BRGRBELLY — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

I am torn about Burger Belly. When they 1st opened, their food was on point. We love supporting local businesses.. personally, especially, women-owned businesses. We were super excited to actually have a new business that had a great product, fun atmosphere, and catered to a young crowd that we didn’t have to drive all the way east for. Collaboratively, I’ve been to all three locations, since they’ve opened, at least 10 times. I’ve now had 3 bad experiences in a row. It wasn’t just one thing.. I’m bummed to report it was the entire experience, overall (aside from their impeccable music choices). Temperature of meat wrong; ordering a portobello and getting meat; ordering portobello and receiving NONE of the toppings.. just a bun & portobello; one person getting their food and the rest of our party waiting 40 minutes for their food; ordering root beer floats.. paying for root beer floats.. then, the same person who took our root beer float order approaching our table, 20 minutes after we ordered to inform us that they never had root beer floats on the menu; never receiving fries; the staff not responding when we privately brought any of the above to their attention. I think it’s important to share, in person, if you have a complaint. Not expecting anything on the house.. but, because I really want to like this place! Portage Park needs more local businesses! But, I probably won’t return after three identical bummer experiences in a...

Don't drive TOO fast down Irving Park, or you might miss this gem!

Brgrbelly is within walking distance of my house, and has been my go to for a delicious burger in the Portage Park neighborhood for years. Hands down, one of my top 5 burgers of all time. All of their burgers contain smoked pork belly, and the buns are made in-house. If red meat isn't your thing they can substitute for a Beyond burger, or grilled or fried chicken. Brgrbelly is rock & roll themed with a small dining room, and patio seating when the weather is nice. They have a nice beer selection, and a rotating menu of spike shakes.

I love the Black Betty burger, the House of the Rising Sun, and the Amazing Grace. The toppings are always plentiful, and my burger is always cooked exactly how I order it. Garlic parmesan fries are off the chain, so do yourself a favor and order them. They recently added more items to their menu, so I was excited to try their house made sriracha fried pickles, and they did not disappoint. So good, I almost didn't share.

Each burger comes with a free butter cookie that is drizzled with chocolate. Eat it while you are there, so you can buy a jar and don't go home with regret. Sometimes they have limited time items, like I remember once over the holidays getting some beignets from them that were stuffed with Eli's cheesecake. *drool

Street parking only, but I have never had a problem finding parking when...

HOLD THE PRESSES! What in the WORLD is happening here! I’ll tell YOU! The gosh-darned BEST burgers this side of Milwaukee Ave! I mean… These Burgers Are AMAZING! Fresh buns, flavors that melt your soul! The fries… Maama Mia! I am salivating thinking about this place right now! But… let me tell you… it’s THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE! When you walk in, you walk into a classic rockers cave. From the posters on the wall, to the selection of concerts on DVD available to view while you dine in their dimly lit and tavern like dining room, it has the. Ives of a 1980’s mini music hall. If you choose to dine alfresco on their outdoor patio you can still enjoy the atmosphere, do it with one of their beers from their extensive selection. But back to the burgers. Their combination of ingredients for their burgers make for a great selection of flavors. From the Lead Belly, to the Easy Rider, Midnight Special… Aaaaah. You can’t go wrong. Big and juicy and topped with fresh and delicious ingredients. Oh hell. I’m on my way there now! PS- There is a Half Off offer from them on Thursday’s if you sign up for their e-mails. YOU’RE WELCOME!!! Sorry, no pics of the burger, I couldn’t wait and forgot. Besides, go see it for yourself....