These juicy, caramelized, beefy, asymmetrical burgers are some of the best you'll ever eat. Fans say this joint beats everybody, and with fries, it's only seven bucks.

If you clicked on this story because the picture got you, I get it. That's why I'm sharing that very 'clickable' burger. I'm a new fan. Big and juicy is how a like a burger, so it never occurred to me that I would like a smash burger.

What Is a Smash Burger?

Our Modern Kitchen answers that question best,

When you smash the burgers down on a super-hot grill, the fat has nowhere to go but back up into the burger patty meaning you're essentially cooking your burger in its own beefy juices.

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I'm not sharing any recipes because this is NOT a burger you should be having at home. You shouldn't even order this for carry-out unless you're planning to eat it in the car. We've done too much staying home over the last couple of years. It's time to get back into those little neighborhood food spots, without all the shiny lights and signs, and get a good 'ol (different kind of juicy) burger. I know just the place.

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Redhot Ranch Chicago Facebook
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Redhot Ranch Chicago

The smash burgers at Redhot Ranch (RHR) are regulars on just about every 'Chicago's Best Burger' list.

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Redhot Ranch Facebook
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History of Redhot Ranch Chicago

A couple of veteran Chicago restauranteurs, Barry Nemerow and Jeff Greenfield, had been blessing the White Sox Park/35th Street neighborhood with the original Chicago dog (AKA the “Depression dog”). The mission was to be different than every other hotdog stand that served the “Chicago style” dog, or as the RHR website calls them, "salad-on-a-bun." The "Depression Dog" is served with just mustard, relish, onion, sport peppers, and fresh-cut fries.

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The success of Barry and Jeff's hotdog stand on 35th Street enabled them to open two more locations, one in Lakeview, and the other in Bucktown. The smash burger idea came on a trip to Las Vegas in 2013 when the partners were eating at an In-N-Out Burger. Almost a decade later, RHR's take on a smash burger continues to be one of Chicago's most talked-about burgers.

@hypebeastburger on Instagram,

If I were to make a list of favorite burgers in every state I’ve traveled to so far, for the state of Illinois right now @redhotranchchicago would be winning by a landslide.

From Chicago Eater:

The epitome of a Chicago institution [...]

[...] a perfectly smashed-and-seared burger that’s widely regarded as one of the best and most wallet-friendly around [...]

RHR is also quite well known for its fried shrimp. Better make it a full tray of food and not one burger or dog combo on the menu is over $7.

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Redhot Ranch has 3 locations in Chicago:

  • Chicago - Bucktown 2449 W Armitage Ave
  • Chicago - Lakeview 3057 N Ashland Ave
  • (The OG location) 35th Street Red Hots - 500 W 35th St

5 'Must-Have' Chicago Hot Dog Experiences That Will Change Your Life

One look at these five Chicago hot dog spots and you will start to feel something move inside you. That's your hunger. Come eat and your life will never be the same.

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