Burgers, Burgers, and More Burgers

Chicago pizza, what? With all the burger options in Chicago you would think we are known for our beef. While Au Cheval remains one of my favorite places to chow on a hamburger, there are some really great other options without that two hour wait.

Another West Loop burger joint opened up this week called Umami Burger and I am so glad it did. Already popular in Wicker Park it was time for an expansion in the Windy City now at 945 W. Randolph St.

The short rib sliders were good on their own until the tasty Umami wings flew in and had a rich flavor. The parmesan and lime corn on the cob was a perfect side to accompany the Monte Cristo, which is a beef patty, vanilla custard deep fried bun, gruyure fondue with a side of maple syrup. This was a dessert and dinner all wrapped into one.

The specialty drinks and craft beer make it easy to wash things down and a house pickle plate cleans the palette when you are ready for more.

Visit www.umamiburger.com for more yummy information.

For a more casual affair Chicago's Busy Burger makes a good lunchtime jam at 1120 W. Taylor St. In the heart of Little Italy, these hand made pattys may be a little thin but certainly pack a punch. Make it a double if you want more meat.

Have some Wisconsin cheddar on your fries or how about some chili?

The chocolate shake was packed full of flavor and is a must try. While many like Eli's Cheesecake it would be more fitting for them to move into signature desserts instead.

The owner gave the place a makeover last year and it really is paying off for the brand. Head out to the patio before the weather changes again.

Check out busyburger.com for more information.

Time Out Chicago hosted a Battle of the Burger at the Museum of Contemporary Art on July 25 to allow attendees to sip Guinness while voting for their favorite vendor in various booths.

The sculpture garden was the perfect place to allow guests to play yard games and enjoy the weather.

Standouts were the Acadia burger and the prime triple burger from Cherry Circle Room. There was even a delicious Prez Obama burger from Good Stuff Eatery.

Unfortunately Bottlefork continually dropped the ball by having long lines and not enough supplies for the demand. This was at the early session with a later session still to go, so maybe they got the hang of it.

Recently reviewed here Untitled was on hand at the event and you can't beat a taste from Rosebud to boot.

Time Out really picked the right spot and cusine for a warm summer day in July.

Read more at www.timeout.com.