The Loyalist - Chicago, IL
Because, Buzz.
If you haven't heard the whispers, (or read my post on the Au Cheval Burger) then you are late! Apparently Chicago has a new burger king, (ok, I know, I know), the Dirty Burg. Bon Appetit passed the flame of Top Three Burgers in America to another Fulton Market spot in the December 2017 rankings- The Loyalist, Chicago. Sort of like the hippy cousin of Smyth, it can be found in the "basement" of the same restaurant.
The Ambiance
Don't be paranoid when you look in the window and see people in suits and panic and call and ask the dress code...its fine. You see into Smyth from the storefront, but you go down the stairs to enter the Loyalist. The vibe was perfect on the day we went in, good 90's music-TonyToniTone, Janet and her brother Mike playing loud enough for you to appreciate, but low enough for all conversations to not require yelling.
The industrial-chic look, the straight lines, wood and cement, and exposed beams and ceiling, dark walls and grey hues make it seem really spacious, definitely not over crowded even if the neighbors table is not far away and you are sharing long-wall-booth-space.
The Service
Our server was prompt and was sure to alert us to what we were there for, that the Loyalist has $16 Burger, Beer and Shots on Tuesday...She was also able to give us the details on Wednesday's Secret Burger (Gotta go yourself to find out...). The food came out quickly, and we got good instructions on use of the vinegar pickle juice and garlic/onion mayo on the side.
The Burger
At first bite, you taste the layers. Extra sesame on the bun. The cheesiness of the cheese. The bite of grilled onion. The smokiness of the short rib, chuck, and bacon blend. Fresh pickles give a good sweet-tangy kick. Its perfectly medium. It is MESSY. No extra frills here, no bacon, no egg, but a lot of juice. Crispy fries included. The Mr. said it was too sloppy for his preference, but it was still really, really good. The guy next to us was overheard saying, "..this is by far the best burger I have had." To each his or her own.
The Dirty Burg IS delicious, and saucy and messy and zesty, and it even has its own Instagram account - @the_loyalist_dirty_burg - so it is eating up its moments of fame. I can see how someone could put this in a list, but is it my favorite? (For that, read the Burger, Burger Burger review of Au Cheval, The Loyalist, and The Cottage on Dixie)
The Overall
I love the ambiance on the Tuesday we made it out. I'm not sure if the servers get to choose the playlist or if its a common theme, but they were jamming on this Tuesday.
The beer is Lone Star and the whiskey shot is Old Grandad. Be aware, but drink it anyway. Be a sport. They have an excellent wine and beer list, with many other craft cocktails available.
The menu is fancy even with the ambiance- remember the 2 Star Michelin Rated Smyth upstairs? You will see Foie Gras eclairs and Mussels with Escargot, but also the Burger and half roast chicken. The menu is small, however, and the price tag? Nothing over 50 bucks, with an aged rib-eye being at market price.
Have you made it to the Loyalist? Do you have a favorite burger? Comment below and subscribe!