← Back to burger atlas
IL

Illinois

Prairie Tavern Smashed Burger

Diner-edge crust with deep Midwestern comfort.

Illinois gets a griddled, tavern-style burger with American cheese, grilled onions, and house sauce, reflecting equal parts Chicago counter culture and downstate supper club ease.

Cook time: 16 minDifficulty: 1/5

Build

Ingredients

  • 1 potato bun
  • 1/3 lb beef patty
  • 1 slice American cheese
  • 2 tbsp grilled onions
  • 2 pickle chips
  • 1 tbsp burger sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard

Method

Steps

  1. Toast the potato bun and spread burger sauce on the bottom half.
  2. Smash the patty on a hot griddle until deeply browned.
  3. Melt American cheese over the patty.
  4. Top with onions, pickles, and a touch of mustard.
  5. Close and serve immediately.

Flavor profile

Tags

tavernmidwestgriddled