Best Burgers Restaurants in River North (60654)
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
The Green Door Tavern
A historic Chicago tavern where well-executed burgers share space with a century of memorabilia.
Notable Picks
8.6
One of Chicago’s oldest post–Great Fire bar buildings, Green Door Tavern pairs history and speakeasy charm with a straightforward burger section. Regulars lean on cheeseburgers, specialty builds, and bar snacks in a room that feels more like a lived-in neighborhood pub than a polished modern concept.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, Cowgirl Burger with bacon, BBQ sauce, and onion ring, Patty Melt on grilled sourdough
What makes it special: A historic Chicago tavern where well-executed burgers share space with a century of memorabilia.
8.5
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Weber Grill Restaurant is a long-running River North fixture built around charcoal-grilled steaks, slow-smoked barbecue plates, and a large, crowd-friendly dining room. Locals lean on it for reliable ribs, brisket, and beer can chicken before shows, shopping, or downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beer Can Chicken, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Prime Beef Brisket
What makes it special: Charcoal-kettle grilling and a big menu of classic BBQ plates in a centrally located, always-busy room.
#3
NADC Burger
8.4
NADC runs a tight, two-item playbook—smash-style Wagyu burgers and fries—out of The Drop In’s Fulton River District bar. The focus on a single burger, late-night hours, and strong delivery presence make it a go-to when you want a quick, high-impact burger without extra decisions.
Must-Try Dishes:
NADC Burger (Wagyu smash burger with jalapeño seeds), Loaded Fries with cheese, pickles, and jalapeños, PB&J Combo (burger, shot, and beer special)
What makes it special: A single-minded Wagyu smashburger shop tucked inside a neighborhood bar.
#4
The Smith
8.1
The Smith’s River North outpost delivers a busy American brasserie experience with a big menu, raw bar, and strong brunch business. It’s a crowd-pleasing choice when you need something that works for burgers, mac and cheese, and steaks in one room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mac and cheese, The Smith burger, Brick pressed chicken
What makes it special: A lively, East Coast-style brasserie with a big American comfort menu and strong brunch and dinner appeal.
Worthy Picks
7.8
Vibes:
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Tree House is a rotating pop-up bar and restaurant that treats burgers as a staple alongside themed cocktails and party-friendly plates. The house blend burgers, breakfast burger, and Impossible Burger give groups a solid burger anchor in a space better known for immersive decor and boozy nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Treehouse Burger with house blend patty and happy sauce, Breakfast Burger with sunny-side egg and fries, Impossible Burger with Muenster and happy sauce
What makes it special: A high-energy, decor-heavy pop-up bar where playful burgers back up the drinks and themes.