Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, also boasts a surprisingly vibrant turkey burger scene. Forget dry, flavorless patties; these 27 spots offer juicy, flavorful, and creative turkey burgers that will redefine your expectations. This guide explores the best turkey burgers Chicago has to offer, categorized for your convenience.
Top 5: Premium Turkey Burger Experiences
These establishments deliver exceptional turkey burgers that justify a special occasion. Expect gourmet ingredients, creative toppings, and an overall elevated dining experience.
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The Purple Pig: Known for its Mediterranean-inspired small plates, The Purple Pig's turkey burger is a hidden gem. The patty is seasoned perfectly, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful, offering a unique twist on the classic. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients shines through in every bite.
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RPM Italian: This upscale restaurant offers a surprisingly delicious turkey burger as part of its menu. They use a blend of ground turkey and other ingredients creating a patty with exceptional texture and flavor, making it a sophisticated choice.
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Monteverde: While primarily known for its pasta, Monteverde's turkey burger is a well-kept secret amongst Chicago foodies. The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients results in a truly unique and delicious burger experience.
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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf: This steakhouse provides a surprisingly outstanding turkey burger option. While not their main focus, the attention to detail and quality ingredients results in a burger worthy of its upscale environment.
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Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard's renowned restaurant offers a creative turkey burger that pushes the boundaries of traditional flavors. Be prepared for unexpected and delicious combinations.
10 Excellent Everyday Turkey Burgers
These restaurants offer consistently excellent turkey burgers at more accessible price points. They're perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
- Public House: A classic gastropub offering a well-made turkey burger with a range of options for toppings.
- The Berghoff: A Chicago institution, The Berghoff's turkey burger is a solid, reliable choice, delivering classic flavors.
- DMK Burger Bar: While known for their beef burgers, DMK's turkey burger holds its own, with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
- Kuma's Corner: Known for their metal-themed burgers, Kuma's also offers a turkey burger option that will surprise you with its deliciousness.
- Hopsmith Tavern: Their turkey burger balances bold flavors with a satisfyingly juicy patty.
- Small Cheval: Though focused on beef, their turkey burger is a tasty alternative.
- Pequod's Pizza: Yes, a pizza place! But their turkey burger is surprisingly good.
- Stan's Donuts & Coffee: This spot offers a delicious turkey burger with unique coffee-infused elements.
- Andros Taverna: Their unique take on a turkey burger incorporates Greek flavors seamlessly.
- Little Goat Diner: Another Stephanie Izard establishment with a creative and delicious take on the turkey burger.
12 Budget-Friendly Turkey Burger Joints
These spots provide tasty turkey burgers without breaking the bank. Great for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Chicago's Famous: A Chicago institution known for its affordability and great food.
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Portillo's Hot Dogs: While famous for their Chicago-style hot dogs, Portillo's also features a satisfying, value-priced turkey burger.
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Superdawg: Another Chicago classic with an affordable and tasty turkey burger option.
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Steak 'n Shake: A classic diner with a wide range of value-priced options, including a good turkey burger.
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Culver's: Known for its butterburgers, Culver's also has an affordable and well-made turkey burger.
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Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: This fast-casual chain offers a decent turkey burger for a reasonable price.
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Fuddruckers: A customizable burger chain, giving you control over your turkey burger creation.
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Wendy's: A popular fast-food chain with a surprisingly good turkey burger option.
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Hardee's/Carl's Jr.: Both offer sizeable turkey burgers at budget-friendly prices.
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McDonald's: While not gourmet, it's an easily accessible and affordable option for a quick turkey burger.
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Burger King: Their turkey burger is a simple but solid choice for budget-conscious diners.
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Jack in the Box: This late-night option provides a turkey burger for those late-night cravings.
Choosing Your Perfect Chicago Turkey Burger
The best turkey burger for you depends on your preferences and budget. Consider the following factors:
- Ambiance: Do you prefer a fine-dining experience or a casual setting?
- Price: How much are you willing to spend?
- Flavor Profile: Do you prefer classic or more adventurous flavors?
- Toppings: What are your favorite burger toppings?
This comprehensive guide provides a starting point for your Chicago turkey burger adventure. Remember to check menus and make reservations where necessary, especially for popular spots during peak hours. Happy eating!
