Culinary Gangster Glenview — Restaurant in Northfield Township

Culinary Gangster Glenview is less than a mile from my house. Ordered a burger there once before when they were new but hadn't tried it since then until today.

Normally for a burger, to eat in or take out, I go a little farther North up Waukegan Ave to the nice Valley Lodge Restaurant. Valley Lodge has a very good 1/2 lb burger which is less expensive than Culinary Gangster's burger because it includes a choice of fries, sweet potato fries, baked potato, and more, as well as a whole bunch of fixins to choose from in their online takeout menu for $14. Culinary Gangster will cost more with fries being an extra charge but is also a decent 1/2 lb burger. At CG I ordered the Cheddar Bacon Burger special with fries and a drink for $16. The burger was cooked the way I ordered, was ready on time, and tasted pretty good but I was disappointed that the bacon was just bacon bits, not a couple of strips of fresh bacon which I expected. Also, at CG, if you want lettuce, tomato, raw or grilled onions, pickles, etc. which are included with most every decent burger anywhere else, you have to remember to request it separately in your order notes. On the Valley Lodge website you will see a whole long list of free add-ons and just check the boxes for what you would like included. The fries at CG were too salty for me to eat. Most of the places I eat at these days don't put salt on their fries, but not all, so I should have ordered my fries with no salt and would do so in the future.

All in all, I would give CG another try and try something else on their menus (only place I know with 3 separate menus) as I have only had the burgers. If their other menu choices were very good I would probably give CG 3.5 stars if I were able, but the prices at CG are above market for a takeout joint in Glenview. Culinary Gangster's prices shouldn't be higher than a nice sit down restaurant like Valley Lodge and other restaurants in the neighborhood which have much higher costs for labor and...

After seeing a video on Facebook for Culinary Gangster highlighting their Birria hamburger I stopped in the very same day to try them out for myself. The restaurant is small with very limited seating with a shared parking lot that really isnt that large either considering its shared with other stores. I'd recommend either phoning in an order or placing one online. The young man working the counter was very pleasant when I was picking up my order. I ordered the aforementioned Birria Cheeseburger and Popcorn Cauliflower appetizer because that also looked amazing. Usually, Its pretty unlikely for a dish to look as awesome in person as they do in a video. But with the bright colors of the Popcorn Cauliflower, it looked eye appealing to the max. They were coated in an orange colored mild chili sauce and topped with scallions and red onions. As for the flavor, it was nice at first but after a few pieces it kind of got old with me. The texture was a soft sort of firm (as they should have been) and remained that way up to the last piece. The burger was massive, it felt like it weighed about 2 pounds and I had to cut it in half to eat it. The burger was also very messy and sloppy even before I used the dip. As for taste, I felt it tasted kind of like a pulled pork with a different seasoning, the burger patty itself was good, but not great. The bun I feel was the standout here, it absorbed all the sauce and grease and stayed in form without getting soggy and falling apart. The bulk of my review here is for the burger. I'm no expert in Birria. So this sandwich was a total experiment for me. It looked mouthwatering in the video enough for me to go out and try it. I guess the birria flavor just isn't my thing. The burger was respectable enough to try one prepared a different way should I return. But my score of 3 stars largely just reflects my opinion on the taste of the burger I had today. Which means it's okay, and...

Mouthwatering Burgers Culinary Gangster Glenview serves up some of the most delicious and flavorful burgers I've ever tasted. The quality of ingredients is impressive, resulting in perfectly cooked patties that are juicy and full of flavor. We tried two burgers from their lunch special, which includes fries and a drink:

Jalapeño Popper Burger: Cooked to perfection with flavors that blended seamlessly for a delightful taste experience.

Spicy Gangster Burger: Possibly one of the best burgers I've ever had. The high-quality meat was cooked flawlessly, complemented by fresh-cut jalapeños and a habanero spread that brought serious heat. The spice level was significant (7/10) but not overpowering, allowing other flavors to shine through. Pickles, aged cheddar, and fried onions on a fluffy brioche bun elevated this burger to extraordinary heights. Sides and Menu

The crinkle-cut fries were fresh, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside – a perfect accompaniment to the burgers. The menu boasts many other tempting options, ensuring future visits to explore more of their offerings.

Dining Experience Opting to dine in was the right choice, as these juicy burgers are best enjoyed fresh and hot. The small restaurant has a no-frills atmosphere with only 3-4 small tables and no bathroom, but the friendly staff and exceptional food more than make up for it.

Final Thoughts Culinary Gangster Glenview is a hidden gem for burger enthusiasts. While it may lack in size and amenities, it more than compensates with the quality and taste of its food. I'm eager to try their food truck if I ever spot it. Here's hoping they maintain their high standards over time. For those seeking one of the best burger experiences around, I highly recommend giving Culinary Gangster Glenview a try. It's a testament to how sometimes the smallest, most unassuming places can offer the most unforgettable...