Let’s be real for a second. When you walk into a place with a seven-story-tall glowing name on the side of a building in River North, you aren't just there for a sandwich. You're there for the theater. Gordon Ramsay Burger Chicago isn't trying to be your local neighborhood dive where the floor is sticky and the beer is three bucks. It’s a high-octane, polished, and—honestly—pretty polarizing temple to the humble hamburger.
Located at 2 E Ontario St, it sits right where the old Wahlburgers used to be. It’s a 5,000-square-foot space that feels more like a Vegas lounge than a Midwestern diner. Since opening in late 2021, the spot has stayed busy. Like, "reservation-highly-recommended" busy. If you just roll up on a Saturday night without a plan, you’re basically asking for a long wait at the bar.
Is the Hell’s Kitchen Burger actually worth $19?
Everyone asks this. It’s the flagship. It’s the one with the roasted jalapeños, asadero cheese, and that tomato-jalapeño jam that people either obsess over or find a bit too sweet. The meat itself is a blend of brisket and short rib. It’s rich. You can tell they’re basting these patties in Devonshire butter while they’re on the flame because the crust is distinct.
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But here is the thing: the price tag doesn't include fries.
That’s usually where the first-timers get a little sticker shock. You pay $19 for the burger, and then you’re looking at another $12 if you want the Truffle Fries. Suddenly, a "quick lunch" for two is hovering near the $100 mark once you add a couple of shakes or a cocktail.
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What the locals are actually ordering
While tourists flock to the Hell’s Kitchen Burger, the Backyard Burger is the sleeper hit for people who just want a solid meal. It’s simpler. American cheese, bibb lettuce, and pickles. At $17.50, it’s not exactly a bargain, but the quality of the beef really has nowhere to hide.
Then there's the Idiot Burger. Yes, that’s actually the name. It’s a nod to his "idiot sandwich" meme, but the burger is anything but a joke. It’s topped with braised short rib and gruyère. It’s heavy. It’s the kind of meal that requires a nap immediately afterward.
The great Chicago ketchup controversy
Gordon did something bold—or maybe just risky—when he put the Chicago Dawg on the menu. If you grew up in this city, you know that putting ketchup on a hot dog is a punishable offense. Ramsay basically shrugged and put housemade ketchup on his version anyway.
"I'm the new kid on the block," he told Time Out Chicago back when it opened. He figured he'd be criticized either way, so he went with both mustard and ketchup. It’s a brave move in a city that takes its tubular meats so seriously. The dog itself has a great snap, but if you’re a purist, you might want to ask the server to hold the red stuff.
What you need to know before you go
The vibe inside is loud. It’s energetic. It’s not the place for a quiet first date where you want to whisper sweet nothings. The service is fast—sometimes too fast. On a busy Friday night, you might feel the "turn and burn" energy as the staff tries to move the line.
- Reservations: Get them. Seriously. Use the official website or a booking app.
- The Fries: If you’re going to spend the money, the Truffle Fries with parmesan and chives are the move. The "Just Fries" are fine, but for the price difference, the truffle aioli is worth the upgrade.
- The Milkshakes: The Oreo Crème Brûlée Shake is the standout. It’s $10 and effectively a meal in a glass. It has actual pudding in it.
- Dietary Stuff: They do have a Vegan Burger ($20) and it’s surprisingly well-reviewed, which isn't always the case at celebrity meat-centric spots.
Is it a "tourist trap"?
Some people say yes. Others point to the quality of the ingredients as a justification for the price. Honestly, it sits somewhere in the middle. You're paying a "celebrity tax," for sure. You are also getting a burger that is objectively better than 90% of what you'll find in a suburban food court.
If you want the best "value" burger in Chicago, you’re probably going to Au Cheval or Loyalist. But if you want to sit in a flashy room, drink a decent cocktail, and eat a burger that feels like an event, Ramsay’s spot delivers.
Actionable Tips for your visit:
- Check the hours: They are open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM most weekdays, but they stay open until 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday they close early at 9:00 PM.
- Skip the peak: If you want to avoid the chaos, go between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on a Tuesday. It’s a completely different experience.
- The Bar Secret: If the host says it’s a 45-minute wait, check the island bar. It’s often first-come, first-served, and you can get the full menu there.
- Order Medium-Rare: Unless you have a specific reason not to, let them cook it the way they recommend. These thick patties can get a bit dry if you push them toward well-done.
At the end of the day, Gordon Ramsay Burger Chicago is exactly what it claims to be: a loud, proud, expensive, and very tasty tribute to the Chef's brand. It’s a spectacle. And in River North, spectacle is usually the main course.