The Bad Apple — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Nothing beats the care and quality of food which is homemade. Nothing. Time, skill and sheer passion are needed to make meals and their components from scratch, but it is definitely always worth the immense effort.

The Bad Apple gets the Olympic gold medal for creating a menu completely homemade right down to the tartar sauce and ketchup while amping up the flavor, elegance and richness not often seen in casual restaurants these days.

My dining companion and I went to The Bad Apple on a Thursday early afternoon and were immediately greeted by our host Michelle. Her radiant smile and warm, inviting countenance made us feel immediately welcome as she proceeded to take us to our table. At that moment, she was Master of the House tending bar, taking food orders and serving. Although it wasn't busy at that time since they were open for only about an hour previous to our arrival, she handled everything with a smooth, friendly graciousness, elegant flair and professionalism which was just spectacular. She's definitely a diamond in the Bad Apple crown.

The interior of the restaurant packs a punch in Old World charm with warm woods and beautiful stained glass windows yet balances this with modern art that is captivating, exquisitely original and well thought out.

The menu itself is a taste explosion of glorious poutines, vibrant salads, brilliantly creative sandwiches, robust dishes and inventive signature burgers that are, by far, the best to be found in the Chicagoland area. Again, everything homemade.

We tried the fried cheese curds appetizer. Holy cow! Warmed at just the right level to bring out the sumptuous tart flavor, delicately battered and accompanied by the best homemade buttermilk Ranch I ever tasted, this was a joy to revel in on all levels.

My friend had the magnificent Chili Palmer Burger which was just unbelievable. Cooked perfectly with a side of amazing sweet potato fries, the end result made my dining companion close her eyes quite a few times as if she was in an epicurean rapture. Crispy peppered onions, three peppered gouda, chili aioli, lime and arugula made this an instant classic.

I had the jaw-dropping, tantalizing fish and chips which was a sight to behold. Practically covering the entire plate, the haddock was beyond exception: breaded, fried and seasoned masterfully, the fish was given its red carpet, center stage moment and deserved the Oscar for its outstanding performance. Perfect in every way.

Kevin, the terrific, charming owner who I had the pleasure of meeting, has an absolute gem with The Bad Apple on Lincoln Avenue. He knows exactly what to do to make a restaurant a dining revelation.

Their other location is in Lincoln Park where the former John Barleycorn used to reside. Please make The Bad Apple a regular dining spot as I will do from now on. It's...

If you’re looking for an incredible dining experience in Chicago, look no further than Bad Apple. This gem of a burger bar exceeded all my expectations and delivered a fantastic evening from start to finish.

First off, the food was nothing short of amazing. I decided to try the Wagyu burger, and it was an absolute delight. The rich flavor and tenderness of the Wagyu beef combined perfectly with the delicious toppings, making each bite a revelation. Alongside it, I ordered the firecracker fries, which were perfectly seasoned and had just the right amount of kick. They complemented the burger beautifully and left me wanting more!

To wash it all down, I went with their burnt orange Old Fashioned. This cocktail was expertly crafted and showcased a wonderful balance of flavors. The smoky notes paired with the citrus made for a refreshing yet classic drink that truly enhanced my meal.

Now, let's talk about the service. Our server was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. They took the time to recommend their favorites and ensured we had everything we needed throughout our meal. It’s always a pleasure to have staff who are genuinely passionate about the food they serve.

The atmosphere at Bad Apple is a 10/10. The vibe was electric, with great music setting the perfect backdrop for a memorable night out. It felt like a lively Friday evening, even though it was a regular weekday. The eclectic decor and warm lighting created a welcoming environment that made it easy to relax and enjoy.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Bad Apple for anyone looking to indulge in some of the best burgers Chicago has to offer. With outstanding food, excellent service, and a fantastic atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for foodies and casual diners alike. I can’t...

I came here to reunite with my sister after she made her move to New Mexico. Now, I’m not a city person and we came here on a weekend where the cubs were playing and with our good luck, we caught the bad traffic flow 🤬 It took us an hour and a half to get here, but let me tell you it was all worth it. My sister had lived in Chicago before her move, so she was familiar with this place. I’m VERY happy that she chose to have lunch with us here. It was an amazing experience! I’m from the suburbs, so I don’t get the privilege of visiting restaurants that aren’t chains very often. I absolutely loved how crafty the inside was decorated. It was as if each staff member added a sense of their own creativity to construct the interior. It was gorgeous! There is a large variety of craft beers to choose from, and the menu is very odd but very unique. What caught my eye was the burger called “Elvis’ Last Supper” it was a burger topped off with homemade peanut butter. WHAT? Peanut butter on beef? Yes! It’s the kind of thing you just have to try, so I just went ahead and did it. I’m very happy I did. I’m a person who appreciates new experiences. Surprisingly enough, I loved it! The ketchup is also homemade! There’s a lot of originality included in The Bad Apple. I left here with an unforgettable memory. I’m not a city person, but like I told my fiancé, I’d visit the city often just for the crafty, uniqueness that places like this offer. You’ll be seeing...