87Smash
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A craft beer bottle shop's secret weapon: Pop's Double Smashburger features lacy-edged patties, Courage Lager caramelized onions, and "dynamite" Honeycup Dijonnaise. Chicago Magazine ranked it #6 in the city.
Representative photography. Actual appearance may vary.
Bitter Pops began in 2016 as a craft beer bottle shop on Lincoln Avenue in Lakeview, founded by Mike Jorndt after 20 years in marketing. The concept grew out of a newsletter and expanded into a larger taproom plus kitchen footprint.
In May 2021, opening chef Kevin McCormick launched the full food program. Pop's Double Smashburger emerged as the signature, combining ultrathin lacy-edge patties with American cheese, Courage Lager caramelized onions, and Honeycup Dijonnaise.
Chicago Magazine featured the burger in 2023 and then ranked it #6 citywide in 2024, while The Party Cut called it one of the best burgers in Chicago.
Imagine an elevated patty melt served on a potato bun, only with edges so gloriously brittle you'd swear every one was ironed.
This burger wowed me, and it won't leave you hungry. The melty cheese is just right, as are the onions and the Dijonnaise.
Bitter Pops double smashburger ($12.99) is, in my opinion, one of the best burgers in Chicago.
They smash 'em good at Bitter Pops: one part takeout beer emporium, one part family-friendly taproom.
The smash burger here is pretty bomb... very righteous burger in a land of too many average burgers.
Be sure to order the double smashburger, one of the best smashburgers in Chicago.
The burger is so good that you don't need ketchup or relish. The patties are crispy on the edges.
The food quality has remained excellent over the years. The burger wowed me.