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Red Hot Ranch
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Red Hot Ranch
8.2
The Ashland location of Red Hot Ranch is a stripped-down counter and walk-up window turning out Chicago-style smash burgers, fresh-cut fries, and griddled dogs late into the night. It’s a go-to for industry workers, Wrigley fans, and neighbors chasing maximal flavor for minimal dollars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double cheeseburger, Fresh-cut fries, Chicago-style hot dog
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Bare-bones stand focusing on smash burgers, dogs, and hand-cut fries served well past midnight.
Who should go: Night owls wanting cheap, fast burgers after bars.
When to visit: Late nights after games or shows for quick counter service.
What to order: Double cheeseburger, fresh-cut fries, Chicago-style hot dog.
Insider tip: Order your burger with everything and split one large fry—portions easily feed two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Ashland and nearby side streets; can be tight on game nights and late evenings.
Dress code: Very casual — hoodies, jerseys, and late-night streetwear are common.
Noise level: Loud during rushes and after games; limited indoor seating with constant foot traffic.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes at peak late-night hours; faster outside bar close times.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited — fries are the only reliable option.
Vegan options: Very limited — fries only; burgers and dogs are not vegan-moddable.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep and buns are standard; fries share equipment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves no-frills, late-night burger runs — it’s counter service, crowded, and focused on speed over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-up only with limited stools and a takeaway focus; expect to eat standing or take food to go during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for older kids who like burgers and fries, but late-night crowds and minimal seating aren’t ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night smash burgers, fast service, and strong value pricing compared to pricier gastropub burgers nearby.
Skip if: You want comfortable seating, broader menus, dietary flexibility, or a quieter sit-down meal.
Red Hot Ranch
8.3
The Lakeview location of Red Hot Ranch stays open until midnight with a stripped-down menu of smash-style double cheeseburgers, Chicago dogs, fresh-cut fries, and fried shrimp. It’s a cash-only, no-frills counter that locals treat as a go-to late stop when they want serious flavor and value more than seating or ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
RHR Double Cheeseburger and fries, Chicago-style hot dog, Half-pound fried shrimp
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A late-serving burger and dog stand where smashburgers, fries, and shrimp dominate.
Who should go: Cash-carrying night owls who prioritize burgers and value.
When to visit: Late evenings up to midnight, especially after neighborhood bars.
What to order: RHR Double Cheeseburger and fries, a dog, plus fried shrimp.
Insider tip: Order your fries extra crispy and bring cash—cards aren’t accepted.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Ashland and nearby side streets can be limited late at night.
Dress code: Very casual — bar clothes, hoodies, and late-night attire are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud near the counter during peak late hours; easy conversation outdoors or when not crowded.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes; short lines form after bar close but move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, occasional brief line during rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — fries and a few sides only.
Vegan options: Minimal — fries only, with possible shared fryer cross-contact.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep; fries may share fryers and burgers are on standard buns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves no-frills burger joints — it’s more casual and grab-and-go than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with limited seating; expect to grab a stool or eat on the go.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for quick daytime visits; limited seating and late-night crowd make it less ideal for very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night smashburgers, value pricing, and fast counter service when you want food immediately.
Skip if: You want sit-down comfort, broad menu variety, or strong vegetarian/gluten-free options.