Certified Smash Chicago Classic Est. 2005

Redhot Ranch

RHR Double Cheeseburger
Lakeview (primary), Bucktown, Bridgeport, Chicago, Illinois · 14 sources scored · Confidence: High
📍 3057 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 · 📞 (773) 661-9377

Chicago's legendary cash-only hot dog stand with a cult smashburger: two thin griddled patties, American cheese, special sauce, and fries included for $7.68.

Smashburger Cash-Only Counter Service Time Out #4 Burger Fries Included
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Smash Score
84 SMASH
SCORE
Certified Smash
#-- Nationally
National Ranking
#-- in Chicago
City Ranking
14 Sources
Scored Inputs
High
Confidence
Last calculated April 2026
Algorithm v1.1

Representative photography. Actual appearance may vary.

The Story

A Chicago Value Smashburger Classic.
Cash-only, crispy-edged, and still elite.

Redhot Ranch began as 35th Street Red Hots in 2005 near White Sox Park, founded by Barry Nemerow and Jeff Greenfield. In 2013, inspired by In-N-Out, the team introduced the RHR Double Cheeseburger and created one of Chicago's most enduring smashburger institutions.

The burger is a true griddle smash: two beef balls pressed thin on a hot flat-top for lacy, caramelized edges, topped with American cheese, special sauce, lettuce, tomato, and diced onion. The meal includes fresh-cut fries and remains one of the best-value burgers in the city.

Time Out Chicago currently lists it #4 in the city, Chicago Magazine featured it in both Burger Quest and 50 Best Restaurants, and Maggie Hennessy included it in her top 5 picks from The Burger Bible.

Context Note
Redhot Ranch is primarily a hot dog stand and counter-service spot. The Smash Score here evaluates the smashburger specifically within that broader concept.
Score Breakdown

How the 84 Was Calculated

Critics 35% weight
80
Crowd 45% weight
90
Community 10% weight
86
Accolades 10% weight
0
RAW WEIGHTED AVG
82.14
QUALITATIVE BOOST
+2
COMPETITION BONUS
+0
Final score formula: 82.14 raw weighted average + 2 qualitative boost + +0 competition bonus = 84.
The Burger

RHR Double Cheeseburger

🥩
Build
Two smashed beef patties, ~3 oz each, pressed thin on a flattop
🧀
Cheese
American
🍞
Bun
Soft toasted white bun
🥕
Toppings
Special sauce, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, diced raw onion, fries included
💵
Price
$7.68
📍
Neighborhood
Lakeview (primary), Bucktown, Bridgeport
🔥
Operation
Counter-service hot dog stand with smash burger program
🍻
Established
2005 origin, smashburger since 2013
The defining move is the griddle smash technique and under-$8 value with fries included; crispy lacy edges are the signature texture.
Also on the Menu
Locations

Find Redhot Ranch

⭐ Primary Location
Lakeview (Ashland)
3057 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 661-9377
Monday 10:30am-12am
Tuesday 10:30am-12am
Wednesday 10:30am-12am
Thursday 10:30am-12am
Friday 10:30am-12am
Saturday 10:30am-12am
Sunday 10:30am-12am
Secondary Location
Bucktown (Armitage)
2449 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 772-6020
Monday10:30am-12am
Tuesday10:30am-12am
Wednesday10:30am-12am
Thursday10:30am-12am
Friday10:30am-12am
Saturday10:30am-12am
Sunday10:30am-12am
Original Location
35th Street Red Hots (Bridgeport)
500 W 35th St
Chicago, IL 60616
(773) 624-9866
Monday10am-8pm
Tuesday10am-8pm
Wednesday10am-8pm
Thursday10am-8pm
Friday10am-8pm
Saturday10am-6pm
SundayClosed
What Critics & Diners Say

Review Excerpts

"

The queen of my heart forever, and probably the best value meal in Chicago, based on price per square inch of perfect deliciousness.

Chicago Burger Bible
"

Their burger is smashed thin with crispy edges, and it's one of the best in the city at its price range.

The Infatuation Chicago
"

This hot dog and fried shrimp stand is a favorite for greasy late-night eats, and its double cheeseburger is arguably the best deal in town.

Time Out Chicago
"

For the past handful of years, my birthday ritual has been picking up a double cheeseburger at Redhot Ranch and a bottle of red from Red & White Wines.

Chicago Magazine - Great Burger Quest
"

Simple, deliciously greasy cheeseburger with thin patties edged in crunch and a tangy slick of dressing.

WBEZ / The Burger Bible
"

One of my favorite cheeseburgers in Chicago — two 3-ounce beef patties seared on a griddle.

Bounded by Buns
"

Double cheeseburger with cheese is one of the best bang for your bite deals in Chicago.

chibbqking
"

The meat is good quality and seasoned well and those smashed crispy bits can't be beat.

TripAdvisor
Accolades & List Inclusions

The Record

Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame
2024 · 151st inductee, first inductee of 2024
📋
Time Out Chicago
2026 · #4 on Best Burgers in Chicago
📋
Chicago Magazine
2024 · #49 on 50 Best Restaurants in Chicago
📋
Chicago Magazine - Great Chicago Burger Quest
2024 · #3 after 108+ Chicago burgers sampled
📋
The Infatuation Chicago (Lakeview)
2022 · 7.9/10 review recommendation
📋
The Infatuation Chicago (Bucktown)
2023 · 7.8/10 review recommendation
📋
WBEZ / The Burger Bible
2026 · #5 of Maggie Hennessy's top 5 Chicago burgers
📋
Chicago Burger Bible Power Rankings
Ongoing · #1 ranking by Samantha Esposito
📋
Chicago Tribune
#12 best cheeseburger in Chicago, plus fries recognition
📋
WTTW Check Please!
TV feature with positive burger coverage
📋
WGN-TV Chicago's Best
Featured in Chicago's Best of Western Ave segment
📋
97.9 ZOK / Chicago Foods
2023 · Featured as best smash burger in Illinois
Our Assessment

Strengths & Caveats

✓ Strengths
Strong Tier 1 and Tier 1.5 coverage including Time Out, The Infatuation, Chicago Magazine, and WBEZ.
One of Chicago's strongest value burgers under $8 with fries included.
Documented authentic smash technique with crisp lacy edges.
Chicago Burger Bible currently ranks it #1 citywide.
High consumer signals, including ~1,600 Google reviews at 4.5.
Late-night hours and fast counter service keep it highly accessible.
⚠ Caveats
Cash-only policy can be inconvenient.
No table service and limited seating.
Bridgeport original location may not always serve the burger.
Yelp rating confidence is limited due access restrictions.
Not featured on some national-style roundup outlets.