Burger Battle Royale: Best of the Great Lakes

of North Pond, Chicago, IL

Find out more about this James Beard award-winning chef at jamesbeard.org.

1. VIE BURGER Vie, Western Springs, IL

A 21-day dry-aged beef patty grilled over a wood fire with aged Wisconsin cheddar, homemade pickles, bacon and tempura mushrooms on the side.

2. JAMBURGER Jam, Chicago, IL

Two beef patties paired with mild local butterkase cheese, a fried egg and smoked tomato sauce.

3. PIMIENTO CHEESE BURGER Big Jones, Chicago, IL

A double stack tricked out with griddled onions and homemade pimento cheese on a squishy steamed bun.

4. DOUBLE CHAR BURGER Edzo’s, Evanston, IL

Hand-ground chuck grilled with cheddar, mushrooms, bacon and onions.

Burger Battle Royale: Best of the Northeast