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The Bad Apple
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
The Bad Apple
8.2
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Bad Apple in North Center pairs a serious craft beer list with a deep burger menu that ranges from a straightforward house burger to more elaborate builds like Elvis’s Last Supper and Slow Burn. With thousands of online reviews and a long run as a neighborhood standby, it’s where locals go when they want a sit-down burger with upgraded fries, wings, and patio seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Bad Apple Burger, Elvis's Last Supper burger, Slow Burn burger
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Craft-beer bar where the burger list is as serious as the taps.
Who should go: Burger fans who also care about what’s on draft.
When to visit: Evenings for full menu; warm days for patio seats.
What to order: The Bad Apple Burger, Elvis's Last Supper, Slow Burn.
Insider tip: Ask staff to pair your burger with a specific draft beer.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; can be competitive during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Casual — jeans and everyday wear are totally fine
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during busy evenings or patio season
Weekend wait: Expect 30–60 minutes during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal or no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian burgers and sides are available
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but options are not extensive
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free buns are usually available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and fun rather than formal. The beer list and creative burgers make for easy conversation, though it can get a bit loud at peak times.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during prime dinner hours, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the evening, and the menu has approachable options, though the vibe trends more adult later at night.
Best For
Better for: Craft beer lovers and burger fans who want creative builds in a sit-down pub setting with patio seating
Skip if: You want a quiet, fine-dining experience or need a wide variety of vegan options
The Bad Apple
8.6
Known citywide for its burgers and deep craft beer list, The Bad Apple also doubles as a serious wing destination thanks to its collaborations with The Wing Joint. Jumbo, crisply rendered wings in rotating sauces land alongside big-flavored pub food in a loud, energetic North Center room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything Wings, Crispy Honey Garlic Jumbo Wings, Bad Apple Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Craft beer-focused gastropub where jumbo wings get as much love as burgers.
Who should go: Beer nerds and wing fans who like loud, lively rooms.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier seating; early games on big sports days.
What to order: Everything Wings, honey garlic jumbo wings, house burger with fries.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for fastest wing refills and best game-day energy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; can be tight during peak dinner and game nights.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and relaxed pub attire are all normal.
Noise level: Loud during evenings and big sports events; conversation may require raised voices.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, especially on game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, veggie sides, and some meatless mains are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few options but not the focus.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-conscious; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re both into craft beer and casual pub energy — but it’s loud and lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, but expect waits during evenings and big game days. Arrive early or try off-peak times for quicker seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids, especially earlier in the evening. Later hours can feel more bar-forward and noisy.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier wings paired with an excellent craft beer selection in a high-energy pub setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, fine-dining-style service, or extensive vegan options.
The Bad Apple
8.7
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Bad Apple in North Center is a burger-and-beer institution where hand-cut fries are treated like a feature, not an afterthought, from classic poutine to truffle-dusted baskets. With thousands of reviews across Google and Yelp and frequent shout-outs from local food media, it’s one of the most reliable spots in 60618 when you specifically care about what’s in the fry basket.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Fries, Montreal Poutine (fries with herbed gravy and cheese curds), Chicago Poutine (fries with brisket, jalapeños, gravy, and cheese curds)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Serious, highly customizable fry program inside a busy burger-and-beer bar.
Who should go: Fry-obsessed diners who want beer and burgers, too.
When to visit: Weeknights or early evenings to avoid peak waits.
What to order: Truffle fries, Montreal poutine, Chicago poutine with brisket.
Insider tip: Order a poutine plus a plain fry basket to sample multiple seasonings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding residential blocks; can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and layered winter wear all feel appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak times — conversation is doable but expect bar energy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait or immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fries, veggie-focused starters, and some non-meat mains are available.
Vegan options: Limited — fries and select items can work, but you’ll need to confirm ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Some options are available; check with staff about fryers and modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and lively. It’s better for relaxed dates than quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — walk-ins are common. Expect a wait during peak evenings and weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens, especially early evenings. Late nights feel more like a bar crowd.
Best For
Better for: Craft beer lovers and serious fry fans who want variety, toppings, and shareable baskets.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, fine-dining vibes, or fully vegan-friendly options.
The Bad Apple
8.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
The Bad Apple is a North Center burger-and-beer bar where an expansive craft beer list meets one of the neighborhood’s most talked-about fry and burger programs. A lively sidewalk patio and casual interior make it a go-to for groups who want serious bar food outdoors without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bad Apple burger, Truffle fries, Montreal poutine
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-level burgers and an obsessive fry program anchored by a busy patio.
Who should go: Beer-loving burger fans planning casual patio meetups.
When to visit: Weeknights or early evenings before peak patio waits.
What to order: Bad Apple burger, truffle fries, Montreal poutine.
Insider tip: Pair richer burgers with lighter draft pours to extend patio time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; can tighten up during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and layers for patio weather are common
Noise level: Moderate — lively indoors, slightly quieter on the patio when it’s not packed
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during prime patio hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait (when open for daytime service)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, meatless burgers, and sides available
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified, but options are not extensive
Gluten-free options: Some items may be available without buns; confirm details with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for casual dates where great burgers and craft beer set an easygoing tone, especially on the patio.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — most seating is first-come-first-served, but expect waits during peak evening and weekend patio hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes — casual vibe and approachable food, though evenings can be busy and noisy for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Craft beer lovers and burger fans who want a relaxed, genuinely high-quality pub experience with outdoor seating.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale dinner or need a wide range of vegan or gluten-free options.
Hours
Monday4:30pm - 12am
Tuesday4:30pm - 12am
Wednesday4:30pm - 12am
Thursday11:30am - 1am
Friday11:30am - 1am
Saturday11:30am - 1am
Sunday11:30am - 12am