Experience: The White Oak Tavern & Inn is located in the family oriented neighborhood of Lincoln Park and the restaurant definitely gives the neighborhood vibe. If you can imagine, you and your wife finally have a date night, hire a babysitter and end up going down the street. It is a high end bar with a neighborhood feel. The feel of the restaurant is deliberate as they employ only local farmers, local butchers and only provide the highest quality food and drinks. In fact, they make a point to mention their support of local small businesses on their menu. I credit them for making a burger so good with limited options.
Burger Ordered: Beef Burger
The Taste: The Beef Burger at White Oak Tavern & Inn is one of my favorite burgers in the city. The ingredients are fresh, locally sourced, simple but come together to deliver a knockout taste. The actual patty is lean, salt-less and cooked to medium-rare perfection. The aged cheddar, butterkase, smoked chili ketchup, aioli and pickles compliment the relatively plan burger tremendously. Inclusive of the homemade salted bun, the taste is salty but sweet, clean but dirty, ordinary but intricate.
The White Oak Tavern & Inn is definitely on the pricier side with this burger being $15 but it is worth it. It is not very often that you have a burger and still feel light on your toes. This burger provides the best balance and is a burger that cannot be duplicated.
The Verdict: The Beef Burger is an all-around amazing burger that should be tried by all. However, its location is limiting. I say this because it is not in an area you’ll likely be in if you’re traveling to Chicago. But if you live here, just get there.
White Oak Tavern is located at 1200 West Webster Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.
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