Chicago, finally basking in some glorious sunshine after what felt like an endless winter, is the perfect backdrop for enjoying a good meal. While the idea of al fresco dining in the Windy City might conjure images of battling street dust, there’s a better way to savor the weather and some great food. Skip the sidewalk tables and head straight to M Burger, Lettuce Entertain You’s answer to the perfect Fast Food Hamburger, for a delicious grab-and-go experience best enjoyed in a nearby plaza.
If you’re experiencing burger fatigue, you’re not alone. It seems like the gourmet burger trend, initially conceived as an affordable indulgence, has morphed into a pricey affair. Restaurants are pushing the boundaries with Wagyu beef, artisanal buns, and exotic toppings, often forgetting that sometimes, all we crave is a simple, satisfying fast food hamburger reminiscent of classics like the McDLT – remember “cool side cool, hot side hot?”
However, M Burger, despite its pedigree under the guidance of Scott Barton (from culinary giants like Everest and L2O), surprisingly understands this craving. Located in the former kitchen of TRU, a restaurant once synonymous with extravagant dining, M Burger manages to deliver a fast food hamburger that hits the spot without breaking the bank.
Now, let’s be clear, M Burger might not be vying for the title of “best burger in Chicago.” That’s a debate for another day, considering the legendary status (and long lines) of places like Kuma’s Corner. While other contenders like Top Notch and Schoop’s are lauded, and even Edzo’s in Evanston (which this West Loop resident admittedly needs to try) gets rave reviews, M Burger excels in key areas: proximity, value, accessibility, and genuinely decent taste. Even Tribune critic Phil Vettel’s humorous tale of walking to M Burger only to be deterred by the line highlights its popularity – and trust us, the line moves fast.
The signature M Burger is a delightful Frankenstein of fast food favorites. Imagine the pillowy soft bun of a Filet-O-Fish, the tangy secret sauce reminiscent of a Big Mac, and a juicy, grill-marked patty akin to Wendy’s – all in one bite. And unlike some fast-food bacon offerings, M Burger provides proper, plank-like bacon. The patty, while perhaps not boasting the intense beefy flavor of grass-fed, geisha-massaged cow burgers, is satisfyingly juicy. One minor critique is its slightly dense texture, perhaps a bit too compact, but this is a minor point in an otherwise excellent fast food hamburger.
In fact, M Burger might just be the best fast food hamburger Chicago has to offer right now. For those of us on the East Coast who miss In-N-Out, M Burger offers a worthy contender, possibly even surpassing the iconic Animal Style burger (a challenge for West Coast transplants to confirm!). Intriguingly, like In-N-Out, M Burger seems to have cultivated a secret menu, with whispers of triple patties circulating amongst those in the know. One can only dream of even more extravagant, off-menu creations.
The sides at M Burger are equally commendable. The fries are hot, crispy, and perfectly salted, with just the right amount of skin-on bits for added texture. And surpassing even Superdawg in the milkshake department, the strawberry milkshake is a revelation, brimming with real fruit pieces and creamy milk sourced from local dairies.
Even the vegetarian option, playfully named “Nurse Betty,” demonstrates a thoughtful approach. Eschewing processed soy patties, it features a hearty combination of thick-cut tomato, pickles, onion, and avocado. While perhaps not a vegetarian’s first choice in a burger joint, it’s a respectable and flavorful alternative.
M Burger, located at 161 East Huron, is easily accessible at (312) 254-8500. For a satisfying and affordable fast food hamburger experience in Chicago, M Burger is a must-try.
