't get me wrong.  Off the wall burgers with creative toppings still have their place, but more often than not, I just want a well executed burger to satisfy my craving.  That's exactly what Ruth's Chris burger is all about - high quality ingredients, cooked to perfection.

 

If you work in the Loop or River North area, the happy hour at Ruth's Chris Steak House is a great after work option.  Make sure to arrive on the early side to secure seats in the bar area. The happy hour pricing is only valid Monday through Friday until 7 pm at the bar.  Burger lovers and cheapskates unite.  This deal is sure to please everyone.

 

Burger:  A

Value:  A

Overall:  A 

The prime burger with fries at Ruth's Chris Steak House is one of Chicago's best burger values.

http://www.ruthschris.com

431 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

The Galway Arms

I've lived within walking distance of The Galway Arms for nearly 4 years now, but I had never eaten there.  I’m a sucker for a good burger special, so when I spotted a sign for $5 burgers on Thursdays, I decided to give it a chance.  The specials seem to change frequently, and the website looks like it hasn't been updated since the Clinton administration.  I wasn't able to find any information confirming that this deal still exists.  For that reason, I can’t guarantee this special still exists, but, trust me, you’re not missing out.

To quote the late, great Rodney Dangerfield, this burger “still had marks where the jockey was hittin’ it.”   It tasted like a store brand, frozen beef patty that sat in the back of fraternity house freezer for the better part of a decade collecting freezer burn until some unlucky soul uncovered it and threw it on the grill.  It’s really a shame when restaurants choose to use frozen beef over fresh.  It many cases it's not any more costly to use fresh ingredients, and you're certainly not fooling anyone.  The texture and the taste were completely unappetizing.  The burger was a strange grey color and had an offensive aroma.  After giving up on the burger I tried a few of the fries.  I'm nearly certain these were frozen at some point as well.

I really wanted to like this burger given the price, the proximity to my apartment, and the terrific patio overlooking Clark Street, but this will likely go down as one of the worst burgers I've ever eaten.

Burger: F

Value:  D

Overall:  F

If you look carefully, you might be able to make out the marks from the jockey.

2442 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

http://www.galwayarms.com/

The Squared Circle

Are you on death row? Trying to pack on some weight for a pro-wrestling career? Recently suffered a painful layoff, break-up, or life-setback? Or are you just plain high? Chances are, you are a good candidate for a stuffed burger at The Squared Circle.

This pro-wrestling themed restaurant from former WWE wrestler Lisa Marie Varon isn’t just for wrestling enthusiasts, though wrestling fans convene here to watch WWE events on TV, and even to catch a party bus to certain events. Situated on a not-so-happening stretch of Ashland in Lincoln Park, this burger joint delivers both quantity and quality. Knowing I was headed to a wrestling-themed bar, I was not anticipating such a tastefully decorated space. Yes, there are TVs everywhere, but your feet won’t stick to the floor and you won’t  need a Purell bath after using the restrooms here.

Okay, on to the burgers. Yes, all the burgers are stuffed here.  This means the burgers are more well-done than my usual liking to keep all off the oozing cheese inside the patty. But juiciness is most definitely not lacking here. Feeling traditional? The Big Vic is the most simple of all the burger offerings; cheddar stuffed, topped with red onion, lettuce, tomato, more cheddar, and special sauce.  This is a really well-balanced burger; every topping is in perfect proportion. The more adventurous burgers include toppings (and stuffings) of hash browns, pulled pork, capicola and kimchi. And a breadth of bacon-oriented options. Lots and lots of bacon. Despite the monstrous size of these burgers, the bun is absolutely firm enough to keep it all together. Choose fries, corn, or garlic mashed potatoes as a standard side, and for an extra buck or more, add sides like truffle mac n cheese or duck fat fries—so fancy! Burgers range from $11-$15.50. Not cheap, but also proportionate in price to other loaded up burgers. Pro-tip: check Groupon before you go or take advantage of the $5 burger special on Tuesdays.

 

For the patron on death-row, you will want to order a booze-infused milkshake with your burger. And maybe the pizza wontons to start. If you have dignity and self-worth, stick with the stuffed burger and leave a little bun on your plate to make yourself feel like less of a gluttonous hambeast.

Service is friendly, prompt and helpful. The location leaves a little to be desired in terms of accessibility and nearby attractions, but I think the burgers here are good enough that people will be compelled to make the trek. Lisa Marie is often here, which is an added perk for wrestling enthusiasts.

Burger:  B+
Value: A (if you use the Groupon or take advantage of the Tuesday $5 special)
Overall: A-

JR's Breakfast Burger: One all beef patty stuffed with regret and topped with self-loathing. 

2418 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

http://thesquaredcircle.biz/

Longman & Eagle

Though the main attraction of Longman & Eagle is definitely the finely crafted whiskey cocktails, their burger is a force to be reckoned with. I had not visited Longman & Eagle intending to order a burger, but I knew I had to get some food in me after a couple absinthe-infused cocktails had me feeling very warm and very light.

I wasn’t feeling particularly sophisticated, so I passed on the artisanal cheeses and warm salad of foraged mushrooms. Toward the bottom of the menu, I saw some of the most beautiful poetry: “Slagel Family Farms Burger, Aged Widmer's Cheddar, North Country Bacon, Brioche, Beef Fat Fries.” That’s right, the burger comes standard with bacon and cheese. This is both a bold and flawless choice. And let’s not discount the beef fat fries. This sounds like a meal fashioned with lots of tender love and care.

At $12, I would consider this meal to be quite reasonable. I like when a restaurant decides for me how I want my burger—bacon and cheese on a brioche bun. There’s no $1.25 extra for bacon and 7 cheeses to choose from. Longman & Eagle is confident that their’s is a winning combination, and it most definitely is.

Let’s get to the burger. The brioche bun is the perfect choice for this formidably sized and extra juicy bacon-topped burger. It holds up really well and doesn’t get soaked with deliciousness. As you can see, there is no shortage of bacon on this burger. Each burger comes with about three thickly sliced pieces of juicy, crispy bacon. The burger itself is thick, well-seasoned and appropriately juicy. When I asked for my burger cooked “medium,” medium is how it was served. Prepare to be (justifiably) passive-aggressively mocked if you make the amateur mistake of ordering this burger “well done,” as I heard the chef snidely yell out to the cooks, “One burger, WELL-DONE.” The beef fat fries were every bit as tasty as I expected- they were pristinely hand-cut, with a crispy exterior, and salted to perfection. 

I don’t know if it was the absinthe, the speed with which I drank my cocktails or the sheer deliciousness of the burger, but this meal had a serious effect on me. I talked about it the whole way home, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

Coming to Longman & Eagle is an experience. I highly recommend drinking and dining at the bar, because half of the fun of coming here is watching the mustached, lumberjack bartenders use eyedroppers and bizarre measuring techniques to make you one of the best cocktails in Chicago. Despite the funny quip about the well-done burger we overheard in the kitchen, this bar is very approachable. The staff is funny, attentive and nice. If you ask for a cocktail recommendation based on your fondness of Jack and Cokes, they’ll know exactly what to make you, and they’re excited to introduce a new cocktail or a new whiskey variety to you.

Come for the Old Fashioned, but stay for the burger.

Burger:  A

Value:  B+

Overall:  A

The Slagel Family Farms burger at Longman & Eagle

2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

http://www.longmanandeagle.com/

Stanley’s Kitchen and Tap

Stanley’s Monday special (salad, soup, burger with your choice of cheese and toppings, and fries) satiates both extreme hunger and extreme frugality. For $6, Stanley’s delivers both quantity and quality. Aside from the attractive pricetag, there is a lot to love about this deal.

·         You get to pick your patty. Not in the mood for beef? Try the turkey or veggie patties instead.

·         The kitchen staff honors your doneness preference. When you ask for your burger “medium,” you can expect it to have the appropriate amount of pinkness. No overdone, hockey-puck style burgers here.

·         The soup and salad are actually good. Expect tomato basil soup (I’ve never seen any other variety served) and Caesar salad.  Don’t expect these buffet-style starters to rival Spiaggia’s soup and salad, but do serve yourself a healthy portion of both.

·         The cheese options are robust. You can even satisfy that Midwest craving for Merkt’s cheese at Stanley’s; you won’t find it on many other menus.

·         The toppings table lets you get creative. Or maybe you want to exercise your classic sensibilities, instead. Dress your burger with the traditional lettuce, red onion, and tomato. Go untraditional with deliciously sautéed onions and mushrooms or even some secret sauce (which, of course, is a Thousand Island variant).  The toppings table lets you see your burger possibilities; there’s no pressure when the waiter takes your order. Your only decisions to make are the patty and cheese.

For $6, not only do you get tasty servings of soup, salad, and a delicious burger and fries—you get decent service, too. Waiters and waitresses are attentive in both the bar and dining areas.
The Stanburger is one of the most delicious burgers I’ve ever tasted.  That being said, I recommend wearing pants with at least 2% spandex, or else you’re going to have to call it a night after your visit to Stanley’s. If you have somewhere to be after your Monday Stanburger deal, be warned that you will appear to be in your second trimester. This is especially pertinent if you take advantage of their usually well-chosen monthly beer special; I’ve downed a number of Half Acre beers here for a mere $4.  It is impressive when a burger special is cheaper than a value meal at McDonald’s. It is doubly impressive when a burger special is so good that you would have no qualms with shelling out the full price for the burger (and I definitely have).

Burger: A-
Value: A+
Overall: A

The StanBurger: For $6, it just doesn't get any better than this.

1970 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

http://stanleyskitchenandtap.com/