Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Chicago, IL

North America

United States

# Burgerfest – Chicago’s Premier Burger Festival Overview
Burgerfest, held in Chicago, IL, is a vibrant festival dedicated to celebrating the city’s love for burgers. This annual event showcases a variety of burger vendors, live music, and a lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and families alike. With its roots in the Roscoe Village neighborhood, Burgerfest has gained popularity for its diverse offerings and community spirit. Attendees can enjoy a range of burger options, from traditional beef to vegetarian delights, all while soaking in the local culture and entertainment. The festival is not just about food; it also fosters a sense of community, with many attendees returning year after year to enjoy the festivities.

## History
### The story of Burgerfest
Burgerfest was founded with the vision of creating a community-centric event that celebrates Chicago’s rich culinary scene, particularly its iconic burgers. The festival aims to bring together local vendors, residents, and visitors to enjoy good food and great company in a festive atmosphere. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved annual tradition that highlights the creativity and diversity of Chicago's food landscape.

### Milestones and growth
- **Inception**: Burgerfest began as a small gathering of local burger vendors and has grown significantly since its inception.
- **Vendor Expansion**: The number of participating vendors has increased, showcasing a wider variety of burger styles and culinary innovations.
- **Community Engagement**: The festival has fostered strong community ties, with local businesses and residents actively participating in its organization and execution.
- **Live Entertainment**: The introduction of live music has enhanced the festival experience, attracting larger crowds and diverse audiences.

### Cultural and local influence
Burgerfest has become a cultural staple in Chicago, reflecting the city’s diverse culinary influences. It not only showcases traditional American burgers but also features international flavors and vegetarian options, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences. The festival promotes local businesses and encourages community involvement, making it a significant event in the Roscoe Village neighborhood.

### Continuing the tradition
As Burgerfest continues to grow, organizers remain committed to maintaining its community-focused ethos. They strive to improve the festival each year by incorporating feedback from attendees and vendors, ensuring that it remains a cherished event for both locals and visitors. The festival's dedication to supporting local charities and businesses further solidifies its role as a positive force in the community.

## Community
### Community involvement
Burgerfest thrives on community involvement, with local residents and businesses playing a crucial role in its success. The festival encourages participation from various stakeholders, including local restaurants, musicians, and artists, creating a collaborative environment that fosters community spirit. Many vendors donate a portion of their proceeds to local charities, reinforcing the festival's commitment to giving back.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Burgerfest as a celebration of local culture and culinary talent. Many residents cherish the festival as a family-friendly event that brings people together, fostering connections among neighbors and visitors. The festival is often seen as a highlight of the summer, with many attendees eagerly anticipating its return each year.

### Events and gatherings
In addition to the main burger offerings, Burgerfest features various events and activities for all ages. From live music performances to kid-friendly activities, the festival provides a lively atmosphere that encourages social interaction and community bonding. Special events, such as cooking demonstrations and contests, further enhance the festival experience, making it a well-rounded celebration of food and culture.

## Offerings
### What Burgerfest offers
Burgerfest presents a wide array of offerings that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Attendees can enjoy a variety of burger styles, including beef, turkey, and vegetarian options. The festival also features local craft beers, wines, and unique beverages, creating a comprehensive culinary experience. With an emphasis on quality and creativity, Burgerfest showcases the best of Chicago’s burger scene.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Burgerfest is designed to be enjoyable and accessible. Vendors offer a range of burger options, from full-sized patties to sliders, allowing attendees to sample multiple flavors. The festival atmosphere encourages social dining, with picnic-style seating and communal areas where guests can share their culinary discoveries. The focus on local ingredients and innovative recipes enhances the overall food experience, making it memorable for attendees.

### Events and packages
Burgerfest features various events throughout the festival, including live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and contests. These events are designed to engage attendees and enhance their experience. Special packages may be available for groups or families, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy the festival while sampling a variety of offerings.

### Facilities and features
- **Live Music Stages**: Two stages featuring local and national acts.
- **Kid-Friendly Areas**: Activities designed for children, including games and entertainment.
- **Vendor Booths**: A diverse selection of burger vendors offering a range of options.
- **Seating Areas**: Communal seating for social dining experiences.
- **Accessibility**: Convenient access to public transportation and nearby parking options.

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Burgerfest highlight a mix of experiences, with many attendees praising the variety of burger options and the lively atmosphere. However, some critiques focus on the organization and vendor selection, suggesting areas for improvement. Overall, the festival is well-received, with many attendees expressing a desire to return in the future.

### Compliments and strengths
Attendees often compliment the festival's vibrant atmosphere, diverse food offerings, and live entertainment. The quick-moving lines and reasonable pricing for burgers are also frequently noted as strengths. The community spirit and family-friendly environment contribute to a positive overall experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many enjoy the festival, some reviews mention the need for more vegetarian options and improved organization. Attendees have expressed a desire for smaller sample sizes to allow for more variety in their tasting experience. Additionally, the cash-only policy at some vendor booths has been a point of contention for some guests.

### Summary evaluation
In summary, Burgerfest is a lively celebration of Chicago's burger culture, offering a unique blend of food, music, and community engagement. While there are areas for improvement, the festival's strengths and overall atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience for attendees.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Burgerfest is located at 2205 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL, in the vibrant Roscoe Village neighborhood. This area is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and parks, making it an ideal location for a community festival. The festival's proximity to public transportation makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Nearby attractions include various dining options, local parks, and cultural venues, providing additional opportunities for exploration before or after the festival.

## FAQs
**What are the hours of Burgerfest** The festival typically runs from late morning to evening.
**Is there an admission fee** A suggested donation is requested for entry.
**Are vegetarian options available** Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan burger options.
**Can I pay with a credit card** Some vendors accept credit cards, but many are cash-only.
**Is the festival family-friendly** Yes, Burgerfest offers activities for all ages, making it a great family outing.

## Visit Burgerfest Today
Burgerfest is a celebration of community, culinary creativity, and the love of burgers. With its diverse offerings, lively atmosphere, and commitment to local engagement, it promises a memorable experience for all attendees. Whether you're a burger aficionado or simply looking for a fun day out, Burgerfest in Chicago is an event you won't want to miss. Join the festivities and indulge in the flavors of this beloved festival!

bf27a49c-f436-4efb-a309-3b8cf913831e

Don't waste your time! Mediocre food at best, simply a grab for your wallet by a bunch of Dollar Store wannabes. And they have the nerve to charge $10 to walk down two blocks of Belmont St. for what?

a12b47f7-b4cf-4dcb-9f96-600485fee729

This was a good fun festival for 2022. Admission is by an suggested donation amount. Plenty of burger stands, live music, and drinks. The earlier you get there, the less crowded it is. The lines started to get extremely long by 5-6ish. A few stands took cash or venmo as a form of payment. I tried three different burgers and was amazed by none of them.

728b162a-7997-48da-9b25-af4e7f5d3a1f

CASH ONLY. I suppose the amount of ATMs around should have warned me of that when I came in but I didn't get the hint. The food vendors only took cash, but the booze booths were ok with credit. They said tips went to an animal shelter. We came here after realizing that the Southport Art fest closed at 7. The area was really nice, near a park and public transportation (the Belmont Bus). There were good options but since I'd had a lot of red meat already, I opted for fried green tomato slider from Broken Barrel. The beef one was good too. But the organization was kind of hectic. I felt for those on the grills in the heat! We had a nice surprise with Sixteen Candles performing old a$$ 80's songs. Somehow the website did not list them, or I just mis-read it. The crowds were friendly, lots of kids, decent drink selection, of course overpriced. I'd go again if I were already downtown near a train but from the South Side I don't know if I'd make the trip. We should have a South Side burger fest! The 'concerts' were kind of worth it though.

5ca7e226-dd91-4002-84d5-178b2242d59e

Burgerfest is an excellent Chicago fest. Two stages on either ends where the crowds tend to hang out, all of the burger joints in the center with fast moving lines (seriously, the fastest of any fests I've attended in Chicago so far) and best of all, everything was fairly cheap! They were really pushing the $10/person donation, per usual, so beware. Full 1/2 pound burgers range from $7-$12, while sample sizes (which are sometimes single 1/4 pound patties with full bun and all the toppings, while other times are just sliders) are $5. They don't use tickets, and most vendors take cash or card. My one tiny qualm is that there are only 7-9 burger vendors. It's not too horrible because each of those places offers 2-3 options, but still. I wish that some new places would pop up, such as Au Cheval or DMK! PS- to all of my fellow dessert lovers, there is edible cookie dough for $3/scoop. Delish :)

77f51653-116c-4d76-a613-94ecb57ee6ce

Slightly better than some of the other festivals in the city. For 2016, they had the 10,000 Maniacs on Saturday night! That's right, no cover band (though every other band that played appeared to be just this) and These Are The Days to Remember montage-ing live and in person. Bah bam! Though Roscoe Village's Burgerfest is slightly better than some others, it still has a lot of room for improvement. More/better burger options are needed - for example, Kuma's is a mile from where the fest happens and has no presence! Aside from needing more vendors, more of the vendors need to offer smaller sizes of their burgers. Trying more things is fun and getting full after one full size burger isn't quite as exciting. There was also a stand called Doughy Delight selling raw cookie dough, ice cream and cookies, plus ice cream sandwiches with the last two options. Sadly, they were out of ice cream and half their cookies at 630pm. #stockfail Garbage cans were overflowing so trash was spilling out onto the street. Just some small things that could be improved upon for future years with this fest. Vendors that participated this year are: Hackney's, Square Bar, Butcher & The Burger, D.S Tequila Company, Dive Bar, Fatso's Last Stand, Flo Cafe & Bar, VPT, Select Cut Steakhouse, Reggie's Rock Club and Mrs. Murphy's & Sons. We did Hackney's and Square Bar - both were just fine and nothing mind blowing. Butcher & The Burger won best in show. Burgerfest had some of those typical carnival stands that are at every fest like the deep fried booth, tons of vendors selling their stuff, the pineapple juice in the half pineapples stand. I'm a sucker who loves those silly pineapple things! The mini size cost $8 and refills of the juice were $4. Roscoe Village Burgerfest was incredibly crowded on Saturday, as was to be expected. It's a decent fest, one of the better ones in the city....but it's still a Chicago festival and has all those same elements. Hit or miss, YMMV. $10 "donation" at the door.

64d435d6-899d-43ea-aec6-f0db3c2f01e6

This was one of the best festivals this summer for carnivores. If you are not a meat eater, BF has vegan, pescatarian and vegetarian options too. The asking donation is not required but if you give, you are given a neon circle sticker to wear as your badge of honor for the day. Yes, there were lots of burgers to choose from. Salmon burgers, chorizo burgers, Kobe burgers, BBQ burgers, turkey burgers and mushroom burgers and specialty beef burgers. The Mac n cheese bacon burger seemed to be a big attraction. My personal favorites were the venison burger and the elote hash (vegetarian dish). The crowd was moderate and it made for a more enjoyable time. The other festivals on the same day proved to be an added benefit. Taste of Lakeview and Taste of Chicago were the competing festivals and both are also well attended. There were plenty of activities offered for kids and adults alike so it was a great event for people of all ages. I am looking forward to attending again next year.

38e34172-ccc4-4bec-b33c-584766cba3d4

Located in hip Roscoe, it's a burger lovers paradise. The toughest decision you will make is which burger to eat or not, perhaps you will go slider sample on multiple options. There were many temptations to consider that included beef or lamb. If burgers is not your thing, no worries, they had other options to consider as well. I saw several Inventive nacho options that looked yummy. I also saw funnel cakes, doughnuts, and fried snicker bars. Beverages included lemonade, wine, sangria, and beer, and pina colada in the pineapple! I first tried the grumpy beer which was WAY too IPA for me, stuck with Goose 312 after that, always a safe bet. We ultimately did a one and done at APT with the APT which had the longest line because they were James Beard winners but to be honest, the burger was acceptable but award worthy? Not so sure about that. The most notable thing it had going for it was the branding on the bun. My friend tried the one with the jalepeno in it, said it had kick but was a keeper. Despite the crowds, the lines moved fairly quick and parking was not too hard to come by in some of the nearby neighborhoods, figure 3-4 blocks from the event. The crowd was definitely a mix and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Main stage music this night featured the 16 candles cover band on one end and the 90s band Cracker on the other. ("Don't you wanna go down? Like some junkie cosmonaut?) $10 to get in at the entrance complete with cash, credit card or ATM acceptance options (making it easy for you). There were also some cool vendors to shop, one that stuck out was the mexican lucha libre masks - cool! Starting at $25 and up. I really wanted to see the Kongos on Saturday night but other plans prevailed (1st world problems) Either way, some good quality entertainment being provided and kudos to the folks who live there. One building had a front row balcony seat to the Cracker stage and were watching the show from their open windows, doesn't get any more convenient than that ;) Prices were reasonable at $10/burger and $6/beer Tip - if you stay late chances are when the vendors are packing up they will be handing out food that they have left. If you are a bachelor, it's a good time to clean up. Case in point on the way out, Kuma's were handing out burgers wrapped in foil - You rock Kuma's!

79c6e7ad-54ba-4d5a-8c20-a8eaaa141e45

really wasn't blown away by burger options reggie's? ds tequila? i'm like....am i crazy i had no idea these places were known for burgers.... drink options great. music awesome loved boyband review they were the saving grace a long with 16 candles. also prepare for a legit shakedown at the gate as the suggested donation is more of a requested donation. they did accept credit cards and a lot of the tents were donating tips to charity. i hope they were making enough hourly to afford that.

1a6d151f-8d70-40cb-8c91-a41860dfe9f0

The Roscoe Village Association "strongly requests" a $10 donation per person, or $20 per family. This gets you in the gates. From there, beers are $6, sangrias are $8, and burgers are $8 to $10. This year there were about ten burger vendors, and each of them offered three to four different burger options, and some even offered some sides ranging from $4 to $6. My only gripe is any lack of vegetarian options. I KNOW IT'S CALLED BURGERFEST, but still... This year there was one veggie burger, and it happened to be from the vendor who was offering the most blandly American burger style (American cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, onion.) How about some grilled onions? Maybe some marmalade? Even some chutney? This IS a showcase and a competition, after all, right? Anyhow, this veggie goes to Burgerfest for the live entertainment. There are two stages flanking the blocks closed down that encompass the festival, and they keep the music going all day long. Many bands or performers featured at local, which is great. Always support live local music. Some are cover bands, which can also be a crowd pleaser. But they also bring in some national acts. Over the years we've rocked out with 10,000 Maniacs and the Smithereens. Burgerfest is a family friendly event, with a "kids zone" area. Parents can buy tickets for their kids to climb a rock wall among other activities. Overall, not a bad festival. The lack of vegetarian options aside, with a $10 entrance fee, and another $8 to $10 per burger, they are not promoting or encouraging anyone to try several burgers offered because first of all, you'll be too full, and second of all, who wants to drop that kind of cash?

5a6d622e-fe6f-4636-a91d-16305ee07ba0

Great food, bad directions and maybe a weird business model. First of all, there were no good directions on the Roscoe Village website 2016; not even something you could click on that would direct you to your Google maps app; that would help us find the location for the venue! My partner and I circled for 30 mins trying to find this place and stopped 2 locals; who had no idea of this festival or its location. The only specifics mentioned on the Roscoe Village site was "Diversey and Wellington". Yeah?? Wellington what? Diversey what? I mean, that doesn't help... avenue, street, harbor? I mean, help some tourists out!! That may be specific enough for a local, but it wasn't for us and Google maps was taking us in circles. Secondly, so we found out later that the 10 dollar entrance was merely a donation. Fine. It goes to the Chamber of Commerce to promote and pay for events such as these. BUT You have to pay again for each burger stand you want to try out. But these vendors were not merely serving small servings so you could "sample" each venue's burgers... they were selling full-size burgers!! So by the time I wanted to go sample another venue's burgers, I was already full!! It would have been better if each venue was offering small samples to try out; so you could go around and get an idea for each restaurant/venue's offerings. Then it was cash only; so you had to fork over 8 to 10 bucks for each burger/drink. It just seemed weird. It would have been better had they charged 25 bucks at the entrance, and then you could sample as much as you could from each vendor. I would have gladly paid that. But oh well. It was a small venue; you could only walk back and forth so much... from each street end to end. Good music; loud. Very little seating, so you had to eat standing up. Been there, done it. Never again. Too much work. My partner and I were commenting that we could have eaten at a local restaurant in the area of Roscoe for what we paid (entrance fee and forking over more cash for each burger); all while sitting down and having a nice ambience. If I knew we weren't going to be sampling bite size burgers from several vendors, we would have gone to a nice restaurant instead.

Discover Burgerfest in Chicago's vibrant 60618 area for mouthwatering burgers and a lively atmosphere. Visit now for an unforgettable dining experience.

Burgerfest in Chicago IL - Best Burgers & Lively Atmosphere

Chicago

Burgerfest

Illinois

Enjoy the best burgers at Burgerfest in Chicago! Located at 2205 W Belmont Ave, indulge in delicious flavors and fun atmosphere. Visit us today!

Burgerfest Chicago - Top Burger Experience at Belmont Ave

Discover Burgerfest in Chicago, IL! Savor mouthwatering burgers at 2205 W Belmont Ave. Perfect for burger lovers seeking great food and fun vibes.

About Burgerfest Chicago - The Ultimate Burger Destination

Opening hours for Burgerfest, Chicago. Find opening hours for Burgerfest, Chicago at 2205 W Belmont Ave and plan your visit today.

Burgerfest Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Burgerfest

Rosati's Pizza

Earth Pups

Damen Food and Liquor