Top-Notch Beefburgers Inc.

I grew up in Chicago and loved Top Notch burgers. I have lived all over the country the past 25 years and have tried hundreds of "Best " burgers in cities across the nation and have only found a few I would put in the same category as Top Notch, but no one has even come close on the french fries. After years of trying to find a better burger I have come to think it's pretty hard to find. When I get back to Chicago I always make time for a trip to Top Notch.

Pete
Bend, OR

Pros: Burgers, fries & shakes

Cons: None

Posted 12/09/08

i wanted to see what the hype was about.... i not only got robbed for $10 for a non cooked burger i also had my car impounded and had 2 pay $175 to get it out.. This place is a rip off and con artist place. You are better off going to burger king...

Pros: Can you tell me one???

Cons: Everything inside and out the place

Posted 11/26/08

I take my family over there from time to time. It's always a good experience. Good food, professional services, nice atmosphere - that's really all i'm looking for when going out.

Posted 10/07/08

The food and old-fashion booths are wonderful. Very laid-back casual restaurant. But if you go there during the hours of 11:30am - 1pm good luck finding a parking spot. It is all metered parking and hard to find a spot during lunch time. It is the kind of place where you want to take your kids so that that they can taste a real hamburger not one of of those poorly processed burgers from the major fast food restaurants.

But again try to avoid the place during peak lunch hours.

Pros: Hamburgers, Pancakes, Shakes, French Fries, the food

Cons: Parking and can get pretty crowded during lunch time.

Posted 06/20/08

The burgers are really good. If you don't eat beef, then try the turkey burgers. Shakes are delicious and the prices can't be beat. The kids' menu is particularly nice if you have children (think, good food for not much more than McDonald's).

Posted 09/27/07

If you are looking for the holy grail of Burgers than I would suggest that you try this place out before you begin your quest because this might be the place you were looking for! The Burgers here are the best I have had and I've been all over the world. They are cooked to order and are made any way you like them. Bring your appetite because the burgers come in half pound to a full pound, this is definitely not the place to watch your waist! You can hold the fries I wasn't impressed and I had them cooked soft and hard! But if you must have a side order get the shake (Large) trust me you will thank me later.

Pros: Burgers and Shakes

Cons: Finding a Park

Posted 07/22/07

I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN CHICAGO, THEN MOVED TO PHILLY ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO. STILL HAVE FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN CHICAGO, WENT HOME AND MET UP WITH SOME OLD FREINDS AT TOP-NOTCH. IF WAS - OKAYYY. THE BURGER I GOT WAS A LITTLE ON THE DRY SIDE, AND THE BUN WAS TOASTED WAY TOO MUCH. SERVICE WAS A BIT ON THE SLOW SIDE, SHAKE WAS GOOD THOUGH . GUESS I'D GIVE IT 2.5 STARS

Pros: SHAKE WAS GOOD

Cons: WAIT STAFF - PARKING

Posted 07/06/07

In the era of rushed, thin, and frozen hamburger patties Top-Notch offered a surprisingly good beef burger. While I regret only eating there once, I am planning on another visit. While I am not use to having difficulties in finishing a hamburger finishing this meal was somewhat of a challenge. However, the challenge was truely sublime as the quality beef flavor of the patty was heightened by the condiments and add-ons (which is something that fast food and chain restaurants have completely forgotten about). Lastly, do not venture out for a Top-Notch burger without ordering a chocolate malt, doing so would be a great mistake.

Pros: A real hamburger

Cons: about 7$ for one

Posted 08/16/06

One of the best burgers around. I would recommend the KING as anything smaller isn't as juicy. Next best thing is the patty/melt. None of this "one" slice of cheese on bread fake - this is a real MELT on rye bread. Ask for the fries well done and you can't get better. The prices are amazingly low for what you get. I go with my family of 6 quite often and the only place less expensive is a fast food franchise. Hop on the train from downtown and disembark @ 95th street & walk a couple of blocks west.

Pros: Food, Price, Food

Posted 09/20/05

This is the best restaurant that I have every visited!!! The food is excellent and the waitstaff is wonderful!!! This has become a new hangout for me and my family.

Posted 07/22/05

The greatest burger joint in town- bar none !!!
I have been going there religiously for over 15 years. Great service and a great burger at an unbelievable value. Check it out, you'll always come back for more !!!!!!!!!
Joe W. , Chicago

Posted 06/07/05

I couldn't agree with you more! This has been a favorite of mine since my Daddy introduced me to it in the early seventies - I was all of six years old. I love the 1/4 cheeseburger with all the fixins with fries. You just can't get guilty pleasures like Top-Notch anywhere, and this Southside mainstay is all that wrapped up in friendly FAST service. The ambiance is what you'd expect from a diner and each time I go I eat too much. Notable too, are the Top-Notch malts... I love em'... always thick and the perfect ending to a burger night!

Posted 03/16/05

Get a patty melt (excellent rye bread) and don't forget the chocolate shake! They bring you the metal mixer can so you can pour more into your glass. It's thick, rich and terrific.

Posted 08/25/04

If you are a burger aficionado, quit clowning around and come here. If you don't, then you'll never have tasted the best burger in Chicago! One nice little thing I like about Top Notch is they toast their buns. Not many places do that anymore. I think it adds to the flavor. Park in the library lot across the street though.

Pros: location, location, location

Cons: parking, parking, parking

Posted 02/11/04

By far the best burger I've ever had. Blows away Billy Goat. Fresh Ground Beef and homemade cut fries. Also, I dare you to find a better shake.

Posted 02/19/03

As a former employee, I have to agree that this is the BEST hamburger out there. (I gained 20 pounds working there the first year because the food was so good.) My family would beg me to bring food home from work. After their first bite, they were hooked. Burger King was no longer good enough for them.
The line that reaches out the door just to get a table says the same thing.
The restaurant itself isn't pretty, but the food more than makes up for it. Generous sized portions are given with each meal, and the soup and fries are homemade daily. The meat for the burgers is ground each day as well. No frozen burger patties here!

Pros: food quality, portion size, cleanliness

Cons: parking

Posted 02/01/03

what a great burger. the meat tastes great. After so many years of bland burgers that need lots of condiments, this burger was great PLAIN.

Pros: options, good parking

Posted 01/02/03

Top Notch lives up to it's name. You go in seat yourself and moments later a enthusiastic high-school kid comes over and takes your order. The burgers are big, so bring your appetite. The shakes and fries are to die for. I highly recommend it to anyone

Pros: Inexpensive, Delicious Food, Good Location

Posted 12/13/02

Really, this is the best burger in the midwest.
Beverly, is also - THE best and most real neighborhood in Chicago. Northsiders, you have NOT experienced, real Chicago until you have checked out Beverly.

Pros: best burger in town

Cons: no cons

Posted 10/31/02

Outstanding Burger and Fries, Great home made shakes. No frills, just good eating.

Posted 09/20/02

Great burgers - one of the best I've ever had. Very juicy and flavorful.

Pros: Plenty of food, Inexpensive, Great Food

Cons: no parking, service is so-so

Posted 08/30/02

The food at this establishment has surpassed my expectations for taste and value. I've been a customer for over 20 years and am glad to see that the quality of the food and the establishment has held it's own.

Posted 08/13/02

I have had burgers all over the nation, and I can truly say that Top-Notch burgers are the best. They're even better than Steak & Shake. The children's menu is good, and extras won't run your bill up 2 or 3 dollars either!

Posted 08/08/02

The top-Notch Burger is really the best burger. But it is the whole package. They have the best hand-made burgers, great french fries and to die for milk shakes.

Posted 08/08/02

Top-Notch has not only the best burger, but is staffed by southsiders, the friendliest Chicagoans anywhere. They are a bit overpriced, however. We would eat there as a family more often if the cost was more in line with what we typically pay for a family of six.

Pros: great food, friendly service, easy to park

Cons: overpriced, a little shabby

Posted 08/03/02

I LOVE THIS PLACE! THE BURGERS ARE DELICIOUS, ALWAYS FRESH AND SERVED PIPING HOT. THE NEXT BEST THING ARE THE FRIES SOME OF THE BEST IN THE CITY. TOP IT OFF WITH A OREO SHAKE AND YOU'VE GOT ONE GOOD MEAL.

Posted 08/01/02

Top Notch is a favorite of our family. Its a great piece of Chicago's past.

Posted 07/22/02