First things first, parking is very limited. You can find some free parking across the street. There aren't any signs but you'll see a bunch of cars kind of cramped. That's how you know you're in the right place. Other than that, there are too many signs that say you need a permit to park. The restaurant doesn't have a huge sign on the outside but we did see a small sign in the window that said Gretel. The entrance door kind of has a Medieval feel to it. This is a very casual restaurant, the lighting is dark. Service was great. Staff was very friendly and they made sure we were well taken care of. We ordered the Gretel griddle burger, fried chicken sandwich, mac and cheese, and elote riblets. We substituted our fries for something else at an extra cost. -Gretel griddle burger 3 - there was a lot of hype about how good this was but I found it kind of mid. Don't get my wrong it's a good burger but I would have liked it to be medium rare. It wasn't mind blowing to me, the meat needed to be more moist. -Fried chicken sandwich 5 - to me this was the star of the show. That spicy aioli and chili oil made it kind of spicy but in a delicious way. Chicken was succulent. One of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had. -mac and cheese 5 - very cheesy. I loved the bacon and scallions in here. -elote riblets 4 - these were good but yeah kind of awkward to eat. I would have liked it if they cut off the inedible part of the corn. read more

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This place is amazing! Very good food, good service and they are open late. The ambiance was nice, trendy. At night it's more romantic because of the lights. I will continue to come back here. read more

Date night made easy at this Logan square favorite restaurant. ventured out to this area on a whim as we had no plans and no desire to cook food on a Friday night. so we headed to Armitage to see what restaurants smell the best and land it on Gretel!!! Gretto has been on my Yelp collections list of wanting to try restaurants in Logan square for 2 years. I was happy with a finally took the time to try this restaurant. when we arrived there were no tables available and we had to be put on a reservation list. Initially the list was an hour to an hour and a halfway per the hostess. we ended up placing our names on the list and heading to nearby bar Attagirl. There is also another brewery really close by that you can grab some beer at. Our table was ready within 45 minutes. Once we sat we were able to look at the extensive menu for whiskey and other cocktails. we end up ordering the Gretel old-fashioned and a Cosmopolitan. Super impressed with our cocktail selection and I am sure they could make just about anything here. they have such a detailed list of different spirits and alcohols.For food we got one gruddle burger and 1 chicken sandwich. for sides we got the French fries and the Mac and cheese. We very much enjoyed our selections however the Gretel Burger was stand out. I think if we came back we probably would both end up ordering that Burger. The French fries were hot 20 fold and salty. the Mac and cheese was also good however they did accidentally put bacon in mine which I think I would have enjoyed better without bacon. All in all a very good restaurant/bar to visit. I would come back here and it's a really just chill place good music chill vibes and the staff were really friendly. read more

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Catching up on Yelp reviews as the last time I visited Gretel was back over summer on my moving away foodie tour from Logan Square. I visited for lunch during a weekday after packing up some things in my apartment. There was barely anyone there, which made sense. Ambiance is a cool as it's dark, dimly lit, speakeasy styleish. Gretel is also a great whiskey bar. I ordered my usual, Double Cheeseburger with a side of mac n cheese. Bun was better this time around. It was softer and it holds together well, but it still lacks flavor. Burger patty was good, but I wish it was juicier. It was supposed to be medium rare, but it was definitely medium. Probably sitting under the heat lamp a little too long. Pickle had some crunch and great flavor. Sauce was great, but it needed more. Cheese is the best as it's extremely flavorful and melted to perfection and it is where it's at. So my ranking is a slight downgrade, but a very good burger. Old Ranking: Bun: 5 Patty: 8 Toppings: 10 Overall: 7.67 Fries: 7 Mac n Cheese: 10 New Ranking: Bun: 6 Patty: 7 Toppings: 9 Overall: 7.33 Fries: N/A Mac n Cheese: 10 Overall, Gretel is an awesome bar with some amazing food! I still have to come back and try the oysters, but the burger and mac n cheese are that good. The burger is not as good as it's sister restaurant in Andersonville, Little Bad Wolf, but it's still very good. I highly recommend checking out Gretel! read more

Gretel - Double cheeseburger and Mac n cheese. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My favorite burger in town so far. Perfectly balanced flavors. Nothing is overpowering. The bun is perfect. The meat is delicious. Fresh thin cut fries to pair perfectly. Mac and cheese is great too. The rest of the menu looks good too, but don't know if I'll ever order anything but a cheeseburger lbvs. Love the layout and decor. Very eccentric. The place is busy. Took an hour to get a table. Will definitely be back. Just probably not on the weekend. read more

Their burger is hands down one of my favorite in Chicago! The perfectly melted cheese, aioli, and juiciness had me licking my fingers for more There's a great vibe inside with an impressive spirits wall. The lobster bisque was very tasty and the while I still enjoyed the shishito peppers, I could have done without the mayonnaise-based sauce they were in. Part of that may have been because of the heaviness of the burger and bisque and I was really looking for the peppers to balance out the meal more than it did. Either way, will definitely be coming back! read more

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No reservations so we had to wait a little bit and sipped on some strong yet yummy cocktails. The burger was very tender but I can't say it's the best I've had. Maybe if we had added the egg and bacon? The French dip was large and not bad either. For us, the Mac and cheese was the winner. If we ever come back, I'd want to try the French onion soup. read more

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As one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! Dishing Delectable dishes and cocktails late into the night! One of the best burgers around. They roll out hot savory lobster rolls and French onion soups. Haven't had a menu item that I didn't like here. Come for the mixologist curated cocktails, Stay for the ambiance and company at the bar. read more

Gretel - Old Fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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very cool bar, very good burger. was busy on a weekday but was able to grab a seat at the bar. the burger is great - delicious flavor in the meat, good texture, lots of cheese/sauce, very messy, great bun. would love a bit more acidity to balance it out but it was still very delicious. Opted for a salad as the side which was a great balance, would definitely return to eat this again read more

We came here for brunch on a Saturday and couldn't believe the place was empty. This place has it all from the ambiance, service, delectable food, and even pumpin tunes! I was Shazaaming every other song! I got the fried chicken sandwich with brussel sprouts and my mind was blown. I think this was the best fried chicken sandwich I've ever had. The sesame buns were soft and slightly toasted, there was a perfect amount of spicy mayo-like sauce, the slaw provided a nice crunch and freshness, and, most importantly, the chicken patty was huge, juicy, flavorful, and so so crispy. The brussels were cooked to perfection and the sauce on them was so good. My friend enjoyed her vegan pastrami carrot sandwich. I've heard Gretel makes a mean burger, so definitely wanna come back and try that! Like others have said, this restaurant is in a very unassuming building--there is no signage so just look for a white and black awning. The interior though... super nice! This seems to be the case with many Logan Square gems. read more

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Gretel is absolutely gorgeous and has such a calming vibe. I'm a big fan of the wedge salad and cocktail program. The lobster rolls come packed with lobster but not much flavor. I do think Gretel is great especially in the winter as it has a warmth and great tavern vibe. The service is always kind and while it is a bit pricy, it is worth it for a once in a while treat. read more

I give 4.5 stars. The ambiance was cozy. The food overall was delicious. As you can see lots of liquor options and a nice selection of craft beers. I never had a sea bass cut like that before but it was a mild flaky fish. The steak frite was yummy be prepared for a special steak sauce versus traditional. The macaroni n cheese was amazing. Very cheesy and flavorful. The oyster Rockefeller was nice. Small oysters but nonetheless tasty. The lobster bisque had 2 pieces of lobster the bar of the soup wasn't as creamy as what im accustomed too but it was fair. The service was great. He was attentive, kind, and didn't forget anything. I believe they have a speak easy setting in the lower level but I didn't get to see it. I would return to Gretel for casual lunch or you can go for date night. Street parking and easy to find. Also those plants inside are absolutely beautiful. read more

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Second time my husband and I went in and does not disappoint! Last night we sampled the burger, which was epic/the brussels sprouts were maybe a little bit too much balsamic but still very fresh and yummy/steak frite steak is beautiful and done perfectly to a tiny bit bloody/fries were skinny and delicious. The drinks are always dangerous and lovely, I got a coconut infused gin drink last night & it was beautiful & brush, and strong, ;) inspired me to come home and infuse a big bottle of gin with coconut! No desserts, which is not a big deal but they did bring out a cookie for my friend's birthday and it tasted very chewy and warm and homemade. Really a cool place. The deck is very dark the service is impeccable and it's not that big of a place, cozy, and dark, I'm sure it'll be crazy busy in the winter coming up, love it! read more

I already have a few favorite burgers around the city, but I'm always down to check out new places. I've been hearing the burgers at Gretel were good, so I had to check them out. They don't take reservations, so I knowing that I may have to wait. Fortunately for us, they had plenty of tables available downstairs. The main floor was pretty packed though. The service for the most part was good. It's never a good thing when we have to ask for the check, but overall I was pretty satisfied. The burgers came out very quick, but what really caught my eye or my ears for that matter was the music. They had some good stuff playing in the background. Mexican music, like cumbias. The music seemed out of place but I think that's what made this place so great. Please don't change this. The wife and I both ordered their Gretel Griddle Burger. It came with two patties, white and yellow American cheese and garlic aioli. It also comes with pickles and onions, but I don't like neither on my burgers. The burgers were really good. The bun was toasted with a nice char and the patties were juicy and perfectly seasoned. The burger was also very cheesy. They came with fries as a side or your could substitute any side for $2 more. My side orders their Mac and cheese as a sub and that was good as well. It came loaded with bacon, scallions and topped with bread crumbs. This was the first time I've had Mac & cheese with scallions and I must say I did enjoy it. The fries were good and came with a sweet and spicy house aioli. I was not a big fan of this sauce. Wasn't thick enough to stick to the fries but overall a very delicious meal. The burger is a little bit on the pricey side at $18, especially since I just read a review that the burger was only $10 just a few years ago. It does come with a side of fries so you at least know you will be leaving full. I can definitely see myself returning in the near future. read more

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Almost missed the restaurant trying to find it but it's right across from middle brow! Went around lunchtime on a weekday so wasn't busy at all. Has a little cute outdoor sitting and staff was quick and friendly. The Mac and cheese is one of the best I have tasted all summer! The burger wasn't anything exciting but would definitely come back for the Mac and cheese again! read more

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We decided to stop for a late lunch due to good yelp reviews. The hostess was friendly and gave us the last open table available. The place was still crowded at 1:45pm Sat. The ambiance was warm and cozy The service was good. The food was good but not exceptional. I think they excel on drinks. The drink menu far exceeded the food. Great place for cocktails and for whiskey lovers. read more

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I've lived in Chicago for about 5.5 years and when I say this place has everything you'll ever want - I mean it. This time I got the burger - which will compete with any burger in Chicago. If this restaurant was downtown or in West Loop - there'd be a longer wait than Wildberry on a holiday weekend. Everything is so good - but the pro move, in my opinion is the burger with the Mac and cheese instead of the fries. It's definitely worth the switch. Can't wait to come back. read more

Gretel - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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New favorite spot! Picked up my GF from the ORD Blue Line and dropped in for cocktails and a bite. We usually split, but we spied our neighbors massive chicken sandwich and lobster rolls, and ordered those w the mac and cheese and elote riblets (all four must tries) and were really impressed. Sylvia and team were all very warm and friendly and we've already shared w local friends about this hidden gem! Definitely be back soon... read more

Gretel - Bar Wall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Gretel is the sister restaurant of little bad wolf which is arguably our favorite burger in Chicago. We decided to give it a shot. Literally amazing. So much food, so delicious, and the vibe was unmatched in there. Dark, sexy, awesome for dinner and drinks with the girls or a date night. Will definitely be back. read more

Great menu, great cocktails, great vibe, great staff. Lots of different ages and walks of life, making for a vibrant, interesting scene. Go! read more

I really loved this place! The ambiance is like an old library-esque feel with big booths and dark interior. i loved the sliding ladder behind the bar for the huge floor to ceiling liquor cabinet - such a cool addition to the decor. They don't take reservations and we walked in around 8ish and was able to sit at the bar right away. the drink menu is very cool - lots different cocktails to try - i got the white lotus which had an interesting earthy taste - but be warned it's quite strong! Okay, so I've been wanting to come to gretel ever since I saw their burger listed on a best burger in chicago list like many other people...but the real highlight of the night were the pork belly nachos!!! If you come here for food, GET THEM. I think they are now one of my favorite dishes to get in Chicago. The queso sauce on it was sooo creamy and cheesy and umami. ugh I'm salivating as I type this out. We of course got the burger with mac and cheese. The burger was honestly a bit salty but I still really enjoyed all the flavors of the juicy patty and sweet bread (i think brioche?). The mac and cheese was BOMB, similar oozy queso sauce as the nachos lavishly coating each noodle- SO good. We also wanted to try the french dip, which was also a bit salty...but the sandwich was absolutely stuffed with meat and the elote side was SO good. they came out like little rib pieces to nibble on and the char on them were really nice with the creamy mayo parm sauce. overall, really cool place to check out. I ended up enjoying the sides/appetizer more than the entrees and took off one star for the entrees being a tad too salty. I would come back to try their other drinks and food! read more

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AMAZING. Need i say more? SERVICE? Elite. FOOD? Elite. Mo is a great manager AND server, Jonah was very polite upon entry & Marty was a great energy as well. AMBIANCE? ELITE! Highly recommend stopping here read more

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Stopped by here for a nightcap. It was busy inside but we were able to get seated via walk in. We only had cocktails and fries so can't speak to anything else on the menu. The fries and aioli were super tasty. The bar was massive and they could create pretty much any cocktail or drink you want. All of us enjoyed our drinks which were made well. read more

Gretel - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Rock and roll soundtrack was turned up to 3, Ozzy Osbourne's death was just yesterday and the team honoring him did it with heavy rotation at easy listening volume. Perfect. The west coast oysters the size of Concords, grapes that is, were quite delicious and very fresh, briny and the sauces all paired well. The tonkatsu was thick and complex, the broth meaty with a creamy fatty feel, tasty and filling. The beef marrow came with three bones, a good value but to top that, a forth bone was delivered as the chef thought two of the three had smaller than usual servings, couldn't have agreed with the chef more, delighted. The lobster roll was cute with a nice hunk of the meat visible even when the roll was pressed closed, nice. There is a sweet tooth in this world that tells chefs to sweeten up things like Brussels sprouts with heavy glazes and I think they should ignore it, Gretel is no exception. More appreciation for its bitterness would help and not trying to get adults with children's taste buds to eat their vegetables would improve this dish. The vibe there was old school with a library of liquor that inspires scholarship. The crew was fantastic and professional. Cozy, a little fancy, but welcoming. read more

Walking into this restaurant was just beautiful with these two big wooden doors. We were greeted by a host that was very quick to get us seated. We thought we would have a long wait since we were coming in on a weekend. They have this HUGE bar and the shelves of liquor just go from floor to ceiling. It is truly a sight. I was amazed. They have this rolling ladder to get to the top, it was nice to see that it wasn't just for aesthetics and it actually gets used. Obviously with the huge bar we had to start off with some drinks. I started with the hang 11 which had hibiscus in it and made with pineapple rum. Honestly any drink that hibiscus makes me pick it. It was really good, not too sweet either. My friend got a verde-go which is made with cucumber tequila. It tasted so refreshing. They do have a beer menu and a long list of whiskey for the whiskey lovers. For food: I for the Gretel Griddle Burger. Absolutely delicious and juicy and made to perfection. I got it with a side of Mac and cheese that was very cheesy, just how I like it. That little side dish they serve it in is deep, it was a whole meal for me the next day! My husband got the prime rib French dip since it had pretty good reviews here on Yelp. But unfortunately he wasn't a fan. Our waitress did suggest to have cheese put in the dip which I thought was a great addition. He got the side of the Blistered Shishito Peppers which was SO SO good. This is a must get side! My friend got the Fried Chicken Sandwich. She said she loved the pear slaw on it which was a great crunch texture. All of these meals were huge and enough for another meal the next day! I ended the night with an espresso martini, let me tell you that espresso kept me going for hours after our dinner ended. It wasn't my favorite espresso martini in Chicago but it was decent. I'd give it a 4/10. Our waitress had all the suggestions and was so very attentive. The inside is very spacious with booths. They did have a downstairs as well but didn't get to check it out on this trip. Definitely next time I come here! read more

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Amazing burger. Possibly best in the city! Also have had this delivered before too and it was still good! Highly recommend and will be back read more

Gretel - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

overrated. overpriced. and they think blasting sh*t music makes for ambiance. 2.9% up charge for cc. that's ok--I'll take it out of the servers tip. read more

Came here this past weekend after hearing rave reviews and very happy with the experience! We were able to find street parking a couple blocks away relatively easily, and coming at around 3:30 pm on a weekend, we were seated right away. Pro-tip: come at odd hours to avoid a long wait, otherwise the wait time can be quite long (we have tried to come by at regular dinner hours before and the wait was more than 1 hour). They have a fantastic draft beer list, extensive liquor shelf and cocktail menu. We got some of their draft beers and then ordered the Gretel Griddle Burger, which comes with shoestring fries. The burger was a double patty and delicious, and the fries were perfectly crispy. The fries came with a sauce that tasted a bit like thousand island dressing - I preferred the fries without it! The server was friendly, and we had a great time. The pricing was about $20 for the burger and fries, so it was reasonable for the quantity and quality of the food. Definitely recommend and look forward to trying more on their menu! read more

Noted to be one of the best burgers in Chicago, this has been on my list for awhile. We visited here on a Sunday afternoon with a group of 4. We were told the wait was approximately 40 minutes, but we could sit at the bar and order food. We were about to sit down at the bar and a table opened up. We were so fortunate. Service was very good and attentive ! We ordered drinks, as we reviewed the menu. The wall behind the bar is a massive array of whiskey, so impressive. Most of us ordered the burgers, which they are known for and were not disappointed. I had the burger in a lettuce wrap and the burger patties were smashed and juicy, topped topped with cheese. Simple perfection. It came with fries and they were thin, and crunchy, but not too crunchy. Loved the vibe and definitely will return. They do not accept reservations so be prepared to wait ! Read more read more

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Was visiting my old stomping grounds last week and popped into Gretel mostly because of the recent burger hype and because it was close to where I was staying a couple of Blue Line stops away. GREAT burger! Definitely deserving of the hype, IMO. Couple of rich double patty smashes on a fantastic bun. American cheese, pickles, and a garlic aioli. Some substance to the burger even though it's of the smashed variety. Decided to do a $2 upcharge for the charred carrots side. VERY much worth it. A ton of food and nice and spicy because of the harissa. One of the best roasted carrots side I've ever had. If I had stuck with the fries then that's a tremendous deal for $17 (burger plus fries) as well. Cocktails are great, good beer list, nice bourbon list, bartender was awesome that night (energetic black gal on Tues), excellent staff, and it's a sharp space. read more

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Located in Logan Square, this gastropub is the real deal. Interesting food items such as Oysters Rockefeller,ramen,hummus,fried chicken,burger and even a Chicago hot dog. It's not very big which makes it cozy and dark since the walls are painted black! Huge wall of whiskey behind the bar with a rolling ladder that the bartenders use. Nice craft beer selection even tho I had to order 3 different lagers until that had one available. The food tho is the star. Everyone at our table ordered the burger which was fantastic. We did try the Chicago Dog which was grilled to perfection. We all had their shoe string fries which were plentiful and delicious. We went around 445pm on a Sunday and were lucky to find a table since they do not take reservations. People were waiting when we left. Plenty of street parking available. If you want good food in Logan Square be sure to check this place out. read more

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I saw this place on tik tok to have the best burger. I do not agree. Food was ok! The service was not good. We waited for a table for 45 min all to just sit at the bar. I won't be going back. read more

Burger definitely lives up to the hype. French fries were a bit underwhelming. Liked the sauce that came with them, was kinda spicy. Server was great. Moody ambiance. The downstairs area was a little quieter and colorful, like a lounge. read more

Gretel - Hamburger - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you're looking for a good cocktail, a bite and nice ambiance this is the place. The only downside is it's too popular and wait times are incredibly long. Be prepared to wait over 1.5 hours on a weekend evening for a sitting for two and most likely much longer for bigger parties. Downstairs is a nice lounge area where you can order some cocktails and hang out. The cocktails are maxing, hellion and monarch are my favorite. They have multiple layers of flavors and you can tell they have been crafted with care. The burger is one of the best I've had. It's a double on a buttery sesame bun. It's a big serving so eat half or if your like me eat the whole thing and unbutton your pants. Either way you won't regret it. In my option this burger beats out au cheval's burgers by a long shot. It's juicy, flavorful and a nice mouthfeel. Parking is on the street but it's not that hard to find a spot nearby. PS. Lots of breweries and pubs where you can pass the time while you wait for your table. They will call you on your phone when it's ready so you don't have to wait there. read more

Gretel - Hellion - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Call me Hansel, because I'm ride or die for Gretel. Small menu, but truly tasty cuisine. Oyster service is top notch with both east coast and west coast daily. The salads, bisques and Mac 'n cheese are top notch. Fancy but not intimidatingly so. Beer selection is also fantastic. My wife loves the lobster roll. She has better taste than I do. read more

One of my family members recommended Gretel for their burgers. Never one to pass up a good burger, I got the burger and it was outstanding. But so were the fries, the sticky ribs, and the Oysters Rockefeller. In fact the oysters were so good we ordered a second plate! Oh yeah, and the tequila old fashioned was outstanding too. Their liquor selection is really good. As a tequila drinker I was happy to see they had some very good additive free tequilas. Everyone in our party loved their meals. Our server was attentive and friendly. The atmosphere is really nice. I especially love the wall of liquor that you can see in the picture. read more

Gretel - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was craving a burger, so I got a burger. The burger came out insanely fast. The waitress recommended a medium rare cook so that's what I went with. My stomach currently hurts so I will continue to stick with medium in the future. The patties were in between a smash and traditional but weren't anything special- they lacked flavor. Having two cheeses were nice, but not too noticeable just like the red onions. I wasn't a big fan of these pickles and the garlic aioli could have had a stronger garlic flavor. Finally, the top bun was nice and soft, but the bottom was soggy. While the burger was heavily underwhelming the star of the show were the fries. They were shoestring (an underrated cut). I may be weird but I could not eating these even though they were super soggy. Something about them was addicting and they may have been the sweet and spicy house aioli. This was one of my favorite dipping sauces I've had in recent memory. At the end of the day if you want something quick and filling, this place will work. read more

Gretel - Gretel Griddle Burger w/ Fries - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm still dreaming about this burger. The hype is real! I went here with some friends around 4:30pm on a Thursday. We wanted to beat the dinner rush. Hardly anyone was in there when we arrived but it filled up fast. We each got a burger and got different sides to share. We also each had a cocktail. The burger is amazing. It's a smash burger with 2 patties, pickle, cheese, garlic aioli, and onion. I got without the onion. We got the fries, Mac and cheese, and elote for sides. Fries were nothing special but the dipping sauce was really good. Mac and cheese was some of the best I've had. Elote pieces were good too. And we all enjoyed our cocktails. Service was quick and friendly and we got our food quickly after ordering. The ambiance is really cool with all the bottles behind the bar. I will definitely be back! read more

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I visited here on a Sunday afternoon with a small group of 4. It was full but not packed and we were able to get a seat at the bar. It is a nice dimly lit old style bar with an amazing wall of whiskey. The drinks were well balanced and tasted delicious. They also have a large selection of beers as it is a gastropub. We had a started of hummus which was creamy and delicious with an soft boiled egg on top which was a playful fun addition. We had a burger and chicken sandwich and both were delightful. The burger was juicy, the chicken was crispy and not greasy and the fries were crispy. If you want some elevated bar food with great drinks and good beer selection you should check it out. read more

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Have been to Gretel a few times now and every time I've really enjoyed it. It's a nice space and the menu options are diverse. We got the pork gyoza, the nachos, Mac n cheese and of course the burger. Everything is so reasonably priced it's hard not to get a buncha things and share them. But the star is the burger. The combo of ingredients, from the sauce to the cheese, to the pickles, to the patties, it's delicious. Definitely one of my top burgers in the city. Can't wait to go back. read more

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