Trenchermen

2039 W. North Ave., 773-661-1540, trenchermen.com
Best new: Although obsessed with modernizing restaurant food, the chef brothers Michael and Patrick Sheerin can still knock a simple burger out of the park. Available only at the bar, the burly house-ground chuck patty glistens with butter under melted cheddar and pickles. The pillowy, onion-studded bun is supple enough to soak up the juices and firm enough to deliver the masterpiece safely to your gullet.

Nightwood

2119 S. Halsted St., 312-526-3385, nightwoodrestaurant.com
Best overall: Two Slagel Family Farm beef patties doused in a garlicky sauce and an irresistible housemade Worcestershire set the bar for burgers in this town.