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DMK Burger Bar
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
DMK Burger Bar
8.7
DMK Burger Bar is a Lakeview fixture for grass-fed burgers, serious fries, and a substantial craft beer list in a lively gastropub setting. Since 2009, the team behind David Morton and chef Michael Kornick has turned the space into a reliable go-to for both classic cheeseburgers and more composed builds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese burger, Rambler burger, Parmesan truffle fries
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Grass-fed gourmet burgers and standout fries anchored by a deep beer list.
Who should go: Burger obsessives who still want cocktails and craft beer.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends for full bar energy and buzz.
What to order: Classic Cheese burger, Rambler burger, Parmesan truffle fries.
Insider tip: Split one fry order for every two people—portions are generous and rich.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking and limited neighborhood street parking; can be tight during peak dinner hours and Cubs game days.
Dress code: Casual — jeans and sneakers are standard; no need to dress up unless you’re making a night of it.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is workable at smaller tables, but the room can get loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; faster if you arrive early evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except on busy game or event days nearby.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burgers, salads, and fry options are typically available.
Vegan options: Limited — some modifications possible, but menu leans burger- and dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodations — bun substitutions or lettuce wrap may be available; confirm with staff to be safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something relaxed and lively — it’s more casual gastropub energy than intimate, but great for a low-pressure meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during weekend dinner rush; arriving early or off-peak helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes during earlier hours — casual seating, shareable fries, and a relaxed vibe make it workable for families, though it gets louder later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Creative burger builds, standout fry variations, and a stronger craft beer lineup than many neighborhood burger spots.
Skip if: You prefer a quiet dining room, strictly vegan options, or a white-tablecloth date-night setting.
DMK Burger Bar
8.7
DMK turns fries into a headliner, running multiple variations from truffle-Parmesan to bacon-and-blue-cheese alongside smash burgers and shakes. With thousands of reviews and a long-running Lakeview crowd, it’s one of the neighborhood’s most reliable spots when you want a full fry flight plus burgers before or after a game or night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Parmesan Fries, Bacon & Blue Cheese Fries, Big DMK Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A dedicated fry program with multiple loaded preparations that locals rank among the city’s best.
Who should go: Burger-and-fries obsessives wanting variety and cocktails.
When to visit: Evenings and pre-Cubs games for full energy.
What to order: Truffle Parmesan fries, bacon & blue cheese fries, Big DMK.
Insider tip: Share two different fry styles for the table instead of individual sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; mostly metered and can be tight on game days — plan a few extra minutes to circle or use nearby garages on Clark/Sheffield.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jerseys and jeans are common, but it still fits a slightly polished gastropub look in the evening.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak hours — conversation is doable at smaller tables but expect bar-room energy on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak and Cubs home games; shorter waits earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except on warm-weather game days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several fry styles and veggie-friendly burgers/toppings are available.
Vegan options: Limited — modifications possible on some items, but core menu leans dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some items can be served without buns; cross-contact is possible, so ask staff if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates — it’s lively, comfort-food focused, and works well if you want conversation over burgers and shared fries rather than a quiet, formal setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — walk-ins are common, but expect waits during weekend dinner rush or Cubs games; arriving early or sitting at the bar can speed things up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed service, booth seating, and familiar comfort food make it fine for families, though noise levels and crowds are higher during peak evenings.
Best For
Better for: Build-your-own fry flights, burger variety, and a lively gastropub atmosphere with cocktails and craft beer.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, fully vegan or gluten-free dining, or minimalist fries over loaded, flavor-forward styles.
DMK Burger Bar
8.3
DMK Burger Bar is a high-volume Lakeview staple from James Beard–nominated chef Michael Kornick, focused on grass-fed burgers, serious fries, and a deep craft beer list. After more than two thousand Yelp reviews, it’s firmly established as a casual, buzzy option before or after Wrigley and DePaul events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic cheeseburger, Rambler burger, Parmesan truffle fries
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A long-running burger bar where creative grass-fed patties and loaded fries fuel one of the neighborhood’s liveliest rooms.
Who should go: Burger fans who also care about beer lists and game-day energy.
When to visit: Pre-game and weekend evenings when the bar and dining room hum.
What to order: Classic cheeseburger, Rambler burger, Parmesan truffle fries.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar if you want the quickest refills and a better shot at chatting with staff about off-menu beer picks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; metered spots nearby and neighborhood parking can be tight during Wrigley and DePaul events. No valet.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and sneakers are common, but clean casual works best on busy nights.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak hours and game nights; conversation is easier at off-peak times or at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on Cubs home game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait except during peak summer or event days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — typically at least one veggie burger and sides/salads that can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified (no cheese/sauce), but options are slim beyond fries and a modified veggie burger.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — gluten-free buns are often available, but there is no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual, lively vibe with good energy and craft beer; less ideal if you’re looking for quiet conversation or a dressy setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — expect a wait during peak dinner hours and on game days; the bar is often the fastest option for smaller parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families earlier in the evening — casual seating, shareable plates, and friendly staff; it skews louder and more bar-focused later at night.
Best For
Better for: Creative grass-fed burgers, deep fry and sauce variations, and a lively, beer-forward atmosphere before or after events.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, a formal date setting, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.
DMK Burger Bar
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
DMK Burger Bar is a long-running Lakeview burger house where grass-fed patties, shareable fry platters, and a deep drink list work for more relaxed business lunches. It’s louder and more casual than a white-tablecloth spot, but midday hours and plenty of booths make it effective for creative or agency-style meetings.
Must-Try Dishes:
No. 1 Burger, Parmesan Truffle Fries, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume burger bar with serious fries and flexible booths for working lunches.
Who should go: Creative teams or colleagues who prefer casual, burger-focused meetings.
When to visit: Early weekday lunch before the room fills with game-day traffic.
What to order: No. 1 Burger, Parmesan Truffle Fries, Crispy Brussels Sprouts.
Insider tip: For tighter agendas, sit at the bar, order burgers and fries together, and you can be in and out in under an hour.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Belmont and nearby side streets; can be limited during peak meal and game-day hours
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and work-casual attire are common
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable in booths, but bar area can get loud during games
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak sports or evening rush; shorter outside game windows
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though larger groups may wait briefly during the noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burger, salads, and several sides can be made meat-free
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications (veg patty and fries), but menu leans dairy- and sauce-heavy
Gluten-free options: Partial support — lettuce wraps and select plates can avoid buns, but kitchen is not a dedicated GF environment
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or activity-oriented dates than romantic ones — it’s buzzy, relaxed, and burger-focused rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most weekday lunches and off-peak hours are walk-in friendly; aim for booths or arrive slightly early for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens — casual seating, shareable fries, and burgers work well, though noise levels can be high during games.
Best For
Better for: Casual business lunches, creative-team meetups, and relaxed conversations where burgers, fries, and a solid drink list are part of the appeal
Skip if: You need a quiet, presentation-friendly setting, white-tablecloth service, or dietary breadth beyond burgers and comfort-focused sides
DMK Burger Bar
8.5
DMK Burger Bar is a long-running Lakeview burger spot where grass-fed patties, creative toppings, and serious fries anchor a casual gastropub feel. Locals lean on it for build-your-own burgers, Parmesan truffle fries, and a solid beer and cocktail list that stays reasonably priced for the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bison Burger, Wisconsin Cheddar Burger, Parmesan Truffle Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Grass-fed burgers, loaded fries, and a full bar in a casual, affordable gastropub setting.
Who should go: Burger fans wanting craft beer and a lively crowd.
When to visit: Evenings before or after Wrigley events for buzzy energy.
What to order: Bison Burger, Wisconsin Cheddar burger, Parmesan Truffle Fries.
Insider tip: Share one or two fry orders for the table; portions are large and help keep the bill firmly in cheap-eats territory.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered and residential, often tight on game and concert nights near Wrigley; plan a few extra minutes to circle or use a nearby paid lot.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and sneakers are common; no need to dress up unless making it part of a night out.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak evenings — conversation is doable at smaller tables, but bar and game nights can get lively.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, especially on Wrigley event nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — usually at least one veggie burger and several fry/salad sides.
Vegan options: Limited — modifications possible, but most toppings and buns include dairy or egg.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap typically available on request; cross-contact not fully avoidable in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates — the vibe is relaxed and lively, better for laid-back conversation than a formal, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most visits are walk-in friendly, but expect longer waits on weekends and Wrigley event nights; going earlier in the evening helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — daytime and early evenings work well for families, with shareable fries and simple burger builds; it can feel crowded and louder later at night.
Best For
Better for: Creative burger builds, standout fry variations, and a solid beer/cocktail list at approachable prices in a casual gastropub setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, white-tablecloth dinner, strictly vegan options, or fully gluten-free-certified preparation.