7 West Loop Smash Burgers That Actually Live Up To The Hype

You can barely walk down Randolph these days without catching the scent of sizzling beef and caramelized edges. The West Loop doesn’t just do burgers—it does *smash* burgers, and there’s no shortage of opinions about what’s worth waiting in line for and what’s all hype. Here's the inside line on seven spots serving up patties that are thin, crispy, juicy, and—most important—memorable. ## 1. Au Cheval Settle the debate now: Is Au Cheval’s burger still king? If you’ve tried it, the answer’s probably yes. This is the kind of place where you’ll endure an hour-long wait, just to lay eyes on that tower of perfectly smashed patties, melty cheese, and thick-cut bacon under a toasted bun. Yes, the room is low-lit, the cocktails are strong, and the fries are a side dish event. There’s a reason people talk about this place like it’s a rite of passage. *Pro tip:* They call it a “single” but you’re getting double patties by default. And if you spot the takeout window open, skip the seating drama and eat it hot curbside—burger greatness needs zero ambiance. ## 2. Kuma’s Corner (West Loop) Roll up to Kuma’s with an appetite (and maybe Advil—this spot is *loud* in the best way). It’s heavy metal on the walls and decadence on the plate. Their burgers—forged from a combination of serious smash technique and culinary chaos—come loaded with things like jalapeño bacon, fried onions, and slathers of barbecue sauce or sriracha aioli. Each burger here is a flex: over-the-top but never too much. If you’re the kind of person who likes your burger with a soundtrack, Kuma’s will give you one that rattles your rib cage. ## 3. DMK Burger Bar DMK doesn’t shout—its confidence is entirely in the beef. Picture grass-fed, locally sourced patties smashed to order, crisp on the edges while staying juicy right through the center. Toppings range from classic cheddar and lettuce to roasted hatch chiles or truffle cream, so whatever burger mood hits, they’ve got you. But here’s the DMK difference: You walk out *feeling* better than you should after a big burger. Maybe it’s the airy space or all those local brews, but it always feels like the healthy-ish move. Go figure. ## 4. Shake Shack Sure, it’s a chain, but Shake Shack earned its Chicago cred years ago. Even West Loop regulars drop in, because sometimes you just want it simple: a squashed patty that oozes beefy juices, a pillowy potato bun, and cheese clinging to every craggy edge. Old-school in all the right ways, and the crinkle fries are always hot. If you scoff at chains, this is the one to make an exception for—sometimes consistency *is* a virtue. ## 5. Small Cheval If Au Cheval is theatrical, Small Cheval is stripped down and straight-to-the-point. The menu’s barely bigger than a boarding pass—burger, fries, shakes—and that’s the flex. The burger: thin, crackly edges, just enough juice, pickles riding shotgun, and a swipe of tangy sauce. Grab a seat by the open window, and you’ll see office workers, tattooed bartenders, and families alike all inhaling the same thing. No fuss, no drama, just the platonic ideal of what a smash burger should be. ## 6. The Loyalist You want a hidden gem? This is the dark basement bar under Smyth, and the burger’s got an underground reputation to match. The patty blend is a closely guarded secret of short rib, chuck, and bacon, smashed onto a hot griddle with onions caramelizing into the crust. Add cheese, pickles, and a soft sesame bun, and suddenly you understand why chefs across town geek out over this one. Dim lights, good cocktails, and that burger—they all hit just right when the mood calls for an evening that feels a little off-the-grid. ## 7. Au Cheval To-Go In case you don’t have time for a three-hour dinner but *do* have cravings at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, Au Cheval’s takeout operation is your play. It’s the same burger—gooey cheese, thick bacon, butter-brushed bun—just handed over in a brown bag for you to eat at your desk, on a park bench, wherever. Quick tip: Grab extra napkins. ## Know Before You Go ### Best Time to Visit Au Cheval and The Loyalist? Hit up a weekday afternoon if you’re crowd-averse. For everything else, early evenings or off-hours will spare you the mob. Friday and Saturday nights? Patience or a backup plan is required. ### Veggie & Gluten-Free Options Most of these spots are hip to the veggie and gluten-free life (think: black bean patties, Impossible burgers, gluten-free buns), but Au Cheval stays classic, so plan accordingly. ### Pricing - **$8–$12:** Shake Shack, Small Cheval - **$12–$18:** Kuma’s, DMK, The Loyalist - **$17–$25:** Au Cheval (regular and takeout; add-ons make a difference here) ### Parking This is West Loop—leave the car at home if you can. If not, expect to circle for street parking or pony up for a garage. ## The Move There are no wrong answers on this list, unless you skip too many. If you’re the kind of person who obsesses over the geometry of a perfectly smashed burger—those ragged edges, those puddles of beef flavor—start at Small Cheval or DMK. Want the most extra experience? Kuma’s Corner. Looking for “that” burger, the one social media can’t shut up about? Make the pilgrimage to Au Cheval at least once. Give each a shot and let your burger ranking start arguments of its own. You’re in the West Loop now—don’t play it safe.